How to remove eCh0raix ransomware

eCh0raix ransomware is the cryptovirus that encrypts documents on consumer and enterprise QNAP NAS devices used for file storage

eCh0raix ransomware is the malware that uses brute force on weak credentials to exploit known vulnerabilities and target devices with cryptovirus attacks. The mane for this virus was given after the string in the source code was found by the initial investigators Anomali.^[1] This ransomware affects network drives and uses AES-256 encryption method to lock those files and mark with the .encrypt extension before the ransom in Bitcoins gets demanded in the ransom note. The amount goes from 0.05 to 0.06 BTC and is revealed in each ransom note placed on the victims' device in a form of the text file named README_FOR_DECRYPT.txt.

The cryptovirus was spotted before, but until the thorough analysis took place, there were no details about now eCh0raix ransomware or QNAPCrypt called malware. June 2019 was the initial month when the first campaigns of the ransomware raised the attention of cybersecurity researchers. It targets big companies and everyday PC users so that anyone can become a victim of eCh0raix ransomware virus.

eCh0raix ransomware can spread all over the world since it targets various victims and even gets used in more targeted malware attacks. It affects the particular storage devices, and at the time of writing, there were more than 15 victims in particular. Victims of the following network drives reported the issue already: 

• QNAP TS-231, 
• QNAP TS-251, 
• QNAP  TS-253A,
• QNAP TS-451,
• QNAP TS-459 Pro II, 
• QNAP  TS 253B.

eCh0raix ransomware starts the encryption when gets on executed on the device. It first checks the language to make sure that the location is right because the virus is not affecting devices located in Ukraine, Russia, or Belarus. It is common for cryptovirus creators because they are less likely to target particular places or their home countries.

Also, more common symptoms of eCh0raix ransomware are the system changes and installed programs, files. This malware can also launch various commands and even drop additional malware on the network. Since these QNAP NAS devices don't come with anti-malware features, various threats can compromise systems freely.

The biggest issue with eCh0raix ransomware is file encryption that can easily take action on such devices also. Unfortunately, those devices that even come with antivirus tools can get infected because the detection rate of the malware is rather low.

However, more AV tool databases get updates and Virus Total analysis shows more and more positive detection results. It initially started as a few malware scanning engines, and now it came up to 17 tools that can detect this threat as dangerous.

If you are the victim of eCh0raix ransomware or QNAPCrypt, you should check the updates for the specific model and protect the device from ransomware attacks. Fortunately, victims can try to recover data, based on the QNAP block-based snapshot feature.^[2]

eCh0raix ransomware, in particular, encrypts Microsoft Office files and OpenOffice, PDF documents, photos, music, videos and other common types of data. Malware uses an AES-256 key for the process that is generated locally. Then the key gets encrypted with the downloaded or embedded public RSA key and stored in a base64 format in the ransom note text file. After the encryption, all data get .encrypted file marker.

QNAPCrypt ransomware in the ransom note README_FOR_DECRYPT.txt delivers a message with Tor payment site link and a victims' ID that is needed when contacting the criminals with a whish to pay the ransom. Once the victim goes to the Tor site payment system appears, and shows the particular amount of ransom. 

You should remove eCh0raix ransomware as soon as possible instead of paying the demanded 0.05 or 0.06 BTC because attackers are more likely to damage your files after the transfer and not recover the data. They can even claim that you need to pay more than this to get your files back, so don't trust these people and avoid any contact.

For the best eCh0raix ransomware removal results, you should employ professional anti-malware tools and scan the machine thoroughly. This is the method that many experts^[3] recommend using because all those additional files and programs can make more damage and cause issues with the device. Rely on FortectIntego for virus damage termination.

Ransomware distribution ways involve system vulnerabilities and infected email attachments 

Various ransomware strains use common spreading methods like other malware, payload droppers, and spam email attachments with malicious macros and exploit kits. Such techniques help to deliver malware on many devices all over the world, but for more targeted attacks, malicious actors employ brute-force attacks or exploits system flaws.

This particular cryptovirus is known for releasing its new campaigns by brute-forcing weak credentials and exploiting system vulnerabilities since these attacks are more targeted. All these methods require knowledge and experience, so we recommend keeping anti-malware tools on your device to avoid such infiltrations and deleting suspicious emails the minute you receive them on your email box.

eCh0raix ransomware removal tips and recommendations

Although eCh0raix ransomware virus affects particular targets, and in the recent campaign, it focuses on QNAP devices, it is still spreading around the world. It can infect other machines that run on Windows operating systems. The fact that malware developers have a decryptor compatible with Mac OS may also indicate that macOS is not immune for the particular cryptovirus.

You need to remove eCh0raix ransomware entirely from the system, so all the techniques used to infect the machines and affect the performance can be terminated. Unfortunately, you cannot restore encrypted files easily, but focus on malware elimination first and wait for more information regarding the decryption.

When such threats come to the computer and common devices, the best eCh0raix ransomware removal tip is to get the anti-malware program and clean the system fully from all the intruders. FortectIntego, SpyHunterCombo Cleaner, or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes later on can help you with virus damage termination.