This article has been made to explain to you what is the .xcry7684 files virus and show you ways via which you can remove it and try to recover your encrypted files.
New ransomware has been recently discovered by security researchers to append the .xcry7684 file extension on the computers of victims. The virus aims to encrypt the files on the computers that have been infected by it. The ransomware then adds the .xcry7684 file extensions to the encrypted files and requests from victims to pay ransom in order to be able to unlock their documents again. If your computer has been recently infected by .xcry7684 ransomware, we suggest you to read this article thoroughly.
Threat Summary
| Name | Xcry Ransomware |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | Aims to render your files temporary unusable until you pay rasom to get them to work once again. |
| Symptoms | Most of the files on your computer have the .xcry7684 file extension and cannot be opened. A ransom note, called HOW_TO_DECRYPT_FILES.html appears. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Executable files |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
Download
Malware Removal Tool
|
User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Xcry 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. |
XCry Ransomware – Distribution Methods
The primary method used to distribute the malicious files of XCry ransomware is reported to be conducted via e-mails that allegedly contain malicious e-mail attachments. The ransomware may send cunning e-mails, known as malspam, and they often pretend that the files embedded are:
- Invoices.
- Receipts.
- Tickets.
- Booking documentation.
- Banking documents.
The crooks rely mainly on the idea that the victim will open them while believing the attachments carry important files. In reality, the files may be JavaScript files, executable files and even malicious Microsoft Word or Adobe Reader files, containing Macros embedded in them.
Besides via e-mail, the crooks who are behind the XCry ransomware may also spread infection files by directly uploading them on several websites, where the files may pretend to be cracks or patches of programs. Most users who are looking for torrents could also be exposed, as the XCry ransomware may hide the infection files in torrents as well.
.xcry7684 Files Virus – Analysis
Once an infection with the .xcry7684 file extension ransomware has commenced, the virus may perform several malicious activities, that eventually lead to the file encryption.
The first chain of activities in which the XCry ransomware takes part is to drop it’s payload on the infected computer. The ransomware may situate it’s main infection file on the machine it has compromise. The sample detected by researchers has the following IOCs:
→SHA256:e32c8b2da15e294e2ad8e1df5c0b655805d9c820e85a33e6a724b65c07d1a043
Name:7475713df82b2a81b2d32715a94c2b63
Once the file is activated, it imports the following Windows functions in KERNEL32.dll:
→ GetLastError
EnterCriticalSection
GetSystemInfo
GetModuleFileNameW
TryEnterCriticalSection
FreeLibrary
QueryPerformanceCounter
GetTickCount
TlsAlloc
VirtualProtect
LoadLibraryA
DeleteCriticalSection
GetCurrentProcess
GetCurrentProcessId
UnhandledExceptionFilter
VirtualLock
GetProcAddress
GetModuleHandleA
VirtualUnlock
SetUnhandledExceptionFilter
GetStartupInfoA
GetSystemTimeAsFileTime
TerminateProcess
InitializeCriticalSection
VirtualQuery
VirtualFree
TlsGetValue
Sleep
TlsSetValue
GetCurrentThreadId
VirtualAlloc
SetLastError
LeaveCriticalSection
As soon as it’s done with this, the ransomware may also drop and display it’s primary ransom note file. It is called HOW_TO_DECRYPT_FILES.html, having the following contents:
Your files have been encrypted.
To decrypt your files, follow instructions
Open your explorer, in the pathbar, enter %appdata%
Find the file encryption_key and send it to email: funnybtc@airmail.cc
Await payment instructions.
Furthermore, the XCry ransomware may also perform other activities on the computers it has compromised, such as to edit the Windows Registry Editor, more specifically add value entries for it’s files to run automatically on Windows boot in the Run and RunOnce sub-keys:
→ 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
In addition to this, the XCry ransomware may also create files that execute WMIC,exe with the following comands:
→ sc stop VVS
sc stop wscsvc
sc stop WinDefend
sc stop wuauserv
sc stop BITS
sc stop ERSvc
sc stop WerSvc
cmd.exe /C bcdedit /set {default} recoveryenabled No
cmd.exe /C bcdedit /set {default} bootstatuspolicy ignoreallfailures
C:\Windows\System32\cmd.exe” /C vssadmin.exe Delete Shadows /All /Quiet
XCry Ransomware – Encryption Process
Once the XCry ransomware has infected a computer and taken control, the ransomware does not waste any time with it’s encryption procedure. The virus may cleverly skip all files, located in Windows system directories, but other than that all of the files you use on often basis are enciphered. These files often end up to be the following types:
- Documents.
- Videos.
- Images.
- Archives.
- Virtual Drive files.
