Remove xXLecXx ransomware / virus (Removal Guide) - Recovery Instructions Included
xXLecXx screenlocker ransomware prank asks victims to pay 150 dollars for data recovery
xXLecXx virus is yet another deceptive malware which uses lockscreen to imitate ransomware [1] infection. The virus demands victims to pay 150 dollars for the supposed data decryption code and imply that there is no other way to decrypt the files other than by paying the ransom. That is, of course, a lie because the lock screen window can be easily terminated by pressing the quick command Alt+F4 on the keyboard. Luckily, the virus does not actually affect files stored on the computer in any way, so when the lock screen is closed, you can go straight to the xXLecXx removal. The most important thing when eliminating this screen locker from the system is locating and deleting the virus executable xXLecXx.exe. You can carry out this procedure with professionals software such as Reimage Reimage Cleaner Intego or SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner to prevent any errors. You should also employ some specialized tool to go through your Windows Registry and clean up potentially corrupted entries.
Though xXLecXx is a merely a prank-like virus, less experienced users may find it convincing. That’s primarily because malware creator has applied social engineering tricks [2] to compile a legitimate-looking ransom note. This message is brief but perfectly reflects the signature style of the actual ransomware:
Your files are encrypted with xXLecXx Ransomware
Your files have been encrypted by xXLecXx Ransomware.
You cannot access your PC right now. You have 2 options
1. We delete all your files
2. You pay us $150 USD and we decrypt all your files
The choice is yours. If you choose option 2, click the button below, (What to Do) and pay us $150 USD and get a decrypt code
button [What to Do]
Have your decrypt code? Submit it here.
button [Submit]
The “What To Do” button will show additional text asking the victims to send 150-dollar-worth of ransom to an indicated Bitcoin wallet account along with the email address to which they want to receive the decryption key. The software is still under development, so the payment system may not even be set up properly yet. However, you should remove xXLecXx in case it receives some updates in the future and becomes undecryptable.
xXLecXx drops the lock screen illustrated in the image above after the victim opens an executable file called xXLecXx.exe. This screen can be closed by pressing Alt+F4.
You may receive the virus executable from a friend
xXLecXx is currently in a very low stage of distribution because it can only be transmitted from one PC to another directly. The virus creator has posted malware’s download link on his Youtube channel, so anyone can download or resend it to others. Nevertheless, while the intentions of the original virus author may not be malicious, some fraudulent third-parties can quickly pick up the ransomware code, modify it and start distributing the virus for actual money making purposes. Be careful and keep away from xXLecXx executable if you find it on your PC.
Principles of xXLecXx removal:
In theory, it should be possible to remove xXLecXx virus from the computer manually. Nevertheless, a single mistake can lead to some really bad turn of events and corrupt your PC. Thus, we highly suggest choosing the antivirus software-driven xXLecXx removal instead. All that’s needed is updating your antivirus to the latest version and running a thorough system scan with it.
To remove xXLecXx virus, follow these steps:
Remove xXLecXx using Safe Mode with Networking
You will exit the xXLecXx lockscreen by pressing Alt+F4 or by rebooting your PC. Don't forget to remove the virus once you quit the lock screen window.
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Step 1: Reboot your computer to Safe Mode with Networking
Windows 7 / Vista / XP- Click Start → Shutdown → Restart → OK.
- When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
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Select Safe Mode with Networking from the list
Windows 10 / Windows 8- Press the Power button at the Windows login screen. Now press and hold Shift, which is on your keyboard, and click Restart..
- Now select Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings and finally press Restart.
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Once your computer becomes active, select Enable Safe Mode with Networking in Startup Settings window.
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Step 2: Remove xXLecXx
Log in to your infected account and start the browser. Download Reimage Reimage Cleaner Intego or other legitimate anti-spyware program. Update it before a full system scan and remove malicious files that belong to your ransomware and complete xXLecXx removal.
If your ransomware is blocking Safe Mode with Networking, try further method.
Remove xXLecXx using System Restore
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Step 1: Reboot your computer to Safe Mode with Command Prompt
Windows 7 / Vista / XP- Click Start → Shutdown → Restart → OK.
- When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
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Select Command Prompt from the list
Windows 10 / Windows 8- Press the Power button at the Windows login screen. Now press and hold Shift, which is on your keyboard, and click Restart..
- Now select Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings and finally press Restart.
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Once your computer becomes active, select Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt in Startup Settings window.
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Step 2: Restore your system files and settings
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Once the Command Prompt window shows up, enter cd restore and click Enter.
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Now type rstrui.exe and press Enter again..
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When a new window shows up, click Next and select your restore point that is prior the infiltration of xXLecXx. After doing that, click Next.
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Now click Yes to start system restore.
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Once the Command Prompt window shows up, enter cd restore and click Enter.
Bonus: Recover your data
Guide which is presented above is supposed to help you remove xXLecXx from your computer. To recover your encrypted files, we recommend using a detailed guide prepared by 2-spyware.com security experts.If your files are encrypted by xXLecXx, you can use several methods to restore them:
Finally, you should always think about the protection of crypto-ransomwares. In order to protect your computer from xXLecXx and other ransomwares, use a reputable anti-spyware, such as Reimage Reimage Cleaner Intego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes
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 Private Internet Access 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 various losses due to cyber infections or their own faulty doings. Software issues created by malware or direct data loss due to encryption can lead to problems with your device or permanent damage. When you have proper up-to-date backups, you can easily recover after such an incident and get back to work.
It is crucial to create updates to your backups after any changes on the device, so you can get back to the point you were working on when malware changes anything or issues with the device causes data or performance corruption. Rely on such behavior and make file backup your daily or weekly habit.
When you have the previous version of every important document or project you can avoid frustration and breakdowns. It comes in handy when malware occurs out of nowhere. Use Data Recovery Pro for the system restoring purpose.
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References
- ^ Julian Bhardwaj. Techniques in ransomware explained. Nakedsecurity. Computer security news, opinion, advice and research from anti-virus experts Sophos.
- ^ Why ransomware works: the psychology and methods used to distribute, infect, and extort. Trendmicro. Security News.
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