Team XRat ransomware / virus (Virus Removal Instructions)

Team XRat virus Removal Guide

What is Team XRat ransomware virus?

Team XRat ransomware evolves: new version has been released

Team XRat virus belongs to Xorist virus family, and these viruses fall into ransomware category. They are programmed to encrypt victim’s files on a computer that has been infected, and also on all drives that are plugged in the PC at the time of the infection. The Team XRat ransomware goes through the computer system and thoroughly scans it for particular file types, and then encrypts them with RSA-2048 encryption. After encrypting one file, the virus adds .C0rp0r@c@0Xr@ extension to the filename, hence a file that was previously named EXAMPLE.TXT becomes EXAMPLE.TXT.C0rp0r@c@0Xr@. However, the latest version of this ransomware dubbed Xpan virus appends .____xratteamLucked file extension to encrypted data. Once the ransomware finishes the encryption process, it creates and saves a text file on user’s desktop, changes desktop wallpaper with a picture showing people with Anonymous masks. Both text file, which is named Como descriptografar seus arquivos.txt, and the desktop background image contain a message that informs the victim about the encryption and that the only way to decrypt all data is to pay a ransom.

The victim is asked to get in touch with criminals by sending an email to corporacaoxrat@protonmail.com or xRatTeam@mail2tor.com. Then the victim is promised to get instructions on how to pay the ransom and then receive a unique decryption key. The victim is supposed to enter the decryption key into decryption software (if the victim enters an incorrect key more than five times, the virus promises to destroy victim’s files). The ransom note also warns the victim not to use antivirus programs to remove Team XRat malware, as this supposedly would ruin encrypted data in an irreversible way. As we can see, the entire ransom note is written in the Portuguese language, which gives a hint that Portuguese computer users might be primary targets of this virus.

Team XRat virus note

Good news is that Team XRat decryption tool has been already released, and victims who have their files encrypted with the initial version of this ransomware can recover their data for free. The virus must be removed in a correct way, and for that, you need to use a professional malware removal software. We suggest using FortectIntego program for Team XRat removal. Sadly, victims of the newer version of the virus, known as Xpan ransomware, still have to be patient because the decryption tool hasn’t been released publicly yet.

Distribution methods used to spread these viruses

Methods used to spread this particular malware variant slightly differ from traditional ransomware distribution techniques. Besides traditional malware distribution techniques, such as malicious email campaigns and malware-laden advertisements, the authors of Team XRat virus use another and not so popular technique to reach target systems. The latest version of TeamXRat ransomware – Xpan can be installed manually only, and this can be done by using remote administration tools. Reportedly, the TeamXRat ransomware is delivered by a ransomware gang known as CorporacaoXRat or TeamXRAT. This gang attacks computer that have Remote Desktop Services running on them, and tries to brute-force the login details to take control over the computer. After a successful attempt to encrypt data, the gang installs the Xpan ransomware and sets it to encrypt data stored on the compromised PC.

Ransomware prevention tips

As usually, ransomware prevention tips are the same:

  • Enable a decent computer security program to protect your computer;
  • Create data backups;
  • Do not open suspicious emails and especially files attached to them;
  • Avoid carelessly clicking on ads on the Internet.

Most of the time, cyber criminals send ransomware executive files via email, precisely concealed as safe-looking records. They typically write a basic message for the victim, inviting to open the attachment and see “important information” that it carries. Once the victim downloads and launches such file, ransomware gets executed immediately. You can also install this ransomware by clicking on bogus ads on insecure websites, typically the ones that aggressively demand to install software updates and similar pieces of software. In general, if you see that someone is actively trying to convince you download a particular file or install a certain program, step back. Chances are, someone is trying to make you install a malicious file!

