How to remove Xcss Ransomware and recover files

Complete tips to delete Xcss Ransomware and decrypt data

Xcss Ransomware is a ransomware-type infection and a part of Dharma ransomware group. Systems infected with this virus have all stored files inaccessible. The ransomware encrypts them using some strong cipher algorithm. During the process of files encryption, it changes the filenames of the encrypted files with this pattern: original filename, unique ID assigned to the victim, cyber criminals’ email address, and the “.xcss” extension. For example, a file 1.jpg would appear something similar to “1.jpg.id-1E857D00.[[email protected]].xcss” – following encryption. Upon that, the ransomware displays a pop-up window and creates FILES ENCRYPTED.txt text file to put ransom demands to the users for the alleged files recovery.

The FILES ENCRYPTED.txt file states that the victims’ data have been locked. To restore, they are asked to contact to the crooks via the provided email addresses. The text presented in the pop-up provides slightly more information. It clarifies about the system infection with ransomware that leads files encryption. The message repeats that the users need to contact to the crooks via the provided email address for the recovery process.

 For the decryption, the crooks ask them to submit an undisclosed amount of fee that they reveal once they establish the connection. According to the message, this money is required as a payment for the unique decryption tool that helps in the files recovery. Prior to the payment, they are asked to send 1 encrypted file. The crooks offer to provide free decryption of this file as a proof that the decryption tool is really working. The ransom message ends with a warning to the users that if they rename the filenames of the encrypted files or attempt to recover the files using existing backups, they will suffer permanent data loss.

Full text presented in Xcss Ransomware’s pop-up window”:

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 [email protected]

Write this ID in the title of your message –

In case of no answer in 24 hours write us to theese e-mails:[email protected]

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.

 In most of the cases with system infection with ransomware-type viruses, without the involvement of the crooks behind it the files recovery is not possible. It might be when the ransomware is at its initial stage or has certain bugs/ flaws in it. Whatever the case, it is highly not recommended to contact/ pay to the crooks under any circumstances. These people will never provide you the decryption tool even if all their demands are met. Hence, if you pay, you will suffer financial loss and the files remain in the encrypted form. Removing Xcss Ransomware is necessary as this avoids further files encryption. However, it will not decrypt already encrypted files.

The sole solution to recover the files is to use existing backups. If there is no backup option available, check once if Shadow Copies exist. This is automatically created backup from Windows Operating systems. In some cases, the shadow copies are left untouched during the system attack and files encryption process and thus they become the files recovery option ultimately. Below the post, you will find  complete guide how to use shadow copies to recover the files. Other data recovery option is to use third party data recovery tools. These tools are nowadays designed with special functionality added and so you can anticipate files recovery using them.

How did Xcss Ransomware enter my system?

Ransomware and other malicious malware are often distributed using various tactics. The malware can be disguised as or bundled with regular software and then proliferated through dubious downloading channels such as p2p networks, free file hosting sites and third party downloaders/ installers. Illegal activation tools and fake software updaters are prime examples of malware-spreading content. Cracking tools cause system infection instead of activating licensed programs. Fraudulent software updaters infect systems by exploiting bugs/ flaws of outdated software or by installing malware instead of promised updates.

Malware can be distributed through spam campaigns- mass scale operation during which thousands of spam emails are designed and delivered. These letters are typically presented as official, urgent, priority and similar. These scam emails have infectious files or links for such files in them. Malicious files can be archives, executables, PDF and Microsoft Office documents, JavaScript and so on. When these files are executed, run or otherwise opened- the malware download/ installation process is triggered.

How to prevent ransomware infection?

It is crucial to download only from official and verified sources. Additionally, all programs should have to be activated and updated using the tools/ functions from official software developers. To avoid the system infection through spam emails, it is advised against opening any suspicious and irrelevant emails –especially any attachments or links present in them. It is paramount to have a reputable antivirus suite installed and kept updated. Also, use this software for  regular system scans and to remove any detected threats/ issues.

Antimalware Details And User Guide

Click Here For Windows

Click Here For Mac

Step 1: Remove Xcss Ransomware through “Safe Mode with Networking”

Step 2: Delete Xcss Ransomware using “System Restore”

Step 1: Remove Xcss Ransomware through “Safe Mode with Networking”

For Windows XP and Windows 7 users: Boot the PC in “Safe Mode”. Click on “Start” option and continuously press on F8 during the start process until the “Windows Advanced Option” menu appears on the screen. Choose “Safe Mode with Networking” from the list.

Now, a windows homescreen appears on the desktop and work-station is now working on “Safe mode with networking”.

