A ransomware that uses one of the most often used ransom messages, encrypting files with a strong cipher has been the reason for several reports of affected victims. The ODCODC ransomware (also known as crypto-virus) sets the .odcodc file extension to the newly encrypted files and leaves a “readthis.txt” ransom note. Users who have been infected with the ODCODC ransomware are advised to remove this ransomware immediately and try one of the file restoration methods illustrated after this article.
Threat Summary
| Name | ODCODC |
| Type | Ransomware |
| Short Description | The ransomware may encrypt files with the RSA-2048 cipher and asks a ransom payment for decryption. |
| Symptoms | Files are encrypted and become inaccessible. A ransom note with instructions for paying the ransom shows as a readthis.txt file. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, File Sharing Networks. |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
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Malware Removal Tool
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| User Experience | Join our forum to Discuss ODCODC Ransomware. |
| Data Recovery Tool | Windows Data Recovery by Stellar Phoenix Notice! This product scans your drive sectors to recover lost files and it may not recover 100% of the encrypted files, but only few of them, depending on the situation and whether or not you have reformatted your drive. |
ODCODC Ransomware – How Is It Distributed
In order to be widespread, ODCODC Ransomware may use several different techniques to be spread out, but the main possibilities are:
Malicious files.
Malicious URLs.
Such may be spread in various ways, varying from malicious e-mail attachments to malicious URLs shared on various suspicious websites.
ODCODC Ransomware In Detail
Once activated on the computer, ODCODC ransomware may drop its payload files in one of the several folders:
- %AppData%
- %Temp%
- %Roaming%
- %User’s Profile Folder%
- %Windows%
- %Desktop%
The files may be more than one and may be of the following file formats:
→ .dll, .txt, .exe, .tmp, .vbs, .bat, .cmd
They may contain random names or names that resemble a Windows process, for example, “svchost.exe”. The .tmp files are usually dropped in the %Temp% folder.
After the malicious files have been dropped, the ODCODC ransomware may employ a powerful RSA or AES encryption to files with the following extensions:
After encrypting the files of affected users, ODCODC ransomware may delete the shadow volume copies of the infected computer, eradicating any possibility of files being recovered from backups. This can happen by executing a .vbs script with the following administrative command:
After this is done, the ransomware may create a “readthis.txt” file with the following ransom message:
→ “Your personal files are encrypted!
What happened to your files?
All of your files were protected by a strong encryption with RSA-2048. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RSA_(cryptosystem)
What does this mean?
This means that the structure and data within your files have been irrevocably changed, you will not be able to work with them, read them or see them, it is the same thing as losing them forever, but with our help, you cant restore them.
What to do?
We can recover your files. You can trust us, for proof of this we can decrypt some your files for free.
How to contact you?
Write us to email: abennaki@india.com
Ваши персональные файлы зашифрованы!
Что случилось с файлами?
Все ваши файлы зашищены криптостойким алгоритмом RSA-2048. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RSA_(cryptosystem)
Что это значит?
Это значит, что структура и содержимое ваших файлов потерпили необратиме изменения, вы не можете с ними работать, читать или видеть, это тоже самое, что потерять их бесповоротно, но, с нашей помощью, вы можете их все восстановить.
Что мне делать?
Мы можем полностью восстановить доступ к вашим файлам. Вы можете нам доверять, доказать честность и серьезность наших намерений мы можем бесплатной расшифровкой нескольких файлов.
Как с вами связаться?
Напишите нам на почту: abennaki@india.com”Source:Affected Users
ODCODC Ransomware – Conclusion, Removal, and File Restoring
The bottom line for this variant of crypto-malware is that it may be part of the Rakhni or Troldesh variants. Judging by the badly written ransom note in Russian, it has been created for Russian users, but it may not originate from Russia. Such files may be decrypted via Rakhni decryptor by Kaspersky, which we have posted along with other file restoration methods in step “3. Restore files encrypted by ODCODC” below.
