This article aims to help you get rid of the xXLecXx ransomware virus from your computer and restore your files in case they have been encrypted by this virus.
A ransomware, named xXLecXx has been detected in the start of June 2017. The virus has been created to display a lockscreen which is very similar to the Windows error screens. However, instead of error message, the screen displays the demands of the cyber-criminals for the victims to pay the hefty sum of $150 as a ransom amount to decrypt the encrypted files. In addition to this, the ransomware virus also intimidates victims that their files will be deleted if the ransom is not paid. If your computer has been infected by this ransomware virus, we recommend that you read the following article thoroughly.
Threat Summary
| Name | xXLecXx |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | Encrypts the files on the infected computer, demanding a ransom payoff to be made in order to decrypt the files. |
| Symptoms | Files cannot be opened with any program. A purple Windows-like error lockscreen that can be shut down by pressing Alt+F4 |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Executable files |
| 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 xXLecXx. |
| 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. |
The Distribution of xXLecXx Ransomware
There may be several methods by which this ransomware infection could be spread. The primary method of those may be via spam e-mail campaigns that the cyber-criminals are involved with. Usually these are conducted either via spamming software or spam campaigns. The first step of the cyber-criminals in this scenario is to create multiple different fake e-mails to spam from. This takes additional investment if the e-mails are to seem legitimate. Then the crooks design how they wish to send the malicious objects that infects your computer. Usually this is done by sending out fake messages that aim to convince you to open an e-mail attachment, like the image below displays:
Besides this method, there are also other methods which may be involved with spreading xXLecXx ransomware onto unsuspecting victims’ computers. The main of those methods are to spread the malware via multiple malicious files that pretend to be:
- Software installers.
- License activators.
- Cracks.
- Patches.
Usually these are uploaded on suspicious software download websites and their primary purpose is to fool users who are looking to download a program for free via torrents or other methods, like third-party mirror links.
xXLecXx Ransomware – Analysis
As soon as infection takes place, the xXLecXx ransomware virus immediately connects to a third-party host in order to download it’s payload on the infected computer. The main malicious file which is associated with the xXLecXx ransomware virus is called xXLecXx.exe, but there may be other support files along this file, which are .exe, .tmp, .dll and other types. The targeted folders for this are the following:
- %AppData%
- %Local%
- %LocalLow%
- %Roaming%
- %Temp%
In these directories, there may be more than one malicious objects associated with xXLecXx ransomware.
After the files are dropped, the xXLecXx ransomware may engage in different malicious activities, the first of which is to obtain administrative privileges on the infected computer. Then, the virus may add custom registry value strings in the Windows Registry Editor. These strings are primarily associated with activities such as running the malicious files of xXLecXx on system startup and displaying it’s lockscreen, which you can see in the image below:
In addition to this, xXLecXx ransomware may delete the Shadow Volume Copies on the infected computer by it. This results in the user not being able to use Windows recovery to restore his/her files. One method to delete them is via the Windows command prompt, more specifically the following commands:
→ process call create “cmd.exe /c
vssadmin.exe delete shadows /all /quiet
bcdedit.exe /set {default} recoveryenabled no
bcdedit.exe /set {default} bootstatuspolicy ignoreallfailures
Although it may be a scare tactic, the xXLecXx ransomware threatens to delete the files of the victims if you tamper with it. This is why it is recommended to quit the lockscreen picture using Alt+F4 and transfer the encrypted files to a flash drive or other external memory carrier while offline, in case your PC is infected.
xXLecXx Ransomware’s Encryption Process
The encryption process of this ransomware virus is a process that targets only important files. This includes various Microsoft Office documents, PDF files, presentation file formats, media files, like audio and video formats and many other types of often used file types. The xXLecXx virus is careful not to encrypt files in the %Windows% and other system directories that may damage the normal work of the OS that has been victimized.
After the encryption process, conducted by xXLecXx ransomware is performed, the virus leaves the files no longer able to be opened. It does not add any type of file extension, but the icons of the files may disappear from, them, looking somewhat like the following:
Remove xXLecXx Ransom Virus and Restore Encrypted Files
If you want to remove this virus, you can follow the instructions which we have posted underneath. If manual removal may be a challenge for you and you cannot find all the objects of xXLecXx manually, security experts recommend using an anti-malware program. Installing such software will make sure that all of the related objects to xXLecXx are removed from the infected computer and will protect it against future intrusions in real time as well.
Removing the virus still leaves you with one more problem to solve and this is to deal with the encrypted files. We have suggested several alternative methods with which you can try and restore at least some of your files. They are in step “2. Restore files encrypted by xXLecXx” below. Make sure to follow us regularly, because if there is decryption for this virus, we will update this article as soon as possible with further decryption instructions.
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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Step 1: Scan for xXLecXx with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall xXLecXx 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 xXLecXx 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 xXLecXx 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 xXLecXx
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by xXLecXx.
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 xXLecXx 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.
xXLecXx-FAQ
What is xXLecXx Ransomware?
xXLecXx 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 xXLecXx 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 xXLecXx Infect?
Via several ways.xXLecXx 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 xXLecXx 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 .xXLecXx files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .xXLecXx 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 .xXLecXx files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".xXLecXx" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .xXLecXx 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 xXLecXx 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 xXLecXx ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .xXLecXx 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 xXLecXx 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 xXLecXx Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this xXLecXx 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 xXLecXx 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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