RansomwareRemoval Guide

Remove Xcss Virus (.[xcsset@criptext.com].xcss Files Ransomware) – Dharma Ransomware

Xcss Virus – Details

The Xcss stands for a ransomware-type infection. The virus comes from the Dharma ransomware family. Xcss was elaborated particularly to encrypt all major file types. When the file is encrypted people are not able to use them. Xcss adds the “.[xcsset@criptext.com].xcss” extension for each file encrypted by it. For example, the file “myphoto.jpg“, when encrypted by Xcss, will be renamed into “myphoto.jpg.[xcsset@criptext.com].xcss“. As soon as the encryption is completed, Xcss places a special text file into every folder containing the encrypted data.

The message given by Xcss text file requesting for the ransom is absolutely the like the statements given by other ransomware virus representatives coming from the Dharma type. It literally discusses that the info is encrypted which the only way to bring back it is to use a an unique decryption key. Unfortunately, this is definitely true. The sort of cryptography mechanism used by Xcss is still not correctly examined. Still, it is definitely certain that each victim might be given the specific decryption key, which is totally unique. It is impossible to restore the files without the key available.

Another trick of Xcss is that the victims cannot access to the key. The key is stored on a particular server run by the frauds related to Xcss ransomware. To get the key and recover the important information people have to pay the ransom.

Nonetheless, irrespective of the requested amount, people should stay away from paying the ransom. Cyber frauds are not fair, so they tend to entirely disregard what their victims feel about the issue, even when the payment reaches their pockets. This is why paying the ransom normally does not give any positive outcome and people simply waste their money for nothing.

We highly advise that you do not contact these crooks and certainly do not transfer money into their accounts. It is said to admit that there are no utilities able to crack Xcss ransomware and to recover the information data free of charge. Therefore, the only right decision is to recover the lost data from the available backup.

Virus Summary

NameXcss Ransomware
File Extension.[xcsset@criptext.com].xcss
TypeRansomware
FamilyDharma
Short DescriptionThe ransomware encrypts all the data stored on your system and requires a ransom to be paid on your part supposedly to recover your important files.
SymptomsFile encryption by the ransomware is performed by means of the AES and RSA encryption algorithms. Once the encryption is completed, the ransomware adds its special [xcsset@criptext.com].xcss extension to all the files modified by it.
Distribution MethodSpam Emails, Email Attachments
Removal Tool   GridinSoft Anti-Malware

Bear in mind that the internet is now overwhelmed with threats that look comparable to Xcss ransomware. Destructive programs of such kind are generally elaborated to encrypt crucial information and to set forth the need before the user to pay the ransom. The peculiarity of all such ransomware threats is that all apply a comparable algorithm to produce the special decryption key for files decryption.

Hence, as long as the ransomware is still being developed or has some hidden bugs, manually recovering the information is just not feasible. The only way to avoid the loss of your essential information is to routinely create backups of your important information.

Bear in mind that even if you create such backups, they must be placed into a special storage utility not connect to your main PC. You may use the Memory Stick or external hard drive for this purpose, or refer to the help of the cloud storage. If you store your backup files on your common system they may be encrypted in addition to other files, so it’s absolutely not a good storage place.

How did ransomware infect my computer?

There are numerous methods used by online frauds to distribute Xcss ransom virus. Despite the fact that it doubts how exactly Xcss injects your computer, there are some leaks through which it may penetrate the system:

  • integration with third-party apps, especially freeware;
  • spam e-mails from unidentified senders;
  • websites rendering free hosting services;
  • pirated peer-to-peer (P2P) downloads.

Typically Xcss ransomware may exist as some genuine software, for instance, in the pop-ups advising users to carry out some essential software application updates. This is the common trick used by online scams to persuade people into downloading and installing Xcss infection manually, by methods of their direct participation in the installation process.

Additionally, the criminals might describe various email spam strategies to inject malicious codes into systems. So, they may describe to sending unsolicited spam e-mails with tricky notices promoting users to download the attachments or click on certain download links, for example, the ones motivating users to open some video, files, tax reports or invoices.

