Xcbg file virus: what it is and how to remove it

Xcbg file virus is an infection that is used by cryptocurrency extortion criminals. These people care about money, so ransom demands are made by claiming that data can properly be recovered after the payment transfer.

Facts checked October 6, 2026. Removal steps tested on Windows 11 (26H2) and checked against Microsoft's and the browser makers' current documentation. Sections marked as our earlier report are the original text: they describe the threat as it was then and have not been reviewed since. The 2026 status, the removal steps and the questions are current.

Automatic

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Make sure the ransomware behind _readme.txt is gone before you plug in backups: a scan helps check.

Remove it nowTo use the full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Fortect. The scan is free.

Do it yourself · free Remove Xcbg file virus yourself 6 steps, about 18 minutes, no software needed.

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Xcbg file virus: xcbg locker virus
Xcbg file virus as our 2022 report showed it.

Xcbg file virus: summary

DistributionThe payload can be distributed via file attachments from emails, pirating software packages distributed via torrent pages, and similar services
NameXcbg file virus
TypeRansomware, file-locker, cryptovirus
FamilyDjvu ransomware
File marker.xcbg
Contact emailssupport@sysmail.ch, supportsys@airmail.cc, helprestoremanager@airmail.cc
Removal

Scan the PC with security software to find and remove the malware and anything installed with it. Fortect scans Windows for malware and repairs the system files and settings it damaged.

Remove it nowTo use the full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Fortect. The scan is free.
Show 12 more facts
Ransom note_readme.txt
Ransom amount$980/ $490
Detection namesNo Microsoft detection name is known
Encrypted file extensionNot recorded in our earlier report
DecryptorNo free decryptor is known for this variant; check No More Ransom (nomoreransom.org) for updates
DamageNot recorded in the old report
SymptomsA ransom note left in folders
Evidence4 write-ups by security sites; details still limited
Attacker contactssupport@sysmail.ch
Free decryptorNo free decryptor is known (checked 6 October 2026)
First seen14 March 2022
Facts checked6 October 2026
  • Note file: _readme.txt
  • Contact: support@sysmail.ch

From our report of Oct 2026 · not reviewed since

More from our earlier report on Xcbg file virus

  • The threat can trigger many issues with the machine, so you need to run for the proper system repair and virus damage removal

How Xcbg file virus behaves

From our report of Oct 2026 · not reviewed since

Xcbg ransomware is the virus that collects commonly used data to lock them on the machine and makes ransom demands

Xcbg file virus is an infection that is used by cryptocurrency extortion criminals.

These people care about money, so ransom demands are made by claiming that data can properly be recovered after the payment transfer. This is a false claim that should encourage people to pay the sum upfront.

The Xcbg ransomware virus is designed to trick you into thinking your files are lost forever, and only one option left for recovery: payment of a ransom. So when the _readme.txt file pops up on the screen with instructions telling victims how much their precious data costs.

The malicious ransomware is a virus that attacks Windows computers by using stealthy infiltration methods. The infection can not be stopped once it starts, and even though users are mainly responsible for this because if they download an email attachment or pirated software without knowing what's inside, threat actors manage to inject payloads on the computer.

Xcbg file virus: xcbg locker virus
Xcbg file virus in our 2022 report.

From our report of Oct 2026 · not reviewed since

Ransomware in detail

The Xcbg ransomware virus uses army-grade encryption algorithms.

Afterward, the ransom note text file will be left behind with instructions on how you can recover your files. The ransom amount is $980, and these threat actors offer a discount of 50% for the first 72 hours, but this method is only to deceive you further.

Instead of responding directly to the attackers or going through emails support@sysmail.ch, supportsys@airmail.cc, helprestoremanager@airmail.cc, rely on virus removal instead. There are no guarantees that files can be recovered by them. Based on previous versions, this threat doesn't provide options for users in their messages either, so just delete it if possible but don't let yourself get caught up with contacting these people.

Xcbg ransomware is an aggressive computer infection that not only encrypts all personal files but also drops a demanding note asking for money within the first 72 hours. What happens after that is not clear because on only the ransom amount can get double, but files that are already encrypted can get damaged further.

