Remove AXI ransomware (Decrypt Locked Files)

Simple Steps To Delete AXI ransomware

AXI ransomware is another variant of well-known Dharma ransomware and has been recently spotted by security researchers. Similar to its predecessors, it also first enters the Windows computers by stealth, then makes changes to registry settings to remain persistent and finally, starts its malicious campaign of data encryption. This pernicious ransomware encrypts all victims’ important files and documents using a strong cryptography and makes them completely inaccessible. It also renames the compromised data by adding unique ID, attackers’ email address and appending “.AXI” extension with their names. And hence, all the infected files can easily be identified.

Depth Analysis of AXI ransomware:

Once the encryption process is completed, AXI ransomware shows two ransom notes in a pop-up window and “FILES ENCRYPTED.txt” text file. These notes inform the affected users regarding the attack and also instruct them contact the criminals via the provided email addresses. Victims are also warned not to rename the encrypted data or use third-party decryption tool, otherwise it may lead to permanent data loss. At the end, users may have to pay the hackers a ransom sum of $200 to $1500 in BitCoins to get the necessary decryption software from the attackers.

Should You Deal With The Crooks?

Under any circumstance, you should not make any sort of payment to AXI ransomware authors as they don’t give any assurance that they will decrypt the locked files even after taking the extortion. Moreover, it has been tendency of such criminals that they usually ignore the victims once the ransom is paid and cause them to lose both files as well as money. In addition, paying ransom to crooks will only encourage them to trigger more such attacks or further revenues. So, never think of dealing with the hackers mo matter what situation is.

How To Recover The Infected Files:

Before you try to restore the compromised data, you should first focus on AXI ransomware removal from the computer immediately. The longer this hazardous threat stays inside, it keeps infecting your other essential files. So, you must get rid of it as early as possible. For data-recovery, you can use a recently made backup that you have saved on any external drive. If you don’t have an appropriate backup, you can try a powerful file-recovery application. Be very careful while choosing recovery software as scammers may try to deceive you into purchasing rogue tool. You can download a legitimate file-recovery program right here via the link provided under this article.

Threat Specification 

Name: AXI ransomware

Type: Ransomware, Crypto-virus, File-encrypting malware

Short Description: Deadly virus which encodes users’ essential data and then forces them into paying the attackers an amount of ransom to get the decryption software/key.

Extension:  .AXI (files are also appended with a unique ID and attackers’ email address)

Ransom Demanding Notes: Text presented in the pop-up window and FILES ENCRYPTED.txt

Attackers’ contact: [email protected] and [email protected]

Symptoms: Encrypted files become inaccessible stored inside the compromised PCs, Couple of ransom notes are displayed. Victims are asked to pay an amount of ransom to get the functional decryptor and unlock their encoded data and files.

Distribution methods: Spam emails, peer to peer network sharing, unofficial activation and updating tools.

Damage: All files are encrypted and cannot be accessed without paying ransom, Additional password stealing Trojans and malware infections can be installed along with ransomware infections and other malware.

Removal: To remove this virus from the system, we advise you to use a reliable anti-malware tool. Once malware gets removed, you can recover your files by using existing backup or data-recovery software.

Ways To Spread AXI ransomware:

Ransomware programs are most often distributed via spam emails. Phishing mails are sent out on thousands by hackers during spam campaigns. These emails might include either spiteful attachments or mischievous hyperlinks. The attached file could be in several formats such as archives, executables, PDF and Microsoft Office documents, JavaScript, and so on. As soon as recipients open either of them, it triggers the installation of file-encoding virus which starts data encryption right away.

You can avoid such attacks easily by never opening any suspicious emails and clicking on any hyperlinks in letters included in mails coming from suspicious senders. In addition, avoid using Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, third-party downloaders/installers etc. and download any program or software from trustworthy sources or official sites only. In case your system is already infected with this crypto-threat, you must remove AXI ransomware from the device without wasting any time.

Text Presented In The Pop-up Window:

YOUR FILES ARE ENCRYPTED

Don’t worry,you can return all your files!

If you want to restore them, follow this link:email [email protected] YOUR ID –

If you have not been answered via the link within 12 hours, write to us by e-mail:[email protected]

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.

Text Presented In “FILES ENCRYPTED.txt” File:

all your data has been locked us

You want to return?

write email [email protected] or [email protected]

Antimalware Details And User Guide

Click Here For Windows

Click Here For Mac

Step 1: Remove AXI ransomware through “Safe Mode with Networking”

Step 2: Delete AXI ransomware using “System Restore”

Step 1: Remove AXI 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 AXI ransomware using “System Restore”

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