To illustrate how files are renamed during the computer attack, see the following example: files previously named as 1.jpg, 2.mp3, 3.xls will appear as 1.jpg.isza, 2.mp3.isza, 3.xls.isza and the rest of the data names will look similarly.

Ransom note contents: the criminals demand payment for the decryption tool

The ransom note dropped by this malware explains that the only way to decrypt .isza files is by obtaining the tool from the cybercriminals. According to the message left in _readme.txt file, the criminals expect the victim to contact the within given email addresses (support@fishmail.top, datarestorehelp@airmail.cc) within 3 days, and doing so guarantees a 50% discount on the ransom amount, meaning ISZA file decryption tools would cost $490 instead of $980. The note also recommends testing the decryption procedure before paying the ransom. In order to do this, victim can send one encrypted file to the criminals via email and wait for their reply with a recovered file version attached. However, even if they do send a healthy file back, paying a ransom is NOT a recommended option. We suggest reading these recommendations for ransomware victims by FBI and also these response recommendations from NCSC. What’s not covered in the ransom note is additional malware that was dropped during the ransomware attack. It appears that the malicious file used to drop ISZA ransomware on the system also launches Vidar, Azorult or RedLine Stealers. These all fall into category of Remote Access Trojans (RATs) that can be used to steal and transfer collected sensitive information from the victim’s computer to the criminals’ server. Therefore, the best decision for those affected by the described malware is to remove ISZA ransomware virus as well as any additional threats that came alongside it. To delete the malicious components from the system, follow the instructions provided in this article. You can use any antivirus you like, but if you do not have one yet installed on your computer, then we strongly recommend using . Afterward, consider downloading RESTORO (secure download link) to perform a system scan, identify and repair affected Windows OS files.

Ransomware Summary

Ransomware distribution techniques to know

Computer users should get familiar with the most common ransomware distribution techniques. In general, these distribution tactics are used to spread all kinds of malware, so it is beneficial for the computer user to know them in order to avoid getting infected. Award-winning antivirus solution for your PC. Robust security software that provides robust 24/7 real-time protection, Web Shield that stops online threats/malicious downloads, and Prevention engine that wards off Zero-Day threats. Keep your PC safe and protected against ransomware, Trojans, viruses, spyware and other forms of dangerous programs. STOP/DJVU ransomware variants such as ISZA virus can usually be found in illegal online software sharing resources, such as crack or warez websites. These websites usually provide either direct download links or torrent files so that the user could download fake installation files. Victims usually download them in belief that these will help to smoothly install paid software versions for free. The only way to get legitimate and secure computer software versions is to download them from trustworthy websites. Ideally, you should visit its official website or those of partner websites, if you’re looking for some deals. Users who attempt to cut corners and install cracked or pirated versions usually end up infecting their computers with severe malware, such as ransomware, Trojans, miners, and other threat types. Cybercriminals also actively use email spam to distribute ransomware. They usually inject a malicious malware-downloading script into regular file types that support scripts, for example, Word, PDF, or XLS files, and name them as invoices or order summaries. Unfortunately, if the user downloads and opens such file, the malicious code triggers and compromises the entire computer system and files in it. For this reason, users should avoid opening email attachments that come from unrecognized senders. Additionally, one should always check whether the email was actually sent by the person or company that the email claims to be.

Remove ISZA Ransomware Virus and Decrypt Your Files

Computer users affected by this notorious malware should rush to remove ISZA ransomware virus – the sooner, the better. The guide provided below explains the recommended procedure in detail. You can use antivirus software that you like and trust, but if you do not have one yet, consider trying the one we recommend – INTEGO Antivirus. You can read Intego AV review on our website. Afterward, we recommend that you download RESTORO to scan the computer system and check if there is any damage to Windows OS files that can be repaired. In addition, we advise you to change all of the passwords used on the compromised machine due to potential data theft inflicted by Trojans that accompany the ransomware. OUR GEEKS RECOMMEND Our team recommends a two-step rescue plan to remove ransomware and other remaining malware from your computer, plus repair caused virus damage to the system: GeeksAdvice.com editors select recommended products based on their effectiveness. We may earn a commission from affiliate links, at no additional cost to you. Learn more. Get INTEGO ANTIVIRUS for Windows to remove ransomware, Trojans, adware and other spyware and malware variants and protect your PC and network drives 24/7. This VB100-certified security software uses state-of-art technology to provide protection against ransomware, Zero-Day attacks and advanced threats, Intego Web Shield blocks dangerous websites, phishing attacks, malicious downloads and installation of potentially unwanted programs. Use INTEGO Antivirus to remove detected threats from your computer. Read full review here. RESTORO provides a free scan that helps to identify hardware, security and stability issues and presents a comprehensive report which can help you to locate and fix detected issues manually. It is a great PC repair software to use after you remove malware with professional antivirus. The full version of software will fix detected issues and repair virus damage caused to your Windows OS files automatically. RESTORO uses AVIRA scanning engine to detect existing spyware and malware. If any are found, the software will eliminate them. Read full review here.

