XYZware ransomware virus. How to remove? (Uninstall guide)
What should I know about XYZware ransomware?
Questions about XYZware ransomware virus
XYZware virus is a new ransomware that falls into the large group of Hidden-Tear based[1] malware. The malicious program seems to be in the development process at the moment, which means that at least now cyber criminals[2] are not distributing it to victims actively. A few copies were sent out recently, and one managed to get into malware researchers’ eyesight. Once installed, the virus uses cryptography[3] ciphers (to be precise, a combination of RSA-2048 and AES-128 ciphers) to encode files on the compromised PC. Some malware researchers believe that author of this virus is likely to be from Indonesia, although this fact was not confirmed. The word “Indonesia” is only mentioned in ransomware author’s contact email address. When the virus finishes encryption routine, it saves a message on victim’s desktop, which says:
There is no way to decrypt without private key and decryption program. You can buy the private key and the decryption program just for 0.2 BTC (Bitcoin). You have 48 hours to buy it.
The rest of the message explains that the victim has to write to cyberking@indonesianbacktrack.or.id email to get instructions on how to pay the ransom and recover files. We do not recommend paying the ransom because it is likely that files can be recovered for free. We suggest patiently waiting for news from malware researchers – XYZware decryption tool might be available anytime soon. Until then, remove XYZware malware using anti-malware program, for instance, Plumbytes Anti-MalwareMalwarebytes Malwarebytes or Reimage.
Select 'Safe Mode with Networking'
Select 'Enable Safe Mode with Networking'
Select 'Safe Mode with Command Prompt'
Select 'Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt'
Enter 'cd restore' without quotes and press 'Enter'
Enter 'rstrui.exe' without quotes and press 'Enter'
When 'System Restore' window shows up, select 'Next'
Select your restore point and click 'Next'
Click 'Yes' and start system restore
How does this ransomware spread?
While more dangerous and sophisticated viruses like Cerber employ exploit kits[4], infected ad networks, and other malware distribution techniques, developers of XYZware ransomware seem to be far less advanced. Therefore, they use the basic and very straightforward malware dissemination trick – malspam[5], also known as mail spam. They only need to compose convincing messages and attach some files to such email, then send it out to thousands of victims. A general tip is to bypass emails coming from unknown individuals – do not trust links or files sent to you by strangers. They can instantly compromise your PC and damage your files! To increase computer’s protection, keep programs up-to-date and add another layer of protection by installing an anti-malware program. Now, let’s talk about XYZware removal peculiarities.
XYZware removal explained
If you were attacked by XYZware virus unexpectedly, the chances are high that you received an updated version of this malware. We suggest deleting it immediately. For XYZware removal, you have to prepare your PC first, so reboot it into Safe Mode with Networking and then use the security software you have to exclude the malicious files from the system. If you do not have a tool to remove XYZware ransomware automatically, consider installing one of the programs we recommend using.
To remove XYZware virus, follow these steps:
Remove XYZware using Safe Mode with Networking
Restart the computer system using instructions provided below. Do everything in order to prepare your PC for XYZware ransomware virus removal.
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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 XYZware
Log in to your infected account and start the browser. Download Reimage or other legitimate anti-spyware program. Update it before a full system scan and remove malicious files that belong to your ransomware and complete XYZware removal.
If your ransomware is blocking Safe Mode with Networking, try further method.
Remove XYZware 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 XYZware. 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 XYZware from your computer. To recover your encrypted files, we recommend using a detailed guide prepared by 2-spyware.com security experts.There is only one way to recover the majority of your files at thee moment. It is the backup that you have. If you do not have one, sadly, data recovery will be a long-term and nerve-racking process. Use methods provided below and try to restore at least some of your files now.
If your files are encrypted by XYZware, you can use several methods to restore them:
Data Recovery Pro help
With the help of Data Recovery Pro, you might manage you to restore bigger part of encrypted files. Here’s how to use it:
- Download Data Recovery Pro;
- Follow the steps of Data Recovery Setup and install the program on your computer;
- Launch it and scan your computer for files encrypted by XYZware ransomware;
- Restore them.
Use ShadowExplorer
Use ShadowExplorer to check if the virus deleted Volume Shadow Copies or not. If it didn’t, you can use them to restore encrypted files.
- Download Shadow Explorer (http://shadowexplorer.com/);
- Follow a Shadow Explorer Setup Wizard and install this application on your computer;
- Launch the program and go through the drop down menu on the top left corner to select the disk of your encrypted data. Check what folders are there;
- Right-click on the folder you want to restore and select “Export”. You can also select where you want it to be stored.
Finally, you should always think about the protection of crypto-ransomwares. In order to protect your computer from XYZware and other ransomwares, use a reputable anti-spyware, such as Reimage, Malwarebytes MalwarebytesCombo Cleaner or Plumbytes Anti-MalwareMalwarebytes Malwarebytes
About the author
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References
- ^ Hidden Tear Project: Forbidden Fruit Is the Sweetest. Tripwire. IT Security News and Blog.
- ^ Cyber Crime. Official website of FBI. Domestic intelligence and security service of the United States.
- ^ Cryptography. Wikipedia. The Free Encyclopedia.
- ^ What Are Exploit Kits?. Lenny Zeltser. Information Security in Business.
- ^ Malspam distributing Troldesh ransomware. SANS Internet Storm Center. InfoSec Community Forums.