Geek's Advice

XOZA ransomware version emerges: victims infected worldwide

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

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. 

OUR GEEKS RECOMMEND

Our team recommends a two-step rescue plan to remove ransomware and other remaining malware from your computer, plus repair caused virus damage to the system:

STEP 1. REMOVE AUTOMATICALLY WITH ROBUST ANTIVIRUS

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STEP 2. REPAIR VIRUS DAMAGE TO YOUR COMPUTER

DOWNLOAD RESTORO

RESTORO provides a free scan that helps to identify hardware, security and stability issues and presents a comprehensive report which can help you to locate and fix detected issues manually. It is a great PC repair software to use after you remove malware with professional antivirus. The full version of software will fix detected issues and repair virus damage caused to your Windows OS files automatically.

RESTORO uses AVIRA scanning engine to detect existing spyware and malware. If any are found, the software will eliminate them.

Read full review here.

GeeksAdvice.com editors select recommended products based on their effectiveness. We may earn a commission from affiliate links, at no additional cost to you. Learn more.

Alternative software recommendations

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware

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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

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.