How to remove IRIS Ransomware and decrypt encrypted files

What is IRIS Ransomware

IRIS Ransomware is a malicious software that encrypts files on a victim’s computer, demanding a ransom for their decryption. It is identified as a variant of the Chaos ransomware family. This crypto-virus is particularly harmful as it not only locks files but also threatens to leak stolen sensitive data if the ransom is not paid. Upon infection, IRIS Ransomware begins encrypting files across various formats, including documents, images, and databases. It appends a unique four-character extension to each file it encrypts, making the filenames appear with random characters, such as 1.jpg.p67l or 2.docx.2n8h. After encryption, IRIS changes the desktop wallpaper and drops a ransom note named read_it.txt in the affected directories. This note informs victims that their files have been encrypted and demands a ransom of $350, payable in Monero (XMR), a cryptocurrency. The note also warns that the victim’s sensitive data, including browsing history and personal details, has been stolen, implying that formatting the device will not prevent the attackers from leaking this information.

Currently, there are no known decryption tools available for IRIS Ransomware that can reliably decrypt files without the decryption key. The primary recommendation for recovery is to restore files from backups that were not connected to the network at the time of the infection. Another option would be using file recovery tools, like Stellar Data Recovery Professional. It cannot decrypt files, but ot can recover some copies of the encrypted files, that were removed earlier.

IRIS Ransomware (ransom note)

IRIS Ransomware (desktop wallpaper)

How IRIS Ransomware infects computers

IRIS Ransomware typically infiltrates systems through:

• Email Attachments: Victims might receive emails that seem legitimate but contain malicious attachments.
• Malicious Downloads: Users may unknowingly download the ransomware from compromised websites or through deceptive links that mimic legitimate software.
• Exploit Kits: These tools exploit vulnerabilities in software on the victim’s computer to install the ransomware.

1. Download IRIS Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for encrypted files
3. Recover encrypted files with Stellar Data Recovery Professional
4. Restore encrypted files with Windows Previous Versions
5. Restore files with Shadow Explorer
6. How to protect from threats like IRIS Ransomware

IRIS Ransomware files:


read_it.txt
{randomname}.exe


IRIS Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore encrypted files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

Use following tool from Kaspersky called Rakhni Decryptor, that can decrypt encrypted files. Download it here:

There is no purpose to pay the ransom because there is no guarantee you will receive the key, but you will put your bank credentials at risk.

Dr.Web Rescue Pack

Famous antivirus vendor Dr. Web provides free decryption service for the owners of its products: Dr.Web Security Space or Dr.Web Enterprise Security Suite. Other users can ask for help in the decryption of encrypted files by uploading samples to Dr. Web Ransomware Decryption Service. Analyzing files will be performed free of charge and if files are decryptable, all you need to do is purchase a 2-year license of Dr.Web Security Space worth $120 or less. Otherwise, you don’t have to pay.

If you are infected with IRIS Ransomware and removed from your computer you can try to decrypt your files. Antivirus vendors and individuals create free decryptors for some crypto-lockers. To attempt to decrypt them manually you can do the following:

Use Stellar Data Recovery Professional to restore encrypted files

1. Download Stellar Data Recovery Professional.
2. Click Recover Data button.
3. Select type of files you want to restore and click Next button.
4. Choose location where you would like to restore files from and click Scan button.
5. Preview found files, choose ones you will restore and click Recover.

Using Windows Previous Versions option:

1. Right-click on infected file and choose Properties.
2. Select Previous Versions tab.
3. Choose particular version of the file and click Copy.
4. To restore the selected file and replace the existing one, click on the Restore button.
5. In case there are no items in the list choose an alternative method.

Using Shadow Explorer:

1. Download Shadow Explorer program.
2. Run it, and you will see screen listing of all the drives and the dates that shadow copy was created.
3. Select the drive and date that you want to restore from.
4. Right-click on a folder name and select Export.
5. In case there are no other dates in the list, choose an alternative method.

If you are using Dropbox:

1. Login to the Dropbox website and go to the folder that contains encrypted files.
2. Right-click on the encrypted file and select Previous Versions.
3. Select the version of the file you wish to restore and click on the Restore button.

How to protect computer from viruses, like IRIS Ransomware, in future

1. Get special anti-ransomware software

Use ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware

ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware Dashboard

ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware Alert

ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware Blocked

Famous antivirus brand ZoneAlarm by Check Point released a comprehensive tool, that will help you with active anti-ransomware protection, as an additional shield to your current protection. The tool provides Zero-Day protection against ransomware and allows you to recover files. ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware is compatible with all other antiviruses, firewalls, and security software except ZoneAlarm Extreme (already shipped with ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware) or Check Point Endpoint products. The killer features of this application are: automatic file recovery, overwrite protection that instantly and automatically recovers any encrypted files, file protection that detects and blocks even unknown encryptors.

2. Back up your files

As an additional way to save your files, we recommend online backup. Local storage, such as hard drives, SSDs, flash drives, or remote network storage can be instantly infected by the virus once plugged in or connected to. IRIS Ransomware uses some techniques to exploit this. One of the best services and programs for easy automatic online backup is iDrive. It has the most profitable terms and a simple interface. You can read more about iDrive cloud backup and storage here.

3. Do not open spam e-mails and protect your mailbox

Malicious attachments to spam or phishing e-mails are the most popular method of ransomware distribution. Using spam filters and creating anti-spam rules is good practice. One of the world leaders in anti-spam protection is MailWasher Pro. It works with various desktop applications and provides a very high level of anti-spam protection.