How to remove Xmpnbhnjszw Ransomware and recover files

Complete guide to delete Xmpnbhnjszw Ransomware and decrypt data

Xmpnbhnjszw Ransomware is a ransomware type infection and a part of Snatch ransomware family. The malware is designed to encrypt stored files and then demand ransom payment for the decryption. In other word, the malware renders all stored files inaccessible and then asks victims to pay- to restore access to the files.

During the encryption process, the affected files are appended with “.xmpnbhnjszw” extension. For example, a file 1.jpg would appear as “1.jpg.xmpnbhnjszw”; “2.jpg” as “2.jpg.xmpnbhnjszw”; “3.jpg” as “3.jpg.xmpnbhnjszw”; and so on.

After completing the files encryption process, the ransomware creates HOW TO RESTORE YOUR FILES.TXT and drops it on each folder containing encrypted files. The text presented in the ransom note implies that the ransomware is actually targeting HSM Solutions manufacturing company.

The message within HOW TO RESTORE YOUR FILES.TXT text file greets the victims as Dear Management of HSM Solutions and informs that their files have been encrypted. Additionally, it claims that over 1250 GB of customer data have been ex-filtrated.

It lists out the stolen credentials that including accounting and other confidential documents, mailbox copies, SQL server databases, backups, and marketing data. It threatens the victims that if they deny the crooks’ demand – these data will be publicized.

For the communication with the crooks, the note provides email address belongs to them. Alternatively, it offers an option of Tor chat- peer-to-peer instant messaging and video calling protocol. The message ends with a warning to the user that renaming the encrypted and decrypting those using third party tools- will render permanent data loss.

In most cases with ransomware infections, the decryption is not possible without the involvement of the crooks behind it. It might be when the ransomware is at its initial stage or has certain bugs/ flaws in them.

Regardless of the circumstances, it is strongly advised against meeting the ransom demands. Despite paying, the victims often do not get the decryption tool. Thus, they suffer financial loss and their files remain encrypted.

To prevent Xmpnbhnjszw Ransomware from further files encryption, it must be removed from the system. However, the removal will not restore already encrypted files. For the data recovery, the most reliable option is to use existing backup.

However, if this option is not available, once check if Shadow Copies exist. These are automatically created backups from Windows OS. Below the post, there is data recovery section, where you will find complete guide how to recover files using shadow copies.

Other data recovery option is to use some data recovery tool. Such tools are also available for Xmpnbhnjszw Ransomware removal. However, you can perform manual removal as well. We have provided malware removal instructions along with the files recovery guide below the post.

How did Xmpnbhnjszw Ransomware enter my system?

Ransomware and other malicious malware are often distributed through dubious downloading channels such as unofficial and free file hosting sites, p2p networks and other third party downloaders. Illegal activation tools and fake software updaters are prime examples of malware spreading content.

Cracking tools infect systems instead of activating licensed products. Fraudulent updaters cause system infections by exploiting bugs/ flaws of outdated software and/or by installing malware instead of promised updates.

Scam campaigns can also be used to spread ransomware viruses. The campaign defines as a large-scale operation to send spam emails by thousands. These emails are presented as legit, official, urgent and similar subjects.

These emails have infectious files or links in them. These files could be in any formats including archives, JavaScript, executables, PDFs and Microsoft Office documents. When executed, run or otherwise clicked- they trigger malware download/ installation.

Text presented in Xmpnbhnjszw Ransomware‘s text file (“HOW TO RESTORE YOUR FILES.TXT”):

Dear Management of HSM Solutions!

 We inform you that your network has undergone a penetration test, during which we encrypted your files and downloaded more than 1250 GB of your and your customers data, including:

Confidentional documents

Copy of some mailboxes

Accounting

SQL Servers Databases

Databases backups

Marketing data

We understand that if this information gets to your clients or to media directly, it will cause reputational and financial damage to your business, which we wouldn’t want, therefore, for our part, we guarantee that information about what happened will not get into the media (but we cannot guarantee this if you decide to turn to third-party companies for help or ignore this message).

 Important! Do not try to decrypt the files yourself or using third-party utilities. The only program that can decrypt them is our decryptor, which you can request from the contacts below. Any other program will only damage files in such a way that it will be impossible to restore them.

You can get all the necessary evidence, discuss with us possible solutions to this problem and request a decryptor by using the contacts below. Please be advised that if we don’t receive a response from you within 3 days, we reserve the right to publish files to the public.

Contact me:

[email protected]

Additional ways to communicate in tox chat

hxxps://tox.chat/

contact our tox id:

7229828E766B9058D329B2B4BC0EDDD11612CBCCFA4811532CABC76ACF703074E0D1501F8418

How to prevent ransomware infection?

It is recommended to download only from official websites and direct links. Furthermore, all programs should have to be updated/ activated using tools/ functions from genuine software developers. Dubious/ irrelevant emails should never be opened, especially any attachments and website links in them.

To ensure the device integrity and user’s safety, have a reputable antivirus tool installed and kept updated. Also, use this software for regular system scan and to remove any detected threats/ issues on systems.

Antimalware Details And User Guide

Click Here For Windows

Click Here For Mac

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

Step 2: Delete Xmpnbhnjszw Ransomware using “System Restore”

Step 1: Remove Xmpnbhnjszw 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 Xmpnbhnjszw Ransomware using “System Restore”

Log-in to the account infected with Xmpnbhnjszw 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 Xmpnbhnjszw 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 Xmpnbhnjszw 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 Xmpnbhnjszw 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 Xmpnbhnjszw 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 Xmpnbhnjszw 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 Xmpnbhnjszw 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 Xmpnbhnjszw 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 Xmpnbhnjszw 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.