Versions of TeamXrat ransomware

XPan ransomware. This is a recently discovered and modifed version of TeamXrat ransomware. It appends a different file extension to encrypted data – .____xratteamLucked or .___xratteamLucked. It also displays a different image on the computer screen and asks to contact xRatTam@mail2tor.com for data recovery instructions. The virus asks 1BTC in exchange for the decryption software. The primary targets of this virus are healthcare organizations and local companies. Considering that the virus leaves a ransom note that is written in the Portuguese language, we assume that it is created with an intention to attack Portuguese PC users.

Instructions on how to remove Team XRat virus

Before you start decrypting your files with Team XRat decryptor, remove Team XRat virus first. It is a must to remove the ransomware entirely before trying to recover corrupted files. It is highly recommended to reboot the computer into Safe Mode first, and then run the scan with the security software. Do not forget to update your malware removal tool before allowing it to scan your computer – this way its databases will be updated, and it will become capable of detecting all of the virus’ components and completing Team XRat removal successfully.

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What to do if failed?
If you failed to fix virus damage using Fortect Intego, submit a question to our support team and provide as much details as possible.
Fortect Intego has a free limited scanner. Fortect Intego offers more through scan when you purchase its full version. When free scanner detects issues, you can fix them using free manual repairs or you can decide to purchase the full version in order to fix them automatically.
Alternative Software
Different software has a different purpose. If you didn’t succeed in fixing corrupted files with Fortect, try running SpyHunter 5.
Alternative Software
Different software has a different purpose. If you didn’t succeed in fixing corrupted files with Intego, try running Combo Cleaner.

Getting rid of Team XRat virus. Follow these steps

Manual removal using Safe Mode

Important! →
Manual removal guide might be too complicated for regular computer users. It requires advanced IT knowledge to be performed correctly (if vital system files are removed or damaged, it might result in full Windows compromise), and it also might take hours to complete. Therefore, we highly advise using the automatic method provided above instead.

Step 1. Access Safe Mode with Networking

Manual malware removal should be best performed in the Safe Mode environment. 

Windows 7 / Vista / XP
  1. Click Start > Shutdown > Restart > OK.
  2. When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 button (if that does not work, try F2, F12, Del, etc. – it all depends on your motherboard model) multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
  3. Select Safe Mode with Networking from the list. Windows 7/XP
Windows 10 / Windows 8
  1. Right-click on Start button and select Settings.
    Settings
  2. Scroll down to pick Update & Security.
    Update and security
  3. On the left side of the window, pick Recovery.
  4. Now scroll down to find Advanced Startup section.
  5. Click Restart now.
    Reboot
  6. Select Troubleshoot. Choose an option
  7. Go to Advanced options. Advanced options
  8. Select Startup Settings. Startup settings
  9. Press Restart.
  10. Now press 5 or click 5) Enable Safe Mode with Networking. Enable safe mode

Step 2. Shut down suspicious processes

Windows Task Manager is a useful tool that shows all the processes running in the background. If malware is running a process, you need to shut it down:

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
  2. Click on More details.
    Open task manager
  3. Scroll down to Background processes section, and look for anything suspicious.
  4. Right-click and select Open file location.
    Open file location
  5. Go back to the process, right-click and pick End Task.
    End task
  6. Delete the contents of the malicious folder.

Step 3. Check program Startup

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
  2. Go to Startup tab.
  3. Right-click on the suspicious program and pick Disable.
    Startup

Step 4. Delete virus files

Malware-related files can be found in various places within your computer. Here are instructions that could help you find them:

  1. Type in Disk Cleanup in Windows search and press Enter.
    Disk cleanup
  2. Select the drive you want to clean (C: is your main drive by default and is likely to be the one that has malicious files in).
  3. Scroll through the Files to delete list and select the following:

    Temporary Internet Files
    Downloads
    Recycle Bin
    Temporary files

  4. Pick Clean up system files.
    Delete temp files
  5. You can also look for other malicious files hidden in the following folders (type these entries in Windows Search and press Enter):

    %AppData%
    %LocalAppData%
    %ProgramData%
    %WinDir%

After you are finished, reboot the PC in normal mode.

