How to remove XIXTEXRZ Ransomware and decrypt .crypted files

What is XIXTEXRZ Ransomware

XIXTEXRZ Ransomware is a type of malicious software designed to encrypt files on infected computers and demand a ransom for their decryption. Once on the system, it encrypts the files and changes their file names by appending a .crypted extension. This ransomware typically uses strong encryption algorithms, rendering files inaccessible without the necessary decryption keys. After the encryption process, a ransom note titled Readme.txt is typically generated and left on the infected system’s desktop or in other accessible folders. This note contains instructions on how to make the ransom payment and, sometimes, even offers a guarantee of decryption for one file to prove that the decryption is possible in exchange for the ransom.

Unfortunately, many ransomware infections, including XIXTEXRZ, do not have publicly available decryption tools as the encryption algorithms used are often highly complex. Without the attackers’ keys, decrypting the .crypted files remains nearly impossible. Victims are advised against paying the ransom since it does not guarantee the restoration of files, and it may even encourage further criminal activity. The most reliable way of recovering files is from a previously stored backup if available. While there are third-party data recovery tools that might help in some circumstances, their effectiveness with files encrypted by advanced ransomware like XIXTEXRZ is limited. Prevention measures such as maintaining updated backups and employing robust security software are crucial to protect against such infections.

How XIXTEXRZ Ransomware infects computers

XIXTEXRZ Ransomware infiltrates computers primarily through deceptive tactics such as phishing and social engineering. Cybercriminals often disguise the ransomware as legitimate files in emails, enticing users to download and open malicious attachments. These infected attachments can come in various formats, including documents, archives, and executables, which trigger the ransomware upon execution. Additionally, XIXTEXRZ can spread through compromised websites that host drive-by downloads, where merely visiting the site initiates the download of the malicious software. Peer-to-peer sharing networks and pirated software are also common vectors, as users unknowingly download and install the ransomware bundled with what they believe to be legitimate content. Once the ransomware is active, it quickly encrypts files and demands a ransom, leveraging fear and urgency to coerce victims into paying for decryption.

1. Download XIXTEXRZ Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .crypted 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 XIXTEXRZ Ransomware

XIXTEXRZ Ransomware files:


Readme.txt
{randomname}.exe


XIXTEXRZ Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .crypted files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

Use the following tool from Kaspersky called Rakhni Decryptor, that can decrypt .crypted 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 .crypted 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 XIXTEXRZ 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 .crypted 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 XIXTEXRZ 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. XIXTEXRZ 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