Locky ransomware continues to evolve. The new extension .ODIN is placed as an appendix to the original file extension names after they get encrypted. The cryptovirus seeks to encrypt nearly 400 different file types. As the ransom note states, data is locked by the RSA 2048-bit encryption algorithm while using 128-bit AES ciphers. Spam e-mail campaigns have launched a storm of e-mails containing malicious attachments. To remove the new variant of Locky and see if you could decrypt any of your files, carefully read this article to the end.
Threat Summary
Name | .ODIN Virus |
Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
Short Description | The ransomware will run a .DLL installer and encrypt your data. After that it will show a ransom note with paying instructions required for decryption. |
Symptoms | The virus will append the .ODIN extension to around 380 different file types after it encrypts them. |
Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Script Files |
Detection Tool |
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss .ODIN Virus. |
Data Recovery Tool | Stellar Phoenix Data Recovery Technician’s License 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. |
.ODIN Virus – Chronological Background
The .ODIN file extension virus is actually a new variant of the Locky ransomware. At the beginning of this year, Locky first started encrypting people’s files with a strong military algorithm. That first variant used big spam e-mail campaigns to spread Locky’s payload file, including the usage of different exploit kits.
Afterward, near the end of this June, Locky got upgraded with the .Zepto file extension. Researchers saw that the code was improved, while the spam email campaigns were way more (and are still ongoing). JavaScript files were used in the email attachments, and the emails themselves were sent by powerful botnets.
Almost immediately after the .Zepto variant another cryptovirus joined this ransomware family, going by the name Bart. The same payment layout was used, but also rebranded with the new name. Then, AVG researchers found that the third iteration of the ransomware had flaws in the code and was decryptable, so an official decrypter program got released from them. As a counter-attack, the creator of Bart tweaked its code and released the improved Bart2 ransomware cryptovirus.
Now, the virus goes back to its roots with its original name – Locky, the massive spam email campaigns, and encryption as strong as the original.
.ODIN Virus – Infection Tactics
The .ODIN virus uses multiple tactics to spread its infection. There could be targeted attacks, but for now, the prevalent method is using botnets, presumably the Necurs botnet used from a month ago. The botnets spread the spam emails, which try to convince unsuspecting users that the information contained in the attached files is urgent. The emails either use the same domain name as the email address to which they are sent or a completely unrelated one. The subjects of these emails are mostly the following ones:
- Re: Documents Requested
- FW:Documents Requested
- Updated invoice #[2-digit number]
The files found inside the attachments may look harmless, but the infection starts from there. The files will usually be compressed in a .zip archive. Inside the archive there is a .swf file, for example PYLPK3401.wsf. There could be an equivalent in the form of a password protected .rtf document. If you execute that file, your computer will be infected, and your files would get encrypted. That happens via JavaScript or Windows Script, initiated from the file, resulting in downloading the payload file, which is .DLL file.
Various other tactics for the spreading of the latest infection of Locky might be implemented, such as the use of social media networks and file sharing services. Be wary when browsing the Web and refrain from opening suspicious files, links and e-mails. Perform checks on files for their signatures, size, and also scan them with a security application before opening them. You should see tips for preventing ransomware in our forum topic.
.ODIN Virus – Detailed Information
The .ODIN virus is the latest iteration of the Locky ransomware. Spam email campaigns distributed by botnets make for the quick spread which is typical for this cryptovirus. Its files are harder to detect than past variants and its code seem upgraded. Unfortunately, people still fall victim to this kind of attacks, especially when they are personalized and imitate somebody from their social circle.
The Locky cryptovirus downloads its payload file from the opening of a JavaScript or Windows Script file that looks like a document. The new variant uses a Dynamic Link Library (.DLL) file, which will infect your system and encrypt your data files.
The ransomware uses the RunDll32.exe program integrated in the Windows OS to execute the .dll file using this command line:
→rundll32.exe %Temp%\[DLL file name],qwerty
The ransomware will modify Registry entries of the Windows OS to remain persistent.
