Tutorials

Developed by Phobos family, XHAMSTER is a ransomware-type infection, which runs data encryption. Such does not perform one-way encryption, instead, it offers to unblock the infected data in exchange for the money ransom. When it comes to data encryption, cybercriminals are usually the only figures being able to unlock your data. This is why they offer to buy their software that will help you regain access to data. Before getting deep into details, it is important that we mention how XHAMSTER encrypts your data. Apart from blocking the access, it also appends a string of symbols consisting of victims' ID, ICQ Messenger username, and .XHAMSTER extension at the end of each file. To illustrate, a piece of data like 1.pdf will be changed to something like this 1.pdf.id[C279F237-2797].[ICQ@xhamster2020].XHAMSTER at the end of encryption. Finally, once this process is done, the virus gets to creating two files containing ransom instructions. Whilst one of them called info.hta is displayed as a window right in front of the users, the other named info.txt resides on victim's desktop.

Update errors are quite a ubiquitous thing touching every Windows user. Once upon a time, whoever used Windows regularly would see some issues arriving along the way. It is just the nature of all operating machines, which target the vast majority of users. When new updates occur, it is quite hard to forecast the problems that emerge on different systems. After the problem has struck, it becomes a thorny task to get over without professional and advanced help. This time around Windows has dawned another update problem on users - the error code 0x8000ffff preventing the successful installation of updates. Some users reported that this issue appears when trying to download and install a cumulative update for Windows 10 Version 1709 (KB4058258). Also, this error can be seen when trying to open Windows Store and install apps. Luckily, it should not be hard to solve. More than enough methods listed below will help you get rid of the problem and update your system eventually. So just follow the guided walkthrough presented down below.

With the installation of Cumulative Update (both KB4493437 and KB4499167) for Windows 10 Version 1803 x64-based Systems, some users were forced to witness the error code named 0x800f0900 after failing to install the pending update. Usually, such updates are meant to fix previously existing bugs or errors, however, there are many cases when fresh patches bring new problems instead of solving the old ones. In most cases, users struggle to get rid of the issue for such reasons: missing or corrupted files, malfunctioned services, configuration issues, and other problems prompting the error. To solve it, we have prepared a list of instructions approved in rectifying the 0x800f0900 issue effectively.

Qlocker is a ransomware infection spotted in attacking and encrypting data on QNAP NAS (Network Attached Storage). The virus squeaks through security problems, encrypts the stored data, and clears the log traces during the process. This, therefore, helps intruders to cover their activity and prevent people from detecting the source of infection. Qlocker uses the short .7z extension to highlight the blocked data. Quite interesting is that Qlocker does not touch media files like videos or music in most cases. Its main target seems to be documents and similar types of data that could be valued by victims. During the encryption, all data will lose its access and change the name to something like 1.pdf.7z. Then, after this process is done, the virus creates a text note called !!!READ_ME.txt and containing ransom instructions. The note says that all files have been encrypted. The only feasible way to recover the files is to purchase the private key (in BTC) stored on cybercriminals' servers. To do this, users are asked to follow the Tor page and enter your so-called "client-key". Once you visit the page, you will be able to process the payment and receive the recovery tools. Different victims reported different costs of the keys, but, on average, this amount can range up to 1000$. Unfortunately, trusting cyber criminals means a huge risk to be taken. They can scam you and do not send any promised tools after committing the transfer. Also, it is not recommended to trust some data recovery services claiming they have a way to decrypt your data. Note that there is no official tool that could unlock access to files encrypted by Qlocker at this moment.

Encrpt3d (a.k.a WhiteBlackCrypt)is classified as a malicious program that targets monetary benefit by decrypting personal data. Ransomware might be the most dangerous malware that can get on your system. Its main purpose is to block access to important files and extort money from desperate users (or companies) that want to decrypt their data. Encrpt3d does exactly the same, it encrypts various kinds of data appending the .encrpt3d extension to each file. For example, a file like 1.pdf will be infected and change to 1.pdf.encrpt3d. Thereafter, Encrpt3d Ransomware displays a full-screen image stating ransom instructions (highlighted with red). It is impossible to remove it unless users delete the malvertising program eventually. In the ransom note, cyber criminals say that your files are encrypted, but still can be accessed again. To do this, developers attach a BTC address pending to receive 10 BTC from victims. You are given a specific deadline to complete the transfer. Then, after successfully making the payment, users have to inform extortionists via whiteblackgroup002@gmail.com or wbgroup022@gmail.com email address.

Btcware is a popular ransomware family counting a number of versions since 2017. The ransomware developed by this group of cybercriminals has evolved into using stronger and more secure algorithms. Since there are many versions of Btcware, the world has seen many types of encryption throughout its span of existence. For example, older versions used to apply old RC4 algorithms, until the rise of AES-192 and AES-256 in later samples. The same story goes with extensions. Each version of Btcware involves a brand new extension different from others. Traditionally, once the encryption is done, ransomware programs create a text note file containing instructions to recover your data. The name of a note also depends on which version pounced your system, but usually, it is #_HOW_TO_FIX_!.hta or READ ME.txt. Inside of this note, cybercriminals use clumsy introductions ostensibly meant to explain what happened. Then, they ask to contact them via attached e-mails to get in further touch. Once done, users will receive a set of instructions to buy the decryption software. Some versions of Btcware require 0.5 BTC for data encryption. If you do not have this money to pay, there is a chance that extortionists will threaten you with permanent loss or inappropriate data abuse. In most cases, files encrypted with AES algorithms are hard to decrypt unless you purchase the private key held by cybercriminals themselves.

The 0xc00000e9 code is a BSOD (Blue Screen of Death) error frequently-seen on Windows 10. The issue results in an unexpected shutdown with a recovery screen displaying: "There was a problem with a device connected to your PC. An unexpected I/O error has occurred. Error code: 0xc00000e9". The window also says the possible reason for the error appearance lies in the wrong connection of external devices. This is the truth, especially when it was abruptly removed from the input port. Whenever Windows 10 suspects a risk of damage, it shuts down your PC to prevent unhealthy conditions. However, if you keep running into the same problem multiple times, this may cause future damage to your devices. If you are sure there are no accidental manipulations done from your side, more likely there are some independent problems like wrong configuration, hard drive problems, lack of drivers, an unstable connection of plugged devices, missing or corrupted files. Below, we have gathered a list of the most popular and effective solutions to stop the 0xc00000e9 error.

The 0x80080008 error code is related to windows updates. A number of people reported the problem appears after trying to check for updates. Some users managed to find a temporary solution using Windows Troubleshooter, however, the problem continued to press the line after a simple reboot stating the "Service registration is missing or corrupt" message. As a result of error inspection, experts found the reason behind 0x80080008 appearance is in Wups2.dll (the file included in the latest version of Windows Update) that was incorrectly installed. Apart from the prime reason we mentioned, there are grounds to believe that 0x80080008 may be related to the scarcity of files, wrong service configuration, and so forth. Below, we will show how to get rid of this annoying problem and continue receiving Windows Updates as usual.