What Is !XTPLOCK5.0 Cryptinfo.txt Ransomware?
Cyber-criminals behind the e-mail crypt302@gmx.com have begun to demand 2 BTC from users via a ransomware virus that is dubbed “!XTPLOCK5.0” based on its ransom note string. Malware researchers, like Michael Gillepsie believe that this ransomware virus is an instance of the notorious DMALocker ransomware virus. After encryption !XTPLOCK5.0 leaves behind a ransom note in the form of a .txt file named “cryptinfo.txt”. This ransom note aims to “motivate” affected users to pay the ransom amount of 2 BTC (at present times around 1300 USD) in order to get the files back. Anyone who is infected by this ransomware virus should not pay the ransom under any circumstances, because it not only supports the cyber-criminals but is also not a guarantee that you will get your files back. Instead, we recommend following the information in this article to remove the !XTPLOCK5.0 threat completely and try alternative solutions to restore your files until malware researchers come up with a solution, which we will post on this page.
Threat Summary
| Name | !XTPLOCK5.0 |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | A cryptovirus encrypting files on the compromised computer and then demanding a ransom payment of 2 BTC to decrypt them. |
| Symptoms | The !XTPLOCK5.0 ransomware will encrypt all files with strong encryption after which leave a “cryptinfo.txt” file. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
| Detection Tool |
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!XTPLOCK5.0 – How Is It Distributed
Similar to DMALocker the !XTPLOCK5.0 malware may also spread via malicious third-party web links that may be advertised by third-party applications of an adware character on an affected computer. The virus might also be distributed via malicious e-mail attachments as well as malicious web links posted online. Messages of a spamming character may look like reputable messages from well-known services, like LinkedIn, Facebook, banking or government institutions. The e-mail attachments may contain several different details in them like convincing messages, fake buttons that lead to suspicious web links and may cause browser redirects and others. This is why it is strongly advisable to use external mail services with spam blockers, like Microsoft Outlook, Thunderbird or others.
!XTPLOCK5.0 – More Information
The ransomware one name for which is !XTPLOCK5.0 is believed to create the following files upon infection:
%UsersProfile%\cryptinfo.txt
%UsersProfile%\{malicious executable}.exe
After having created those files, the virus may create a custom registry entry for the malicious executable file to run on Windows boot and begin encrypting files straight away. The targeted key for this is:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run\”cssys” = “%User’sProfile%\ntserver.exe”
This may cause the encryptor of the virus to run and target the following types of files for encryption:
PNG .PSD .PSPIMAGE .TGA .THM .TIF .TIFF .YUV .AI .EPS .PS .SVG .INDD .PCT .PDF .XLR .XLS .XLSX .ACCDB .DB .DBF .MDB .PDB .SQL .APK .APP .BAT .CGI .COM .EXE .GADGET .JAR .PIF .WSF .DEM .GAM .NES .ROM .SAV CAD Files .DWG .DXF GIS Files .GPX .KML .KMZ .ASP .ASPX .CER .CFM .CSR .CSS .HTM .HTML .JS .JSP .PHP .RSS .XHTML. DOC .DOCX .LOG .MSG .ODT .PAGES .RTF .TEX .TXT .WPD .WPS .CSV .DAT .GED .KEY .KEYCHAIN .PPS .PPT .PPTX ..INI .PRF Encoded Files .HQX .MIM .UUE .7Z .CBR .DEB .GZ .PKG .RAR .RPM .SITX .TAR.GZ .ZIP .ZIPX .BIN .CUE .DMG .ISO .MDF .TOAST .VCD SDF .TAR .TAX2014 .TAX2015 .VCF .XML Audio Files .AIF .IFF .M3U .M4A .MID .MP3 .MPA .WAV .WMA Video Files .3G2 .3GP .ASF .AVI .FLV .M4V .MOV .MP4 .MPG .RM .SRT .SWF .VOB .WMV 3D .3DM .3DS .MAX .OBJ R.BMP .DDS .GIF .JPG ..CRX .PLUGIN .FNT .FON .OTF .TTF .CAB .CPL .CUR .DESKTHEMEPACK .DLL .DMP .DRV .ICNS .ICO .LNK .SYS .CFG”Source:fileinfo.com
After having encrypted the files with strong encryption believed to be AES, RSA or both algorithms used for different segments for the encryption, the encoded data can no longer be accessed.
The final stage for !XTPLOCK5.0 is to focus on notifying the user that his or her files are encrypted, and 2 BTC must be paid to retrieve the files. This is done by providing the following message in the cryptinfo.txt file:
Attention! ! !
All of your copies of your system have been permanently deleted and the data on all partitions and workstations have been encrypted!
Stay calm.
You can recover all your data by making a payment of 2 BTC (1200 USD) in Bitcoin currency to receive a decryption key.
To purchase Bitcions you can use www.coinbase.com
After buying BTC send the equivalent of 2 BTC (1200 USD) to our BTC adress:
16jX5RbF2pEcLYHPukazWhDCkxXTs7ZCxB
After payment contact us to receive your decryption key. In mail title write your unique ID: {custom id visually resembling a MAC address}
Our e-mail: crypt302@gmx.com”
Remove !XTPLOCK5.0 Ransomware and Restore Locked Files
To remove this ransomware completely from your computer, we advise you to guide yourself by the removal instructions posted below. They are carefully designed to help your remove all of the files related to !XTPLOCK5.0 ransomware. In case you feel unsure in what you are doing, experts often advise using an advanced anti-malware software which will automatically take care of everything related to !XTPLOCK5.0 ransomware virus on your computer. Whatever the case may be, paying the ransom is not recommended because of several logical reasons:
- There may be a free decryption available.
- You support the cyber-criminals’ operation.
- There is no guarantee that paying will get you access back to the files.
If you want to restore your files, we advise you to wait for a free decryptor to be released, since malware researchers are constantly working towards decrypting different ransomware variants, as was the case with the DMA Locker 3.0 ransomware which resembles this virus a lot.
While you wait for a free decrypter to be released, you may try the decryption instructions for the older variant of DMA Locker or the alternative file restoration methods provided in step “2. Restore files encrypted by !XTPLOCK5.0” below. But before attempting any decryption, use the tools at your own risk and make a backup, just in case the files become corrupt during decryption.
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 !XTPLOCK5.0 with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall !XTPLOCK5.0 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 !XTPLOCK5.0 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 !XTPLOCK5.0 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 !XTPLOCK5.0
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by !XTPLOCK5.0.
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 !XTPLOCK5.0 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.
!XTPLOCK5.0-FAQ
What is !XTPLOCK5.0 Ransomware?
!XTPLOCK5.0 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 !XTPLOCK5.0 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 !XTPLOCK5.0 Infect?
Via several ways.!XTPLOCK5.0 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 !XTPLOCK5.0 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 .!XTPLOCK5.0 files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .!XTPLOCK5.0 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 .!XTPLOCK5.0 files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".!XTPLOCK5.0" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .!XTPLOCK5.0 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 !XTPLOCK5.0 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 !XTPLOCK5.0 ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .!XTPLOCK5.0 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 !XTPLOCK5.0 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 !XTPLOCK5.0 Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this !XTPLOCK5.0 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 !XTPLOCK5.0 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.
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