It is very important to know the latest virus trends because they can make or break your company or cause permanent damage on your machine when reinstallation of the OS is the only solution. One such trend that has been spreading like wildfire lately is the double extortion method used by ransomware actors.

How to remove Xcbg file virus

Tools you'll need

All of these are free except where noted. Download them on a clean device if the infected PC is offline.

  • A USB stick: to keep the ransom note, two or three encrypted files and screenshots off the infected PC.
  • Microsoft Defender Offline: built into Windows 11 and Windows 10; scans before Windows starts, so running malware cannot hide.
  • Microsoft Safety Scanner: a second, portable scanner with current signatures; each download works for 10 days.
  • ID Ransomware: identifies the family from the note and one encrypted file and says whether a decryptor exists.
  • No More Ransom: the free decryptors from police and security companies; check it again every few months.
  • Fortect (optional): scans Windows for malware and repairs the system files and settings it damaged. The free scan is in the box above.

How to remove Xcbg file virus and get your files back

Work in this order.

Disconnecting comes first, removal comes before any restore, and nothing here asks you to contact the attackers.

  1. Step 1: Disconnect the PC and unplug backup drives

    Xcbg file virus encrypts everything it can reach, including drives and shares you connect later. Cut the network first: cable out, or Wi-Fi off from the taskbar.

    Then unplug every USB stick and backup disk and pause cloud sync, so the encrypted versions do not replace your online copies. Do not reconnect any of them until the ransomware is removed from the Windows 11 or Windows 10 PC.

    Windows 11 quick settings with Wi-Fi turned off
    Windows 11: turn off Wi-Fi to take the PC offline.

    Full procedure with screenshots: Ransomware: first steps, finding a decryptor and recovering files

  2. Step 2: Save the ransom note and identify the family

    Find the ransom note, usually a .txt, .html or .hta file in every folder or on the desktop, and copy it with one or two encrypted files to a USB stick.

    From another device, upload them to ID Ransomware or No More Ransom's Crypto Sheriff, which name the family from the note and the file extension. Write down the contact address and your personal ID from the note for the report.

    Warning: Never contact the attackers from the infected Windows 11 or Windows 10 PC.

    A ransom note text file next to encrypted files in File Explorer
    Windows 11: the ransom note and encrypted files to copy for identification.

    Full procedure with screenshots: Ransomware: first steps, finding a decryptor and recovering files

  3. Step 3: Check for a free decryptor

    For Xcbg file virus, no free decryptor is known (checked 6 October 2026). Search the family name in the No More Ransom decryption tools list and in the free decryptors of Emsisoft, Avast and Kaspersky, because new tools appear years after an attack.

    Important: Keep the encrypted files even if nothing works today, and do not pay before every free option is ruled out: payment does not guarantee a working key.

    Decryptors run on Windows 11 and Windows 10, but only after the ransomware itself is removed.

    Full procedure with screenshots: Ransomware: first steps, finding a decryptor and recovering files

  4. Step 4: Remove the ransomware before you restore or decrypt

    Restoring or decrypting files while Xcbg file virus still runs lets it encrypt them again. Run a Full scan in Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Scan options, then the Microsoft Defender Antivirus (offline scan).

    If the ransomware blocks Windows Security, start Safe Mode with Networking and scan from there. Some families install a password stealer as well, so let both scans finish on Windows 11 or Windows 10.

    Windows Security Scan options with Microsoft Defender Antivirus offline scan selected
    Windows 11: Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Scan options.

    Full procedure with screenshots: Run a Microsoft Defender Offline scan

  5. Step 5: Look for shadow copies of the files

    Open Command Prompt as administrator and run vssadmin list shadows. If it lists copies dated before the attack, right-click a folder with encrypted files in File Explorer, choose Properties > Previous Versions, and open or restore a version from before that date.

    ShadowExplorer, a free tool, shows the same copies when the tab is empty or hidden. Most current families delete shadow copies, so an empty list is normal, but the check takes two minutes on Windows 11 or Windows 10.

