The 0xxx virus falls into the category of ransomware infections. Once this ransomware infiltrates a computer, it encrypts all user data, including photos, documents, Excel tables, music, videos, and more. It appends a specific extension to each encrypted file and generates a !0XXX_DECRYPTION_README.TXT file in every folder containing encrypted files.
0xxx Virus
☝️ 0xxx can be correctly identify as a ransomware-type infection.
The 0xxx ransomware appends its distinct “.0XXX” extension to the filename of each file it encrypts. For instance, a photo named “my_photo.jpeg” would be transformed into “my_photo.jpeg.0XXX,” while an Excel report named “report.xlsx” would become “report.xlsx.0XXX,” and so on.
The !0XXX_DECRYPTION_README.TXT file present in each folder containing the encrypted files serves as a ransom note. It contains instructions on how to contact the developers of the 0xxx ransomware and other relevant information. Typically, the ransom note instructs victims to purchase the decryption tool, which is developed by the ransomware creators. To obtain the decryption tool, victims are directed to contact iosif.lancmann@mail.ru via email.
Here is a summary for the 0xxx:
Name | 0xxx Virus |
Extension | .0XXX |
Ransomware note | !0XXX_DECRYPTION_README.TXT |
Ransom | $300 |
Contact | iosif.lancmann@mail.ru |
Detection | Trojan-Ransom.Win32.GandCrypt.ewt, TrojanClicker:Win32/BuddyLinks.A, Trojan-Ransom.NSIS.MyxaH.pfd |
Symptoms | Your files (photos, videos, documents) have a .0XXX extension and you can’t open it. |
Fix Tool | See If Your System Has Been Affected by 0xxx virus |
The !0XXX_DECRYPTION_README.TXT file by the 0xxx ransomware states the following frustrating information:
All your files have been encrypted with 0XXX Virus. Your unique id: XXXXX You can buy decryption for 300$USD in Bitcoins. To do this: 1) Send your unique id XXXXX and max 3 files for test decryption to iosif.lancmann@mail.ru 2) We will send you the decrypted files and a unique bitcoin wallet for payment after decryption. 3) After paying the ransom for Bitcoin, we will send you a decryption program and instructions. If we can decrypt your files, we have no reason to deceive you after payment.
The image below gives a clear vision of how the files with “.0XXX” extension look like:
How did I get 0xxx ransomware on my computer?
That was a huge number of different ways of ransomware injection.
However, nowadays, email spam and trojans are the only two ways of injecting 0xxx ransomware. You may come across numerous email messages that claim you need to pay various bills or collect a package from your local FedEx department. However, these messages are sent from unknown email addresses, not from official emails of recognized companies. All such emails contain an attached file that serves as a carrier for the ransomware. If you open this file, your system will become infected with 0xxx ransomware.
In the case of trojans, you may be prompted to download and install ransomware on your PC disguised as something legitimate, such as a Chrome update or an update for software already installed on your computer. Sometimes, trojan viruses can be masked as legitimate programs, offering ransomware for download as an important update or a bundle of extensions deemed necessary for proper program functionality.
There is also a third method of ransomware injection, but it is becoming increasingly less popular over time. I’m referring to peer-to-peer networks like torrents or eMule. The content contained in the shared files cannot be controlled, so there is a risk of encountering a large assortment of malware after downloading. If circumstances compel you to download something from peer-to-peer networks, make sure to scan every downloaded folder or archive with antivirus software.
How to remove 0xxx virus?
In addition to encode a victim’s files, the 0xxx infection has also started to install the Azorult Spyware on computer to steal account credentials, cryptocurrency wallets, desktop files, and more.
To ensure the user, ransomware distributors may offer to decrypt several encrypted files and claim to be the single owners of this decryption program. 0xxx ransomware is a completely new type, so there is no legit anti-malware vendor program that can decrypt your files. However, decryption tools are updating every month.
However, paying the ransom is a bad decision too. There is no guarantee that 0xxx ransomware developers will send you the decryption tool and a proper decryption key. There are a lot of cases when ransomware distributors deceive their victims by sending the wrong key or even nothing. In most cases, you can recover your files for free. Search for available backups and restore your system using them. Of course, there is a chance that the backup you found is too old and does not contain many files you need. But at least, you can be sure that there is no malware in your system. However, to ensure that there are no malicious programs in your system after the backup, you need to scan your PC with anti-malware software.