For Windows 8 Users: Go to the “Start Screen”. In the search results select settings, type “Advanced”. In the “General PC Settings” option, choose “Advanced startup” option. Again, click on the “Restart Now” option. The work-station boots to “Advanced Startup Option Menu”. Press on “Troubleshoot” and then “Advanced options” button.  In the “Advanced Option Screen”, press on “Startup Settings”. Again, click on “Restart” button. The work-station will now restart in to the “Startup Setting” screen. Next is to press F5 to boot in Safe Mode in Networking.

For Windows 10 Users: Press on Windows logo and on the “Power” icon. In the newly opened menu, choose “Restart” while continuously holding “Shift” button on the keyboard. In the new open “Choose an option” window, click on “Troubleshoot” and then on the “Advanced Options”. Select “Startup Settings” and press on “Restart”. In the next window, click on “F5” button on the key-board.

Step 2: Delete Xcss Ransomware using “System Restore”

Log-in to the account infected with Xcss Ransomware. Open the browser and download a legitimate anti-malware tool. Do a full System scanning. Remove all the malicious detected entries.

In case if you cannot start the PC in “Safe Mode with Networking”, Try using “System Restore”

• During the “Startup”, continuously press on F8 key until the “Advanced Option” menu appears. From the list, choose “Safe Mode with Command Prompt” and then press “Enter”

• In the new opened command prompt, enter “cd restore” and then press “Enter”.

• Type: rstrui.exe and Press “ENTER”

• Click “Next” on the new windows

• Choose any of the “Restore Points” and click on “Next”. (This step will restore the work-station to its earlier time and date prior to Xcss Ransomware infiltration in the PC.

• In the newly opened windows, press on “Yes”.

Once your PC gets restored to its previous date and time, download the recommended anti-malware tool and perform a deep scanning in order to remove Xcss Ransomware files if they left in the work-station.

In order to restore the each (separate) file by this ransomware, use “Windows Previous Version” feature. This method is effective when “System Restore Function” is enabled in the work-station.

Important Note: Some variants of Xcss Ransomware delete the “Shadow Volume Copies” as well hence this feature may not work all the time and is applicable for selective computers only.

How to Restore Individual Encrypted File:

In order to restore a single file, right click on it and go to “Properties”. Select “Previous Version” tab. Select a “Restore Point” and click on “Restore” option.

In order to access the files encrypted by Xcss Ransomware, you can also try using “Shadow Explorer”. In order to get more information on this application, press here.

Important: Data Encryption Ransomware are highly dangerous and it is always better that you take precautions to avoid its attack on your work-station. It is advised to use a powerful anti-malware tool in order to get protection in real-time. With this help of “SpyHunter”, “group policy objects” are implanted in the registries in order to block harmful infections like Xcss Ransomware.

Also, In Windows 10, you get a very unique feature called “Fall Creators Update” that offer “Controlled Folder Access” feature in order to block any kind of encryption to the files. With the help of this feature, any files stored in the locations such as “Documents”, “Pictures”, “Music”, “Videos”, “Favorites” and “Desktop” folders are safe by default.

It is very important that you install this “Windows 10 Fall Creators Update” in your PC to protect your important files and data from ransomware encryption. The more information on how to get this update and add an additional protection form rnasomware attack has been discussed here.

How to Recover the Files Encrypted by Xcss Ransomware?

Till now, you would have understood that what had happed to your personal files that got encrypted and how you can remove the scripts and payloads associated with Xcss Ransomware in order to protect your personal files that has not been damaged or encrypted until now. In order to retrieve the locked files, the depth information related to “System Restore” and “Shadow Volume Copies” has already been discussed earlier. However, in case if you are still unable to access the encrypted files then you can try using a data recovery tool.

Use of Data Recovery Tool

This step is for all those victims who have already tries all the above mentioned process but didn’t find any solution. Also it is important that you are able to access the PC and can install any software. The data recovery tool works on the basis of System scanning and recovery algorithm. It searches the System partitions in order to locate the original files which were deleted, corrupted or damaged by the malware. Remember that you must not re-install the Windows OS otherwise the “previous” copies will get deleted permanently. You have to clean the work-station at first and remove Xcss Ransomware infection. Leave the locked files as it is and follow the steps mentioned below.

Step1: Download the software in the work-station by clicking on the “Download” button below.

Step2: Execute the installer by clicking on downloaded files.

Step3: A license agreement page appears on the screen. Click on “Accept” to agree with its terms and use. Follow the on-screen instruction as mentioned and click on “Finish” button.

Step4: Once the installation gets completed, the program gets executed automatically. In the newly opened interface, select the file types that you want to recover and click on “Next”.

Step5: You can select the “Drives” on which you want the software to run and execute the recovery process. Next is to click on the “Scan” button.

Step6: Based on drive you select for scanning, the restore process begins. The whole process may take time depending on the volume of the selected drive and number of files. Once the process gets completed, a data explorer appears on the screen with preview of that data that is to be recovered. Select the files that you want to restore.

Step7. Next is to locate the location where you want to saver the recovered files.