Xcss Ransomware Virus
Another data locker ransomware called Xcss has been spotted in the wild. It is a malicious program that is capable of infecting computer operating systems and locking personal files. Once it loads on a PC, it performs a complex attack of several stages. To encrypt personal files, Xcss ransomware uses a special cipher algorithm. With the help of this algorithm, the virus leaves all corrupted files inaccessible. Transformations affect their original code. Their names are also altered. Encrypted .xcss files can be restored with the help of a decryption tool. One such tool is possessed by hackers. Knowing that you need your files, hackers demand a large amount of money to be paid as a ransom fee. We recommend that you do not pay the demanded ransom.
Keep reading to find out how to isolate Xcss ransomware files, remove them from the system, and secure the infected PC.
Xcss Virus Summary
| Name | Xcss also known as Trojan.Ransom.Crysis.E, TrojWare.Win32.Crysis.D@6sd9xy, Trojan-Ransom.Win32.Crusis.to |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Ransom Note | A pop-up window and a text file named FILES ENCRYPTED.txt |
| Short Description | Severe malware that is designed to encrypt valualbe files stored on compromised computers so that it can then extort ransom fee from victims. |
| Symptoms | Files are encrypted and their named are altred with the malicious suffix .xcss Two ransom messages try to extort ransom payment for files’ recovery. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by Malware Download
Malware Removal Tool
|
Xcss Ransomware – How Did I Get It and What Does It Do?
Xcss is a ransomware infection that may land on PCs by being hidden in a freeware installer, a fake software update notification, an email attachment, a misleading advertisement, or another shady mechanism.
The Xcss virus is part of the Dharma/CrySiS family of threats. Just like its predecessors DELTA, ZIG, PARTYDOG, it infects computer operating systems by implementing various malicious operations. Some of the malicious processes enable it to evade detection while other help it to misuse the functionalities of legitimate system files. Eventually, it activates a cipher module to encode valuable personal files.
Due to the complexity of the changes applied to the code of your files, they remain broken and inaccessible. Unfortunately, among the files corrupted by Xcss virus may be all of the following:
- Audio files;
- Video files;
- Document files;
- Image files;
- Backup files;
- Banking credentials, etc.
Files encoded by Xcss ransomware display altered names. After their original names, they display three malicious extensions, the first of which is a unique ID number for the infected PC, the second is the email address xcsset@criptext.com and the third is the specific .xcss
Following encryption, the Xcss ransomware creates two ransom notes that provide information on how victims are expected to act. A ransom message displayed as a pop-up window informs the following:
All your files have been encrypted!
All your files have been encrypted due to a security problem with your PC. If you want to restore them, write us to the e-mail xcsset@criptext.com
Write this ID in the title of your message –
In case of no answer in 24 hours write us to theese e-mails:xcsset@aol.com
You have to pay for decryption in Bitcoins. The price depends on how fast you write to us. After payment we will send you the decryption tool that will decrypt all your files.Free decryption as guarantee
Before paying you can send us up to 1 file for free decryption. The total size of files must be less than 1Mb (non archived), and files should not contain valuable information. (databases,backups, large excel sheets, etc.)How to obtain Bitcoins
The easiest way to buy bitcoins is LocalBitcoins site. You have to register, click ‘Buy bitcoins’, and select the seller by payment method and price.
hxxps://localbitcoins.com/buy_bitcoins
Also you can find other places to buy Bitcoins and beginners guide here:
hxxp://www.coindesk.com/information/how-can-i-buy-bitcoins/Attention!
Do not rename encrypted files.
Do not try to decrypt your data using third party software, it may cause permanent data loss.
Decryption of your files with the help of third parties may cause increased price (they add their fee to our) or you can become a victim of a scam.
We know that you need to restore encrypted files but we will never give you the advice to pay a ransom to cybercriminals. Your files may not get recovered even if you do this. Nobody could give you a guarantee that the decryption tool they have is working. Furthermore, giving money to cybercriminals will most likely motivate them to create new ransomware viruses that will continue harassing online users.
For the sake of your online security, we recommend that you clean malicious files from your infected machine and wait for the eventual release of a free decryption tool. Meanwhile, you may want to consider the help of alternative data recovery methods. Don’t forget to back up all .xcss files before starting the removal process.
Remove Xcss Virus and Attempt to Restore Data
The so-called Xcss ransomware virus is a threat with highly complex code that heavily damages both essential system settings and valuable data. So the only way to use your infected system securely again is to remove all malicious files and objects created by the ransomware. For this purpose, you could follow our step-by-step removal guide.
In the event that you want to attempt to restore .adr files with the help of alternative data recovery methods, do check the step – Try to Restore files encrypted by Xcss Ransomware. We remind you to back up all encrypted files to an external drive before you begin with the recovery process.
Gergana Ivanova
Highly motivated writer with 5+ years of experience writing for ransomware, malware, adware, PUPs, and other cybersecurity-related issues. As a writer, I strive to create content that is based on thorough technical research. I find joy in the process of creating articles that are easy to understand, informative, and useful. Follow me on Twitter (@IRGergana) for the latest in the field of computer, mobile, and online security.
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Step 1: Scan for Xcss Virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Xcss Virus 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 Xcss Virus 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 Xcss Virus 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 Xcss Virus
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Xcss Virus.
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 Xcss Virus 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.
Xcss Virus-FAQ
What is Xcss Virus Ransomware?
Xcss Virus 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 Xcss Virus 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 Xcss Virus Infect?
Via several ways.Xcss Virus 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 Xcss Virus 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 .Xcss Virus files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Xcss Virus 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 .Xcss Virus files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Xcss Virus" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Xcss Virus 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 Xcss Virus 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 Xcss Virus ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Xcss Virus 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 Xcss Virus 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 Xcss Virus Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Xcss Virus 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 Xcss Virus 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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