EMPTY ransomware: decrypt .EMPTY virus files

The CryptoMix ransomware strand keeps spewing out new variants, the latest one acting very much like predecessors but appending the .EMPTY extension to files.

It’s hard to think of a crypto malware strand that stays the same over time and doesn’t spawn spinoffs that inherit basic hallmarks of the original infection while adding some novelty with each new iteration. The ransomware environment is becoming increasingly dynamic, so different families of these viruses switch to brand new variants every so often. The codebase referred to as CryptoMix, for example, is far from being a stationary target. It is currently one of the most prolific and frequently updated lineages. Its latest persona uses the .EMPTY file extension to blemish encrypted data and drops rescue notes named _HELP_INSTRUCTION.txt.

The distribution of this CryptoMix mod is backed by a large-scale spam campaign. The deceptive emails are most commonly disguised as payment receipts or invoices and contain ZIP files. Inside these self-extracting archives are JS or VBS objects that automatically download the ransomware binary onto a targeted host.

Next up on the attack chain is a big lookup for data. The EMPTY ransomware variant of CryptoMix scans the infected machine’s hard disk partitions, removable drives if any, and network shares for files with specific extensions. The formats of sought-for information correspond to the most widespread data types, including all image formats, Office documents, PDF files, videos, databases, and many more items that are likely valuable to the victim. The perpetrating program skips operating system related items so that the computer keeps running smooth and the extortion goes unimpeded. When a matching entity is found, the virus encrypts it using symmetric AES cipher. Then, it further encodes the secret AES key with RSA-1024, a strong asymmetric cryptographic standard that cannot be cracked without what’s called the private key.

As it has been mentioned, in addition to the crypto effect the EMPTY/CryptoMix ransomware appends a new extension to every ransomed file. This string is currently set to .EMPTY. Note that the original filenames don’t stay intact and get replaced with 32 hexadecimal characters in the aftermath of the incursion. For example, an entry named Sunrise.bmp becomes something like 522F7C3505BE57F2DB8DD0B20B6F35EC.EMPTY. Obviously, there is absolutely no chance to determine which encrypted file this entry corresponds to.

To keep the victim informed of what happened and how to act, the ransom Trojan creates _HELP_INSTRUCTION.txt ransom notes with payment instructions. Their contents are as follows, “Attention! All your data was encrypted! For specific information, please send us an email with Your ID number: empty01@techmail.info, empty02@yahooweb.co, empty003@protonmail.com. We will help you as soon as possible!” In other words, the crooks tell the victim to contact them via email in order to get ransom payment steps in response. At the end of the day, the infected user will be forwarded to a Tor page designed for submitting ransoms. The latter indicates the amount of Bitcoin to send, as well as the Bitcoin address. The size of the ransom fluctuates and may be anywhere between 0.5 and 1 BTC.

Some EMPTY ransomware victims have reported that the attackers didn’t carry through with their promises after they paid the ransom. So no one can rest assured the hostage files will return to their normal state if the felons’ demands are met. Instead, it’s strongly recommended to give every alternative workaround a shot.

EMPTY ransomware automated removal and data recovery

When faced with ransomware like EMPTY, one of the best shortcuts in terms of removal is to use Combo Cleaner, a lightweight and incredibly effective application with PC security and optimization features under the hood. It detects and thoroughly deletes threats while giving you insights into the overall health of your computer.

This program’s protection power spans modules that forestall all known types of malware, including ransomware and browser hijackers, and take your online security to the next level by blocking phishing sites and other suspicious web pages. Follow these simple steps to eliminate the infection for good:

1. Download Combo Cleaner installer.

Download EMPTY remover

^{Combo Cleaner scans your PC with no strings attached, but you’ll have to buy its fully functional version to remove the threats it detects. The disk optimization tools that find large files and duplicates are free to use.}

2. Open the CCSetup.exe file to get started. Several subsequent screens will allow you to make initial customizations so that the program works exactly as you need from the get-go.

3. The installation will be followed by an update of malware signatures. Once this process is through, click the Start Scan button in the left-hand sidebar.

4. Combo Cleaner will then check system locations that are most often polluted by Windows malware. The first scan can take a while to finish.

5. Combo Cleaner will display a system tray notification as soon as the scan is over. Click the Resolve found threats button to view the results.

6. The scan summary shows the names and types of the detected threats as well as their statuses and locations. Click the Remove all threats button and follow further on-screen prompts to get rid of these items.

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.

EMPTY ransomware manual removal and file recovery

Some ransomware strains terminate themselves after completing the encryption job on a computer, but some don’t. Furthermore, the EMPTY virus may prevent victims from using popular antimalware tools in order to stay on board for as long as possible. Under the circumstances, it may be necessary to utilize the Safe Mode with Networking or System Restore functionality.

Be advised that even after the ransomware is removed, files will still be encrypted and inaccessible. The malicious code cleanup part, however, is important because it keeps a relapse of the infection from occurring further on and eliminates all opportunistic malware.

Ways of non-ransom recovery of .EMPTY extension files

Cracking the crypto used by this ransom Trojan is more of a science fiction thing rather than an attainable prospect for the masses. This is why the troubleshooting in predicaments of this sort is a matter of two approaches: one is to pay the ransom, which isn’t an option for many victims; and the other is to apply instruments that take advantage of the ransomware’s possible weaknesses. If the latter is your pick, the advice below is a must-try.

Ransomware Prevention Tips

To avoid EMPTY 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 EMPTY removal tool