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Ransomware

Articles about removing Windows lockers, Browser lockers, Crypto-viruses and other types of blackmailing threats.

How to remove Zxc Ransomware and decrypt .zxc files

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Zxc Ransomware is a notorious type of malicious software belonging to the VoidCrypt ransomware family known for encrypting files on infected computers, rendering them inaccessible to the users. Upon infection, it appends a unique file extension denoted as .zxc to the original filenames, alongside a unique ID and a contact email address of the cybercriminals, replacing their original extensions. The encryption mechanism employed by this ransomware typically involves complex cryptographic algorithms, either symmetric or asymmetric, with the exact nature often making it difficult if not impossible for victims to recover their data without the decryption key held hostage by the attackers. Victims are prompted with a ransom note that appears both as a pop-up window and a text file named Decryption-Guide.txt, which informs them of the file encryption and provides instructions on how to contact the attackers for decryption in exchange for a ransom payment, commonly demanded in cryptocurrency such as Bitcoin to obscure the transaction trail.

How to remove TRUST FILES Ransomware and decrypt .XSHC files

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TRUST FILES Ransomware is a malicious software that encrypts the victim’s data and demands a ransom in exchange for decryption capabilities. Categorized as ransomware, it specifically appends the file extension .XSHC to the encrypted files, transforming ordinary file names into a pattern that includes a unique ID, the attackers' email address, followed by the .XSHC extension, such as 1.jpg.[ID-H89435Q].[TrustFiles@skiff.com].XSHC. The encryption method employed by TRUST FILES is complex and typically involves strong cryptographic algorithms, making unauthorized decryption nearly impossible without the specific decryption key held by the attackers. Upon infecting a system, this ransomware alters the desktop background and creates ransom notes, namely #README-TO-DECRYPT-FILES.txt and #README.hta, which are strategically placed in folders containing encrypted files. The ransom notes serve to inform victims of the encryption, demand a Bitcoin payment for the decryption key, and provide warnings against using third-party decryption tools or seeking help from data recovery services, claiming these actions might render the encrypted data unrecoverable.

How to remove Termite Ransomware and decrypt .termite files

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Termite Ransomware is a malicious strain of software designed to encrypt valuable files on an infected computer system, effectively holding the data hostage until a ransom is paid. This ransomware belongs to the Babuk family and typically appends the .termite extension to the encrypted files, making them inaccessible without a decryption key. Examples of this renaming process include changing 1.jpg to 1.jpg.termite and 2.png to 2.png.termite, which signifies the files have been compromised. File encryption employed by this ransomware is usually robust, involving advanced encryption algorithms that make unauthorized decryption highly challenging. Once the encryption is complete, the ransomware generates a ransom note, generally titled How To Restore Your Files.txt, which is placed in various folders and sometimes displayed on the desktop. This note guides the victim to a particular website for further instructions on payment and offers a contact email for negotiation, indicating the attackers' control over the decryption process.

How to remove AllCiphered Ransomware and decrypt .allciphered70 files

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AllCiphered Ransomware is a malicious program that belongs to the MedusaLocker ransomware family, notorious for its ability to encrypt valuable data and demand a ransom for decryption. Upon infecting a system, it appends a distinctive file extension to each encrypted file, namely .allciphered70, effectively rendering them inaccessible without the decryption key. The specific number in the extension might vary with different variants of this ransomware. Utilizing a combination of RSA and AES cryptographic algorithms, AllCiphered employs robust encryption methods, making victims' data extremely challenging to recover without cooperation from the attackers. Once the encryption process is complete, the ransomware creates a ransom note named How_to_back_files.html, typically located in every folder containing encrypted files. This note informs victims of the security breach, the encryption of their files, and demands a ransom for the decryption software. Additionally, it threatens to publish or sell exfiltrated confidential data if the ransom is not paid within a specified timeframe, typically escalating the ransom amount after 72 hours.

How to remove Imploder Ransomware and decrypt .imploder files

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Imploder Ransomware is a malicious software designed to encrypt files on a victim's computer, demanding a ransom for their decryption. This ransomware is particularly notorious for appending a .imploder extension to each affected file, rendering them unusable without the decryption key. Initially, a file named example.jpg would become example.jpg.imploder after encryption. Victims of this ransomware will encounter a dramatic change in desktop aesthetics, as it modifies the wallpaper and simultaneously displays a pop-up window titled helpme.bat. The ransomware's ransom note is insidious yet disorganized, lacking any direct contact information or payment instructions. This may suggest it was released for testing purposes or to create havoc without monetary gain. Despite its threats, such as warning against rebooting the system or altering file extensions, which are said to cause irreversible damage, many aspects of the note appear contradictory, including its ultimatum of irreversible damage within three days.

How to remove SMOK Ransomware and decrypt .SMOK files

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SMOK Ransomware is a malign program categorized under ransomware, designed to encrypt files, making them inaccessible to victims unless a ransom payment is made. This malware operates by appending unique identifiers, email addresses, and distinct extensions to the affected files. Among the extensions added by SMOK Ransomware are .SMOK, .ciphx, .MEHRO, .SMOCK, and .CipherTrail. The ransomware exploits advanced cryptographic algorithms, typically employing a combination of symmetric or asymmetric encryption methods, which underscore its complexity and the challenge in reversing the encryption without a proper decryption key. Upon completing the encryption process, the ransomware generates a ransom note, prompting victims to contact the perpetrators and warning against the use of third-party decryption tools, as they might lead to permanent data loss. This note is typically presented in a pop-up window and a text file named ReadMe.txt, notifying users of the encryption and detailing payment instructions.

How to remove MAGA Ransomware and decrypt .MAGA files

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MAGA Ransomware is a type of malicious software that encrypts files on an infected computer and demands a ransom for their decryption. This ransomware is part of the Dharma family, known for appending a unique combination of identifiers to each file name to signify that they have been encrypted. Specifically, it adds an extension that includes the victim's unique ID, an attacker’s email address, and the .MAGA file extension, transforming a file like document.docx into something like document.docx.id-J0CFK89P.[MAGA24@cyberfear.com].MAGA. For encryption, MAGA utilizes sophisticated algorithms that convert the files into an unreadable form, making it almost impossible to access them without a specific decryption key. The ransomware drops a ransom note within the infected system, typically as a pop-up message and as a text file named MAGA_info.txt, which instructs the victim to contact the attacker via email for file recovery instructions and warns against seeking third-party help.

How to remove ViT Ransomware and decrypt .ViT files

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ViT Ransomware is a malicious program identified as part of the Xorist ransomware family. It primarily targets user files, encrypting them to demand a ransom payment for their release. Upon infection, ViT appends the encrypted files with a distinctive file extension, .ViT, making them inaccessible. For example, a file originally named photo.jpg would be renamed to photo.jpg.ViT, rendering it useless without a decryption key. The ransomware uses a combination of symmetric and potentially asymmetric encryption algorithms to ensure that the data is securely locked, thus complicating the decryption process without the appropriate key held by the cybercriminals. Once the files are encrypted, ViT generates a ransom note, typically named HOW TO DECRYPT FILES.txt, which is deposited in each folder containing encrypted files. Additionally, a pop-up window is displayed to the victim, reinforcing the ransom demand and instructing them to make a payment, usually in Bitcoin, to a specified wallet.