    Command Prompt running vssadmin list shadows
    Windows 11: vssadmin list shadows shows whether shadow copies exist.

    Full procedure with screenshots: Ransomware: first steps, finding a decryptor and recovering files

  6. Step 6: Restore the files from a backup or recover deleted originals

    Restore from an external backup, File History or OneDrive's version history, choosing a date before the attack. Connect the backup drive only after the scans are clean, or the ransomware encrypts it too.

    If there is no backup, file recovery software can sometimes find the deleted originals, because some ransomware writes an encrypted copy and deletes the original file.

    Stop writing to the drive and try recovery on Windows 11 or Windows 10 before new files overwrite the space.

    Full procedure with screenshots: Recover deleted files (Recycle Bin, backups, OneDrive) On uGetFix

Instructions for each browser and system

The detailed steps for every browser and system this guide covers. Open the one you use.

Restore Windows "hosts" file to its original state

Some ransomware might modify Windows hosts file in order to prevent users from accessing certain websites online. For example, Djvu ransomware variants add dozens of entries containing URLs of security-related websites, such as 2-spyware.com. Each of the entries means that users will not be able to access the listed web addresses and will receive an error instead.

Here's an example of "hosts" file entries that were injected by ransomware:

Hosts file

In order to restore your ability to access all websites without restrictions, you should either delete the file (Windows will automatically recreate it) or remove all the malware-created entries. If you have never touched the "hosts" file before, you should simply delete it by marking it and pressing Shift + Del on your keyboard. For that, navigate to the following location:

C:\\Windows\\System32\\drivers\\etc\\

Delete Windows "hosts" file

Manual removal using Safe Mode

Important! →
Manual removal guide might be too complicated for regular computer users. It requires advanced IT knowledge to be performed correctly (if vital system files are removed or damaged, it might result in full Windows compromise), and it also might take hours to complete. Therefore, we highly advise using the automatic method provided above instead.

Step 1. Access Safe Mode with Networking

Manual malware removal should be best performed in the Safe Mode environment.

Windows 7 / Vista / XP

  1. Click Start > Shutdown > Restart > OK.
  2. When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 button (if that does not work, try F2, F12, Del, etc. - it all depends on your motherboard model) multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
  3. Select Safe Mode with Networking from the list.Windows 7/XP

Windows 10 / Windows 8

  1. Right-click on Start button and select Settings.
    Settings
  2. Scroll down to pick Update & Security.
    Update and security
  3. On the left side of the window, pick Recovery.
  4. Now scroll down to find Advanced Startup section.
  5. Click Restart now.
    Reboot
  6. Select Troubleshoot.Choose an option
  7. Go to Advanced options.Advanced options
  8. Select Startup Settings.Startup settings
  9. Press Restart.
  10. Now press 5 or click 5) Enable Safe Mode with Networking.Enable safe mode

Step 2. Shut down suspicious processes

Windows Task Manager is a useful tool that shows all the processes running in the background. If malware is running a process, you need to shut it down:

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
  2. Click on More details.
    Open task manager
  3. Scroll down to Background processes section, and look for anything suspicious.
  4. Right-click and select Open file location.
    Open file location
  5. Go back to the process, right-click and pick End Task.
    End task
  6. Delete the contents of the malicious folder.

Step 3. Check program Startup

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
  2. Go to Startup tab.
  3. Right-click on the suspicious program and pick Disable.
    Startup

Step 4. Delete virus files

Malware-related files can be found in various places within your computer. Here are instructions that could help you find them:

  1. Type in Disk Cleanup in Windows search and press Enter.
    Disk cleanup
  2. Select the drive you want to clean (C: is your main drive by default and is likely to be the one that has malicious files in).
  3. Scroll through the Files to delete list and select the following: Temporary Internet Files
    Downloads
    Recycle Bin
    Temporary files
  4. Pick Clean up system files.
    Delete temp files
  5. You can also look for other malicious files hidden in the following folders (type these entries in Windows Search and press Enter): %AppData%
    %LocalAppData%
    %ProgramData%
    %WinDir%

After you are finished, reboot the PC in normal mode.