The registry entries will be responsible for the automatic launch of the .ODIN virus with each start of the Windows Operating System. They will also make its manual removal very difficult and to constantly reappear if all main files are not removed at once. Then, the encryption process starts. When that operation has finished, you will see your files with changed names and some additional files that you can access. The three accessible files are the following:
- _HOWDO_text.html
- _HOWDO_text.bmp
- _[2_47]_HOWDO_text.html (where 47 can be any number of digits)
Those files contain the payment instructions and you can preview their contents in the screenshot below:
The text of the _HOWDO_text files reads the following:
!!! IMPORTANT INFORMATION !!!!
All of your files are encrypted with RSA-2048 and AES-128 ciphers.
More information about the RSA and AES can be found here:
hxxps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RSA_(cryptosystem)
hxxps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Advanced_Encryption_StandardDecrypting of your files is only possible with the private key and decrypt
program, which is on our secret server.
To receive your private key follow one of the links:
1. https://jhomitevd2abj3fk.tor2web.org/5E950263BC5AAB7E
2. https://jhomitevd2abj3fk.onion.to/5E950263BC5AAB7EIf all of this addresses are not available, follow these steps:
1. Download and install Tor Browser: https://www.torproject.org/download/download-easy.html
2. After a successful installation, run the browser and wait for initialization.
3. Type in the address bar: jhomitevd2abj3fk.onion/5E950263BC5AAB7E
4. Follow the instructions on the site.
!!! Your personal identification ID: 5E950263BC5AAB7E !!!
If you click or type in that link, you will be redirected to the website page with instructions for paying. You will land on the following page:
The .ODIN virus variant has been witnessed to ask for 1,5 and 0,5 Bitcoins depending on the version a person stumbles upon. Whatever the case is, do not pay the cyber crooks as you cannot be guaranteed of getting your files back after payment. The money will certainly be used for financially supporting criminal activity, such as to develop new ransomware or more variants of this one. If we put Locky on an imaginary, chronological timeline, we can easily deduct that it has only continued to evolve.
You can view some articles connected to past variants of the .ODIN ransomware right here:
- Locky ransomware (.locky extension)
- Zepto Ransomware (.zepto extension)
- Bart Ransomware (.bart.zip extension)
The encrypted files will have the new extension .ODIN and the file name is changed with unique symbols and numbers for your computer. The ransomware utilizes an RSA 2048-bit encryption algorithm with 128-bit AES ciphers. You can open the accordion and see the full list with file types that will be encrypted on a compromised computer from down here:
The .ODIN ransomware is highly probable to delete all of the Shadow Volume Copies found on your Windows operating system. Continue to read down below to see how to remove this virus and to try a few ways to decrypt parts of your data.
Remove .ODIN Virus and Restore .ODIN Files
If your computer got infected with the .ODIN ransomware cryptovirus, you should have some experience in removing malware. You should get rid of this ransomware as quick as possible before it can have the chance to spread deeper and infect more computers. You should remove the ransomware and follow the step-by-step instructions manual given below. To see ways in which you can try to recover your files, see the step titled 2. Restore files encrypted by .ODIN Virus.
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for .ODIN Virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall .ODIN Virus 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:
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by .ODIN Virus 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 .ODIN Virus there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
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 .ODIN Virus
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by .ODIN Virus.
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 .ODIN Virus 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.
.ODIN Virus-FAQ
What is .ODIN Virus Ransomware?
.ODIN Virus 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 .ODIN Virus 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 .ODIN Virus Infect?
Via several ways..ODIN Virus 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 .ODIN Virus 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 ..ODIN Virus files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the ..ODIN Virus 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 ..ODIN Virus files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore "..ODIN Virus" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore ..ODIN Virus 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 .ODIN Virus 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 .ODIN Virus ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important ..ODIN Virus 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 .ODIN Virus 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 .ODIN Virus Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this .ODIN Virus 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 .ODIN Virus 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.
How to recognize trustworthy sources:
- Always check "About Us" web page.
- Profile of the content creator.
- Make sure that real people are behind the site and not fake names and profiles.
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