XARCryptor Ransomware

XARCryptor Ransomware is an infection that our research team is already familiar with. It is a new variant of the GarrantyDecrypt Ransomware, which has been reported on this website in the past. If you are curious to see how different or similar these infections are, or if you want to learn more about the removal of the predecessor, check the guide. In this report, of course, we focus on the new variant, and, needless to say, it is just as malicious. It can encrypt files, and then it can push you to do something you shouldn’t. Although the message created by the infection – which we discuss further in the report – does not demand money right away, it asks to email the creators, and they would ask money in return for “decryption tools.” If you do not realize this already, paying attention to the information presented by cyber criminals or following their instructions is not something you should do. In fact, the only thing you should do right now is delete XARCryptor Ransomware.

The first thing you should ask yourself when a threat slithers in is where did it come from? It is important to understand the proliferation techniques used by malware because you can learn to protect your operating system. According to our research, XARCryptor Ransomware is likely to spread using files sent via spam emails, or it could prey upon unguarded remote access paths. Once in, the infection does not introduce itself right away. It needs to be silent so it could delete shadow volume copies (this prevents a successful restore point) and encrypt files. When files are encrypted, the “.odin” extension is added to their names, but you are unlikely to notice that right away. You should also remain oblivious when XARCryptor Ransomware attempts to record browsing history and even steal passwords stored on your browsers. This is what makes this infection unique, when compared to ANATOVA Ransomware, XCry Ransomware, Gorgon Ransomware, and many other similar threats, which, of course, also require removal. Once you delete the threat, do not forget to update your passwords to ensure that your accounts cannot be accessed illegally.

When XARCryptor Ransomware is done with the attack, a file named “#RECOVERY_FILES#.txt” is created. This file is copied to every location where corrupted files exist, which is meant to ensure that victims discover it sooner or later. The file should also be created in the Startup folder, and that means that it would be launched when you restarted/turned on the computer. The message inside the file recommends emailing a unique ID number to odin19@protonmail.com. If you do that, attackers will get back to you with a request to pay money in return for allegedly effective decryption software. Do not fall for this scam. Even if a decryptor is in the hands of cyber criminals, they will not give it to you. You should be particularly cautious if the requested ransom is huge. At the end of the day, although you might want to restore your files, you do not want to lose your money too. Do you have copies of your files backed up online or on external hard drives? If you do, there is absolutely nothing you should worry about. Waste no time and remove XARCryptor Ransomware.

The manual XARCryptor Ransomware removal guide below cannot give you the exact location of the infection’s launcher. The threat could be anywhere. If you need help, try using a malware scanner. It might be able to help you uncover the threat. Once you think you have XARCryptor Ransomware deleted, do not forget to perform a full system scan once more to double-check if your system is clean. If manual removal is out of question – and for most users it will be – utilize anti-malware software. It will quickly uncover the threat and delete it automatically. While that can be extremely helpful, it is more important that the infection can successfully protect your operating system against malware in the future. Remember that alongside thousands of file-encrypting ransomware you also have thousands of Trojans, keyloggers, PUPs, and other kinds of malware. If you need more information, leave your comments below.

XARCryptor Ransomware Removal

1. Delete the {unknown name}.exe launcher file (delete all recently downloaded suspicious files).
2. Launch Windows Explorer by tapping Win+E keys.
3. Type the path (one by one) into the field at the top and tap Enter:
   • %ALLUSERSPROFILE%\Start Menu\Programs\Startup
   • %APPDATA%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Startup
   • %USERPROFILE%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup
   • %ALLUSERSPROFILE%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup
   • %ALLUSERSPROFILE%\Application Data\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup
4. Delete the file named #RECOVERY_FILES#.txt.
5. Delete all other copies of the #RECOVERY_FILES#.txt file.
6. Empty Recycle Bin.
7. Install a legitimate malware scanner and run a full system scan.