A new Xorist virus sample has been detected using the .PrOtOnIs extension. We have detected that it is based on the source code used by previous iterations. Our article provides an overview of the virus operations and it also may be helpful in attempting to remove the virus.
Threat Summary
| Name | Xoris Virus |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | The ransomware encrypts sensitive information on your computer system with the .PrOtOnIs extension and demands a ransom to be paid to allegedly recover them. |
| Symptoms | The ransomware will encrypt your files with a strong encryption algorithm. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
| Detection Tool |
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Xoris Virus. |
| 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. |
Xorist Virus – Distribution Ways
The Xorist ransomware family is well known for spreading across a variety of different methods. The recently collected Xorist virus samples indicate that computer criminals continue to develop new threats that utilize the same underlying engine.
A common tactic used to spread the virus samples is the creation of phishing email campaigns. They mandate the coordination of messages that contain design elements and layouts that are hijacked from popular services and sites that most Internet users might use. Usually the Xorist virus samples are either directly attached or linked somewhere in the body contents.
The built-in links can lead to hacker-created sites that might look like legitimate vendors or download portals. In most cases it may be difficult to differentiate between the real and the fake pages as fake credentials and similar sounding domain names are standard. These two methods are also the most common ones used to spread infected payloads that can lead to Xorist virus infections. Two popular types are the following:
- Documents — Xorist virus infections can be caused by interacting with dangerous scripts. The most likely place to find them are malicious documents: text documents, spreadsheets, presentations and databases. Once they are a notification message will appear asking the users to enable the built-in macros. If this is done the infection will follow.
- Application Installers — The Xorist virus code can be made part of setup files for popular software. This is done by taking the original application installers from their original sources and embedding the virus install code into them. Popular choices include system utilities, creativity suites and productivity apps.
Both the standalone virus files and the malware payload carriers can be spread using hacker scripts that can take various forms — pop-ups, banners, redirects and in-line hyperlinks. To further increase the number of infected hosts the criminals can utilize file sharing networks such as BitTorrent. They are a popular choice among computer users as they allow the distribution of all kinds of content include pirate games, movies and software.
Advanced virus spread campaigns can employ browser hijackers. They are malicious plugins made for the most popular web browsers that are most commonly found on the associated add-on repositories. They make use of fake user reviews and developer credentials along with an elaborate description to coerce the users into installing it. Once this is done the built-in instructions will trigger a change of the default settings (home page, search engine and new tabs page) to redirect the users to a hacker-controlled page. After this is complete the virus will be downloaded and started on the victim machine.
Xorist Virus – In-Depth Analysis
Xorist virus samples feature a classic behavior pattern which is no different than the other well-known ransomware families. Having a modular framework enabels the criminals to create custom versions of Xorist and even offer the creation of tailor-made versions on the hacker underground markets. At the onset of infections we presume that the virus files will start a data harvesting component. It has several important features which require it to be started first before the other malicious actions can take place:
- Stealth Protection — By scanning for the presence of anti-virus programs, sandbox environments and virtual machine hosts the Xorist virus engine can disable their real-time engines or altogether delete them from the system. This will prevent them from blocking the ransomware’s deployment and operations.
- Personal Data — The virus engine can be programmed to retrieve information that can reveal the victim users identity. An example is their name, address, phone number, interests, location and any stored account credentials.
- Campaign Metrics — The Xorist virus can harvest information that can be useful to the hackers in coordinating their attacks. The list of target information includes a report on the installed hardware components and system settings.
Once the ransomware has gained access to the system it can institute multiple malicious actions depending on the exact malicious pattern instituted by the hacker operators. A typical virus installation would begin by modifying the Windows Registry. This is done in order to cause certain user-installed applications and system services to stop functioning properly. Such modifications can also lead to severe performance issues when using the compromised system. Other system changes that have a lasting impact on the infected hosts include the installation of the Xorist virus as a persistent threat. This sets the ransomware to automatically launch once the computer is started. It will also disable access to the recovery boot menu which will make it very difficult to utilize manual removal instructions. Additional issues can be caused by the ransomware’s deletion of Shadow Volume Copies and System Restore Data. This means that effective file restore is only possible with a professional-grade solution, refer to our instructions for more information.
Advanced infections can deliver a Trojan infection which allows the criminal operators to take over control of the infected hosts. This is done by setting up an encrypted connection with a hacker-controlled server. When it is active the operators can take over control of the systems, retrieve any file and also deploy additional threats.
Xorist Virus — Encryption
When all modules have completed execution the ransomware component can be started. Like previous samples it uses a built-in list of target file type extensions. An example list may affect the following data:
- Archives
- Documents
- Databases
- Images
- Videos
- Music
All affected files will be renamed with the .PrOtOnIs extension. Looking up into the infections we have uncovered an alternative extension called .PrOtOnIs.VaNdElIs.
The associated ransomware note reads the following message:
ATENTION!!!
I am truly sorry to inform you that all your important files are crypted.
If you want to recover your encrypted files you need to follow a few steps.
Atention! I do not offer for free the decrypt key, for that you have to pay 0.08 BITCOIN.Step 1: Create an account on www.localbitcoins.com
Step 2: Buy 0.08 BITCOIN
Step 3: Send the amount on this BTC address: 1cyVzadAas7SA1r7YPmGP8FCUKMQYWp6w
Step 4: Contact me on this email address protonis@gmx.com with this subject: ID-RESTORE-008PROTONISPCID0381723
After this steps you will receive through email the key and a decrypt tutorial.Here is another list where you can buy bitcoin:
https://bitcoin.org/en/exchanges
The ransomware note clearly shows that it contains the unique user ID which is calculated from the hijacked data.
Remove Xorist Ransomware Virus and Restore .PrOtOnIs Files
If your computer got infected with the Xorist ransomware virus, you should have a bit of experience in removing malware. You should get rid of this ransomware as quickly as possible before it can have the chance to spread further and infect other computers. You should remove the ransomware and follow the step-by-step instructions guide provided below.
Martin Beltov
Martin graduated with a degree in Publishing from Sofia University. As a cyber security enthusiast he enjoys writing about the latest threats and mechanisms of intrusion.
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Step 1: Scan for Xoris Virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Xoris 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:
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully delete most unwanted and malicious programs.
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by Xoris 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 Xoris Virus 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 Xoris Virus
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Xoris 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 Xoris 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.
Xoris Virus-FAQ
What is Xoris Virus Ransomware?
Xoris 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 Xoris 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 Xoris Virus Infect?
Via several ways.Xoris 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 Xoris 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 .Xoris Virus files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Xoris 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 .Xoris Virus files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Xoris Virus" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Xoris 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 Xoris 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 Xoris Virus ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Xoris 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 Xoris 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 Xoris Virus Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Xoris 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 Xoris 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.
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