Threat Database Ransomware Invisible Empire Ransomware

Invisible Empire Ransomware

By GoldSparrow in Ransomware

The Invisible Empire Ransomware is a ransomware Trojan that is being distributed on the Dark Web currently. The Invisible Empire Ransomware is a new version of the Jigsaw Ransomware, a ransomware threat that was being distributed only a few weeks before. There are virtually no differences between the Invisible Empire Ransomware and the Jigsaw Ransomware, including a flaw in the original code that allowed PC security researchers to create a decryption utility to help the victims of this threat. Fortunately, the decryption utility that helps computer users recover from the Jigsaw Ransomware infection also can be used to recover from the Invisible Empire Ransomware.

The Invisible Threat that Causes Visible Damage

The Invisible Empire Ransomware uses an Invisible Empire theme in its lock screen and ransom note. This is an art installation created by Juha Arvid Helminen that shows how uniforms can be used to hide the individual even when carrying out atrocities or crimes. The Invisible Empire Ransomware infection is a typical ransomware attack. The Invisible Empire Ransomware encrypts the victim's files using AES encryption. The Invisible Empire Ransomware then demands the payment of a ransom through the files it drops on the victim's computer and wallpaper image. The Invisible Empire Ransomware demands that the victim pays the ransom using BitCoins, providing a BitCoin address and an interface where victims will then click on 'I made a payment' to receive the decryption key. Computer users should be careful since the Invisible Empire Ransomware will delete their files when the process restarts, or when an included timer runs down to zero (in a way similar to the Jigsaw Ransomware attack, which deletes data continually as the timer runs down). PC security analysts have noted only one visible difference between the Invisible Empire Ransomware and the Jigsaw Ransomware attack; the Invisible Empire Ransomware uses the extension '.payransom' to identify the files that have been encrypted. Otherwise, the Invisible Empire Ransomware is the same as its predecessor.

Recovering from an Invisible Empire Ransomware Infection

Fortunately, a decryption utility for the Jigsaw Ransomware infection already exists. PC security analysts recommend the following steps to deal with an Invisible Empire Ransomware infection:

  1. The first thing you will need to do is use the Windows Task Manager to stop the following file processes:
    %UserProfile%\AppData\Roaming\Wrkms\wrkms.exe
    %UserProfile%\AppData\Local\Systmd\systmd.exe

    This will prevent the Invisible Empire Ransomware from deleting files on your computer continually. Disable the start-up entry in the Windows Registry related to these two memory processes to prevent them from running automatically when you start up Windows.
  2. After terminating the file processes listed above and disabling their auto-run capabilities, it will then be possible to decrypt your files. To do this, download the Jigsaw Ransomware decryption utility currently available through legitimate security researchers.
  3. Simply follow the instructions to decrypt your files.

Preventing the Invisible Empire Ransomware Attacks

In the case of the Invisible Empire Ransomware, it is possible to decrypt the files encrypted by this threat. Unfortunately, this is not what happens in most instances. It may not be possible to decrypt files encrypted by encryption ransomware Trojans, and it is only possible in the case of the Invisible Empire Ransomware because of a flaw in its programming that is still not fixed (but which may be addressed in later versions of this attack).

Since recovery of the infected files may not be possible, the best way of dealing with threats like the Invisible Empire Ransomware is through preventive measures. Computer users should use a fully updated anti-malware program to protect your computer from attacks. Follow basic online safety measures to avoid becoming exposed to the Invisible Empire Ransomware and other threats. Finally, PC security researchers strongly advise computer users to backup their files on an external memory device or the cloud. Even the most expensive backup solutions will cost a tiny fraction of what these threats demand as ransom.

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