0xxx ransomware is not unique. There are more ransomware types like Dance, The, Trust. These examples of ransomware act similarly by encrypting your files, adding a specific extension, and leaving numerous ransom money notes in every folder. But two things differentiate this ransomware: the cryptography algorithm used for file encryption and the ransom amount ($300). In some cases, victims can decrypt their files without making any payments, using free solutions provided by several anti-malware vendors or even with the decryption tool offered by ransomware creators. The last scenario is possible when ransomware distributors have typed your decryption key inside a ransom money note. However, such luck is very rare, as ransomware is created for monetary gain, not for jokes or scaring.
Reasons why I would recommend GridinSoft1
There is no better way to recognize, remove and prevent ransomware than to use an anti-malware software from GridinSoft2.
Download Removal Tool.
You can download GridinSoft Anti-Malware by clicking the button below:
Run the setup file.
When setup file has finished downloading, double-click on the setup-antimalware-fix.exe file to install GridinSoft Anti-Malware on your computer.
An User Account Control asking you about allowing GridinSoft Anti-Malware to make changes to your device. So, you should click “Yes” to continue with the installation.
Press “Install” button.
Once installed, Anti-Malware will automatically run.
Wait for the Anti-Malware scan to complete.
GridinSoft Anti-Malware will automatically start scanning your system for 0xxx infections and other malicious programs. This process can take a 20-30 minutes, so I suggest you periodically check on the status of the scan process.
Click on “Clean Now”.
When the scan has completed, you will see the list of infections that GridinSoft Anti-Malware has detected. To remove them click on the “Clean Now” button in right corner.
Frequently Asked Questions
No way. These files are encrypted by 0xxx ransomware. The contents of .0XXX files are not available until they are decrypted.
If your data remaining in the .0XXX files is valuable, you most likely made a backup copy.
If not, then you can try to restore them through the system function – Restore Point. All other methods will require patience.
Of course not. Your encrypted files do not pose a threat to the computer. What happened has already happened.
You need GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove active system infections. The virus that encrypts your files is most likely still active and periodically runs a test for the ability to encrypt even more files. Also, these viruses often install keyloggers and backdoors for further malicious actions (for example, theft of passwords and credit cards).
In this situation, you need to prepare the memory stick with a pre-installed Trojan Killer.
You can try to find a copy of an original file that was encrypted:
- Files you downloaded from the Internet that were encrypted, and you can download again to get the original.
- Pictures that you shared with family and friends that they can just send back to you.
- Photos that you uploaded on social media or cloud services like Carbonite, OneDrive, iDrive, Google Drive, etc.)
- Attachments in emails you sent or received and saved.
- Files on an older computer, flash drive, external drive, camera memory card, or iPhone where you transferred data to the infected computer.
How сan I avoid ransomware attack?
0xxx ransomware doesn’t have a superpower.
You can easily protect yourself from its injection in several easy steps :
- Ignore all emails from unknown mailboxes with a strange unknown address or content that likely has no connection to something you are waiting for (can you win a lottery without taking part in it?). If the email subject is likely something you are waiting for, check all elements of the suspicious letter carefully. A fake email will surely contain a mistake.
- Do not use cracked or untrusted programs. Trojans are often distributed as a part of cracked software, possibly under the guise of a “patch” that prevents the license check. But untrusted programs are very hard to distinguish from trustworthy software because trojans may also have the functionality you need. You can try to find information about this program on the anti-malware forums, but the best solution is not to use such programs.
- To ensure the safety of the files you downloaded, use GridinSoft Anti-Malware. This program will surely be a perfect shield for your personal computer.
I need your help to share this article.
It is your turn to help other people. I have written this guide to help people like you. You can use the buttons below to share this on your favorite social media Facebook, Twitter, or Reddit.
Brendan SmithHow to Remove 0XXX Ransomware & Recover PC
Name: 0XXX Virus
Description: 0XXX Virus is a ransomware-type infections. This virus encrypts important personal files (video, photos, documents). The encrypted files can be tracked by a specific .0XXX extension. So, you can't use them at all.
Operating System: Windows
Application Category: Virus
User Review
( votes)References
- GridinSoft Anti-Malware Review from HowToFix site: https://howtofix.guide/gridinsoft-anti-malware/
- More information about GridinSoft products: https://gridinsoft.com/comparison