EXOTIC 3.0 Ransomware is the newer version of the notorious EXOTIC Squad Virus, which has caused substantial damage in the past. Although there are several notable differences between these two parasites, their ultimate goal is the same – to make the victim unable to access his important personal files. EXOTIC 3.0 uses strong cryptography to modify the structure of your files in such a way that makes it impossible for you to open them. Whenever you attempt to do so, you are about to notice various errors messages such as “Windows cannot open this file”. In order to regain access to your valuable data, you will have to obtain a decryption key. The hacker standing behind EXOTIC 3.0, who introduces himself as ‘EVILTWIN’, is only willing to release this key if the victim pays a ransom. Since nothing can verify that the cyber criminal will honor his end of the agreement, it is not advisable to pay him the desired sum.
Threat Summary
| Name |
EXOTIC 3.0 |
| Type | Ransomware |
| Short Description | The malware encrypts users files using a strong encryption algorithm, making direct decryption possible only via a unique decryption key available to the cyber-criminals. |
| Symptoms | The user may witness ransom notes and “instructions” prompting to pay 50$ in BitCoins as the picture above shows if you click on it.Appends the .exotic file extension to the encrypted files. |
| Distribution Method | Via an Exploit kit, Dll file attack, malicious JavaScript or a drive-by download of the malware itself in an obfuscated manner. |
| Detection Tool | See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware. |
| 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. |
How Is EXOTIC 3.0 Ransomware Traveling Across the Cyberspace?
The security researchers are still investigating the exact distribution paths of this aggressive malware. Up to now, there is no evidence that EXOTIC 3.0 relies on some unique delivery tactics. The ransomware may affect your computer in case you agree to download software from random sites. It is a good idea to install all applications from their official webpages because otherwise you may provide some advanced malware like EXOTIC 3.0 with access to your system. The security researchers advise strongly against opening email attachments from unknown senders. Even if the file seems to be an innocent picture or MS Word document, it is better to ignore it unless you are 100% certain it is safe. Keep in mind that similar to previous Exotic versions the hackers may use social engineering tactics to trick the recipient into opening such files. For example, they may describe it as an urgent letter from your bank regarding unauthorized transactions or a message about an unexpected shipment.
What Makes EXOTIC 3.0 Ransomware Such a Dangerous Cyber Threat?
EXOTIC 3.0 is harmful software that may cause irreparable damage to your whole PC. It attacks all of the personal files of the victim, some of which he may need for his education or work. In addition to this data, you may also lose access to all photos and videos with great sentimental value. You will easily find which files have been hit by EXOTIC 3.0 when you take a look at their extensions. This ransomware appends “.exotic” towards the default file extension. The complex Trojan covers the whole desktop with an image, containing details about the attack. The hacker demands a payment of $50 in Bitcoins in exchange for the decryption key, which is supposed to fix your PC. The victim has limited time to act. Unless the payment is received within 72 hours, EVILTWIN threatens to destroy the valuable decryption key permanently.
Is There a Way to Break the Cryptography of EXOTIC 3.0 Manually?
EXOTIC 3.0 uses AES-128 to change the structure of your files and make them unopenable. While this isn’t the most advanced cryptography known to man, it is still very hard to break the cipher manually. Moreover, the decryption key is stored on Command and Control (C&C) servers and not your PC, which means it will be equally difficult to find it without paying the ransom. Fortunately, there are several ways to fix your PC without sponsoring cyber criminals. The first option is to attempt а system recovery with the built-in Windows function or special software. You may also wait for the security researchers to create a free decryption tool. If you are lucky enough to have a backup on some external device, you can easily import your files back to the PC.
No matter which option you choose, you should first eliminate all traces of EXOTIC 3.0. This malware affects various areas of the Operating System (OS), including the Windows registries, so the manual removal is not recommended for all users. If you delete the wrong files, you may make your OS unable to launch at all. The specialists suggest you use advanced security software to delete EXOTIC 3.0 permanently, after which you can attempt to restore the lost data.
To restore your files, unfortunately there is no direct decryptor released by malware researchers at this point. However, we have created alternative file restoration methods which you are welcome to try in step “2. Restore files encrypted by EXOTIC 3.0” below. Bear in mind that they are not 100% effective and this is why you should backup your files before attempting any of those alternatives.
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 EXOTIC 3.0 with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall EXOTIC 3.0 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 EXOTIC 3.0 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 EXOTIC 3.0 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 EXOTIC 3.0
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by EXOTIC 3.0.
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 EXOTIC 3.0 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.
EXOTIC 3.0-FAQ
What is EXOTIC 3.0 Ransomware?
EXOTIC 3.0 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 EXOTIC 3.0 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 EXOTIC 3.0 Infect?
Via several ways.EXOTIC 3.0 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 EXOTIC 3.0 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 .EXOTIC 3.0 files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .EXOTIC 3.0 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 .EXOTIC 3.0 files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".EXOTIC 3.0" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .EXOTIC 3.0 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 EXOTIC 3.0 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 EXOTIC 3.0 ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .EXOTIC 3.0 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 EXOTIC 3.0 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 EXOTIC 3.0 Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this EXOTIC 3.0 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 EXOTIC 3.0 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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