How to remove Xcbg ransomware

Xcbg ransomware is file-encrypting malware. It’s a generic version of the notorious Djvu/STOP ransomware. The malware essentially takes files hostage. Once the malware encrypts your personal files, you will not be able to open any of them unless you first decrypt them. If you have copies of your files in a backup, you should have no trouble with file recovery. However, because there currently is no free Xcbg Ransomware decryptor, if you don’t have a backup, file recovery is not very likely. The cybercriminals will try to sell you the decryptor but giving in to the demands comes with risks, which we will explain in more detail further on.

 

 

Xcbg ransomware is essentially the same as Bpqd, Vtym, Qbaa, Iiof, and many others. They’re all versions of the same Djvu/STOP ransomware. The versions can be differentiated by the extensions added to encrypted files. This ransomware adds .xcbg, hence why it’s known as Xcbg ransomware. It will target all your personal files because cybercriminals know that users are generally willing to pay for those files. That includes photos, images, videos, documents, etc. An encrypted text.txt file would become text.txt.xcbg. Unfortunately, none of the files with this extension will be openable unless you first use a decryptor on them. But acquiring the decryptor will not be easy because the only people who have it are the cybercriminals operating this ransomware.

The decryption process is briefly explained in the _readme.txt ransom note that gets dropped in all folders that contain encrypted files. The note is pretty generic and mostly identical to the notes dropped by other ransomware from this family. That’s not surprising considering the ransomware versions are practically identical. It explains that in order to obtain the tool for file decryption, it’s necessary to pay the ransom. The regular price is $980 but according to the note, those who make contact with the cybercriminals within the first 72 hours will receive a 50% discount. Whether the discount part is true or not, paying the ransom is very risky. That’s mainly because you are not guaranteed a decryptor even after paying. Keep in mind that you are dealing with cybercriminals who are unlikely to care about whether you get your files back or not. Countless users in the past have not received their decryptors despite paying. Another thing about paying the ransom is that as long as ransomware operators make money, this malicious activity will continue. So as long as victims continue paying the ransom, ransomware will continue to be an issue.

If you have copies of the files in a backup, you should have no issues with file recovery. However, you first need to make sure that you fully remove Xcbg ransomware from your computer. It’s highly recommended to use anti-virus software to delete Xcbg ransomware because it’s a very complex infection that should not be dealt with manually. Unless you know exactly what you’re doing, you may miss something, which could later allow the ransomware to recover. And if you connect to your backup while the ransomware is still present on your computer, your backed-up files would become encrypted as well.

For users who have no backup, file recovery will be more difficult, if not impossible at the moment. The only option is to wait for a free Xcbg ransomware decryptor to become available. But developing one will be difficult for malware specialists because Xcbg ransomware uses online encryption keys to encrypt files. That means the keys are unique to each victim, and unless malware specialists get access to those keys, they won’t be able to develop a working decryptor. It’s not impossible that cybercriminals will release those keys because it has happened in the past. There’s also a free Emsisoft Djvu/STOP decryptor available but it only works on files encrypted using keys Emsisoft has. It’s not particularly likely that it will work on Xcbg ransomware but it’s worth a try.

How is ransomware distributed?

If you have bad online habits, you are much more likely to pick up malware infections. Seemingly simple activities like opening unsolicited email attachments, downloading something via torrents, clicking on ads, etc., could result in a serious malware infection. One of the best ways to combat malware and prevent infections is to develop better browsing habits.

Cybercriminals like to distribute their malware using emails, more specifically – email attachments. They buy the email addresses of potential victims from hacker forums and send them emails with malicious attachments. In hopes that users will open them, malicious actors make up some reason to pressure users. For example, an email may claim that the attachment contains important information about a parcel’s delivery. Or that the attached file is a receipt of some kind. However, the emails are usually very poorly done so it’s easy to recognize them. The easiest thing to spot is grammar and spelling mistakes. When the email is supposed to be a notification about a parcel delivery but it’s full of mistakes, it’s quite obviously a malicious email. These emails also usually use generic terms like User, Member, Customer, etc., to address users when the sender they’re pretending to be would use the name. So as long as you’re attentive and do not rush to open unsolicited email attachments, you should be able to spot malicious emails fairly easily. Some emails may be more convincing than others, which is why you should always scan all unsolicited email attachments with anti-virus software or VirusTotal before opening them.

It’s also worth mentioning that torrent sites are often quite badly regulated and this allows cybercriminals to upload malicious torrents. It’s most common to find malware in torrents for content that’s particularly popular. For example, when a long-awaited movie comes out, its torrents have malware in them more often than not. So if you pirate copyrighted content using torrents, you’re not only stealing but also putting your computer/data in danger.

Xcbg ransomware removal

We don’t recommend that you try to delete Xcbg ransomware manually because you could end up causing even more damage. Instead, you need to use reliable anti-virus software. Once the ransomware is fully gone, you can start recovering files from backup. However, if you do not have a backup, your only option is to wait for a free decryptor to become available. Back up the encrypted files and occasionally check NoMoreRansom for a free Xcbg ransomware decryptor.