| Name | ORX-Locker |
| Type | Ransomware, RaaS |
| Short Description | ORX locks all of the user’s files and demands a payment. The Ransomware is available on a Darknet website. |
| Symptoms | Files are locked and a ransom message is displayed. Instructions are included in a desktop file. |
| Distribution Method | Distribution method is not clear yet. ORX may be distributed via unsafe browsing, corrupted attachments, drive-by downloads, etc. |
| Detection tool | Download SpyHunter, to See If Your System Has Been Affected By ORX-Locker |
| 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. |
Remember Encryptor RaaS- the ransomware-as-a-service piece that we recently discussed? In short, a RaaS will allow affiliate parties to generate income by spreading the malicious piece across the Internet. The bar of extorting money from users has been lowered once again since a new RaaS piece has been just detected in the Wild. It is dubbed ORX-Locker and is distributed via a new Darknet website.
Image Source: //blog.sensecy.com/
Ransomware-as-a-service Description
RaaS gives the opportunity to every user to generate cash without being an expert in computer technology or malware. If the victim affected, ORX-Locker pays the ransom, part of the money will go to the provider, and the rest – to the user. However, if people who wish to participate in the scheme cannot afford to buy the piece, he can acquire it without paying.
According to many malware and security researcher, the simplicity of the RaaS trend will lead to its wave of popularity. Some ransomware attacks may not be sophisticated at all, but they will be an online treat nonetheless.
ORX-Locker Technical Details
ORX was discovered on August 25 when a user (or a group of users) called ‘orxteam’ made a post about the new RaaS. The message described the ORX platform in details. Team Orx was presented as a group that provides private locker software and a RaaS platform.
This is what the forum post reads:
→Hey all we are Team ORX, and we have been around on other forums but are new here. We would like to say thanks and give back to the community by releasing out private service to the public. After a year of being very successful with our private locker software we are now releasing it to the public. We have worked hard to provide a better option to any of the other free locker services by implementing proper crypto and not including any of the major decryption flaws that some of the other services have. We will get you setup with everything you need to make fast and easy money in just a few minutes. Get other users to register using your username as a referrer and you will automatically earn 3% of every lock they get paid on.
Image Source: //blog.sensecy.com/
As visible from the post made by the cyber criminals, becoming a part of the scheme is as easy as a children’s game. To enter the Darknet website, only a simple registration is acquired – no personal details, such as an email address, are needed. Instead, a referral username should be entered. This is enough to get 3% of every successful ORX-Locker operation.
Once the user is logged in, he is presented with five sections to choose from:
Home. This is the welcome screen which displays statistics about recently locked systems, payments, money balance.
Build EXE. The process of designing a new stub is very easy. Only an ID number is needed and the ransom amount. The minimum amount defined by the ORX team is $75. After those details are entered, only the Build EXE button needs to be clicked.
Stats. As the title suggests, this section provides information about the infected systems with the particular stub, encrypted files, time of the attacks, generated income by each attack.
Wallet. This section is used to withdraw income and transfer it to a Bitcoin address.
Support. If the ‘wannabe’ cyber crook needs more information about the service, he can use this section to acquire more information. An email address is also given for support purposes.
ORX-Locker Attack and Payload
Once the ransomware is executed, it will start communicating with numerous IP addresses. According to researchers at Sensecy, some of the IPs are related to universities and other public organizations.
When activated, ORX will connect to the official TOR website and will download the TOR client. This channel is used to transmit data.
The final state of the ORX operation is, indeed, the encryption of files on the victim’s computer. Unlike other RaaS pieces, ORX is designed to lock all files on the system, changing the file extension to .LOCKED. Additionally, the original files are deleted.
Once the encryption process has finished, a message will appear on the victim’s screen stating that their files have been encrypted. An .html file with payment instructions is also created on the user’s desktop. The file contains a unique payment ID and a link to the payment page. Interestingly enough, the latter is located on the Onion network.
Image Source: //blog.sensecy.com/
Once on the website, the victim will receive more instructions on how to finalize the payment procedure.
