Infected with Exocrypt XTC Ransomware 2.0? Need to decrypt your files?
What is Exocrypt XTC Ransomware 2.0
Exocrypt XTC Ransomware 2.0 is an updated version of encryptor Exocrypt XTC, whose greatest activity was noted at the early May this year. According to the principle of work, this is similar to many analogs, pursuing identical goals. It encrypts the most valuable user data, such as office documents, PDP files, photos, other media and so on. It also changes the file extensions to .xtc. The main encryption algorithm is AES and it should be noted that it is almost impossible to decrypt the files manually because Exocrypt XTC Ransomware 2.0 removes all system restore points to exclude the possibility of rollbacks to an earlier computer state. The main goal of the developers is to intimidate you and thereby force you to pay, that’s why it displays the following pop-up:
With following text:
Your Personal Files Are Encrypted!
!THIS RANSOMWARE WAS MADE FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES, WE WILL NOT SEND OUT ANY COPIES OF THIS VIRUS, UNLESS IT IS FOR FORENSIC PURPOSES!
Q: What is happening to my computer?
A: All your personal files have been encrypted with a military grade encryption algorithm (AES-256 x2), basically all your files are inaccessible.
Q: How can I recover my files?
A: You can't, unless you pay the fee which is stated below.
Q: How can I trust you?
A: We can't make you trust us, but are you willing to take the risk? After all, It's your files that have been encrypted.
Q: How can I pay the fee?
A: Payment will only be accepted in bitcoin to ensure anomity. Once you have your bitcoin ready, send £50 worth of bitcoin address specified below.
According to the contents of this note, attackers give you a chance to restore your data, but for this, you have to pay 50 pounds in the equivalent of a cryptocurrency. Why cryptocurrency? Only in this way scammers manage to elude the prosecution of law enforcement officers. Remember, this is deception! Do not pay them in any way. They still will not return your data to you. You can always use our recommendations listed below to decrypt your files and remove Exocrypt XTC Ransomware 2.0 right now.
Update: Use following service to identify the version and type of ransomware you were attacked by: ID Ransomware. Also check following website for possible decryptor: Emsisoft Decryptors.
How Exocrypt XTC Ransomware 2.0 infected your PC
In most cases, Exocrypt XTC Ransomware 2.0 comes through an unprotected network, complete with free software. Exocrypt XTC Ransomware 2.0 is hidden in specially designed downloaders and installers. Also, in some cases, it takes the form of e-mail attachments. We advise you to use special utilities that can protect your PC from similar threats. If your computer is already infected, then there are ways to remove Exocrypt XTC Ransomware 2.0.
HitmanPro.Alert with CryptoGuard.
First of all don’t panic. Follow these easy steps below.
1. Start your computer in Safe Mode with networking. To do that, restart your computer before your system starts hit F8 several times. This will stop system from loading and will show Advanced boot options screen. Choose Safe mode with networking option from the options list using up and down arrows on your keyboard and hit Enter.
2. Log in to the system infected with the Exocrypt XTC Ransomware 2.0 virus. Launch your Internet browser and download a reliable anti-malware program and start a full system scan. Once the scan is complete, review scan results and remove all entries detected.
Recommended Solution:
Norton is a powerful removal tool. It can remove all instances of newest viruses, similar to Exocrypt XTC Ransomware 2.0 – files, folders, registry keys.
*Trial version of Norton provides detection of computer viruses for FREE. To remove malware, you have to purchase the full version of Norton.
Step 2: Remove following files and folders of Exocrypt XTC Ransomware 2.0:
Remove following registry entries:
no information
Remove following files:
no information
How to decrypt files infected by Exocrypt XTC Ransomware 2.0?
Use automated decryption tools
There is ransomware decryptor from Kaspersky that can decrypt Spora files. It is free and may help you restore files encrypted by Exocrypt XTC Ransomware 2.0 virus. Download it here:
You can also try to use manual methods to restore and decrypt your files.
Decrypt files manually
Restore the system using System Restore
Although, latest versions of Exocrypt XTC Ransomware 2.0 remove system restore files, this method may help you partially restore your files. Give it a try and use standard System Restore to revive your data.
- Initiate the search for ‘system restore‘
- Click on the result
- Choose the date before the infection appearance
- Follow the on-screen instructions
Roll the files back to the previous version
Previous versions can be copies of files and folders created by Windows Backup (if it is active) or copies of files and folders created by System Restore. You can use this feature to restore files and folders that you accidentally modified or deleted, or that were damaged (in our case – Exocrypt XTC Ransomware 2.0 by Exocrypt XTC Ransomware 2.0). This feature is available in Windows 7 and later versions.
- Right-click the file and choose Properties
- Open the Previous Version tab
- Select the latest version and click Copy
- Click Restore
Restore .xtc files using shadow copies
- Download and run Stellar Data Recovery.
- Select type of files you want to restore and click Next.
- Select the drive and folder where your files are located and date that you want to restore them from and press Scan.
- Once the scanning process is done, click Recover to restore your files.
Protect your computer from ransomware
Most modern antiviruses can protect your PC from ransomware and crypto-trojans, but thousands of people still get infected. There are several programs that use different approach t protect from ransomware and lockers. One of the best is HitmanPro.Alert with CryptoGuard. You may already know HitmanPro as famous cloud-based anti-malware scanner. Check out ultimate active protection software from SurfRight.
Written by Rami Douafi