How to remove Xollam Ransomware and decrypt .xollam files

What is Xollam Ransomware

Xollam is a high-risk file-encrypting malware, a variant of the Mallox Ransomware, which is part of the TargetCompany Ransomware family. It is designed to lock all the files on an infected PC, rendering them inaccessible. The ransomware encrypts the victim’s files using the ChaCha20 encryption algorithm and generates the encryption keys using a combination of Curve25519, an example of elliptic curve cryptography. Xollam Ransomware appends the .xollam extension to the end of the encrypted data filename. Other file extensions observed were: .FARGO3, .exploit, .avast, .bitenc, in addition to the use of victims’ names as the extension. Xollam creates a ransom note named FILE RECOVERY.txt. The ransom note states that files encrypted by Xollam ransomware cannot be used until they are decrypted with a tool purchased from threat actors behind the attack. Attempts to modify files or restore them using third-party tools will damage them.

As of the current date, there are no known free decryption tools specifically for Xollam ransomware. However, in case of a ransomware attack, it is recommended to check the No More Ransom project website for potential solutions. RansomHunter, a US-based division of Digital Recovery Group, specializes in decrypting ransomware files and offers remote recovery services. Decrypting files encrypted by Xollam ransomware is a complex process that requires specialized tools and expertise. RansomHunter’s proprietary technology, Tracer, is capable of decrypting files independent of the ransomware that committed the attack. However, it is important to note that decryption is not always guaranteed, and it is highly unlikely to decode infected files without a proper decryption tool. In the event of a ransomware infection, it is recommended to disconnect from networks to prevent the spread of the ransomware to shared network resources. Initiating antivirus countermeasures to isolate the malware and delete it can also be beneficial.

How Xollam Ransomware infected your computer

Xollam was observed to use a technique similar to phishing campaigns, using Microsoft OneNote files as initial access to spread and deliver malware. This is a deviation from its roots of targeting vulnerable MS SQL databases. Xollam uses a pseudo-fileless technique through PowerShell, which executes reflective loading to download its payload. This technique is popular because fileless attacks are able to bypass most legacy AV solutions.

1. Download Xollam Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .xollam files
3. Recover encrypted files with Stellar Data Recovery Professional
4. Restore encrypted files with Windows Previous Versions
5. Restore files with Shadow Explorer
6. How to protect from threats like Xollam Ransomware

Xollam Ransomware files:


FILE RECOVERY.txt
{randomname}.exe


Xollam Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .xollam files

Use automated decryptors

Download MalloxDecryptor

Use the following tool from cybersecurity specialist rivitna called Mallox Decryptor, that can decrypt .mallab or .ma1x0 files. Download it here:

There is no purpose to pay the ransom because there is no guarantee you will receive the key, but you will put your bank credentials at risk.

Dr.Web Rescue Pack

Famous antivirus vendor Dr. Web provides free decryption service for the owners of its products: Dr.Web Security Space or Dr.Web Enterprise Security Suite. Other users can ask for help in the decryption of .xollam files by uploading samples to Dr. Web Ransomware Decryption Service. Analyzing files will be performed free of charge and if files are decryptable, all you need to do is purchase a 2-year license of Dr.Web Security Space worth $120 or less. Otherwise, you don’t have to pay.

If you are infected with Xollam Ransomware and removed from your computer you can try to decrypt your files. Antivirus vendors and individuals create free decryptors for some crypto-lockers. To attempt to decrypt them manually you can do the following:

Use Stellar Data Recovery Professional to restore .xollam files

1. Download Stellar Data Recovery Professional.
2. Click Recover Data button.
3. Select type of files you want to restore and click Next button.
4. Choose location where you would like to restore files from and click Scan button.
5. Preview found files, choose ones you will restore and click Recover.

Using Windows Previous Versions option:

1. Right-click on infected file and choose Properties.
2. Select Previous Versions tab.
3. Choose particular version of the file and click Copy.
4. To restore the selected file and replace the existing one, click on the Restore button.
5. In case there is no items in the list choose alternative method.

Using Shadow Explorer:

1. Download Shadow Explorer program.
2. Run it and you will see screen listing of all the drives and the dates that shadow copy was created.
3. Select the drive and date that you want to restore from.
4. Right-click on a folder name and select Export.
5. In case there are no other dates in the list, choose alternative method.

If you are using Dropbox:

1. Login to the DropBox website and go to the folder that contains encrypted files.
2. Right-click on the encrypted file and select Previous Versions.
3. Select the version of the file you wish to restore and click on the Restore button.

How to protect computer from viruses, like Xollam Ransomware , in future

1. Get special anti-ransomware software

Use ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware

ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware Dashboard

ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware Alert

ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware Blocked

Famous antivirus brand ZoneAlarm by Check Point released a comprehensive tool, that will help you with active anti-ransomware protection, as an additional shield to your current protection. The tool provides Zero-Day protection against ransomware and allows you to recover files. ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware is compatible with all other antiviruses, firewalls, and security software except ZoneAlarm Extreme (already shipped with ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware) or Check Point Endpoint products. The killer features of this application are: automatic file recovery, overwrite protection that instantly and automatically recovers any encrypted files, file protection that detects and blocks even unknown encryptors.

2. Back up your files

As an additional way to save your files, we recommend online backup. Local storage, such as hard drives, SSDs, flash drives, or remote network storage can be instantly infected by the virus once plugged in or connected to. Xollam Ransomware uses some techniques to exploit this. One of the best services and programs for easy automatic online backup is iDrive. It has the most profitable terms and a simple interface. You can read more about iDrive cloud backup and storage here.

3. Do not open spam e-mails and protect your mailbox

Malicious attachments to spam or phishing e-mails are the most popular method of ransomware distribution. Using spam filters and creating anti-spam rules is good practice. One of the world leaders in anti-spam protection is MailWasher Pro. It works with various desktop applications and provides a very high level of anti-spam protection.