Remove XHAMSTER Virus (.[ICQ@xhamster2020].XHAMSTER Files Ransomware) – Phobos Ransomware

XHAMSTER – Ransomware

The XHAMSTER mean a ransomware-type infection. The virus comes from the Phobos ransomware family. XHAMSTER was elaborated specifically to encrypt all major file types. As soon as the file is encrypted people are unable to use them. XHAMSTER adds the “.[ICQ@xhamster2020].XHAMSTER” extension for each file encrypted by it. For example, the file “myphoto.jpg“, as soon as encrypted by XHAMSTER, will be renamed into “myphoto.jpg.[ICQ@xhamster2020].XHAMSTER“. As quickly as the encryption is completed, XHAMSTER places a special text file into every folder containing the encrypted data.

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

Another technique of XHAMSTER is that the victims cannot access to the key. The key is saved on a particular server run by the frauds connected with XHAMSTER ransomware. To get the key and recover the important info people need to pay the ransom.

Nevertheless, regardless of the requested quantity, people need to keep away from paying the ransom. Cyber frauds are not fair, so they tend to completely disregard what their victims feel about the issue, even when the payment reaches their pockets. This is why paying the ransom normally does not provide any positive result and people just waste their money for nothing.

We strongly recommend that you do not contact these crooks and absolutely do not transfer money into their accounts. It is said to admit that there are no utilities able to crack XHAMSTER ransomware and to recover the data data for free. Hence, the just right decision is to recover the lost information from the available backup.

Virus Summary

Name	XHAMSTER Ransomware
File Extension	.[ICQ@xhamster2020].XHAMSTER
Type	Ransomware
Family	Phobos
Short Description	The 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.
Symptoms	File 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 [ICQ@xhamster2020].XHAMSTER extension to all the files modified by it.
Distribution Method	Spam Emails, Email Attachments
Removal Tool	GridinSoft Anti-Malware

Remember that the web is now overwhelmed with threats that look comparable to XHAMSTER ransomware. Destructive programs of such kind are usually elaborated to encrypt essential 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 similar algorithm to produce the unique decryption key for data decryption.

Therefore, as long as the ransomware is still being developed or has some hidden bugs, manually recovering the information is simply not feasible. The only method to prevent the loss of your essential data is to regularly create backups of your important information.

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

How did ransomware infect my computer?

There are a number of ways used by online scams to distribute XHAMSTER ransomware. Despite the fact that it doubts how precisely XHAMSTER injects your computer, there are some leaks through which it may penetrate the system:

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

Often XHAMSTER ransomware might exist as some legitimate software, for example, in the pop-ups instructing users to execute some crucial software application updates. This is the typical trick used by online frauds to persuade people into downloading and installing XHAMSTER infection manually, by ways of their direct participation in the installation process.

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

Needless to mention, opening such documents or clicking on such dangerous links may significantly harm the system. Fictitious Adobe Flash Player update notifies may result in XHAMSTER virus injection. When it comes to the cracked software, these illegally downloaded programs may likewise contain destructive codes causing XHAMSTER secret installation. Lastly, injection of XHAMSTER may occur by methods of Trojans that privately get injected into the system and set up malicious utilities without the user’s approval.

Is there any method to prevent the injection of XHAMSTER ransomware?

Although there is no 100% guarantee to avoid your system from getting infected, there are some pieces of advice we wish to share with with you. First of all, be very mindful when you browse the web and particularly while downloading complimentary apps. Keep away from opening suspicious email attachments, especially when the sender of the email is not familiar to you.

Keep in mind that some freeware installers may consist of other unwanted utilities in the bundle, so they may be malicious. Make sure that your current antivirus software and your entire OS is always duly updated.

Of course, downloading pirated software is unlawful and may lead to important damage to be made for your system. 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 protecting your computer.

Below please find the quotation from the XHAMSTER 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, install ICQ software on your PC here hxxps://icq.com/windows/
or on mobile phone from Appstore/Google Play Market search for \"ICQ\"
Write to our ICQ @xhamster2020 hxxps://icq.im/xhamster2020
Write this ID in the title of your message -
You have to pay for decryption in Bitcoins. The price depends on how fast you write to us.
Free decryption as guarantee
Before paying you can send us up to 5 files for free decryption. The total size of files must be less than 3Mb (non archived), and files should not contain valuable information. (databases,backups, large excel sheets, etc.)
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.
Be assured we are the only people who can recover your files and there is no free tool.
================================

ATTENTION!!!
Unfortunately for you, a major IT security weakness left you open to attack.
All your files have been encrypted with ciphers more advanced than those used for diplomatic communications.
You can spend days and months searching for a magical way to decrypt your files, but rest assured we are the only people who can help you recover your files, there is no free tool.
If you want to restore files, install ICQ software on your PC here hxxps://icq.com/windows/ or on your mobile phone search in Appstore / Google play market \"ICQ\"
Write to our ICQ @xhamster2020 hxxps://icq.im/xhamster2020
Write file ID in the title of your message
Before paying you can send us up to 5 files for free decryption. The total size of files must be less than 3Mb and files should not contain valuable information.
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 “.[ICQ@xhamster2020].XHAMSTER” extension added by the ransomware:

Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove XHAMSTER 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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.