However, if you want to try and restore your files, we advise you to either do it on a safe computer or follow the removal instructions below to remove the malware from your PC. They are methodologically arranged to help detect and remove ODCODC ransomware effectively.
Finally, we advise you to follow this article for further updates on ODCODC ransomware and in the meantime to try the methods from step “3” below to attempt and restore your files. They may not be 100 percent successful, but there is a possibility that you might be able to revert at least some of your files.
Ventsislav Krastev
Ventsislav is a cybersecurity expert at SensorsTechForum since 2015. He has been researching, covering, helping victims with the latest malware infections plus testing and reviewing software and the newest tech developments. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for learning new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management, Network Administration and Computer Administration of System Applications, he found his true calling within the cybersecrurity industry and is a strong believer in the education of every user towards online safety and security.
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Step 1: Scan for ODCODC with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall ODCODC and related malware from Windows
Here is a method in few easy steps that should be able to uninstall most programs. No matter if you are using Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista or XP, those steps will get the job done. Dragging the program or its folder to the recycle bin can be a very bad decision. If you do that, bits and pieces of the program are left behind, and that can lead to unstable work of your PC, errors with the file type associations and other unpleasant activities. The proper way to get a program off your computer is to Uninstall it. To do that:
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully delete most unwanted and malicious programs.
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by ODCODC on your computer.
The usually targeted registries of Windows machines are the following:
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
You can access them by opening the Windows registry editor and deleting any values, created by ODCODC there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
Tip: To find a virus-created value, you can right-click on it and click "Modify" to see which file it is set to run. If this is the virus file location, remove the value.
Before starting "Step 4", please boot back into Normal mode, in case you are currently in Safe Mode.
This will enable you to install and use SpyHunter 5 successfully.
Step 4: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove ODCODC
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by ODCODC.
Method 1: Use STOP Decrypter by Emsisoft.
Not all variants of this ransomware can be decrypted for free, but we have added the decryptor used by researchers that is often updated with the variants which become eventually decrypted. You can try and decrypt your files using the instructions below, but if they do not work, then unfortunately your variant of the ransomware virus is not decryptable.
Follow the instructions below to use the Emsisoft decrypter and decrypt your files for free. You can download the Emsisoft decryption tool linked here and then follow the steps provided below:
1 Right-click on the decrypter and click on Run as Administrator as shown below:
2. Agree with the license terms:
3. Click on "Add Folder" and then add the folders where you want files decrypted as shown underneath:
4. Click on "Decrypt" and wait for your files to be decoded.
Note: Credit for the decryptor goes to Emsisoft researchers who have made the breakthrough with this virus.
Method 2: Use data recovery software
Ransomware infections and ODCODC aim to encrypt your files using an encryption algorithm which may be very difficult to decrypt. This is why we have suggested a data recovery method that may help you go around direct decryption and try to restore your files. Bear in mind that this method may not be 100% effective but may also help you a little or a lot in different situations.
Simply click on the link and on the website menus on the top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.
ODCODC-FAQ
What is ODCODC Ransomware?
ODCODC is a ransomware infection - the malicious software that enters your computer silently and blocks either access to the computer itself or encrypt your files.
Many ransomware viruses use sophisticated encryption algorithms to make your files inaccessible. The goal of ransomware infections is to demand that you pay a ransom payment to get access to your files back.
What Does ODCODC Ransomware Do?
Ransomware in general is a malicious software that is designed to block access to your computer or files until a ransom is paid.
Ransomware viruses can also damage your system, corrupt data and delete files, resulting in the permanent loss of important files.
How Does ODCODC Infect?
Via several ways.ODCODC Ransomware infects computers by being sent via phishing emails, containing virus attachment. This attachment is usually masked as an important document, like an invoice, bank document or even a plane ticket and it looks very convincing to users.
Another way you may become a victim of ODCODC is if you download a fake installer, crack or patch from a low reputation website or if you click on a virus link. Many users report getting a ransomware infection by downloading torrents.
How to Open .ODCODC files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .ODCODC files are encrypted. You can only open them once they are decrypted using a specific decryption key for the particular algorithm.
