What Is Xcbg Virus?
Xcbg virus is a ransomware infection that aims to encrypt your files, does denying you from accessing them. This particular threat is part of a very large scale operation, that is commonly referred to as the STOP/DJVU ransomware family end it aims to encrypt your files, asking you to pay Bitcoin in order to get them decrypted by the criminals who are behind it.
Read this article if you want to understand more information about Xcbg virus and how you can remove it from your computer system completely plus try to get your files to work once more.
Xcbg Virus Summary
Name | Xcbg virus, also known as UDS:Trojan.Win32.Chapak.gen, Ransom:Win32/StopCrypt.KM!MTB, Win32:PWSX-gen [Trj], Win32:PWSX-gen [Trj], A Variant Of Win32/GenKryptik.FHJB – more detections of this virus on VirusTotal |
File Extension | .xcbg |
Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
Short Description | The ransomware encrypts files on your computer system and demands a ransom to be paid to allegedly recover them. |
Symptoms | The Xcbg Virus ransomware will encrypt your files by appending the .xcbg extension to them. |
Ransom Demanding Note | _readme.txt |
Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
Detection Tool |
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Xcbg Virus – How Did I Get Infected?
The .bbbw, .ckae, .bbbr and .avyu viruses are just some of the variants that share the same code with the Xcbg STOP variant. These malware strains may end up on your computer via one of the following infection methods:
- By being downloaded from a shady site.
- If it is sent to you as an e-mail attachment or a URL.
In case the Xcbg virus gets sent to you via e-mail, then there is a high probability that it could appear, like an e-mail attachment of some sort, such as:
- Receipts.
- Work-related files.
- Invoices.
- E-Tickets for events or flights.
Not just this, but it may also contain malicious macros that get triggered when you download and run this attached document:
Another method of infection the Xcbg virus uses is to appear, like some type of an executable uploaded on a website, where it may appear, like it is one of the following file kinds:
- Cracked portable versions of apps.
- Software or game cracks.
- Software patches.
- Self extracting archives or regular archives.
- Fake installation files.
- Key generator (or Keygen).
Xcbg Virus – What Does It Do?
Xcbg virus may connect to a remote server from where it silently downloads the malicious files on your computer. These files appear under different names and may be located in the following directories of Windows:
- %LocalLow%
- %AppData%
- %Windows%
- %SystemDrive%
- %Local%
- %Temp%
- %System%
- %system32%
Xcbg virus may also drop the _readme.txt ransom note so that you can see the message of the cyber-criminals behind it:
Not only this, but also Xcbg virus may attack your Windows Registries, more specifically create entries in the following kinds of sub-keys:
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
These allow the malware to run automatically when you boot Windows.
What Are .xcbg Files
Xcbg virus is the kind of malware that may use the AES encryption algorithm to encrypt your files. It does this by scanning for the important files, while skipping files in the system directories of Windows:
- Archive file formats (.zip, .rar, etc).
- Documents of different types (.docx, .pptx, etc.).
- Audio (.mp3, .wav, etc.).
- Picture file kinds (.jpg, .png, .etc).
- Videos (.mp4, .avi, etc.).
- Others.
The outcome of this process is that the files cannot be opened and appear like the following:
Picture.jpg.xcbg
Removing the file extension may not help as the virus generates an asymmetric decryption key, that is either online or offline based.
How to Remove Xcbg Virus?
Threats, like Xcbg virus can be effectively deleted from your computer if you follow instructions, like the ones we have mentioned beneath this article. They have been made with the main idea to effectively help you delete the virus manually or automatically with the help of an advanced anti-malware software. For the most effective removal, most security experts would strongly recommend to use a professional anti-malware program that will scan your computer and automatically take care of the threat.
How to Decrypt .xcbg Files?
Xcbg virus files can be decrypted effectively, in case the decryption keys off-line, by using the STOP Ransomware Decryption Steps or the video guide below. If the keys are online, however, then our main suggestion is to try out the alternative steps for file recovery below. They may not come at 100% guarantee, but with their main help, you could be able to recover at least some of the files.
Video guide for using the STOP Ransomware Decryptor:
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for Xcbg with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Xcbg 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:
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by Xcbg 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 Xcbg there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
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 Xcbg
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Xcbg.
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 Xcbg 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.
Xcbg-FAQ
What is Xcbg Ransomware?
Xcbg 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 Xcbg 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 Xcbg Infect?
Via several ways.Xcbg 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 Xcbg 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 .Xcbg files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Xcbg 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 .Xcbg files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Xcbg" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Xcbg 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 Xcbg 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 Xcbg ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Xcbg 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 Xcbg 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 Xcbg Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Xcbg 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 Xcbg 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.
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.
i hate this virus so much!!
Step 3: delete any Xcgb virus value. How do you know the value is infected. Ist have any .xcgb extension on it? Or any data value as picture shows is infected?
Step 3 clean virus registries. Hoy do i know a value is infected. It have any xcgb extension on it or just any value as picture shows?