A new ransomware virus spreads through the Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) found on many computer systems. Its real name is Xpan, but many victims and some researchers refer to it as TeamXRat ransomware. The name TeamXRat comes from the cybercriminals who developed the ransomware and left their name in the ransom note as signature. The extension .___xratteamLucked is appended to files which get encrypted.
The ransomware originates from Brazil, but residents of other countries may get infected as well. To remove the virus and see how you can decrypt your files, read this article carefully.
The ransomware distributes by exploiting weak passwords in the Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP). From there is loads the Xpan Trojan horse and infects the files on a compromised PC.
Symptoms
The virus will append the .___xratteamLucked extension to the files, which it encrypts.
The TeamXRat virus is unique in the way it infects compared to other ransomware viruses. It utilizes targeted attacks, by brutе forcing servers via the Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP). The Windows Operating System has a Remote Desktop Connection implemented in it and it may be turned on by default. Other operating systems also have an equivalent program running the same protocol, which makes it viable for a hacker attack. Once a weak password is cracked with the brute-forcing method, it is immediately exploited. The Xpan ransomware Trojan is being installed after the hackers manually set off the Anti-virus software found on the server they have entered.
However, it is not excluded for the TeamXRat virus to be spread in other ways. Some of these ways include malicious spam e-mail campaigns or using networks like social media or file-sharing services. On there a malicious file containing the payload of the malware could be placed. If you interact with it, especially by executing it, your whole computer machine will get encrypted. Before opening files with an unknown origin, perform checks on them for their signatures, size, and also scan them with a security tool. You should see more tips for ransomware prevention in our forum thread.
TeamXRat Virus – Information
The Xpan Trojan virus is what many people have dubbed TeamXRat. That is largely due to the fact that this ransomware had the signature TeamXRat in its ransom note and on the wallpaper it sets after file encryption. The ransomware is developed by the Brazilian criminals identifying themselves as TeamXRat or CorporacaoXRat (CorporationXRat). Although the virus originates from Brazil and most compromised computers are in Brazil, people from other countries have also fallen victim to this cyber threat.
The cybercriminals TeamXRat have developed other ransomware before, which is known as the Xrat ransomware (Xorist). They have improved their newest ransomware with a stronger encryption algorithm.
The ransomware uses creates the following sub-key in the Windows Registry:
→HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.____xratteamLucked
After that the following Registry entries are created in the above mentioned sub-key:
From the registry entries above, a script will be initiated to start from a .DLL file. On top of it all, the following processes (marked with .exe) and services will be stopped by the ransomware:
fb_inet_server.exe
pg_ctl.exe
sqlservr.exe
postgresql-9.0
FirebirdServerDefaultInstance
SSQL$SQLEXPRESS
MSSQLSERVER
In the end, the following file with the payment instructions is created:
→[PATH OF ENCRYPTED FILES]\Como descriptografar os seus arquivos.txt
The file is written in Brazillian Portuguese and looks like this:
Another change you might notice is that your desktop wallpaper will be changed with this picture:
They write about the encryption algorithm which is used, demand one Bitcoin for payment and the e-mail addess xRatTeam@mail2tor.com is given for you to contact the cyber crooks.
Do not even think of paying the malware makers as nobody can guarantee you will get your files back after successful payment. The money will undeniably be used for financially supporting further criminal activity, like the development of a new ransomware or even worse.
All encrypted files will have the extension .___xratteamLucked or .____xratteamLucked appended to them. The ransomware uses a 255 character password and the RSA 2048-bit encryption algorithm with 256-bit AES ciphers to encrypt files. Usually we list the file types, which are encrypted by such a cryptovirus, but this time you can see the file types which are not encrypted, because they are added into an exception list:
→.exe .dll .lnk .bat .ini .msi .scf
Here is a full list containing all file paths that are excluded from encryption:
The TeamXRat ransomware is very likely to delete the Shadow Volume Copies found on your Windows operating system. After encryption the ransomware deletes some of the files it originates from, including the payload file. Continue reading and down below you will see how to remove the virus completely and what you can try to decrypt your files.
Remove TeamXRat Virus and Restore .___xratteamLucked Files
If your computer got infected with the TeamXRat 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 further and infect more computers. You should remove the ransomware and follow the step-by-step instructions manual given below. Check out ways in which you can try to recover your files by seeing the step titled 2. Restore files encrypted by TeamXRat or wait to see if there is an official decrypter released.
Berta is a dedicated malware researcher, dreaming for a more secure cyber space. Her fascination with IT security began a few years ago when a malware locked her out of her own computer.
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Step 1
Step 2
Step 3
Step 4
Step 5
Step 1: Scan for TeamXrat with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
1. Click on the "Download" button to proceed to SpyHunter's download page.
It is recommended to run a scan before purchasing the full version of the software to make sure that the current version of the malware can be detected by SpyHunter. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter's EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria.
2. After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to update automatically.
3. After the update process has finished, click on the 'Malware/PC Scan' tab. A new window will appear. Click on 'Start Scan'.
4. After SpyHunter has finished scanning your PC for any files of the associated threat and found them, you can try to get them removed automatically and permanently by clicking on the 'Next' button.
If any threats have been removed, it is highly recommended to restart your PC.
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall TeamXrat 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:
1. Hold the Windows Logo Button and "R" on your keyboard. A Pop-up window will appear.
2. In the field type in "appwiz.cpl" and press ENTER.
3. This will open a window with all the programs installed on the PC. Select the program that you want to remove, and press "Uninstall"
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully delete most unwanted and malicious programs.
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by TeamXrat on your computer.
The usually targeted registries of Windows machines are the following:
You can access them by opening the Windows registry editor and deleting any values, created by TeamXrat there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
1. Open the Run Window again, type "regedit" and click OK.
2. When you open it, you can freely navigate to the Run and RunOnce keys, whose locations are shown above.
3. You can remove the value of the virus by right-clicking on it and removing it.
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.
IMPORTANT! 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 TeamXrat
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1. Hold Windows Key + R.
2. The "Run" Window will appear. In it, type "msconfig" and click OK.
3. Go to the "Boot" tab. There select "Safe Boot" and then click "Apply" and "OK".
Tip: Make sure to reverse those changes by unticking Safe Boot after that, because your system will always boot in Safe Boot from now on.
4. When prompted, click on "Restart" to go into Safe Mode.
5. You can recognise Safe Mode by the words written on the corners of your screen.
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by TeamXrat.
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.
1Right-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 TeamXrat 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.
1. Download the recommended Data Recovery software by clicking on the link underneath:
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.
TeamXrat-FAQ
What is TeamXrat Ransomware?
TeamXrat 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 TeamXrat 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 TeamXrat Infect?
Via several ways.TeamXrat 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 TeamXrat 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 .TeamXrat files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .TeamXrat 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 .TeamXrat files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".TeamXrat" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .TeamXrat 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 TeamXrat 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 TeamXrat ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .TeamXrat 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:
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 TeamXrat 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 TeamXrat Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this TeamXrat 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.
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.
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully delete most unwanted and malicious programs.
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.
