Ransomware

Xaro is the name of a new file-encryptor virus recently developed by the STOP/Djvu ransomware genealogy. This ransomware variant appeared in May 2023 and shares generally identical traits with other versions released by this group of cybercriminals. The only thing that makes it unique is the .xaro extension that gets appended to targeted files during encryption. Once encrypted, files will no longer be accessible and look something like 1.pdf.xaro without the original shortcut icon. Following this, Xaro Ransomware creates a text note called _readme.txt to feature decryption guidelines. Overall, it is said victims have to pay for the unique decryption key (and tool) in order to recover the data. The price for decryption accounts for $490 within the first 72 hours and is claimed to double to $980 unless victims fit in the given timeframe. To make this demanded payment, victims have to initiate communication with swindlers (via e-mail) and get further instructions on paying the ransom.

If unexpectedly the names of your files changed, .xatz is added at the end of their name, and the files themselves stopped opening, this means that your computer is infected with the file-encryption virus called Xatz Ransomware (STOP Ransomware). Using a strong hybrid encryption system and a unique key, this virus encrypts all files located on the infected computer. Each encrypted file receives new extension: .xatz. This version appeared in the middle of May 2023. To encrypt data, the parasite uses a combination of AES and RSA algorithms. New versions appear almost every week, although they all show their activity according to the same template. Even if you delete the new extension or completely rename the file, it will not help restore access to its contents. Only the key and decryptor that the authors of the Xatz Ransomware have can decrypt the files. Fortunately for the victims of this virus, a free decryptor was created, which in some cases can help decrypt affected files. After encryption malware places a special text file with instructions to pay the ransom (ransom note), called _readme.txt in each folder.

Being part of the Djvu/STOP family, Xash is a new ransomware infection targeting data encryption. It was released in the middle of May 2023. Just like other malware of this type, STOP Ransomware of this version appends its own .xash extension to encrypted files. In the vast majority of cases, data becomes undecryptable with conventional methods. Only 1-2% of occasions can be decrypted by designated decryption tool. However, with instructions we provide on this page, there is high chance you'll recover some important files. To illustrate, an innocent file like 1.mp4 will change to 1.pdf.xash, and similarly with other files. Developers of ransomware infections pursue monetary benefits – this is why there are providing paid instructions to decrypt your data. This information can be found in a text note (_readme.txt) created in each folder with the encrypted files.

Gatz Ransomware is a disastrous virus, that uses AES encryption algorithms to encrypt users' files. After encoding, files obtain following extensions: .gatz. The malware aims at encryption of personal data, such as documents, photos, videos, music, e-mails. Deep encoding makes those files unapproachable, and decryption instruments available today cannot help in most cases. To start automatically each time the OS starts, the cryptographer creates an entry in the Windows registry key that defines a list of programs that start when the computer is turned on or restarted. To determine which key to use for encryption, Gatz Ransomware tries to establish a network connection with its command server. The virus sends information about the infected computer to the server and receives the encryption key from it. In addition, the command server can send additional commands and modules to the virus that will be executed on the victim's computer. If the data exchange with the command server was successful, the virus uses the received encryption key (online key). This key is unique for each infected computer. If Gatz Ransomware was unable to establish a connection with its server, a fixed key (offline key) will be used to encrypt files.

Gash Ransomware is a complex encryption-type virus, that uses AES (Salsa20) algorithm to cipher user files. Data affected by this malware become unavailable without a special decryption key. The virus gets slightly modified every week, and recent version, that appeared in the end of November, appends the following extension: .gash. Gash Ransomware does not touch system files, but may block navigation to certain security websites using the Windows "hosts" file. When users try to download anti-malware or decryption tools, the pest won't allow them to do it. You can easily download recommended programs from our site and read instructions on how to use them. Ransomware copies file _readme.txt, the so-called "ransom note", to the desktop and to the folders with encrypted files.

Qore is another file-encryptor developed and spread by the STOP/Djvu family. It copies all traits and capabilities of older versions issues by the STOP/Djvu group. The virus encrypts PC-stored data and demands crypto ransom for unique decryption software that will decipher this data. Most often, malware like Qore targets vital data like images, music, videos, and documents containing important information. After detecting such files, the ransomware program will generate unique ciphers and write them over the files to prevent users from accessing them. Apart from this, ransomware infections also append new extensions to highlight the encrypted data. In the case of Qore Ransomware, users will see their data changed with the .qore extension. This means a regular file like 1.pdf will change its look to something like this 1.pdf.qore. After this, Qore developers create a text note called _readme.txt that explain decryption instruction. Note that all of these changes happen in a blink of an eye, so it is impossible to track which part of encryption occurred first. This is what you can see written inside the text note with ransom demands.

BlackSuit is a ransomware-type virus that targets the encryption of data on both Windows and Linux operating systems. Victims of this infection will be restricted from accessing their files until the ransom is paid. To do so, victims are encouraged to read decryption instructions presented within the README.BlackSuit.txt text note. In addition, the virus also highlights the blocked data by adding the new .blacksuit extension to them. To illustrate, a file like 1.pdf will change to 1.pdf.blacksuit, reset its original icon, and simultaneously become no longer accessible. The README.BlackSuit.txt file claims victims were attacked by an extortioner who alleges to have encrypted and uploaded crucial files onto a protected server. It is said that data like financial records, confidential information, personal files, and other sensitive materials are now at risk of getting leaked to the web unless victims obey the attackers' demands. The extortionist says it is possible to avoid all negative implications and restore access to data for some amount of money. To get in touch with the attackers, victims are urged to use the provided TOR browser link and further collaborate with the swindlers.

Qopz Ransomware is a high-risk file-encrypting computer virus, that belongs to notorious family of STOP/Djvu. This particular virus was released during the first days of May 2023. Here are some of its characteristics: it modifies files' extensions with 4-letter code .qopz; it encrypts those files with strong combination of AES-256 and RSA-1024 cryptography; it creates ransom note _readme.txt, where authors demand $980/$490 ransom for decryption. Unfortunately, full decryption is not possible if the virus used online key (your PC was online during the whole process of encryption). But do not despair, there are still chances to restore data partially or even completely with instructions provided on this page and certain portion of luck. The hackers offer to decrypt 1 file for free, and we recommend not to miss this opportunity. Although, they say file must not contain important information, send them 1 crucial file, most important document or memorable photo. However, that should be all communication with them. Do not pay the ransom, because, in most cases, malefactors just stop responding.