Decrypt and remove CryptXXX ransomware

Learn an effective workaround to mitigate the damage from CryptXXX ransomware attack and decrypt files without paying the ransom.

The use of strong cryptography to make one’s files morph into inaccessible junk isn’t the only adverse effect of being hit by CryptXXX ransom Trojan. It reportedly also engages in data theft and may even put the victim’s Bitcoins at risk, if any. Such a compound compromise is unique to this strain, but it’s got more features that aren’t run-of-the-mill. The name of this infection is more of a conventional labeling as it doesn’t appear anywhere on the warning messages it displays. The XXX component refers to Angler, an exploit kit that the ransomware operators are heavily using to spread their abominable code. Therefore, it suffices a potential target to visit an inconspicuously hacked web page to end up catching the plague. The exploit toolkit silently deposits the malware on to the operating system through a loophole in the security of outdated software.

In order to know which files to encrypt, this ransomware runs a scan of the infected machine’s hard disk, connected removable drives as well as network shares mapped as a drive letter. By checking data against a readily available list of targeted formats, CryptXXX locates the entities that the victim is likely to put the most value in. These are word processor documents, spreadsheets, presentations, databases, and of course images and videos. Meanwhile, the infection skips operating system files for obvious reasons – the extortionists need to make sure the computer runs smooth enough for the victim to send the ransom, which, by the way, amounts to the Bitcoin equivalent of 500-1000 USD.

Every file intrusively processed by this threat looks different than its original version. The ransomware adds “.crypt” to the valid filename, making an arbitrary item named “sunrise.jpg” turn into “sunrise.jpg.crypt”. The infected person gets recovery directions through ransom notes titled de_crypt_readme.html, de_crypt_readme.bmp, and de_crypt_readme.txt; or !Recovery_[unique ID].html, !Recovery_[unique ID].bmp, and !Recovery_[unique ID].txt. Either one of these combos is created in ProgramData path, on the desktop, and inside every folder with at least one encrypted file in it.

The warning says “All of your files were protected by a strong encryption with RSA4096”. Interestingly, the scammers may misspell the encryption algorithm and write it as “RZA4096” instead. The ransom notes actually contain a reference to an extremely strong public-key cryptosystem that’s used to encode AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) keys.

Having appeared around mid-April 2016, the Trojan in question has been revamped several times. The latest edition, CryptXXX 3.0, has bug fixes in place which prevent the previously created decryptors from restoring data. Given this hurdle and that submitting up to 2.4 Bitcoins to the criminals is a bad idea, the tips and tricks below are highly recommended.

CryptXXX ransomware automated removal and data recovery

Owing to an up-to-date database of malware signatures and intelligent behavioral detection, the recommended software can quickly locate the infection, eradicate it and remediate all harmful changes. So go ahead and do the following:

1. Download and install the antimalware tool. Open the solution and have it check your PC for PUPs and other types of malicious software by clicking the Start Computer Scan button

Download CryptXXX virus remover

2. Rest assured the scan report will list all items that may harm your operating system. Select the detected entries and click Fix Threats to get the troubleshooting completed.

Data recovery toolkit to the rescue

Some strains of ransomware are known to delete the original files after the encryption routine has been completed. As hostile as this activity appears, it can play into your hands. There are applications designed to revive the information that was obliterated because of malfunctioning hardware or due to accidental removal. The tool called Stellar Data Recovery features this type of a capability and therefore it can be applied in ransom attack scenarios to at least get the most important files back. So use the app to get an idea of what data can be restored and let it do the recovery job. Here is a step-by-step walkthrough:

1. Download and install Stellar Data Recovery.

Download Stellar Data Recovery

2. Open the application, select the types of recoverable files to look for, and click Next.

3. Choose the areas you want the tool to recover from and click the Scan button.

4. Having scanned the specified locations, the program will display a notification about the total amount of recoverable data. Close the dialog and click the Recover button. This will hopefully help you get some of your valuable files back.

Ransomware Prevention Tips

To avoid CryptXXX ransomware and other file-encrypting infections in the future, follow several simple recommendations:

These techniques are certainly not a cure-all, but they will add an extra layer of ransomware protection to your security setup.

Revise your security status

Post-factum assessment of the accuracy component in malware removal scenarios is a great habit that prevents the comeback of harmful code or replication of its unattended fractions. Make sure you are good to go by running an additional safety checkup. Another benefit of using the antimalware tool is that it will keep ransomware threats from intruding on your computer further on.

Download CryptXXX ransomware removal tool