ORX-Locker Removal Tips
If your system is attacked by ransomware, paying the ransom is not recommended. Security researchers all agree on one thing – finalizing the payment will not necessarily lead to the decryption of the files. Instead, always make sure to back up regularly your files.
We have also compiled several security tips regarding ransomware attack. However, we cannot guarantee that they will be efficient in the case of an ORX attack.
1. Start Your PC in Safe Mode to Remove ORX-Locker.
For Windows XP, Vista, 7 systems:
1. Remove all CDs and DVDs, and then Restart your PC from the “Start” menu.
2. Select one of the two options provided below:
– For PCs with a single operating system: Press “F8” repeatedly after the first boot screen shows up during the restart of your computer. In case the Windows logo appears on the screen, you have to repeat the same task again.
– For PCs with multiple operating systems: Тhe arrow keys will help you select the operating system you prefer to start in Safe Mode. Press “F8” just as described for a single operating system.
3. As the “Advanced Boot Options” screen appears, select the Safe Mode option you want using the arrow keys. As you make your selection, press “Enter“.
4. Log on to your computer using your administrator account
While your computer is in Safe Mode, the words “Safe Mode” will appear in all four corners of your screen.
For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10 systems:
Step 1: Open the Start Menu
Step 2: Whilst holding down Shift button, click on Power and then click on Restart.
Step 3: After reboot, the aftermentioned menu will appear. From there you should choose Troubleshoot.
Step 4: You will see the Troubleshoot menu. From this menu you can choose Advanced Options.
Step 5: After the Advanced Options menu appears, click on Startup Settings.
Step 6: Click on Restart.
Step 7: A menu will appear upon reboot. You should choose Safe Mode by pressing its corresponding number and the machine will restart.
2. Remove ORX-Locker automatically by downloading an advanced anti-malware program.
To clean your computer you must download an updated anti-malware program on a safe PC and then install it on the affected computer in offline mode. After that you should boot into safe mode and scan your computer to remove all ORX-Locker associated objects.
Security engineers recommend that you back up your files immediately, preferably on an external memory carrier in order to be able to restore them. In order to protect yourself from ORX-Locker (For Windows Users) please follow these simple instructions:
For Windows 7 and earlier:
1-Click on Windows Start Menu
2-Type Backup And Restore
3-Open it and click on Set Up Backup
4-A window will appear asking you where to set up backup. You should have a flash drive or an external hard drive. Mark it by clicking on it with your mouse then click on Next.
5-On the next window, the system will ask you what do you want to backup. Choose the ‘Let Me Choose’ option and then click on Next.
6-Click on ‘Save settings and run backup’ on the next window in order to protect your files from possible attacks by ORX-Locker.
For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10:
1-Press Windows button + R
2-In the window type ‘filehistory’ and press Enter
3-A File History window will appear. Click on ‘Configure file history settings’
4-The configuration menu for File History will appear. Click on ‘Turn On’. After its on, click on Select Drive in order to select the backup drive. It is recommended to choose an external HDD, SSD or a USB stick whose memory capacity is corresponding to the size of the files you want to backup.
5-Select the drive then click on ‘Ok’ in order to set up file backup and protect yourself from ORX-Locker.
Enabling Windows Defense Feature:
1- Press Windows button + R keys.
2- A run windows should appear. In it type ‘sysdm.cpl’ and then click on Run.
3- A System Properties windows should appear. In it choose System Protection.
5- Click on Turn on system protection and select the size on the hard disk you want to utilize for system protection.
6- Click on Ok and you should see an indication in Protection settings that the protection from ORX-Locker is on.
Restoring a file via Windows Defense feature:
1-Right-click on the encrypted file, then choose Properties.
2-Click on the Previous Versions tab and then mark the last version of the file.
3-Click on Apply and Ok and the file encrypted by ORX-Locker should be restored.
Milena Dimitrova
An inspired writer and content manager who has been with SensorsTechForum since the beginning. Focused on user privacy and malware development, she strongly believes in a world where cybersecurity plays a central role. If common sense makes no sense, she will be there to take notes. Those notes may later turn into articles! Follow Milena @Milenyim
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Attention! SensorsTechForum strongly recommends that all malware victims should look for assistance only by reputable sources. Many guides out there claim to offer free recovery and decryption for files encrypted by ransomware viruses. Be advised that some of them may only be after your money.
