Xampp Locker Ransomware

The 'Xampp Locker' Ransomware is a ransomware Trojan that was first observed on February 13, 2017. The 'Xampp Locker' Ransomware is written using .NET and is based on HiddenTear, an open source ransomware Trojan that has been the basis for countless ransomware variants in the last year. The 'Xampp Locker' Ransomware is capable of carrying effective ransomware attacks against both individual computer users and large-scale targets such as corporate networks and servers. The 'Xampp Locker' Ransomware can be distributed in a variety of ways, ranging from the exploitation of weak passwords to corrupted email attachments. Compromised documents distributed using emails are the most common way in which con artists may distribute the 'Xampp Locker' Ransomware and other ransomware Trojans.

How the 'Xampp Locker' Ransomware may be Used to Carry Out Attacks

The 'Xampp Locker' Ransomware uses both the AES and RSA encryption to compromise the victims' computer. Once the victim's computer has been compromised in the 'Xampp Locker' Ransomware attack, this ransomware Trojan will encrypt the victim's files, essentially taking them hostage. The 'Xampp Locker' Ransomware will target a wide variety of file types, including most types of media files and documents commonly used. The 'Xampp Locker' Ransomware also will encrypt files on all local drives, as well as external memory devices connected to the infected computer and folders shared on a network. The files encrypted by the 'Xampp Locker' Ransomware will be identified with the extension '.locked,' which will be added to the end of the file's name. This extension has been observed in a number of other ransomware attacks, including the well-known ransomware Trojan 'Locky.' It is highly unlikely that there exists a relationship between the 'Xampp Locker' Ransomware and these other ransomware Trojans since it is typical of malware creators to simply recycle code or features from other, existing ransomware Trojans.

The Hoax Behind the 'Xampp Locker' Ransomware Attack

The main executable file associated with the 'Xampp Locker' Ransomware is often named 'XAMPP Server encryptor.exe,' although the 'Xampp Locker' Ransomware may change its files' names to prevent easy detection. Once the files have been encrypted using the 'Xampp Locker' Ransomware, it is highly unlikely that the files will be recoverable without the decryption key. Because of this, computer users should take steps to safeguard their computers from these attacks through the use of preventive measures. Once the 'Xampp Locker' Ransomware has finished encrypting the victim's files, it will deliver a ransom note asking for the payment of several hundred dollars in BitCoins. PC security analysts strongly advise computer users to avoid paying the 'Xampp Locker' Ransomware ransom. It is unlikely that the people responsible for the 'Xampp Locker' Ransomware will keep their word and deliver the decryption key and, even if they do, paying the 'Xampp Locker' Ransomware ransom allows these people to continue carrying out their attacks on other unsuspecting computer users.

Protecting Your Computer from the 'Xampp Locker' Ransomware

To protect your computer from the 'Xampp Locker' Ransomware and similar ransomware attacks, PC security analysts strongly advise using a reliable security program that is fully up-to- date. Most importantly, however, is to have backup copies of all files. Having a backup of your files on an external memory device or stored in the cloud allows quick recovery from a 'Xampp Locker' Ransomware attack by simply restoring the affected files from the backup copies. If the victim can do this to recover from an attack, then the people responsible for the 'Xampp Locker' Ransomware lose any leverage over the victim. Apart from having backups and using a reliable security program, avoid coming into contact with these threats. This can be done by taking precautions when handling unsolicited email attachments and avoiding shady online websites.