What to Do If a Decryptor Does Not Work?
Do not panic, and backup the files. If a decryptor did not decrypt your .ODCODC files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".ODCODC" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .ODCODC files.
These methods are in no way 100% guaranteed that you will be able to get your files back. But if you have a backup, your chances of success are much greater.
How To Get Rid of ODCODC Virus?
The safest way and the most efficient one for the removal of this ransomware infection is the use a professional anti-malware program.
It will scan for and locate ODCODC ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .ODCODC files.
Can I Report Ransomware to Authorities?
In case your computer got infected with a ransomware infection, you can report it to the local Police departments. It can help authorities worldwide track and determine the perpetrators behind the virus that has infected your computer.
Below, we have prepared a list with government websites, where you can file a report in case you are a victim of a cybercrime:
Cyber-security authorities, responsible for handling ransomware attack reports in different regions all over the world:
Germany - Offizielles Portal der deutschen Polizei
United States - IC3 Internet Crime Complaint Centre
United Kingdom - Action Fraud Police
France - Ministère de l'Intérieur
Italy - Polizia Di Stato
Spain - Policía Nacional
Netherlands - Politie
Poland - Policja
Portugal - Polícia Judiciária
Greece - Cyber Crime Unit (Hellenic Police)
India - Mumbai Police - CyberCrime Investigation Cell
Australia - Australian High Tech Crime Center
Reports may be responded to in different timeframes, depending on your local authorities.
Can You Stop Ransomware from Encrypting Your Files?
Yes, you can prevent ransomware. The best way to do this is to ensure your computer system is updated with the latest security patches, use a reputable anti-malware program and firewall, backup your important files frequently, and avoid clicking on malicious links or downloading unknown files.
Can ODCODC Ransomware Steal Your Data?
Yes, in most cases ransomware will steal your information. It is a form of malware that steals data from a user's computer, encrypts it, and then demands a ransom in order to decrypt it.
In many cases, the malware authors or attackers will threaten to delete the data or publish it online unless the ransom is paid.
Can Ransomware Infect WiFi?
Yes, ransomware can infect WiFi networks, as malicious actors can use it to gain control of the network, steal confidential data, and lock out users. If a ransomware attack is successful, it could lead to a loss of service and/or data, and in some cases, financial losses.
Should I Pay Ransomware?
No, you should not pay ransomware extortionists. Paying them only encourages criminals and does not guarantee that the files or data will be restored. The better approach is to have a secure backup of important data and be vigilant about security in the first place.
What Happens If I Don't Pay Ransom?
If you don't pay the ransom, the hackers may still have access to your computer, data, or files and may continue to threaten to expose or delete them, or even use them to commit cybercrimes. In some cases, they may even continue to demand additional ransom payments.
Can a Ransomware Attack Be Detected?
Yes, ransomware can be detected. Anti-malware software and other advanced security tools can detect ransomware and alert the user when it is present on a machine.
It is important to stay up-to-date on the latest security measures and to keep security software updated to ensure ransomware can be detected and prevented.
Do Ransomware Criminals Get Caught?
Yes, ransomware criminals do get caught. Law enforcement agencies, such as the FBI, Interpol and others have been successful in tracking down and prosecuting ransomware criminals in the US and other countries. As ransomware threats continue to increase, so does the enforcement activity.
About the ODCODC Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this ODCODC how-to removal guide included, is the outcome of extensive research, hard work and our team’s devotion to help you remove the specific malware and restore your encrypted files.
How did we conduct the research on this ransomware?
Our research is based on an independent investigation. We are in contact with independent security researchers, and as such, we receive daily updates on the latest malware and ransomware definitions.
Furthermore, the research behind the ODCODC ransomware threat is backed with VirusTotal and the NoMoreRansom project.
To better understand the ransomware threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.
As a site that has been dedicated to providing free removal instructions for ransomware and malware since 2014, SensorsTechForum’s recommendation is to only pay attention to trustworthy sources.
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