What is Xxxxx ransomware? And how does it carry out its attack?
Xxxxx ransomware is a file-encrypting malware created to lock important data in a targeted machine. This is a new variant of 0x4444 ransomware which belongs to the GlobeImposter ransomware group and uses a string of “.xxxxx” in marking the files it encrypts. There are no major changes in this new variant except for the extension it uses as well as its ransom note, other than that, it still follows the same pattern as its predecessor.
Once Xxxxx ransomware carries out its attack, it will drop a seemingly legitimate executable file named “svhost.exe” which is actually the malicious payload of Xxxxx ransomware. After that, it connects the infected computer to a remote server controlled by the attackers. In this remote server, it downloads other malicious components and places them on system folders. These malicious components are then used to make alterations in the Windows Registry so that Xxxxx ransomware can run on every system boot. Once these changes are applied, the search for files to encrypt began. It usually targets common user-generated files such as documents, images, videos, audio, database, archives, and many more.
Xxxxx ransomware makes use of a strong encryption algorithm in locking its targeted data and adds the .xxxxx extension after it completes the encryption. Following data encryption, the crypto-virus creates an HTML file named “how_to_back_files.html” which contains the following content:
“YOUR PERSONAL ID
ENGLISH
YOUR FILES ARE ENCRYPTED!
TO DECRYPT, FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS BELOW.
To recover data you need a decryptor.
To get the decryptor you should:
Send 1 test image or text file
[email protected]
(Or alternate mail [email protected])
In the letter include your personal ID (look at the beginning of this document) and we will assign a price for
decryption all files.
After payment you will receive a decryptor and instructions We can decrypt one file in quality the evidence that we have the decoder.
MOST IMPORTANT!!!
We are ready to work through intermediaries.
Only decrypt_data proof can decrypt your files.
Antivirus programs can delete this document and you can not contact us later.
Attempts to self-decrypting files will result in the loss of your data.
Decoders other users are not compatible with your data, because of each user’s unique encryption key.”
How does Xxxxx ransomware proliferate?
Xxxxx ransomware could proliferate using malicious spam email campaigns. Aside from that, it could also spread via Remote Desktop Services that are connected to the internet. This is why you have to use good computing habits and security software on your computer to protect yourself from these kinds of cyber threats. In addition, you must also have a reliable and tested backup for your important files just in case something like this happens again.
To effectively kill Xxxxx ransomware from your PC, make sure to follow the removal instructions below.
Step_1: First, you have to stop the malicious process of Xxxxx ransomware by opening the Task Manager. To do that, simply tap Ctrl + Shift + Esc keys on your keyboard.
Step_2: Under the Task Manager, switch to the Processes tab and find a process named svhost.exe as well as any suspicious-looking process that takes up most of your CPU’s resources and is most likely related to Xxxxx ransomware.
Step_3: After that, close the Task Manager.
Step_4: Tap Win + R, type in appwiz.cpl and click OK or tap Enter to open Programs and Features under Control Panel.
Step_5: Under the list of installed programs, look for Xxxxx ransomware or anything similar and then uninstall it.
Step_6: Next, close the Control Panel and tap Win + E keys to launch File Explorer.
Step_7: Navigate to the following locations below and look for Xxxxx ransomware’s malicious components such as how_to_back_files.html, svhost.exe, and [random].exe, as well as other suspicious files, then delete all of them.
- %TEMP%
- %WINDIR%\System32\Tasks
- %APPDATA%\Microsoft\Windows\Templates\
- %USERPROFILE%\Downloads
- %USERPROFILE%\Desktop
Step_8: Close the File Explorer.
Before you proceed to the next steps below, make sure that you are tech-savvy enough to the point where you know exactly how to use and navigate your computer’s Registry. Keep in mind that any changes you make will highly impact your computer. To save you trouble and time, you can just use Restoro, this system tool is proven to be safe and excellent enough that hackers won’t be able to hack into it. But if you can manage Windows Registry well, then by all means go on to the next steps.
Step_9: Tap Win + R to open Run and then type in Regedit in the field and tap enter to pull up Windows Registry.
Step_10: Navigate to the following path:
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop\
- HKEY_USERS\.DEFAULT\Control Panel\Desktop\
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
Step_11: Delete the registry keys and sub-keys created by Xxxxx ransomware.
Step_12: Close the Registry Editor and empty the Recycle Bin.
Try to recover your encrypted files using the Shadow Volume copies
Restoring your encrypted files using Windows Previous Versions feature will only be effective if Xxxxx ransomware hasn’t deleted the shadow copies of your files. But still, this is one of the best and free methods there is, so it’s definitely worth a shot.
To restore the encrypted file, right-click on it and select Properties, a new window will pop up, then proceed to Previous Versions. It will load the file’s previous version before it was modified. After it loads, select any of the previous versions displayed on the list like the one in the illustration below. And then click the Restore button.
Congratulations, you have just removed Xxxxx Ransomware in Windows 10 all by yourself. If you would like to read more helpful articles and tips about various software and hardware visit fixmypcfree.com daily.
Now that’s how you remove Xxxxx Ransomware in Windows 10 on a computer. On the other hand, if your computer is going through some system-related issues that have to get fixed, there is a one-click solution known as Restoro you could check out to resolve them.
This program is a useful tool that could repair corrupted registries and optimize your PC’s overall performance. Aside from that, it also cleans out your computer for any junk or corrupted files that help you eliminate any unwanted files from your system. This is basically a solution that’s within your grasp with just a click. It’s easy to use as it is user-friendly. For a complete set of instructions in downloading and using it, refer to the steps below
Perform a full system scan using Restoro. To do so, follow the instructions below.
