Xorist-XWZ Ransomware

Xorist-XWZ Ransomware is an infection that is both new and familiar. That is because it is a new variant of a well-known infection, Xorist Ransomware. This variant is known by this name because of the unique extension, “.XWZ file.exe.xwz,” that is added to the files that are corrupted by the infection. According to our research team, the threat targets over 100 different types of files, among which are .mkv, .csv, .gif, .pdf, .jpg, .doc, and .zip files. Once these files are encrypted, they cannot be read, which means that they become useless. Unfortunately, in many cases, the victims of ransomware infections end up losing their personal files, and not because they do not act appropriately once the infection is in. The files can be recovered only if they are backed up online or on an external drive. If backups do not exist, you rely on the original copies, and if they are encrypted, nothing can be done. That being said, even if all of your files are lost, you need to remove Xorist-XWZ Ransomware. Our research team strongly advises deleting the infection as soon as possible.

Our research team has analyzed hundreds of file-encrypting ransomware infections. Some of the latest ones we have encountered are Arrow Ransomware, Blammo@cock.li Ransomware, and Uselessdisk Ransomware. In most cases, such threats are distributed using corrupted spam emails, and our malware analysts believe that the launcher of Xorist-XWZ Ransomware is also distributed using corrupted spam. If you have downloaded the malicious file yourself, you should be able to determine the location of the launcher, in which case, move to this location and delete the malicious .exe file immediately. The bad news is that you are unlikely to realize that the file requires removal right away, and if you stall for just a few moments, your files will be encrypted. Once they are encrypted, the infection creates a file called “READ ME FOR DECRYPT.txt.” This file might have copies placed in folders that hold encrypted files, and when you initiate the removal process, you should eliminate every single copy. Besides this, it is unlikely that Xorist-XWZ Ransomware creates any other file or component.

According to the ransom note of Xorist-XWZ Ransomware, you could destroy your files if you tried decrypting them yourself. The thing is, your files are already destroyed, and although it should be possible to recover them using the right decryption key, it is highly unlikely that you would obtain it. The creator of the ransomware, however, wants you to email them at BlackStarMafia@qq.com, and this, allegedly, should help you with the decryption. If you email cyber criminals, they will push you to pay a ransom for a decryptor, but you should not give in even if the price of the ransom does not appear to be too big for you. Cyber criminals do not care about your personal files, and they do not care whether or not you recover them. Of course, they care about money, and they are likely to tell you anything just to make you pay the ransom. Therefore, we suggest that you pay no attention to the demands and promises made by the creator of Xorist-XWZ Ransomware. Instead, figure out how to delete this infection from your operating system as soon as possible.

As we discussed already, you might be able to determine the location of the launcher of the malicious Xorist-XWZ Ransomware. If that is the case, you want to remove the file immediately. Once you do that, you want to eliminate every single copy of the ransom note. But what if you cannot identify the launcher file? If that is the case, you might want to use the assistance of an automated anti-malware program that will scan your operating system to find the malicious files and then will eliminate them. If you are facing any problems with the removal of Xorist-XWZ Ransomware, do not lose hope. Our research team is here to help you, and you can share your questions, observations, and requests via the comments section. After you get rid of the infection, check your backups to see if you still have access to your personal files. If you have not used backups prior to the invasion of malware, set up a backup.

Xorist-XWZ Ransomware Removal

1. Delete the malicious launcher file (check all recently downloaded suspicious files).
2. Delete the file named READ ME FOR DECRYPT.txt (if copies exist, eliminate them as well).
3. Empty Recycle Bin.
4. Install a trusted malware scanner to scan your system (if leftovers are found, eliminate them ASAP).