A crypto-virus, mocking Windows 10 OS has been released and is reported be a variant of the Troldesh(Shade) ransomware variants. The .windows10 file extension is added to every file which is encoded with a strong encryption algorithm. The virus also leaves a ransom note in which it demands from its victims to contact the e-mail Ryabinina.Lina@gmail.com for further information. This is done most likely to get a feel for the victim while negotiating and make him/her pay money in the form of BitCoins to get access back to the encrypted files.
Threat Summary
| Name | Windows 10 Ransomware |
| Type | Ransomware |
| Short Description | Windows 10 Ransomware may encrypt files using a strong RSA encryption and asks the user to pay ransom. |
| Symptoms | Encoded files become corrupt. A ransom note is left with as a “README.txt” file and the wallpaper is changed. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, File Sharing Networks, Email Attachments |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
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Malware Removal Tool
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| User Experience | Join our forum to Discuss Windows 10 Ransomware. |
| 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. |
Windows 10 Ransomware and Its Spread
The creators of the Windows 10 ransomware have most likely used massive spam campaigns to deliver it throughout different computers around the globe. The spammed messages may have different content, for example:
- “Your PayPal Receipt”
- “Confirmation Bank Statement”
- “Your Deadline Expires Tomorrow”
- “Credit Card Details”
- “Thank You For Your Purchase!”
This technique is known as social engineering and aims to get users to open the spammed e-mail message. If the user opens it, there can be found a malicious web link in the e-mail’s body which may redirect and infect the user via Exploit Kit. Another threat which may be discovered is malicious e-mail attachments which can infect the user by using malicious macros and JavaScript code.
Windows 10 Ransomware In Depth
As soon as its activated on the computer it has infected, Windows 10 ransomware may connect to the cyber-criminals’ command and control server which is masked using Tor networking. From there, the Windows 10 virus may choose a key from the server it has connected to and encrypt the files of the infected machine.
Similar to Shade ransomware, Windows 10 virus may look for the following types of files which it scrambles with a strong encryption:
→ Wb2, cdr, srw, p7b, odm, mdf, p7c, 3fr, der, odb, arw, rwl, cer, xlk, pdd, rw2, crt, dx, r3d, pem, bay, ptx, pfx, mdb, rtf, txt, xml, csv, pdf, prn, dif, slk, ods, xltx, xlm, odc, xlw, uxdc, pm, udl, dsn, iqy, dqy, oqy, cub, bak, frm, opt, myd, myi, db, onetoc2, one, onepkg, vcs, ics, pst, oft, msg, pptx, ppt, pptm, pps, ppsm, pot, potx, ptm, dwg, dxf, docx, doc, docm, dct, mef, cin, sdpx, dpx, fido, dae, dcm, dc3, dic, eps, kmz, iff, html, mht, mhtml, shtml, hta, htc, ssi, as, asr, xsl, xsd, dtd, xslt, rss, rdf, lbi, asa, ascx, asmx, config, cfm,cfml, cfc, tld, phtml, jsp, svg, svgz, rle, tga, cda, icb, wbm, wbmp, jpf, jpx, jp2, j2k, j2c, jpc, avi, mkv, movm, mp4, wmv, 3gp, mpg, mpeg, m4v, 7z, rar, tar, gz, bz2, wim, xz, c, h ,hpp, cpp, php, php3, php4, php5, py, pl, sln, js, json, inc, sql, java, class, ini Source: TrendMicro
The encryption algorithm which is believed to be used by Windows 10 ransomware is RSA cipher which is [very strong in bits. The ransomware also, adds the .windows 10 file extension and is believed to scramble the names of the encrypted files, for example:
→ Original file:
New Text Document.txt
Encrypted File
12dh2380d23248f397800x98dbx9g823f834fb3.{VICTIM-ID here}.windows10
The victim’s ID is added as a sub-extension between the scrambled name and the original name of the ransomware and it is also alpha numerical with capitalized letters, for example:
→ A784D238R3093C
After the damage is done, Windows 10 ransowmare changes the background of the infected computer to an image, looking the same as Shade Ransomware(see the picture at the beginning of this article). It also drops a README.txt file with numbers, for example README1.txt, README2.txt and so on. The text file has ransom instructions on how to contact the cyber-criminals in an anonymous manner:
→ “All the important files on your computer were encrypted.
To decrypt the files you should send the following code:
{UNIQUE ID HERE}
to e-mail address Ryabinina.Lina@gmail.com .
Then you will receive all necessary instructions.
All the attempts of decryption by yourself will result only in irrevocable loss of your data.
If you still want to try to decrypt them by yourself please make a backup at first because
the decryption will become impossible in case of any changes inside the files.
If you did not receive the answer from the aforecited email for more than 48 hours (and only in this case!),
use the feedback form. You can do it by two ways:
1) Download Tor Browser from here:
https://www.torproject.org/download/download-easy.html.en
Install it and type the following address into the address bar:
https://cryptorz76e7vuik.onion/
Press Enter and then the page with feedback form will be loaded.
2) Go to the one of the following addresses in any browser:
https://cryptorz76e7vuik.onion.to/
https://cryptorz76e7vuik.onion.cab/” Source: Pastebin.com
The Tor web page leads to the following communication platform:
Windows 10 Ransomware – Conclusion, Removal and File Restoration
Judging by how many similarities there are in this virus to other Troldesh variants, it may be an improved version of XTBL ransomware or Shade ransomware. Its removal is as highly advisable as not paying the ransom money to cyber-criminals for obvious reasons.
In order to delete Windows 10 ransomware in full, it is recommended to carefully follow the removal instructions which we have prepared for you below. To have best results, experts would advise to use an advanced anti-malware program which will automatically find all of the files and registry entries associated with Windows 10 ransomware and remove them too.
After removing this virus, you may want to try our alternative solutions for restoring your files, posted in step “3. Restore files encrypted by Windows 10 Ransomware” below. They may not recover your files, but in case you have backups and haven’t reformatted Windows, you may have a chance of getting back a small portion of them.
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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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.
- Guide 1: How to Remove Windows 10 Ransomware from Windows.
- Guide 2: Get rid of Windows 10 Ransomware from Mac OS X.
How to Remove Windows 10 Ransomware from Windows.
Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove Windows 10 Ransomware
Step 2: Uninstall Windows 10 Ransomware 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 Windows 10 Ransomware 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 Windows 10 Ransomware 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 Windows 10 Ransomware with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 5 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Windows 10 Ransomware.
Ransomware infections and Windows 10 Ransomware 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 Windows 10 Ransomware from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall Windows 10 Ransomware 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 Windows 10 Ransomware 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 Windows 10 Ransomware.
Ransomware infections and Windows 10 Ransomware 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.
Windows 10 Ransomware FAQ
What is Windows 10 Ransomware ransomware and how does it work?
Windows 10 Ransomware 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 Windows 10 Ransomware ransomware infect my computer?
Via several ways.Windows 10 Ransomware 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 Windows 10 Ransomware 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 .Windows 10 Ransomware files?
You can't. At this point the .Windows 10 Ransomware 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 .Windows 10 Ransomware files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
One way to restore files, encrypted by Windows 10 Ransomware 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 ".Windows 10 Ransomware" files (Other Methods)?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Windows 10 Ransomware 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 Windows 10 Ransomware 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 Windows 10 Ransomware ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Windows 10 Ransomware files.
Also, keep in mind that viruses like Windows 10 Ransomware 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.
How to 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.