Method 1. Enter Safe Mode with Networking

Before you try to remove ISZA Ransomware Virus virus, you must start your computer in Safe Mode with Networking. Below, we provide the easiest ways to boot PC in the said mode, but you can find additional ones in this in-depth tutorial on our website – How to Start Windows in Safe Mode. Also, if you prefer a video version of the tutorial, check our guide How to Start Windows in Safe Mode on Youtube. Instructions for Windows XP/Vista/7 users Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10/11 users Now, you can search for and remove ISZA Ransomware Virus files. It is very hard to identify files and registry keys that belong to the ransomware virus, Besides, malware creators tend to rename and change them repeatedly. Therefore, the easiest way to uninstall such type of a computer virus is to use a reliable security program such as INTEGO Antivirus. For virus damage repair, consider using RESTORO.

Method 2. Use System Restore

In order to use System Restore, you must have a system restore point, created either manually or automatically. Instructions for Windows XP/Vista/7 users Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10/11 users After restoring the system, we recommend scanning the system with antivirus or anti-malware software. In most cases, there won’t be any malware remains, but it never hurts to double-check. In addition, we highly recommend checking ransomware prevention guidelines provided by our experts in order to protect your PC against similar viruses in the future.

Alternative software recommendations

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Removing spyware and malware is one step towards cybersecurity. To protect yourself against ever-evolving threats, we strongly recommend purchasing a Premium version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware, which provides security based on artificial intelligence and machine learning. Includes ransomware protection. See pricing options and protect yourself now.

System Mechanic Ultimate Defense If you’re looking for an all-in-one system maintenance suite that has 7 core components providing powerful real-time protection, on-demand malware removal, system optimization, data recovery, password manager, online privacy protection and secure driver wiping technology. Therefore, due to its wide-range of capabilities, System Mechanic Ultimate Defense deserves Geek’s Advice approval. Get it now for 50% off. You may also be interested in its full review.

Disclaimer. This site includes affiliate links. We may earn a small commission by recommending certain products, at no additional cost for you. We only choose quality software and services to recommend.

Decrypt ISZA files

Fix and open large ISZA files easily:

It is reported that STOP/DJVU ransomware versions encrypt only the beginning 150 KB of each file to ensure that the virus manages to affect all files on the system. In some cases, the malicious program might skip some files at all. That said, we recommend testing this method on several big (>1GB) files first.

STOP/DJVU decryption tool usage guide

STOP/DJVU ransomware versions are grouped into old and new variants. ISZA Ransomware Virus is considered the new STOP/DJVU variant, just like BPTO, ISWR, ISZA, BPSM, ZOUU, MBTF, ZNSM (find full list here). This means full data decryption is now possible only if you have been affected by offline encryption key. To decrypt your files, you will have to download Emsisoft Decryptor for STOP DJVU, a tool created and maintained by a genius security researcher Michael Gillespie. Note! Please do not spam the security researcher with questions whether he can recover your files encrypted with online key - it is not possible. In order to test the tool and see if it can decrypt ISZA files, follow the given tutorial.

Meanings of decryptor’s messages

The ISZA decryption tool might display several different messages after failed attempt to restore your files. You might receive one of the following messages: Error: Unable to decrypt file with ID: [example ID] This message typically means that there is no corresponding decryption key in the decryptor’s database. No key for New Variant online ID: [example ID]Notice: this ID appears to be an online ID, decryption is impossible This message informs that your files were encrypted with online key, meaning no one else has the same encryption/decryption key pair, therefore data recovery without paying the criminals is impossible. Result: No key for new variant offline ID: [example ID]This ID appears to be an offline ID. Decryption may be possible in the future. If you were informed that an offline key was used, but files could not be restored, it means that the offline decryption key isn’t available yet. However, receiving this message is extremely good news, meaning that it might be possible to restore your ISZA extension files in the future. It can take a few months until the decryption key gets found and uploaded to the decryptor. We recommend you to follow updates regarding the decryptable DJVU versions here. We strongly recommend backing up your encrypted data and waiting.

Victims of ISZA Ransomware Virus should report the Internet crime incident to the official government fraud and scam website according to their country:

In the United States, go to the On Guard Online website.In Australia, go to the SCAMwatch website.In Germany, go to the Bundesamt für Sicherheit in der Informationstechnik website.In Ireland, go to the An Garda Síochána website.In New Zealand, go to the Consumer Affairs Scams website.In the United Kingdom, go to the Action Fraud website.In Canada, go to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.In India, go to Indian National Cybercrime Reporting Portal.In France, go to the Agence nationale de la sécurité des systèmes d’information.

If you can’t find an authority corresponding to your location on this list, we recommend using any search engine to look up “[your country name] report cyber crime”. This should lead you to the right authority website. We also recommend staying away from third-party crime report services that are often paid. It costs nothing to report Internet crime to official authorities. Another recommendation is to contact your country’s or region’s federal police or communications authority.