How to remove XeroWare ransomware

XeroWare ransomware – a virus that aims to extort money from people

XeroWare ransomware is a cryptovirus that locks the victim's data and displays a ransom note with FAQs. This virus encrypts files and makes them useless using .XERO file extension. According to experts, malware is built on an open-source platform called HiddenTear^[1] which has been known since 2015. Cybercriminals have used this platform countless times because it is an easy way to create new variants of viruses and make money. This virus encrypts targeted user's files using the AES encryption method and demands a ransom of 1.2 BTC (at the moment of writing, equal to $9,127)^[2] to restore access to these files. After this data is marked with the appendix, the virus installs the ransom message called XeroWare_ReadME.txt on every folder on the system.

The virus can encrypt anything from photos and videos to music files or business documents. XeroWare ransomware virus makes these files no longer available for the user because it aims to make its victim pay the money in the form of ransom. After looking at the extension which is appended right after the AES encryption is finished, you can know that you are in real trouble as your files are encrypted and cannot be used anymore.

The only way to recover encrypted data is to replace corrupted files with clean ones. The easiest way to do that is by using the backup. However, you should remove the virus first because the virus can start another round of encryption. If you plug in an external hard drive while ransomware is still working on your system, you might lose your data again.

After the successful encryption, the virus places a ransom message with more facts about the attack itself. In this case, virus developers decided to answer frequently asked questions to help their victims deal with the current situation. The ransom note provides information on the ransom amount (it is 1.2 BTC) and the amount of time given (it should be less than 96 hours).

Otherwise, the virus promises to delete affected files for good. The ransom note also contains information about the payment itself. However, no matter how tempting the recovery of files might seem, you shouldn't pay the ransom because the people behind the virus are criminals and they should never be trusted. 

The particular ransom message reads the following:

Your files have been encrypted and your computer has been infected with XeroWare Ransom 1.2. 1) What Should I do?
A: Pay the specific amount we are asking from you in order to decrypt your files.
2) Can i try to remove the malware?
A: If you try anything your files will be removed, YOU have been WARNED.
3) How can i pay in order to decrypt my files ?
A: Copy the provided btc address and send the money.
4) How do i verify my payment?
A: You provide the payment transaction ID and you click confirm transaction.
5) What will happen if the payment transaction is not valid?
A: If you try to provide anything alike to fake or not valid your files will be destroyed permanently.
6) I have paid and verified my transaction how do i decrypt my files?
A: If you have paid and verified your transaction just simply click the decrypt button and everything will revert back to normal.
You have 96 hours in order to complete that task, otherwise your files will be destroyed.
Time has already started…

Just like any other crypto-malware, this virus gives you an ultimatum to pay the fee and unlock your files or say goodbye to encrypted data. According to its developers, they can automatically corrupt your files or delete them if the payment is not received. However, there is also a possibility that this decryption key does not exist and attackers have no decryption tool to give you after you pay. They might just disappear with your money.

You need to perform XeroWare removal as soon as you notice .XERO file extension added to your files or see the ransom message. The more time you give to this virus, the more changes it can make to your system. Use anti-malware tools like FortectIntego to get rid of the virus without wasting your time. You should also check our step-by-step guide and data recovery tools to prevent issues related to the full removal of this malware. 

Various spam email campaigns are used to spread cyber infections

The virus can be spread using various methods. However, the most common is related to spam emails. Phishing emails^[3] contain malicious links redirecting their victims to malware-hosting websites or file attachments filled with macro-viruses. Documents in various formats might be infected and spread ransomware or other infections immediately after you open the downloaded file on the computer.

To prevent this kind of scenario, researchers^[4] are actively recommending staying away from spam. Make sure you double-check your email box and remove emails that are misleading. Also, check the sender and message body to make sure that the email message is legit. You can even contact the sender to ask him/her about the “invoice,” “report,” and similar document in your inbox.

XeroWare ransomware termination requires attention 

To remove the dangerous program, you should rely on legitimate anti-malware tools like SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes. These programs will help you look thru your computer system and will also detect every file that belongs to this malware or other cyber infections. If you find your anti-malware tool blocked by this virus, use the steps given below to disable the virus first. Additionally, launch your antivirus and run a scan several times to make sure that your malware is gone. 

XeroWare removal is not that difficult if you pay enough attention to the tips provided by security experts. Getting trusted software when terminating malware is also a crucial step. Otherwise, you can run into further issues related to cryptovirus as it can add/remove registry entries, disable important executable files and initiate other malicious activities on your computer. To fix those issues you can rely on FortectIntego.