Needless to mention, opening such files or clicking on such dangerous links may badly harm the system. Fictitious Adobe Flash Player upgrade alerts may result in Xcss ransom injection. As for the cracked applications, these illegally downloaded programs may also include harmful codes resulting in Xcss secret installation. Finally, injection of Xcss may happen by methods of Trojans that covertly get injected into the system and install malicious utilities without the user’s approval.

Is there any method to prevent the injection of Xcss ransom virus?

Even though there is no 100% guarantee to avoid your computer from getting infected, there are some pieces of suggestions we wish to share with with you. First off, be really mindful when you surf the web and specifically while downloading free apps. Keep away from opening suspicious email attachments, especially when the sender of the email is not familiar to you.

Bear in mind that some freeware installers may consist of other unwanted utilities in the package, so they may be destructive. Make certain that your current antivirus and your entire operating system is always duly updated.

Obviously, downloading pirated software is prohibited and may result in necessary damage to be produced your PC. Thus, stay away from downloading cracked software. You are also highly advised to reconsider your existing security software and possibly change to another security solution that can render much better services of defending your computer.

Below please find the quotation from the Xcss text file:

All your files have been encrypted!

All your files have been encrypted due to a security problem with your PC. If you want to restore them, write us to the e-mail xcsset@criptext.com
Write this ID in the title of your message -
In case of no answer in 24 hours write us to theese e-mails:xcsset@aol.com
You have to pay for decryption in Bitcoins. The price depends on how fast you write to us. After payment we will send you the decryption tool that will decrypt all your files.

Free decryption as guarantee
Before paying you can send us up to 1 file for free decryption. The total size of files must be less than 1Mb (non archived), and files should not contain valuable information. (databases,backups, large excel sheets, etc.)

How to obtain Bitcoins
The easiest way to buy bitcoins is LocalBitcoins site. You have to register, click \'Buy bitcoins\', and select the seller by payment method and price.
hxxps://localbitcoins.com/buy_bitcoins
Also you can find other places to buy Bitcoins and beginners guide here:
hxxp://www.coindesk.com/information/how-can-i-buy-bitcoins/

Attention!
Do not rename encrypted files.
Do not try to decrypt your data using third party software, it may cause permanent data loss.
Decryption of your files with the help of third parties may cause increased price (they add their fee to our) or you can become a victim of a scam.

Screenshot of files with “.[xcsset@criptext.com].xcss” extension added by the ransomware:
Xcss Ransomware - encrypt files with .[xcsset@criptext.com].xcss extension

Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove Xcss ransomware from your computer

1.Download GridinSoft Anti-Malware.

You can download GridinSoft Anti-Malware by clicking the button below:

  GridinSoft Anti-Malware

2. Double-click on the setup file.

When setup file has finished downloading, double-click on the setup-antimalware-ag.exe file to install GridinSoft Anti-Malware on your computer.
GridinSoft Anti-Malware
An User Account Control asking you about to allow GridinSoft Anti-Malware to make changes to your device. So, you should click “Yes” to continue with the installation.
GridinSoft Anti-Malware Setup

3. Press Install button for run GridinSoft Anti-Malware.

GridinSoft Anti-Malware Install

3.Once installed, GridinSoft Anti-Malware will automatically run.

GridinSoft Anti-Malware  Start

4. Wait for the GridinSoft Anti-Malware scan to complete.

GridinSoft Anti-Malware will automatically start scanning your computer for Win Speedup 2018 and other malicious programs. This process can take a 20-30 minutes, so we suggest you periodically check on the status of the scan process.
GridinSoft Anti-Malware Scan

5. 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.
GridinSoft Anti-Malware Scan Result

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Daniel Zimmermann

Daniel Zimmermann has been writing on security and malware subjects for many years and has been working in the security industry for over 10 years. Daniel was educated at the Saarland University in Saarbrücken, Germany and currently lives in New York.

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