This article explains the issues that occur in case of infection with XUY ransomware. Below you will also find a complete guide on how to remove all malicious files from the infected system and how to potentially recover .xuy files.
XUY is ransomware infection that invades computer systems, plagues their settings and corrupts valuable files. During the attack, this ransomware utilizes sophisticated cipher algorithm that transforms the code of target files and leaves them out of order. Upon encryption you see all corrupted files marked with the extension .xuy. Hackers attempt to blackmail you into paying a ransom of $400 for file decryptor. The extortion happens with the help of a ransom message that loads on the screen at the end of the attack.
Threat Summary
| Name | XUY ransomware |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | Ransomware that utilizes strong cihper algorithm to modify the code of target files and make them unusable. Then it demands a ransom for their decryption. |
| Symptoms | Important files could not be opened. Their names display an uncommon extension at the end. A ransom message claims tha you could restore files only if you contact hackers. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Infected Web Pages |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
Download
Malware Removal Tool
|
User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss XUY 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. |
XUY Ransomware – Distribution
An infection with XUY ransomware is triggered by a malicious executable file called XyuEncrypt.exe. The distribution of this file may be supported by different techniques such as malspam, fake software updates, malvertising, and compromised freeware.
The main one is believed to be malspam (email messages that deliver malicious software). The implementation of this technique happens with the help of massive spam email campaigns. Currently, campaigns may be targeting users worldwide. Hackers prefer malspam due to the fact that they could easily obtain large number of users’ email addresses released on underground markets on the [wplinkpreview url=”https://sensorstechforum.com/dark-web-deep-web-work/”]the dark web. This provides a lot for the efficiency of their campaigns.
As of the emails they could pose as representatives of well-known companies like [wplinkpreview url=”https://sensorstechforum.com/paypal-e-mail-virus-and-scam-how-to-remove-them-from-your-pc/”]PayPal, [wplinkpreview url=”https://sensorstechforum.com/dhl-phishing-scams-get-rid/”]DHL, [wplinkpreview url=”https://sensorstechforum.com/fedex-parcel-scam-remove-active-infections/”]FedEx, and [wplinkpreview url=”https://sensorstechforum.com/1000-amazon-gift-card-scam-get-rid/”]Amazon in an attempts to make you more prone to follow the instructions listed in their text messages. These emails usually aim to trick you to download a file attachment or follow a URL address. Unfortunately, the moment you take the bite and open the attached file or visit the presented web page you unnoticeably trigger XUY ransomware payload on your device.
XUY Ransomware – Overview
XUY is the name of ransomware infection that compromises your computer in order to encrypt your precious files. Once started on the device, the payload of this ransomware access various system parts and performs sequence of malicious changes. Some of the changes enable the threat to prevent being detected by active security measures while other grant for its persistent presence on the system.
Except the payload file, the ransomware may need to establish additional malicious files either by dropping them from its command and control server or by writing them directly on the system. Here is where XUY may locate some of these malicious files:
- %Roaming%
- %Windows%
- %AppData%
- %Local%
- %Temp%
At the end of the attack when all needed system settings are corrupted and all target files encrypted, XUY ransomware drops a ransom note file and loads it on the screen. The message in this file informs you about the presence of the ransomware on your device. It also extorts a ransom fee of $400 in Bitcoin.
Here is the full text:
YOUR PC XUY BALLS xD
“Works for XUY”
Your personal files were encrypted.
You have 12 hours to decrypt the files.
For the interpretation of it came bitcoins for 400€ at this address: 12ZhVHBfxdwsstomsT6mzz18jTKN7uTc2r
Send evidence photos to the address luxenburg@cock.lu
Then we will send you the recovery tool via email!
If there is no payment, all data will be merged into The Internet.
Any attempt to decrypt files will damage your files.
NOTICE. Even if you fix the MBR, your PC is dead.
The whole registry is fucked and your files are infected.
XUY Ransomware – Encryption Process
Soon after XUY ransomware finishes the process of modifying system settings it activates an encryption module. This module is designed to locate all target files and encode them by applying sophisticated cipher algorithm. At this point, there is no information about the exact cipher algorithm used by this crypto virus. However, once it changes the original code of target files they become inaccessible for an unspecified period of time.
One way for decrypting files is by paying hackers the demanded ransom of $400. However, our advice is to avoid ransom payment as you may only lose your money. There is no guarantee that the decryptor possessed by hackers is working one. Only a single bug in their ransomware code could result in the generation of a completely inefficient decryption key.
Since it is important to restore your valuable files we could recommend you to try alternative data recovery tools for this process. We have tested several restoration approaches and listed efficient ones under step “Restore Files” that is part of the guide below.
As of the types of data corrupted by XUY ransomware they may be all your:
- Archives
- Backups
- Images
- Videos
- Music
- Documents
Following encryption, they will appear as broken files that could not be opened by any of the installed programs. They could be also recognized by the specific extension .xuy appended to their names.
Remove XUY Ransomware and Restore .xuy Files
The XUY is a threat with highly complex code that plagues not only your files but your whole system. So before you could use your infected system regularly again you should properly clean and secure it. Below you could find a step-by-step removal guide that may be helpful in attempting to remove XUY ransomware. Choose the manual removal approach if you feel sure that you could recognize malware files. If you don’t feel comfortable with the manual steps select the automatic section from the guide. Steps there enable you to check the infected system for ransomware files and remove them with a few mouse clicks.
In order to keep your system safe from ransomware and other types of malware in future, you should install and maintain a reliable anti-malware program. Additional security layer that could prevent the occurrence of ransomware attacks is [wplinkpreview url=”https://sensorstechforum.com/the-most-popular-free-anti-ransomware-tools/”]anti-ransomware tool.
Make sure to read carefully all the details mentioned in the step “Restore files” if you want to understand how to fix encrypted files without paying the ransom. Beware that before data recovery process you should back up all encrypted files to an external drive as this will prevent their irreversible loss.
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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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 XUY ransomware Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this XUY 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 XUY 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 XUY ransomware from Windows.
- Guide 2: Get rid of XUY ransomware from Mac OS X.
How to Remove XUY ransomware from Windows.
Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove XUY 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 XUY 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 XUY 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 XUY 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 XUY 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 XUY ransomware.
Ransomware infections and XUY 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 XUY ransomware from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall XUY 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 XUY 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 XUY 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 XUY 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 XUY 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 XUY 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 XUY ransomware.
Ransomware infections and XUY 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.
XUY ransomware FAQ
What is XUY ransomware ransomware and how does it work?
XUY 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 XUY ransomware ransomware infect my computer?
Via several ways.XUY 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 XUY 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 .XUY ransomware files?
You can't. At this point the .XUY 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 .XUY ransomware files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
One way to restore files, encrypted by XUY 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 ".XUY 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 .XUY 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 XUY 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 XUY ransomware ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .XUY ransomware files.
Also, keep in mind that viruses like XUY 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.