Important steps to take before you begin malware removal

File encryption is one component of a ransomware infection, which may also include credential theft, persistence mechanisms, and lateral movement. However, it is important to understand that malware may perform various changes within a Windows operating system, including persistence, scheduled tasks, registry modifications, and security feature tampering.

IMPORTANT for those without backups! →
If you attempt to use security or recovery software immediately, you might permanently damage your files, and even a working decryptor then would not be able to save them.

Before you proceed with the removal instructions below, you should copy the encrypted files onto a separate medium, such as USB flash drive or SSD, and then disconnect them from your computer. The storage device should remain disconnected after copying to prevent accidental modification or deletion. Encrypted data itself does not contain active malicious code, but only the encrypted files—not executables or scripts—should be transferred.

The instructions below might initially seem overwhelming and complicated, but they are not difficult to understand as long as you follow each step in the appropriate order. This comprehensive free guide will help you to handle the malware removal and data recovery process correctly.

If you have any questions, comments, or are having troubles with following the instructions, please do not hesitate to contact us via the Ask Us section.

IMPORTANT! →
It is vital to eliminate malware infection from the computer fully before starting the data recovery process, otherwise ransomware might re-encrypt retrieved files from backups repeatedly.

Restore files using data recovery software

Since many users do not prepare proper data backups prior to being attacked by ransomware, they might often lose access to their files permanently. Paying criminals is also very risky, as they might not fulfill the promises and never send back the required decryption tool.

While this might sound terrible, not all is lost - data recovery software might be able to help you in some situations (it highly depends on the encryption algorithm used, whether ransomware managed to complete the programmed tasks, etc.). Since there are thousands of different ransomware strains, it is immediately impossible to tell whether third-party software will work for you.

Therefore, we suggest trying regardless of which ransomware attacked your computer. Before you begin, several pointers are important while dealing with this situation:

  • Since the encrypted data on your computer might permanently be damaged by security or data recovery software, you should first make backups of it - use a USB flash drive or another storage.
  • Only attempt to recover your files using this method after you perform a scan with anti-malware software.

Install data recovery software

  1. Download .
  2. Double-click the installer to launch it.
  3. Follow on-screen instructions to install the software.Install program
  4. As soon as you press Finish, you can use the app.
  5. Select Everything or pick individual folders where you want the files to be recovered from.Select what to recover
  6. Press Next.
  7. At the bottom, enable Deep scan and pick which Disks you want to be scanned.Select Deep scan
  8. Press Scan and wait till it is complete.Scan
  9. You can now pick which folders/files to recover - don't forget you also have the option to search by the file name!
  10. Press Recover to retrieve your files.Recover files
Create data backups to avoid file loss in the future
Report the incident to your local authorities

Ransomware is a lucrative, highly illegal business, and authorities are actively targeting ransomware operators. The level of investigation and follow-up depends on the country, the scale of the incident, and whether the attack is linked to known ransomware groups. To increase the likelihood of identifying the culprits, the agencies need information. In many cases, reports are used primarily for intelligence gathering, trend analysis, and victim support rather than immediate identification of attackers.

Therefore, by reporting the crime, you could help stop the cybercriminal activities and catch the threat actors. Reporting does not guarantee investigation or recovery of data, but it contributes to broader efforts to track ransomware campaigns. Make sure you include all the possible details, including how did you notice the attack, when it happened, etc. Relevant details may also include affected systems, ransom demands, cryptocurrency wallet addresses, and any communication with the attackers. Additionally, providing documents such as ransom notes, encrypted files, or malware executables would be beneficial.

Law enforcement agencies typically deal with online fraud and cybercrime, although it depends on where you live. Here is the list of local authority groups that handle incidents like ransomware attacks, sorted by country:

  • USA - Internet Crime Complaint Center IC3
  • United Kingdom - ActionFraud
  • Canada - Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre
  • Australia - ScamWatch
  • New Zealand - ConsumerProtection
  • Germany - Polizei
  • France - Ministère de l'Intérieur

Internet Crime Complaint Center IC3

If your country is not listed above, you should contact the local police department or communications center.