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.
- Verify Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter personal profiles.
How to Remove ORX-Locker from Windows.
Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove ORX-Locker
Step 2: Uninstall ORX-Locker and related software 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 uninstall most programs.Step 3: Clean any registries, created by ORX-Locker 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 ORX-Locker 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: Scan for ORX-Locker with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 5 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by ORX-Locker.
Ransomware infections and ORX-Locker 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 top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.
Get rid of ORX-Locker from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall ORX-Locker and remove related files and objects
1. Hit the ⇧+⌘+U keys to open Utilities. Another way is to click on “Go” and then click “Utilities”, like the image below shows:
- Go to Finder.
- In the search bar type the name of the app that you want to remove.
- Above the search bar change the two drop down menus to “System Files” and “Are Included” so that you can see all of the files associated with the application you want to remove. Bear in mind that some of the files may not be related to the app so be very careful which files you delete.
- If all of the files are related, hold the ⌘+A buttons to select them and then drive them to “Trash”.
In case you cannot remove ORX-Locker via Step 1 above:
In case you cannot find the virus files and objects in your Applications or other places we have shown above, you can manually look for them in the Libraries of your Mac. But before doing this, please read the disclaimer below:
You can repeat the same procedure with the following other Library directories:
→ ~/Library/LaunchAgents
/Library/LaunchDaemons
Tip: ~ is there on purpose, because it leads to more LaunchAgents.
Step 3 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by ORX-Locker.
Ransomware infections and ORX-Locker 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 top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.
ORX-Locker FAQ
What is ORX-Locker ransomware and how does it work?
ORX-Locker 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 algorithm how 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.
How does ORX-Locker ransomware infect my computer?
Via several ways.ORX-Locker Ransomware infects computers by being sent via phishing e-mails, 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.
After you download and execute this attachment, a drive-by download occurs and your computer is infected with the ransomware virus.
Another way, you may become a victim of ORX-Locker 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 .ORX-Locker files?
You can't. At this point the .ORX-Locker files are encrypted. You can only open them once they are decrypted.
Decryptor did not decrypt my data. What now?
Do not panic and backup the files. If a decryptor did not decrypt your .ORX-Locker files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
One way to restore files, encrypted by ORX-Locker ransomware is to use a decryptor for it. But since it's a new virus, advised that the decryption keys for it may not be out yet and available to the public. We will update this article and keep you posted as soon as this decryptor is released.
How Do I restore ".ORX-Locker" files (Other Methods)?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .ORX-Locker files.
These methods are in no way 100% guarantee that you will be able to get your files back. But if you have a backup, your chances of success are much greater.
How do I get rid of ORX-Locker ransomware virus?
The safest way and the most efficient one for the removal of this ransomware infection is the use a professional anti malware software. It will scan for and locate ORX-Locker ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .ORX-Locker files.
Also, keep in mind that viruses like ORX-Locker ransomware also install Trojans and keyloggers that can steal your passwords and accounts. Scanning your computer with an anti-malware software will make sure that all of these virus components are removed and your computer is protected in the future.
What to Do If nothing works?
There is still a lot you can do. If none of the above methods seem to work for you, then try these methods:
- Try to find a safe computer from where you can can login on your own line accounts like One Drive, iDrive, Google Drive and so on.
- Try to contact your friends, relatives and other people so that they can check if they have some of your important photos or documents just in case you sent them.
- Also, check if some of the files that were encrypted it can be re-downloaded from the web.
- Another clever way to get back some of your files is to find another old computer, a flash drive or even a CD or a DVD where you may have saved your older documents. You might be surprised what will turn up.
- You can also go to your email account to check if you can send any attachments to other people. Usually what is sent the email is saved on your account and you can re-download it. But most importantly, make sure that this is done from a safe computer and make sure to remove the virus first.
More tips you can find on our forums, where you can also asks any questions about your ransomware problem.
