XOZA ransomware version emerges: victims infected worldwide
Contents
Xoza ransomware is a file-encrypting virus from DJVU (also known as STOP) ransomware family. Upon successful installation, the ransomware encodes all files using asymmetric AES/RSA encryption, adds .xoza file markers to filenames and creates a ransom note _readme.txt in each folder containing locked data. The purpose of this virus is to prevent the victim from opening personal files and force him to pay a ransom for a data decryption software.
The algorithms this crypto-virus uses are extremely secure and cannot be broken in any way. After a successful data corruption, the virus executes Command Prompt commands that delete Volume Shadow Copies and other recovery options, all traits of the private key (required for data decryption) and suggests buying it to restore data. In other words, Xoza ransomware asks for a ransom, which is clearly stated in the ransom note called _readme.txt.
The ransom note informs that documents, photos, databases, and other important files have been encrypted and that the only possible method to restore them is to pay up. The victim can send one file of his choice to criminals to test the decryptor before paying the ransom. Criminals leave two email addresses for the victim to contact them – gorentos@bitmessage.ch and gerentoshelp@firemail.cc.
Xoza ransom price depends on how fast the victim contacts the criminals. If one manages to contact the attackers and have enough money in their bank account to pay within 72 hours, the price is $490. Otherwise, the decryption price rises to $980.
There is no way to decrypt .xoza files using free tools at the moment. However, in rare cases security experts manage to discover flaws in ransomware and create a decryptor; the situation can improve if certain institutions step in (FBI, Europol) or the private keys get leaked. Therefore, we recommend you to keep the locked data and wait for the best.
In the meantime, we recommend you to remove Xoza ransomware virus as soon as possible. There is no point in keeping the malware on your system. Although it is possible to try and delete the virus manually, we recommend using a trustworthy antivirus solution because STOP/DJVU virus tends to install Azorult Trojan (password-stealing malware) on infected systems.
TIP: After removing the virus, change ALL your passwords to prevent money or sensitive data loss due to Azorult Trojan activity.
Threat Summary
Name | Xoza ransomware |
Type | Ransomware; Crypto-Trojan; File Locker |
Encryption | AES/RSA (asymmetric) |
Ransom note | _readme.txt |
Ransom demand | $490-$980 |
Decryption | No decryption tools available |
Distribution | Malicious emails, infected cracks, keygens |
Additional dangers | Installs Azorult password-stealing Trojan; possible money or private data loss |
Removal | Can be removed using antivirus software |
Distribution methods used to infect Windows systems
If you’re wondering how did the .xoza file extension virus infect your computer, then you must think of your actions right before the data encryption. Most of the computer users download ransomware by opening malicious email attachments or links included in the message. It can arrive in the form of a PDF, Word, Javascript or another file type. Typically, all it takes is to open such malicious file, however, in some cases further user interaction is required, f.e., enabling Macros.
Ransomware like KUUB, NOOS, RECO or BOOT can also hit your PC and whole computer network if you tend to have outdated programs on your system. Updating your Windows version and programs installed on it is simply a must not only to improve their functionality, but also fix various vulnerabilities in them.
Finally, you can receive malicious files along with files used for illegal paid product activation. Therefore, if you tend to head to peer-to-peer file-sharing networks such as Torrent or eMule to get paid software for free and activate it using cracks or keygens, you should know that such files often contain surprises such as ransomware or Trojans.
Remove Xoza file extension virus
To completely remove Xoza ransomware virus, boot your PC in Safe Mode and start deleting its files either manually or automatically (recommended). If you decide to use antivirus, please do not forget to update it before running a system scan. This way, you’ll import the latest virus definitions into its database.
After Xoza ransomware removal, concentrate on data recovery. Try to fetch files from various sources such as email, messages, external data storage devices, and so on.
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XOZA ransomware Removal Guidelines
Method 1. Enter Safe Mode with Networking
Step 1. Start Windows in Safe Mode with Networking
Before you try to remove the virus, you must start your computer in Safe Mode with Networking. Below, we provide the easiest ways to boot PC in the said mode, but you can find additional ones in this in-depth tutorial on our website – How to Start Windows in Safe Mode. Also, see a video tutorial on how to do it:
Instructions for Windows XP/Vista/7 users
- First of all, turn off your PC. Then press the Power button to start it again and instantly start pressing F8 button on your keyboard repeatedly in 1-second intervals. This launches the Advanced Boot Options menu.
- Use arrow keys on the keyboard to navigate down to Safe Mode with Networking option and press Enter.
Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10 users
- Open Windows Start menu, then press down the Power button. On your keyboard, press down and hold the Shift key, and then select Restart option.
- This will take you to Windows Troubleshoot screen. Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings > Restart. Tip: If you can't find Startup Settings, click See more recovery options.
- In Startup Settings, press the right key between F1-F9 to enter Safe Mode with Networking. In this case, it is the F5 key.
Step 2. Remove files associated with the virus
Now, you can search for and remove XOZA ransomware files. It is very hard to identify files and registry keys that belong to the ransomware virus, Besides, malware creators tend to rename and change them repeatedly. Therefore, the easiest way to uninstall such type of a computer virus is to use a reliable malware removal program. In addition, we suggest trying a combination of INTEGO Antivirus (removes malware and protects your PC in real-time) and RESTORO (repairs virus damage to Windows OS files).
Method 2. Use System Restore
In order to use System Restore, you must have a system restore point, created either manually or automatically.
Step 1. Boot Windows in Safe Mode with Command Prompt
Instructions for Windows XP/Vista/7 users
- Shut down your PC. Start it again by pressing the Power button and instantly start pressing F8 button on your keyboard repeatedly in 1-second intervals. You will see Advanced Boot Options menu.
- Using arrow keys on the keyboard, navigate down to Safe Mode with Command Prompt option and press Enter.
Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10 users
- Launch Windows Start menu, then click the Power button. On your keyboard, press down and hold the Shift key, and then choose Restart option with the mouse cursor.
- This will take you to Windows Troubleshoot screen. Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings > Restart. Tip: If you can't find Startup Settings, click See more recovery options.
- In Startup Settings, press the right key between F1-F9 to enter Safe Mode with Command Prompt. In this case, press F6 key.
Step 2. Start System Restore process
- Wait until system loads and command prompt shows up.
- Type cd restore and press Enter, then type rstrui.exe and press Enter. Or you can just type %systemroot%system32restorerstrui.exe in command prompt and hit Enter.
- This launches System Restore window. Click Next and then choose a System Restore point created in the past. Choose one that was created before ransomware infection.
- Click Yes to begin the system restoration process.
After restoring the system, we recommend scanning the system with antivirus or anti-malware software. In most cases, there won't be any malware remains, but it never hurts to double-check. In addition, we highly recommend checking ransomware prevention guidelines provided by our experts in order to protect your PC against similar viruses in the future.
Alternative software recommendations
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware
Removing spyware and malware is one step towards cybersecurity. To protect yourself against ever-evolving threats, we strongly recommend purchasing a Premium version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware, which provides security based on artificial intelligence and machine learning. Includes ransomware protection. See pricing options and protect yourself now.
System Mechanic Ultimate Defense
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Disclaimer. This site includes affiliate links. We may earn a small commission by recommending certain products, at no additional cost for you. We only choose quality software and services to recommend.
Norbert Webb is the head of Geek’s Advice team. He is the chief editor of the website who controls the quality of content published. The man also loves reading cybersecurity news, testing new software and sharing his insights on them. Norbert says that following his passion for information technology was one of the best decisions he has ever made. “I don’t feel like working while I’m doing something I love.” However, the geek has other interests, such as snowboarding and traveling.
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