A malware researcher from G Data has discovered the Onyx ransomware cryptovirus. The virus will encrypt your files and display a ransom note with instructions written in the Georgian language. To see how to remove the ransomware and how you can try to restore your files, read the article till its end.
Threat Summary
| Name | Onyx |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | The ransomware will encrypt your files and then display a ransom note with instructions for payment. |
| Symptoms | The ransom note is written in the Georgian language and has a picture that is also a screen locker. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
| Detection Tool |
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Onyx. |
Onyx Ransomware – Infection
The Onyx ransomware could infiltrate your computer system by using multiple ways. The payload file might be spread via spam e-mails. This spam mail technique is designed to make you think that the email is important and the file attached to it is just as important. If you believe what such an email claims and you are in a rush, you just might open the attachment. Thus, the contents of the file release the payload and you can deem your computer device infected.
Onyx ransomware could infect your machine using other methods. For instance, the malware creators might distribute the malware file through social media and file-share networks. The file could be hosted on any of those platforms with the purpose of getting to more unsuspecting people. Refrain from simply opening files from dubious sources such as e-mails or links. Instead, do a scan with a security tool and check their size and signature beforehand. You should read the ransomware prevention tips from the thread in our forum.
Onyx Ransomware – More About It
A ransomware cryptovirus has recently been found. It goes by the name of Onyx. The malware researcher Karsten Hahn from G Data has found it in the wild.
Your files will get encrypted and afterward the extension .wnx will be set to every one of them. The demand instructions are written in a text file in the Georgian language. That will also load as a ransom message on your desktop screen whenever the encryption process finishes.
When the Onyx ransomware launches its payload, it can create entries in the Windows Registry. That is done for the ransomware to achieve a higher level of persistence. These registry entries will make the virus start automatically with every loading of the Windows operating system. Your data will then become encrypted, and after that, the ransom note will show up on your desktop screen.
The ransom note reads something in the lines of the following:
თქვენი ყველა ფაილი დაშიფრულია,
მაგრამ არ ინერვიულოთ, ისინი არ მოიხსნა. (ახლა)
თქვენ 24 საათის განმავლობაში უნდა გადაიხადოს $ 100.
ფულის ნაბიჯი მითითებულ ვიკიპედია ანგარიშზე.
წინააღმდეგ შემთხვევაში, ყველა ფაილი იქნება განადგურებული.
არ გამორთეთ კომპიუტერი და / ან არ ცდილობენ გამორთოთ ჩემთვის.
დაუმორჩილებლობა წაიშლება 100 ფაილი.
Here is how the original text looks in the ransom lock-screen:
A rough English translation looks like this:
All your files are encrypted,
but do not worry, they have not been removed. (for now)
You have 24 hours to pay $100.
Money move to the specified Bitcoin-account.
Otherwise, all files will be destroyed.
Do not turn off the computer and/or do not attempt to disable me.
When disobedience will be deleted 100 files.
You are given a deadline of just one day to pay the sum of 100 US dollars to a select Bitcoin address. In case you disobey, the ransomware threatens you to delete 100 of your files. You should NOT even be thinking of contacting the cybercriminals or funding their criminal activity. No one can guarantee that all of your files will become accessible again. What’s more, the criminals will probably just put the money into a new ransomware project.
The Onyx ransomware encrypts files and appends the .wnx extension to them. A list with file extensions which the ransomware searches to encrypt is not available yet, but the file types are documents, photos, and database files or something along those lines.
The Onyx cryptovirus is highly possible to erase the Shadow Volume Copies from the Windows operating system by using the following command:
→vssadmin.exe delete shadows /all /Quiet
Read more to see what types of methods you can try to restore parts of your data.
Remove Onyx Virus and Restore Your Files
If your computer got infected with the Onyx ransomware virus, you should have some experience in removing malware. You should get rid of this ransomware as fast 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 guide given below. To see ways that you can try to recover your data, see the step titled 2. Restore files encrypted by Onyx.
Tsetso Mihailov
Tsetso Mihailov is a tech-geek and loves everything that is tech-related, while observing the latest news surrounding technologies. He has worked in IT before, as a system administrator and a computer repair technician. Dealing with malware since his teens, he is determined to spread word about the latest threats revolving around computer security.
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Step 1: Scan for Onyx with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Onyx 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 Onyx 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 Onyx 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 Onyx
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Onyx.
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 Onyx 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.
Onyx-FAQ
What is Onyx Ransomware?
Onyx 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 Onyx 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 Onyx Infect?
Via several ways.Onyx 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 Onyx 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 .Onyx files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Onyx 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 .Onyx files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Onyx" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Onyx 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 Onyx 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 Onyx ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Onyx 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 Onyx 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 Onyx Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Onyx 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 Onyx 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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- Always check "About Us" web page.
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