How to remove XCrypt ransomware virus

Information about Xcrypt ransomware virus

Xcrypt virus brings disasters, and computer users should do their best to avoid this virtual virus that strongly damages computer systems once it gets there. At first, it seems that XCrypt virus is a version of RemindMe ransomware, but in reality, it is an entirely different ransomware ^[1]. Following a successful infiltration, the virus checks all system folders and finds target files, and encrypts ^[2] them. It also appends .xcrypt file extensions to encrypted records to make the victim notice them sooner. Sadly, encrypted data cannot be opened in any way and becomes entirely useless. Xcrypt malware is known to be a complex software, and at the moment there are no tools capable of decrypting files encrypted by it. When the virus corrupts all important files, it opens a !!!ATTENTION!!!.txt file that contains short guide on how to recover encrypted .xcrypt files:

All the important files on your PC were encrypted.
To decrypt them, you should send 0.26 BTC (~100euro) to Bitcoin address: [removed] and in the description field type in your email address.
Then you will receive all necessary instructions.

As you can see, the virus wants you to pay money (100 Euros) to get your files back; obviously, it is a form of blackmail and extortion, and you should not carry out these commands! Instead, we recommend you to remove XCrypt virus as soon as you can. No matter that frauds promise to provide you with information on how to decrypt data if you pay the ransom, do not believe them – we know cases when criminals asked victims to pay even more ^[3] after the initial ransom payment was transmitted. Better keep your money to yourself, and use it for a better purpose. We would also like to draw your attention to the fact that ransomware is a complicated program and it is not so easy to remove it, so we recommend you to use a good anti-malware software for Xcrypt removal. You can use FortectIntego software if you wish, or any other legitimate program described in the Software page on our site.

Distribution methods

Our analysis shows that Xcrypt ransomware mostly spreads via infectious emails, which supposedly deliver certain documents to computer users. No matter what kind of attachment an email letter contains, do not open it unless you are sure that it is safe to do it. Remember that frauds send out thousands of letters containing malicious files ^[4] entitled as “Scan/invoice/bill/fine/payment/prize/report” and so on, which seem trustworthy at first sight. However, you should think twice whether you were supposed to receive such email and if it really comes from the company that the sender swears to be working at. We suggest you carefully look at senders email and, when in doubt, double-check sender’s reliability by contacting the company via its official website. Do not blindly open such letters and especially files attached to them because they can contain a destructive payload. Be careful – it is better to be safe than sorry!

UPDATE: Xcrypt developers release a ransomware version that specifically targets Russian users

Virus researcher Jakub Kroustek has reached out to the internet community with some unpleasant news ^[5], especially for the users currently residing in the Russian-speaking countries. The expert has detected a new version of Xcrypt ransomware that “speaks” to its users in Russian. What is interesting is that the initial course of the system infiltration is no different to the one observed in the previous virus versions. Even the file original .xcrypt extensions remain in tact; nevertheless, this time, instead of addressing the users in English, the hackers list their demands in Russian. There is also a new feature related to the communication between the victims and the extortionists. Now, the hackers use ICQ (a free messaging and call network) network to communicate with the victims which helps retain the anonymity and discretion of the interactions. In other respects, Xcrypt it the same dangerous and destructive virus that it was before. Keep in mind that though the virus is targeted towards the Russian-speaking users, in reality, any device connected to the web is not immune to cyber infections. Thus, you should stay alert at all times.

How to remove Xcrypt virus?

If the PC has been compromised by this virus, do not waste any more time and remove Xcrypt virus right now. For that, employ anti-malware software like FortectIntego. It is a trustworthy program that provides a lot of beneficial features. It has also proven to be a powerful malware remover that can identify and eliminate even the latest malware examples. Please start your PC in a Safe Mode with Networking before trying to launch the anti-malware software.