How to remove Xampp Locker ransomware virus

Overview of the Xampp Locker virus:

Xampp Locker virus can pretty much be every computer user’s worst nightmare since it sneaks into the system by stealth and then locks the containing files using complex AES and RSA encryption algorithms ^[1]. In particular, this ransomware ^[2] that surfaced the Web earlier in February jumbles up the contents of the files, and they become unreadable. Nevertheless, this does not mean that these documents cannot be recovered. In fact, ransomware developers have the personalized decryption key in their depository and promise to give it up if only the victim transfers a particular amount of Bitcoins into their Bitcoin wallet account ^[3]. Unfortunately, such promises often remain empty as the hackers tend to disappear with the decrypter as well as the victims’ last hope of recovering the files. Luckily, there are alternative techniques that can be used to recover the encrypted documents, archives and databases. We elaborate more on those at the end of the article, but before you begin the recovery, make sure you remove Xampp ransomware from your computer first. We suggest using FortectIntego or similar professional malware detection and elimination tools for this purpose.

After the investigation of Xampp Locker ransomware, the experts have arrived at a conclusion that this virus is a version of Hidden Tear — an open-source ransomware that was developed to teach users about the workings of these cyber infections but was quickly acquired by criminal parties ^[4]. The virus is also programmed using .NET language ^[5] which is typical to most malicious Hidden Tear ransomware hybrids. An interesting touch to this particular ransomware variant is the use of .locked extensions to indicate encrypted files. The same extension has been used by the initial Locky virus versions as well as its follow-ups, such as Crypto888 and others. Another important thing to note about this virus it is said to primarily target unsecured server networks and exploit vulnerabilities in order to break into large-scale corporate networks. Such preference completely corresponds to the latest ransomware trends. Hackers may have to work harder to deploy a malicious executable, in this case XAMPP Server encryptor.exe, on one of the company computers. Nevertheless, such efforts pay back as they can then demand a much greater ransom than they could ever ask from the sporadic victims at home. Of course, it is much more likely that companies will have backups of their data stored in some secure locations and simply proceed with the Xampp Locker ransomware removal once they find this virus on their network. Regardless, such attacks may be highly disruptive. Thus it is better to prevent them than to deal with the unpleasant consequences.

How does the ransomware execute the attack?

Though Xampp Locker ransomware is a relatively new parasite, experts have already managed to track down approximately, where this virus is steaming from. It usually spreads with the help of malicious exploit kits, corrupt emails that carry Xampp Locker as an attached Word file or simply brute-forces its way into the computer network by compromising login credentials. Then, it only takes for the victim execute the virus payload, either consciously or subconsciously, and the destructive parasite will begin its work on the computer and continue to infect other devices on the network.

Best strategies to remove Xampp Locker ransomware?

Xampp ransomware removal is not an easy task. Especially so, if the virus has infected a bunch of devices on the same network. In such a case, every computer on the network must be scanned using an advanced antivirus software and freed from the ransomware’s grip individually. Same goes for the attack on personal computers. You cannot begin recovering your files while the virus is still on your computer. You must remove Xampp virus entirely and then follow recovery steps provided at the end of this page.