From our report of Oct 2026 · not reviewed since

Decryption procedures for some of the versions in the family

This particular Xcbg file virus strain derived from a Djvu ransomware family known for creating undecryptable codes which led many victims towards hopelessness.

It is not possible to decrypt files as of now because official tools are not developed yet. This is because the advanced changes have been made by developers.

The infection is coming after 400 other threats that have been released to the wild weekly. The ransomware is one of the many versions that does not get altered that much before the new addition. Ransom notes, the text of the message, and even contact emails get changed very rarely. Xcbg virus and other recent versions like Vtym, Fopa, Sdjm are using online IDs that determine the decryption as impossible.

If your computer got infected with one of the Djvu variants, you should try using Emsisoft decryptor for Djvu/STOP. It is important to mention that this tool will not work for everyone - it only works if data was locked with an offline ID due to malware failing to communicate with its remote servers.

Even if your case meets this condition, somebody from the victims has to pay criminals, retrieve an offline key, and then share it with security researchers at Emsisoft. As a result, you might not be able to restore the encrypted files immediately.

Thus, if the decryptor says your data was locked with an offline ID but cannot be recovered currently, you should try later. You also need to upload a set of files - one encrypted and a healthy one to the company's servers before you proceed.

From here, there are three available outcomes:

  • After pressing Download button, a small pop-up at the bottom, titled decrypt_STOPDjvu.exe should show up - click it.
  • If User Account Control (UAC) message shows up, press Yes.
  • Agree to License Terms by pressing Yes.
  • After Disclaimer shows up, press OK.
  • The tool should automatically populate the affected folders, although you can also do it by pressing Add folder at the bottom.
  • Press Decrypt.
  • "Decrypted!" will be shown under files that were decrypted successfully - they are now usable again.
  • "Error: Unable to decrypt file with ID:" means that the keys for this version of the virus have not yet been retrieved, so you should try later.
  • "This ID appears to be an online ID, decryption is impossible" - you are unable to decrypt files with this tool.
Xcbg file virus: xcbg ransomware
Xcbg file virus in our 2022 report.
Xcbg file virus: emsisoft2
Xcbg file virus in our 2022 report.

From our report of Oct 2026 · not reviewed since

Removal of the threat should involve proper AV tools

If you have been infected with a virus or malware, there is an urgent need for file recovery and safe ways of deleting the infection.

It's crucial that before any repair steps are taken on your computer, you remove the ransomware. Remove all programs associated with this threat, so the malicious threat is no longer active.

With Xcbg file virus on your system, you are at risk for major damage. The infection will execute corruption of valuable files as well- not just during the encryption process but with help from additional programs and trojans. The infection can have additional programs running, so persistence is ensured.

There are many ways to remove the file virus, and your device's built-in antivirus app can take care of it. There is no need pay anything if you have an AV installed on your phone because this type software should be updated frequently.

If your application doesn't work for whatever reason, try running a full scan using or . These programs can be disabled by the virus or due to the changes on the OS.

Xcbg ransomware and other crypto-extortion-based viruses are known for making you unable to open the documents or even read what's inside of them. But don't panic. The family has been around a while now, and experts do not recommend trusting these criminals who demand ransom money in exchange for file recovery. Before any file repair, make sure to double-check that malware is no longer active.

Xcbg file virus: xcbg ransomware virus
Xcbg file virus in our 2022 report.

From our report of Oct 2026 · not reviewed since

Repair issues caused by malware leftovers and virus damage

Once a computer is infected with malware, its system is changed to operate differently.

For example, an infection can alter the Windows registry database, damage vital bootup, and other sections, delete or corrupt DLL files, etc. Once a system file is damaged by malware, antivirus software is not capable of doing anything about it, leaving it just the way it is. Consequently, users might experience performance, stability, and usability issues, to the point where a full Windows reinstallation is required.

