X-Files Ransomware Virus (Removal Steps and Protection Updates)

Our removal guide will show you how to remove the X-files Ransomware, a newly discovered threat which renames user data with different extensions according to the file type.

X-Files Ransomware Description

The X-Files ransomware is a new malware threat which is of unknown origin. As the threat is still new the security analysis is still ongoing. At this moment we cannot conclude if the virus is descendant from a previously known malware family or it is an independent creation. The virus is also under the alias of Digisom ransomware.

What we know is that it follows the typical ransomware behavior pattern – upon infection it starts its encryption engine which encrypts certain file types with a strong cipher. Afterwards a ransomware note is displayed to extort the victims for a ransomware fee.

Something quite unique to this strain is that it appends a different file name extension depending on the original file type.

All general file types are renamed with the .b0C or .b0C extension.
DOC, JPG, PDF and ZIP files are renamed with the .pdfb0C extension. All DOCX files are renamed with the .docxb0C.x extension.

The crafted ransomware note reads the following:

Your important files were encrypted on this computer: photos, videos, documents, etc. You can verify this by opening them.
To save your files, you need a private key to decrypt it.
The single copy of private key, which will allow you to unlock the files, is located on a secret server on the internet; the server will destroy the key within 48 hours after encryption completed. After that, nobody are able to restore the files.
To retrieve the private key, you need to pay 0.2 bitcoins. Check out the website on how to make payment: http://www.digisom.pw
YOUR UNIQUE ID TO FIND KEY:

The following text is present on the hacker-controlled website:

1. Get Bitcoins (BTC) at localbitcoins.com if you don’t already have any.
2. Send 0.20004084 Bitcoins (in ONE payment) to the address below.
If you send any other bitcoin amount, payment system will ignore it !
Send EXACTLY 0.20004084 BTC (plus fees) to: 1FCuCww75NtxtVJHsvwaWJsphLsT1tRAoL
Bitcoins have not yet been received.
If you have already sent Bitcoins (the exact Bitcoin sum in one payment as shown in the box below), please wait a few minutes to receive them by Bitcoin Payment System. If you send any other sum, Payment System will ignore the transaction and you will need to send the correct sum again, or contact the site owner for assistance.

At the moment we do not have any more information about the virus. Fortunately the virus is currently under research and if you use a quality anti-spyware tool.

X-Files Ransomware Distribution

The first wave of attacks were identified in January 2017. The security researchers note that the X-Files ransomware primarily targets English-speaking users and is distributed globally.

The virus comes in the form of randomly-named executable file. We assume that the operators of the attacks use the most widely used infection methods:

Email Spam Messages – Hackers send spam messages that directly attach the virus or link to it in the body of the messages. Various social engineering strategies are often employed.

Redirects – Various browser hijackers, malicious ads and other types of redirects can link to the viral payload.

Infected Software Installers – The X-Files ransomware is bundled in various software installers, driver updates, game patches or other popular types of computer downloads. They are usually hosted on hacked or malicious download sites and BitTorrent trackers.

X-Files Ransomware – How To Remove it and Prevent It From Coming Back

There are two ways of removal:

• With an anti-malware tool – this will also help prevention
  
• Manually – using the instructions below

X-Files Ransomware Removal

For a faster solution, you can run a scan with an advanced malware removal tool and delete X-Files completely with a few mouse clicks.

STEP I: Start the PC in Safe Mode with Network
This will isolate all files and objects created by the ransomware so they will be removed efficiently.

1) Hit WIN Key + R

2) A Run window will appear. In it, write “msconfig” and then press Enter
3) A Configuration box shall appear. In it Choose the tab named “Boot”
4) Mark “Safe Boot” option and then go to “Network” under it to tick it too
5) Apply -> OK

Or check our video guide – “How to start PC in Safe Mode with Networking”

STEP II: Show Hidden Files

1) Open My Computer/This PC
2) Windows 7
– Click on “Organize” button
– Select “Folder and search options”
– Select the “View” tab
– Go under “Hidden files and folders” and mark “Show hidden files and folders” option

3) Windows 8/ 10

– Open “View” tab
– Mark “Hidden items” option



4) Click “Apply” and then “OK” button

STEP III: Enter Windows Task Manager and Stop Malicious Processes

1) Hit the following key combination: CTRL+SHIFT+ESC
2) Get over to “Processes”
3) When you find suspicious process right click on it and select “Open File Location”
4) Go back to Task Manager and end the malicious process. Right click on it again and choose “End Process”
5) Next you should go folder where the malicious file is located and delete it

STEP IV: Remove Completely X-Files Ransomware Using SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool

SpyHunter anti-malware tool will diagnose all current threats on the computer. By purchasing the full version, you will be able to remove all malware threats instantly. Additional information about SpyHunter / Help to uninstall SpyHunter

STEP V: Repair Windows Registry

1) Again type simultaneously the Windows Button + R key combination
2) In the box, write “regedit”(without the inverted commas) and hit Enter
3) Type the CTRL+F and then write the malicious name in the search type field to locate the malicious executable
4) In case you have discovered registry keys and values related to the name, you should delete them, but be careful not to delete legitimate keys

Further help for Windows Registry repair

STEP VI: Recover Encrypted Files

1) Use present backups
2) Restore your personal files using File History
– Hit WIN Key
– Type “restore your files” in the search box
– Select “Restore your files with File History”
– Choose a folder or type the name of the file in the search bar



– Hit the “Restore” button

3) Using System Restore Point

– Hit WIN Key
– Select “Open System Restore” and follow the steps

STEP VII: Preventive Security Measures

1) Enable and properly configure your Firewall.
2) Install and maintain reliable anti-malware software.
3) Secure your web browser.
4) Check regularly for available software updates and apply them.
5) Disable macros in Office documents.
6) Use strong passwords.
7) Don’t open attachments or click on links unless you’re certain they’re safe.
8) Backup regularly your data.

SpyHunter anti-malware tool will diagnose all current threats on the computer. By purchasing the full version, you will be able to remove all malware threats instantly. Additional information about SpyHunter / Help to uninstall SpyHunter