XYZware Ransomware

We have received reports of a new MafiaWare virus strain known as the XYZware Ransomware, continue reading our removal guide to learn how to remove it.

XYZware Ransomware Description

The XYZware Ransomware is a new descendant that originates from the infamous MafiaWare ransomware which in turn uses code from the Hidden Tear open-source project. This version follows the basic infection strategy of encrypting target user data with a strong cipher (AES-128) and extorting the victims for a ransomware fee payment.

At the moment the full security analysis is not yet complete. The initial data results shows that the virus has not modified much of its base code.

This means that there have not been any non-standard features that have been implemented. When the infection has been initiated the encryption engine is started and it automatically starts to encrypt the user’s data with the cipher. The affected file type extensions include the most popular documents, photos, music, configuration files and etc.

When this process is complete a ranasomware note (crafted in a “README.txt” file) is created and shown to the user. It has the following contents:

All your files has been encrypted with RSA-2048 and AES-128.
There is no way to decrypt without private key and decrypt program. You can buy the private key and the decrypt program just for 0.2 BTC (Bitcoin)
You have 48 hours to buy it. After that, your private key will gone and we can’t guarantee to decrypt.
Email me for more information about how to buy it at [email protected]

XYZware Ransomware Distribution

We suspect that the malware creator behind this virus has acquired the Hidden Tear code from an underground black market. Depending on the future ongoing attacks we will see if the virus has been placed on sale somewhere in the hacker communities or it has been customized to be used by only a small number of people.

We presume that the hackers are going to employ the most popular strategies associated with malware distribution:

• Email Spam Campaigns – These are by far the most popular source of virus infections. The criminal operators use phishing tactics to trick the victims into downloading an infected attachment or to open a link that leads to a virus.
• Software Installers – Software installers downloaded from unofficial sources and pirate BitTorrent sites often carry dangerous malware, including ransomware strains.
• Maliicous Ad Redirects – Malicious ads and browser hijackers can modify the user’s web browser behaviour into downloading the computer host with ransomware.

XYZware 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

XYZware Ransomware Ransomware Removal

For a faster solution, you can run a scan with an advanced malware removal tool and delete XYZware Ransomware 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 XYZware Ransomware 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