How to remove X0LZS3C ransomware virus

X0LZS3C deletes Volume Shadow Copies of encrypted files and demands a hefty ransom

X0LZS3C is a new ShellLocker-based ransomware which infects computers, encrypts all sorts of files and deletes their Volume Shadow Copies ^[1], making the data recovery nearly impossible. The virus primarily targets outdated Windows operating systems which are no longer supported by Microsoft; although, the latest software versions are not immune to this ransomware either. The malicious virus executable ohayo.exe can make its way to practically any Windows PC as long as it is connected to the Internet. This particular file is responsible for the majority of ransomware functionalities and must be terminated when performing the X0LZS3C removal. The malware will also mark all encrypted Office documents, media files, archives and game-related data with .x0lzs3c extensions. After it is done with the ciphering process, the virus will change the computer’s desktop picture and automatically open a new window containing a demand for ransom. In this ransom note, the XOLZSEC creators set forward the conditions under which the computer files can be recovered and threaten that trying to shut down the computer or terminate the virus in any way will result in the loss of data. Here is the full transcript of the note:

All your important file are include (photos, musics, videos …)
You have 2 days to pay us 2 btc in address bellow , after
48 hours all your file will be gone oke! . After you pay please wait
us about 2-4 hours and your file will decrypt
ATTENTION : YOU CAN CLOSE THIS BUT YOUR FILE WILL BE GONE
XOLZSEC
[timer]
1tN2aLrsghPb2jSyZUdhqxjeRQicfm4TY

2 Bitcoin ransom it a hefty amount of money to ask from the victims, especially within a brief 48-hour period. Unfortunately, there are people who will do just about anything to get their precious files back. What they don’t take into consideration, though, is that they risk losing both their files and their money to the unpredictable online crooks. Besides, even if the exchange with the criminals is successful, you cannot escape the fact that such collaboration only fuels the creation of similar or even more vicious parasites in the future. Needless to say, that it would more socially responsible to remove X0LZS3C from the computer rather than support the cyber criminals. Even if it may seem as an unnecessary sacrifice, you can be certain that it will benefit the security of the online community in the long run. For the successful XOLZSEC elimination, we recommend using FortectIntego or similar utilities which will not only exterminate the ransomware but also help your system recover by cleaning the Windows Registry from the potentially corrupt entries.

Shutting down ways for the ransomware to enter your computer

As we’ve noted in the beginning of the article, X0LZS3C and a bunch of other ransomware take advantage of various vulnerabilities found on expired operating systems or outdated software ^[2]. Malware creators may use exploits to locate security gaps sneak the virus payload on the device. Naturally, regular updates can prevent that from happening. You must enable automatic Windows updates and regularly look for new versions of the software installed on your PC. Needless to say, the device should also be protected by some sophisticated antivirus suite for extra protection. While these actions may diminish the chances of X0LZS3C infiltration, they will not annihilate them completely. That’s why we recommend keeping backup copies of your important files.

Take care of the X0LZS3C removal before recovering your files

An important thing to remember when infected with this ransomware is that any data recovery attempts carried out before X0LZS3C removal will end up in failure. The virus will encrypt the files repeatedly, and you will have to perform the recovery all over again. To make sure that doesn’t happen, use reputable antivirus software to remove X0LZS3C virus for you. After the thorough system scan, you will be able to carry out data recovery safely. While XOLZSEC has not yet been released, we provide a couple of alternative data recovery methods below.