Therefore, we highly recommend using a one-of-a-kind, patented technology of repair. Not only can it fix virus damage after the infection, but it is also capable of removing malware that has already broken into the system thanks to several engines used by the program.

Besides, the application is also capable of fixing various Windows-related issues that are not caused by malware infections, for example, Blue Screen errors, freezes, registry errors, damaged DLLs, etc.

  • Download the application by clicking on the link above
  • Click on the ReimageRepair.exe
  • If User Account Control (UAC) shows up, select Yes
  • Press Install and wait till the program finishes the installation process
  • The analysis of your machine will begin immediately
  • Once complete, check the results - they will be listed in the Summary
  • You can now click on each of the issues and fix them manually
Xcbg file virus: 1 1
Xcbg file virus in our 2022 report.
Xcbg file virus: 2 2
Xcbg file virus in our 2022 report.

Report it and recover your files

Report it

Report the attack even if you do not expect the files back: insurers and banks ask for the report number, and police use the contacts in the note to link cases.

United States
FBI IC3 · FTC ReportFraud

Give the victim ID, the note and the date the files were encrypted. A business that holds personal data may also have to notify its data protection authority, in the EU within 72 hours.

Protect the files you restore

Restore only after the scans are clean and the PC no longer shows ransom notes called _readme.txt in every folder; otherwise the restored copies can be damaged again.

Then build a backup that survives the next infection:

  • one copy in the cloud with version history
  • one on an external drive that is disconnected between backups
  • the working copy on the PC

Version history matters because a backup that syncs damaged files overwrites the good ones.

How to do this with the tools built into Windows: the 3-2-1 backup rule on Windows.

Do not let government spy on you

The government has many issues in regards to tracking users' data and spying on citizens, so you should take this into consideration and learn more about shady information gathering practices.

Avoid any unwanted government tracking or spying by going totally anonymous on the internet.

You can choose a different location when you go online and access any material you want without particular content restrictions. You can easily enjoy internet connection without any risks of being hacked by using VPN.

Control the information that can be accessed by government any other unwanted party and surf online without being spied on. Even if you are not involved in illegal activities or trust your selection of services, platforms, be suspicious for your own security and take precautionary measures by using the VPN service.

Backup files for the later use, in case of the malware attack

Computer users can suffer from data losses due to cyber infections or their own faulty doings.

Ransomware can encrypt and hold files hostage, while unforeseen power cuts might cause a loss of important documents. If you have proper up-to-date backups, you can easily recover after such an incident and get back to work. It is also equally important to update backups on a regular basis so that the newest information remains intact - you can set this process to be performed automatically.

When you have the previous version of every important document or project you can avoid frustration and breakdowns. It comes in handy when malware strikes out of nowhere. Use for the data restoration process.

Questions about Xcbg file virus

When will a decryptor for Xcbg file virus be released?

Nobody can promise a date. When we last checked, on 6 October 2026, no free decryptor is known. Decryptors usually appear after one of three events:

  • police seize the attackers' servers and keys
  • the authors leak or publish the master keys
  • researchers find a mistake in how the ransomware generates keys

Some families got a tool within weeks, others never. Keep the encrypted files and the note on an external drive, check No More Ransom every few months, and follow news about the Xcbg file virus family. A decryptor may need an original file, so keep any unencrypted copies too.

Did Xcbg file virus steal my files or passwords?

We do not know yet. Nothing published so far shows data theft by Xcbg file virus, but the only confirmed sign is ransom notes called _readme.txt in every folder, which says nothing about what happened before. Many current ransomware attacks copy files or run a password stealer first, so it is wise to act as if they did.

From a clean device, change the passwords that were saved in the browsers on this PC, starting with e-mail and banking, sign out of all sessions and turn on two-step verification. Watch bank statements and account activity for the next few weeks.

Can a data-recovery company decrypt my files for a fee?

Only if a decryptor already exists or the company pays the attackers for you. Some "ransomware recovery" services advertise that they can decrypt families with no known flaw; in practice they negotiate with the attackers and add their own fee. Others use the same free tools listed on No More Ransom.

