'.xyz File Extension' Ransomware
Threat Scorecard
EnigmaSoft Threat Scorecard
EnigmaSoft Threat Scorecards are assessment reports for different malware threats which have been collected and analyzed by our research team. EnigmaSoft Threat Scorecards evaluate and rank threats using several metrics including real-world and potential risk factors, trends, frequency, prevalence, and persistence. EnigmaSoft Threat Scorecards are updated regularly based on our research data and metrics and are useful for a wide range of computer users, from end users seeking solutions to remove malware from their systems to security experts analyzing threats.
EnigmaSoft Threat Scorecards display a variety of useful information, including:
Ranking: The ranking of a particular threat in EnigmaSoft’s Threat Database.
Severity Level: The determined severity level of an object, represented numerically, based on our risk modeling process and research, as explained in our Threat Assessment Criteria.
Infected Computers: The number of confirmed and suspected cases of a particular threat detected on infected computers as reported by SpyHunter.
See also Threat Assessment Criteria.
| Ranking: | 16,890 |
| Threat Level: | 80 % (High) |
| Infected Computers: | 35 |
| First Seen: | January 20, 2016 |
| Last Seen: | August 13, 2023 |
| OS(es) Affected: | Windows |
The '.xyz File Extension' Ransomware is one of the many variants of TeslaCrypt 3.0 that are currently being distributed. The '.xyz File Extension' Ransomware uses AES encryption to take over a victim's computer and encrypt the victim's files. The '.xyz File Extension' Ransomware essentially takes the victim's computer hostage, demanding payment of a ransom in exchange for the decryption key. The '.xyz File Extension' Ransomware attacks were noticed all over the world, although most TeslaCrypt variants have been concentrated in the United States. One characteristic of the '.xyz File Extension' Ransomware is that it also tends to target video game saved files, which are rarely backed up and may represent a significant time investment by the victims. Since the files encrypted by the '.xyz File Extension' Ransomware are rarely recoverable, it is necessary to restore them from a backup after removing the '.xyz File Extension' Ransomware completely. Because of this, the best measure against ransomware like the '.xyz File Extension' Ransomware and other TeslaCrypt variants is prevention, learning to spot these kinds of hoaxes before they happen, and having all files backed up using an external memory device or the cloud.
The '.xyz File Extension' Ransomware and Similar Online Tactics
Most encryption ransomware Trojans use a similar approach to the '.xyz File Extension' Ransomware. Essentially, this threat will scan the victim's computer for files with extensions matching a list in its configuration files. Files targeted by the '.xyz File Extension' Ransomware are common documents like DOC, PDF, and JPEG files, media files like MP3, MP4, and AVI, and archive files like RAR and ZIP files. However, the '.xyz File Extension' Ransomware also may target more uncommon subjects such as game files saved for popular PC games. Since late 2015, PC security researchers have observed numerous variants of the '.xyz File Extension' Ransomware that change the affected files' extension after encrypting them (in this case, the extensions are changed to XYZ).
After encrypting the victim's files, the '.xyz File Extension' Ransomware demands the payment of a ransom. To do this, the '.xyz File Extension' Ransomware will drop text or HTML files on the victim's computer. These files contain messages urging computer users to make a payment of several hundred dollars using BitCoin to get the decryption key. Apart from these ransom files, the '.xyz File Extension' Ransomware may change the affected PC's Desktop image and cause the affected Web browser to display pop-up messages with similar instructions. The following is an example of one of these types of ransom notes associated with TeslaCrypt variants:
Your personal files are encrypted!
Your files have been safely encrypted on this PC: photos, videos, documents, etc. Click "Show Encrypted Files" button to view a complete list on encrypted files, and you can personally verify this.
Encryption was produced using a unique public key RSA-2048 generated for this computer. To decrypt files you need to obtain the private key.
Prevention is the Key to Dealing with the '.xyz File Extension' Ransomware
There are several steps you can take to make sure that your computer is protected from threats completely such as the '.xyz File Extension' Ransomware. Install a security application that is fully up-to-date to intercept corrupted files such as the '.xyz File Extension' Ransomware before they are downloaded or installed. Computer users also should know how to avoid common social engineering tactics used to deliver this type of content. The most important prevention method, however, is to create a backup of all important files using the could or an external memory device. This way, the '.xyz File Extension' Ransomware infection can be treated by wiping the affected hard drive and restoring all encrypted files from the backup. Computer users should avoid paying the '.xyz File Extension' Ransomware ransom, since this allows con artists to continue carrying out these attacks.
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