What Is XHAMSTER Virus?
XHAMSTER virus is a new ransomware infection variant, that aims to encrypt your files, in order to extort you into paying a lot of money in the form of Bitcoin as ransom. The main objective of this virus is to make your files no longer able to be opened so that you can follow the instructions in the ransom note that it leaves behind, which is known as info.txt.
Read this article if you want to understand further information on how to remove the virus and try to recover the .XHAMSTER encrypted files.
XHAMSTER Virus Summary
Name | XHAMSTER Ransomware |
File Extension | .[Unique ID].ICQ@xhamster2020.XHAMSTER |
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 Xhamster virus Virus ransomware will encrypt your files by appending the .Xhamster virus extension to them. |
Ransom Demanding Note | _readme.txt |
Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
Download
Malware Removal Tool
|
XHAMSTER Virus – How Did I Get Infected?
XHAMSTER virus is a typical ransomware crypto virus, just like some other ones that we have recently seen, such as .MARS, .a and .rtf threats.
Typically, viruses like XHAMSTER end up infecting your computer as a result of the two following infection methods being used:
- By being downloaded from a shady site.
- If it is sent to you as an e-mail attachment or a URL.
If the email method has been used on your device, then you most likely may have downloaded the file, that appears to be an important document, like:
- Invoices.
- Receipts.
- Work-related files.
- E-Tickets for events or flights.
Typically, such files often infect via malicious macro code trigger, which looks like the following infection process:
XHAMSTER virus could also be download it from some type of a third-party website, where it can exist in the form of a file that can be executed, such as:
- Software patches.
- Self extracting archives or regular archives.
- Cracked portable versions of apps.
- Software or game cracks.
- Fake installation files.
- Key generator (or Keygen).
XHAMSTER virus Virus – What Does It Do?
Once an infection with this virus occurs on your computer, it may connect to a remote server, from where it may download its own payload module files without you knowing. These files are responsible for the malicious operation that the virus performs on your computer without your knowledge, and they may be located in the following directories of Windows:
- %Temp%
- %SystemDrive%
- %Local%
- %AppData%
- %Windows%
- %LocalLow%
- %System%
- %system32%
XHAMSTER virus also drops its info.txt ransom note, which looks like the following:
Among the malicious activities that the virus doesn’t your computer without you knowing is to also attack your Windows Registry Editor, where it may create different kinds of value entries in sub-keys, like the Run and RunOnce ones:
- 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
Doing so will allow the virus to run automatically on Windows boot.
What Are .XHAMSTER Files
The .XHAMSTER virus files are targeted files of your computer that are encrypted using a professional encryption algorithm. What the virus does is it performs scan on the most used files, based on the file extensions they have, for example:
- 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.
After the encryption process is completed, the files assume the following appearance, shown in the example below:
Picture.jpg.[UDB203B23-B223D].ICQ@xhamster2020.XHAMSTER
How to Remove XHAMSTER Virus and Try Restoring Files?
To delete the XHAMSTER virus, our main suggestion is following the removal steps beneath this post. They are made with the main idea to help you get rid of the malware yourself or automatically. If you do not have the adequate time in doing the removal process by yourself or simply lack the experience in doing so, our main suggestion is using a professional anti-malware program. Such a security software is specifically designed and thoroughly scanning for all of the malicious files of viruses, like this one and removing them from your computer system.
In case there is no free decryption software for this virus, that is created by independent researchers and published online, our main suggestion is trying to alternative methods we need this article. They contain steps that may not be 100% guaranteed to recover all your files, but with their help you could be able to restore at least some of them and we would suggest that you give them a try.
Xhamster Virus Ransomware – Video Removal Guide
Below, you can find our video guide for the Xhamster ransomware virus for your convenience. It contains more methods to delete the virus and try restoring your files:
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for Xhamster virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Xhamster 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:
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by Xhamster 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 Xhamster virus 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 Xhamster virus
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Xhamster 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 Xhamster 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.
Xhamster virus-FAQ
What is Xhamster virus Ransomware?
Xhamster 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 Xhamster 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 Xhamster virus Infect?
Via several ways.Xhamster 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 Xhamster 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 .Xhamster virus files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Xhamster 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 .Xhamster virus files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Xhamster virus" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Xhamster 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 Xhamster 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 Xhamster virus ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Xhamster 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 Xhamster 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 Xhamster virus Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Xhamster 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 Xhamster 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.
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.