Decrypt .phoenix files virus: Phoenix-Phobos ransomware removal

A new variant of the Phobos ransomware is out that adds the .phoenix extension to encrypted files, so here’s how to take care of the issue in case of infection.

1. What is the Phoenix ransomware?
2. Phoenix ransomware automated removal and data recovery
3. Phoenix ransomware manual removal and file recovery
4. Ransomware Prevention Tips

What is the Phoenix ransomware?

Computer users who fall victim to ransomware primarily pay attention to the most conspicuous symptoms of the attack and refer to the strain based on these telltale signs. That’s typically the peculiar extension concatenated to filenames, the ransom notes, or inscriptions on a desktop background alert if any. How about the sample dubbed Phoenix ransomware, which has been wreaking havoc since mid-April 2019? The denomination in this scenario is an extension derivative as the culprit appends the .phoenix suffix to every hostage file. Those who take a deeper dive into the attack attributes will discover that this specimen is actually a spinoff of the Phobos ransomware whose activity has been numerous users’ headache for about three months now. In fact, the ransom manual named info.hta indicates the parental malware name in the open.

The Phoenix edition of Phobos ransomware treats filenames similarly to the way the notorious CrySiS lineage does. It subjoins a fairly long string to each one in the following format: Sample.docx.id[xxxxxxx-7777].[absonkaine@aol.com].phoenix. The segments in brackets include the victim’s unique ID, plus the attacker’s contact email address. These external tweaks of the affected data items are a trifle compared to the skewing that takes place at a deep structure level. The ransom Trojan utilizes a strong cryptographic algorithm, namely the public-key RSA standard, to lock down every valuable file so that the victim cannot access it. Speaking of which, the Phoenix ransomware isn’t likely to skip anything that matters to the user, because it thoroughly scours the plagued machine’s hard drive and removable media, if inserted, in search of data whose format matches the predefined range. As a result, the vast majority of the personal information ends up encrypted and inaccessible.

Looking at the modified filenames, it seems that the appended details suffice to reach out to the criminals and find out what they want in exchange for the malicious recovery service. However, there are special files that the Phoenix ransomware drops onto the computer, with many more nuances being covered therein. These are ransom notes, and they come in two different forms. One is named info.hta, and the other is info.txt. The former lets the victim know what exactly has happened and instructs them to shoot a message to absonkaine@aol.com. In the email, the user is supposed to insert the identifier string assigned to them. The manual also includes alternative ways to contact the perpetrators in case the user doesn’t hear from them within 24 hours after the original message is sent. The malefactors’ extra email address is klemens.stobe@aol.com, and their Jabber account is phobos_helper@xmpp.jp. In response, they will send the precise size of the ransom in Bitcoin along with the BTC address to submit it. To prove that the deal is real, the attackers offer free decryption of up to five non-important files.

So much for the extortion workflow. Regarding the intrusion of the Phoenix ransomware, the tactics haven’t changed since the previous Phobos release. It still comes down to the use of RDP (remote desktop protocol) rather than malicious spam. The black hats have been mass-scanning the web for hosts with open or poorly secured RDP connections. Then, they try to exploit these services to gain remote access to the vulnerable machines. This allows Phoenix operators to deposit their nasty payload onto systems manually without raising any red flags whatsoever. If this part of the attack chain succeeds, the rest of it is a technicality because the harmful binary simply invokes pre-configured commands in an autonomous way and deploys the extortion. All in all, this ransomware is a serious concern and it should be treated accordingly. Before entering any negotiation with the adversaries, be sure to try all the techniques below and see if anything can be restored without paying the ransom.

Phoenix ransomware automated removal and data recovery

When faced with ransomware like Phoenix, 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 Phoenix 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.

Phoenix 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 Phoenix 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 .phoenix 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 Phoenix 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 Phoenix removal tool