Remove Team XRat using System Restore

  • Step 1: Reboot your computer to Safe Mode with Command Prompt
    Windows 7 / Vista / XP
    1. Click Start Shutdown Restart OK.
    2. When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
    3. Select Command Prompt from the list Select 'Safe Mode with Command Prompt'

    Windows 10 / Windows 8
    1. Press the Power button at the Windows login screen. Now press and hold Shift, which is on your keyboard, and click Restart..
    2. Now select Troubleshoot Advanced options Startup Settings and finally press Restart.
    3. Once your computer becomes active, select Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt in Startup Settings window. Select 'Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt'
  • Step 2: Restore your system files and settings
    1. Once the Command Prompt window shows up, enter cd restore and click Enter. Enter 'cd restore' without quotes and press 'Enter'
    2. Now type rstrui.exe and press Enter again.. Enter 'rstrui.exe' without quotes and press 'Enter'
    3. When a new window shows up, click Next and select your restore point that is prior the infiltration of Team XRat. After doing that, click Next. When 'System Restore' window shows up, select 'Next' Select your restore point and click 'Next'
    4. Now click Yes to start system restore. Click 'Yes' and start system restore
    Once you restore your system to a previous date, download and scan your computer with FortectIntego and make sure that Team XRat removal is performed successfully.

Bonus: Recover your data

Guide which is presented above is supposed to help you remove Team XRat from your computer. To recover your encrypted files, we recommend using a detailed guide prepared by 2-spyware.com security experts.

If your files are encrypted by Team XRat, you can use several methods to restore them:

Restore your files with Data Recovery Pro

If your files have been attacked by the newer version of Team XRat virus, known as Xpan ransomware, then you can try this tool to restore them – Data Recovery Pro. Instructions on how to use it are given below.

  • Download Data Recovery Pro;
  • Follow the steps of Data Recovery Setup and install the program on your computer;
  • Launch it and scan your computer for files encrypted by Team XRat ransomware;
  • Restore them.

Use special Team XRat decrypter to recover your files for free

Malware researchers have managed to crack this malicious virus and find an antidote for it. Therefore, victims who have their data encrypted by this virus can now recover all files for free. This Team Xrat decryption tool works for victims who find .C0rp0r@c@0Xr@ extensions added to files. Sadly, victims who have their data encrypted by XPan version have to stay patient and wait until its decryption tool is publicly released. Meanwhile, victims can try alternative data recovery options.

Finally, you should always think about the protection of crypto-ransomwares. In order to protect your computer from Team XRat and other ransomwares, use a reputable anti-spyware, such as FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes

How to prevent from getting ransomware

Protect your privacy – employ a VPN

There are several ways how to make your online time more private – you can access an incognito tab. However, there is no secret that even in this mode, you are tracked for advertising purposes. There is a way to add an extra layer of protection and create a completely anonymous web browsing practice with the help of Private Internet Access VPN. This software reroutes traffic through different servers, thus leaving your IP address and geolocation in disguise. Besides, it is based on a strict no-log policy, meaning that no data will be recorded, leaked, and available for both first and third parties. The combination of a secure web browser and Private Internet Access VPN will let you browse the Internet without a feeling of being spied or targeted by criminals. 

No backups? No problem. Use a data recovery tool

If you wonder how data loss can occur, you should not look any further for answers – human errors, malware attacks, hardware failures, power cuts, natural disasters, or even simple negligence. In some cases, lost files are extremely important, and many straight out panic when such an unfortunate course of events happen. Due to this, you should always ensure that you prepare proper data backups on a regular basis.

If you were caught by surprise and did not have any backups to restore your files from, not everything is lost. Data Recovery Pro is one of the leading file recovery solutions you can find on the market – it is likely to restore even lost emails or data located on an external device.

About the author
Olivia Morelli
Olivia Morelli - Ransomware analyst

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