Once the files are encrypted, they assume the following appearance:
Remove XCry Ransomware and Restore .xcry7684 Files
Before starting to remove the .xcry7684 ransomware from your computer, we would recommend that you do a fresh backup fo your files first, even though they are encrypted.
For the removal of the XCry ransomware virus, we would suggest that you try using the instructions underneath this article. They have been divided in manual and automatic removal instructions. If the manual removal does not seem to help you out, and the threat remains persistent on your PC, we would advise you to do what most malware researchers recommend and that is to run a scan with an anti-malware software. Such program aims to look in-depth your machine in order to detect and remove any malicious files and objects, related to XCry ransomware residing on your computer.
If you want to try and restore files, encrypted by this ransomware, we would suggest that you try out the alternative file recovery methods we have posted below. They have been made to help you restore as many encrypted files by this ransomware, but they come with no guarantee to be able to restore all of your encrypted files.
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.
About the Xcry Ransomware Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Xcry Ransomware 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 Xcry Ransomware 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.
References
1. How to Recognize Spam Emails with Ransomware
2. How Does Ransomware Encryption Work?
3. How to Decrypt Ransomware Files
4. Ransomware Getting Greedier and Bigger, Attacks Increase by 40%
5. 1 in 5 Americans Victim of Ransomware
- Guide 1: How to Remove Xcry Ransomware from Windows.
- Guide 2: Get rid of Xcry Ransomware from Mac OS X.
How to Remove Xcry Ransomware from Windows.
Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove Xcry Ransomware
1. Hold Windows Key + R.
2. The "Run" Window will appear. In it, type "msconfig" and click OK.
3. Go to the "Boot" tab. There select "Safe Boot" and then click "Apply" and "OK".
4. When prompted, click on "Restart" to go into Safe Mode.
5. You can recognise Safe Mode by the words written on the corners of your screen.
Step 2: Uninstall Xcry 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:
1. Hold the Windows Logo Button and "R" on your keyboard. A Pop-up window will appear.
2. In the field type in "appwiz.cpl" and press ENTER.
3. This will open a window with all the programs installed on the PC. Select the program that you want to remove, and press "Uninstall"
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall most programs.
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by Xcry 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 Xcry Ransomware there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
1. Open the Run Window again, type "regedit" and click OK.
2. When you open it, you can freely navigate to the Run and RunOnce keys, whose locations are shown above.
3. You can remove the value of the virus by right-clicking on it and removing it.
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 Xcry Ransomware with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
1. Click on the "Download" button to proceed to SpyHunter's download page.
2. After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to update automatically.
3. After the update process has finished, click on the 'Malware/PC Scan' tab. A new window will appear. Click on 'Start Scan'.
4. After SpyHunter has finished scanning your PC for any files of the associated threat and found them, you can try to get them removed automatically and permanently by clicking on the 'Next' button.
Video Guide for Automatic and Fast Removal
Step 5 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Xcry Ransomware.
Ransomware infections and Xcry 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.
1. Download the recommended Data Recovery software by clicking on the link underneath:
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.
Step 6: How to Restore Files Encrypted by Ransomware (Video Guide)
Get rid of Xcry Ransomware from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall Xcry 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:
2. Find Activity Monitor and double-click it:
3. In the Activity Monitor look for any suspicious processes, belonging or related to Xcry Ransomware:
4. Click on the "Go" button again, but this time select Applications. Another way is with the ⇧+⌘+A buttons.
5. In the Applications menu, look for any suspicious app or an app with a name, similar or identical to Xcry Ransomware. If you find it, right-click on the app and select “Move to Trash
”.
6. Select Accounts, after which click on the Login Items preference.
Your Mac will then show you a list of items that start automatically when you log in. Look for any suspicious apps identical or similar to Xcry Ransomware. Check the app you want to stop from running automatically and then select on the Minus (“-“) icon to hide it.
7. Remove any left-over files that might be related to this threat manually by following the sub-steps below:
- 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 Xcry 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:
1: Click on "Go" and Then "Go to Folder" as shown underneath:
2: Type in "/Library/LauchAgents/" and click Ok:
3: Delete all of the virus files that have similar or the same name as Xcry Ransomware. If you believe there is no such file, do not delete anything.
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 Xcry Ransomware.
Ransomware infections and Xcry 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.
1. Download the recommended Data Recovery software by clicking on the link underneath:
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.
Xcry Ransomware FAQ
What is Xcry Ransomware ransomware and how does it work?
Xcry 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 Xcry Ransomware ransomware infect my computer?
Via several ways.Xcry 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 Xcry 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 .Xcry Ransomware files?
You can't. At this point the .Xcry 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 .Xcry Ransomware files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
One way to restore files, encrypted by Xcry 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 ".Xcry 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 .Xcry 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 Xcry 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 Xcry Ransomware ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Xcry Ransomware files.
Also, keep in mind that viruses like Xcry 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.
