How to remove Insom Ransomware and decrypt .insom files

What is Insom Ransomware

Insom Ransomware is a potent form of malware that belongs to the Makop family, a notorious group known for encrypting users’ files and demanding a ransom for their decryption. When it infects a system, it appends a unique identifier, the attacker’s email address, and the .insom extension to the locked files. For instance, a file named photo.jpg would be renamed to something like photo.jpg.[ID].[attacker@domain.com].insom. This ransomware typically uses strong encryption algorithms, making the decryption of affected files very difficult without the attacker’s decryption key. After encrypting the files, it drops a ransom note named README-WARNING+.txt, which typically appears on the desktop and in directories containing encrypted files. The note usually warns victims about the encryption of their data and threatens to publish or permanently encrypt their files unless the ransom is paid.

Currently, there are no known decryption tools that can effectively decrypt files encrypted by Insom Ransomware. Unlike some other ransomware strains where third-party security researchers have found flaws to exploit, Insom is sophisticated enough to evade simple decryption attempts. As a result, the decryption of .insom files relies heavily on obtaining the decryption key from the cybercriminals, which is not advisable due to the risks involved in dealing with them. Instead, the best course of action is to have robust data backups in place before an infection occurs and use reputable antivirus software to remove the ransomware from the infected system. This can prevent further encryption and potential data loss. Seeking professional assistance and reporting the incident to authorities can also help tackle this menace effectively.

How Insom Ransomware infects computers

Insom Ransomware typically infects computers through a combination of phishing and social engineering tactics. Cybercriminals often disguise malicious files as legitimate email attachments or bundle them with seemingly harmless software downloads. These files can come in various formats, including executables, documents with macros, or compressed archives. Once the user unknowingly opens or executes the malicious file, the ransomware begins to encrypt the data on the computer. Additionally, Insom Ransomware may exploit vulnerabilities in outdated software or use deceptive websites to initiate drive-by downloads, further spreading the infection. To mitigate the risk, it is crucial to practice safe browsing habits, keep software updated, and use reputable antivirus programs.

1. Download Insom Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .insom 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 Insom Ransomware

Insom Ransomware files:


README-WARNING+.txt
{randomname}.exe


Insom Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .insom files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

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

Download RakhniDecryptor

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 .insom 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 Insom 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 .insom files

1. Download Stellar Data Recovery Professional.
2. Click Recover Data button.
3. Select the type of files you want to restore and click Next button.
4. Choose the 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.

Download Stellar Data Recovery Professional

Using Windows Previous Versions option:

1. Right-click on infected file and choose Properties.
2. Select Previous Versions tab.
3. Choose a 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 a 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 Insom Ransomware, in future

1. Get special anti-ransomware software

Use ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware

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.

Download ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware

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. Insom 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.

Download MailWasher Pro