How to remove .xtbl virus

XTBL virus is a ransomware that is a version of Scarab ransomware virus

XTBL virus (otherwise known as the Troldesh Trojan) is ransomware that has been targeting all versions of Windows operating systems. Its aim is to lock down the most of personal victim's files using AES and RSA^[1] encryption algorithm. This crypto-malware changes these files by adding a line of random numbers that indicate the victim’s ID and an email address pointing to the ransomware developer to their name. The ID numbers and emails tend to be different, but the final part of this lengthy extension is always the same – .xtbl file extension.

Initially, the ransomware appeared as a part of CrySiS malware family. However, this file extension was also reused by another broad malware strain known as Scarab. The malware was first released in April 2018, but security researchers spotted the increased activity two years later. The virus does not change names or adds user ID to files, but instead adds an extension to them. Additionally, the malware also drops IF YOU WANT TO GET ALL YOUR FILES BACK, PLEASE READ THIS.TXT ransom note, which explains that victims have to pay a ransom in Bitcoin in order to restore the locked data. Perpetrators also offer test decryption of two files to gain victims' trust.

Regardless of which virus version you have been infected with, we highly discourage you from contacting the attackers. They might never provide you with the required key, so you could lose your money as well. Instead, we recommend you follow our ransomware removal guide and then use alternative methods when attempting to restore your files – we provide tips below.

There are many different types of ransomware and the newest addition to this group of viruses is Scarab-XTBL. This version is an updated variant of Scarab Ransomware which appends the same extension as its predecessors – .xtbl. As soon as the encryption process is complete, the virus generates a ransom note called “IF YOU WANT TO GET ALL YOUR FILES BACK, PLEASE READ THIS.TXT” and places it into each directory that contains infected files.

Sadly, the changed extension is just the tip of the iceberg compared to the problems you will have to deal with if this virus ever hits your PC. This virus is a ransomware-type program, so it uses the file encryption technique to extort money from its victims. In other words, it locks the files with a sophisticated algorithm that is virtually uncrackable, unless, of course, you have a private key.

Unfortunately, this key is stored on some remote, well-protected server. And, as you may already suspect, cybercriminals are not willing to hand this key in that easily. In exchange, the hackers demand a considerable amount of money.

Remember that paying up is the last thing you should do, because you may easily get scammed and lose your money. The better choice is to remove .xtbl ransomware virus from the computer as soon as possible to avoid additional damage. virus-fighting utilities such as SpyHunterCombo Cleaner, MalwarebytesMalwarebytes can be used for this purpose. Also, employing FortectIntego could help you fix virus damage on the compromised system.

When the ransomware virus encrypts the data, it creates a README.txt document on every folder containing corrupted data. Instead of your regular desktop screen, you will also see a note, encouraging you to read the README document.

In this file, the cybercriminals provide the user with an identification code and two different email addresses, to which this code has to be sent in order to recover the files. It is interesting that the notes are bilingual and feature the same information in Russian and English, respectively:

Ваши файлы были зашифрованы.
Чтобы расшифровать их, Вам необходимо отправить код:
[random numbers] на электронный адрес decode010@gmail.com или decode1110@gmail.com.
Далее вы получите все необходимые инструкции.
Попытки расшифровать самостоятельно не приведут ни к чему, кроме безвозвратной потери информации.

All the important files on your computer were encrypted.
To decrypt the files you should send the following code:
[random numbers] to e-mail address decode010@gmail.com or decode1110@gmail.com.
Then you will receive all necessary instructions.
All the attempts of decryption by yourself will result only in irrevocable loss of your data.

As you can tell, the criminals are not very elaborate about the financial part of data recovery. This only suggests that more details about the payment and its transfer are provided only after the victim contacts the criminals. Nevertheless, looking at general ransomware practices, it can be presumed that the sum demanded the file recovery may vary from 0,5 to 4 Bitcoins.

But as we have already mentioned, paying the cyber criminals may be possible but not the wisest way to retrieve your data. Therefore, we recommend virus removal instead of using trusted security software like SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes. You may later try to restore your files using data recovery tools, such as PhotoRec , R-Studio or Kaspersky virus-fighting utilities. However, we do not recommend keeping your hopes very high.

Different variants of this ransomware

green_ray@india.com.xtbl

Just like the is .xtbl ransomware, .green_ray@india.com.xtbl virus sneaks into the computer’s system undetected and encrypts the containing files. Similar to the first version, it will display a notification on the desktop, and more detailed information about the file recovery in the additional document creates on the encrypted folders.