Before you hire anyone, ask in writing how they will recover the files, whether they will contact the attackers and what happens if they fail. A legitimate service answers clearly. If a free decryptor exists for your family, you can run it yourself.

Should I pay the ransom?

We advise against it, and so do the FBI, Europol and national cyber agencies. Payment does not guarantee a working tool: some attackers never reply, some tools damage files, and some variants have no decryptor at all. Paying also funds further attacks and can make you a target again.

Before considering payment, try every recovery option in this guide and report the attack. Companies must involve their legal adviser and insurer, because payments to sanctioned groups can be illegal. If files are truly irreplaceable, store the encrypted copies and wait; decryptors sometimes appear later.

How did Xcbg file virus get on my computer?

The way Xcbg file virus spreads has not been documented yet, so look at your own recent activity. On home PCs, ransomware most often comes with cracked programs, game cheats, key generators and fake updates, or with an e-mail attachment that was opened.

On business networks, attackers usually log in through Remote Desktop with a stolen or guessed password. Think back to what was downloaded or installed in the days before ransom notes called _readme.txt in every folder, and check the Downloads folder and Installed apps sorted by date. Keep anything suspicious for your report, but do not run it again.

Is Xcbg file virus the same as other ransomware with a similar name?

Not necessarily. Ransomware names come from the file extension, the note or a word in the code, so unrelated families often end up with similar names, and one family can appear under several names. The difference matters: a decryptor or advice for one family does not fit another and can damage files.

Compare the ending added to your files and the exact name of the note with the summary table at the top of this guide, then upload the note and one encrypted file to ID Ransomware from a clean device. If the result names another family, follow the guide for that family instead.

Can I delete _readme.txt?

Yes, the note itself is harmless text and deleting it does not affect your files. Keep at least one copy first, outside the infected PC. _readme.txt contains your personal ID and the attackers' contact details, which identification services use to tell which family encrypted your files, and which a decryptor may need later.

Police reports also ask for it. Once you have saved a copy, you can remove the notes from every folder after the ransomware program has been removed and your files are restored or backed up.

Can I get my files back without paying after _readme.txt appeared?

Sometimes. Free decryptors exist for a number of families, especially older ones or those with flaws in their encryption. Other routes are copies the ransomware missed:

  • OneDrive version history
  • File History
  • a backup drive that was disconnected
  • email attachments
  • phone photos

Shadow copies are often deleted, but it is worth checking. Identify the family from _readme.txt first, because that tells you which of these routes is realistic. Keep encrypted files even if nothing works now; decryptors are sometimes released months later.

How do I open my .docx, .jpg and other files locked by Xcbg file?

You cannot open locked files normally while they stay encrypted, and renaming them will not help. Our earlier report did not record the extension that Xcbg file adds, so check one locked file name and the ransom note for it.

No free decryptor is known for this variant; check No More Ransom (nomoreransom.org) for updates. Do not rename the files, change the extension or edit them, because that can make recovery harder. Copy the locked files to an external drive before you clean the system, so a decryptor released later still has them.

Will Fortect remove Xcbg file virus?

Fortect scans Windows for malware and unwanted programs and repairs the system files and settings they change, and its free scan shows what it finds on your PC before you decide anything.

For Xcbg file virus, follow the plan above as well: the browser steps take back permissions and settings that no scanner treats as a threat, and uninstalling the program that brought it removes the source.

Run Microsoft Defender's full scan and, if anything was found, its offline scan as a second opinion. If the symptoms are gone after the plan and both scans are clean, there is nothing more to do.

Sources

  1. Virustotal: Virus detection (read October 6, 2026)
  2. Trendmicro: Ransomware Double Extortion and Beyond (read October 6, 2026)
  3. Zondervirus: ZOndervirus (read October 6, 2026)
  4. CISA: StopRansomware (read October 6, 2026)
  5. No More Ransom (read October 6, 2026)

More removal guides

Questions and experiences: Xcbg file virus

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