By the way, the name of the ransom note differs from the .xtbl, so instead of README.txt, you will see How to decrypt your files.txt. Despite the minor differences, this virus is just as dangerous as the primary threat, so you have to remove it from your computer without a delay.

JohnyCryptor@aol.com.xtbl

This version of the virus is also practically identical to .green_ray@india.com.xtbl. It spreads through spam emails^[2] and, once in the system, encrypts the files with a military-grade algorithm. It also uses the same How to decrypt your files.txt document to inform the victim about the file encryption and encourages the users to contact the cybercriminals via JohnyCryptor@aol.com email. Having this virus on your computer may negatively influence your system’s performance and pose a threat to your future files, so you have to remove JohnyCryptor@aol.com.xtbl from your computer as soon as you have the chance.

.ecovector3@aol.com.xtbl

Similarly to the .xtbl versions mentioned above, this virus enters the computer in deceptive ways, posing as a legitimate document or software update. In reality, as soon as this virus carrier settles on the computer, it starts scanning the system for files and encrypting data. None of your pictures, documents or archives are safe when this virus is around, so you have to get rid of it immediately when you notice you cannot access your files anymore.

gerkaman@aol.com.xtbl

gerkaman@aol.com.xtbl ransomware also encrypts data and invites the victim to contact the authors of the virus via email. Therefore, it is still unknown how much money they ask in exchange for a decryption key. We assume that they might be ready for negotiations. If your computer is infected with this virus, you should not even consider paying the ransom because most likely cybercriminals are not going to send it to you.

veracrypt@india.com.xtbl

veracrypt@india.com.xtbl is another version of the family of .xtbl viruses, though it acts similarly to the previous versions. By locking the victim's files, the virus can manipulate the user into transferring money for decryption and making an easy profit out of it. What is new with this version is that it offers the user to decrypt one file of their choice as a type of insurance. Otherwise, the virus does not differ much from its predecessors and is just as dangerous and fraudulent.

Okean-1955 ransomware virus

Okean-1955 ransomware virus is yet another ransomware that belongs to the particular virus family. This malware encrypts the victim's files, hides the decryption key in its command and control server, and asks to purchase it. The virus does not state the exact price of the decryption key; therefore, the victim has to send an email to Okean-1955@india.com and ask what is the price. For this reason, this malicious program has another name – Okean-1955@india.com ransomware. If you have detected this infection on your computer, remove it without any hesitation!

Scarab-XTBL virus

The malware has been spotted by MalwareHunterTeam^[3] in April 2018. It is a new variant of Scarab ransomware, which adds the specific appendix to each of the files and demands a ransom to be paid in Bitcoins via a ransom note called “IF YOU WANT TO GET ALL YOUR FILES BACK, PLEASE READ THIS.TXT.” The note looks identical to the Scarab ransomware note and urges users to contact cyber crooks via joxe1@cock.li.

Ransomware is distributed mostly via spam emails

Ransomware viruses spread through spam emails mostly. It may appear as a legitimate file attachment at first, but in reality, there is a malicious script behind it. Usually, the virus spreads in JavaScript or Word format. If you accidentally download the first one, there is not much you can do to stop the virus as the JavaScript automatically activates the virus, and it starts its dirty work on your computer.

Word documents, on the other hand, may leave you some hope. This virus needs the Word macros script to activate itself, so if it is not enabled, the infection will not be able to spread. Although the virus may try to convince you to enable macros, you should not do that because this way, you will simply allow a malicious threat to enter your computer.

Therefore, security experts^[4] urge users to be extremely careful when handling emails from unknown sources. If you see that the message has been flagged as spam – it is a high chance it is a malicious email. Thus, swiftly delete if from your inbox and never open attachments or click on provided links.

The virus can be removed using professional security software

What is especially unfortunate when talking about ransomware viruses is that they rarely leave the computers unharmed. Usually, the files remain locked and sometimes a full system overwrite needed to eliminate the consequences.

Unlike what most users think, the virus removal does not mean that the locked files will be decrypted. Nevertheless, it is crucial if you want to use your computer normally again. If some of the virus residue files are left on your PC, they may help the virus to bounce back to your computer or create system vulnerabilities allowing other malware to sneak in.

Therefore, to remove XTBL ransomware safely, you should employ the best security tools – we recommend SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes. What you should keep in mind, though, is that malware may fight the antivirus and block its processes. In such a case, you can try completing the steps provided at the end of this article and running the scan again. If you experience crashes, lag, errors, and similar stability issues after you eliminate the infection, utilize FortectIntego to fix virus damage and remediate a Windows machine.