XCrypt Ransomware
Threat Scorecard
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| Threat Level: | 80 % (High) |
| Infected Computers: | 20 |
| First Seen: | January 31, 2017 |
| Last Seen: | May 12, 2023 |
| OS(es) Affected: | Windows |
The XCrypt Ransomware was first observed on January 29, 2017. The XCrypt Ransomware is not based on an open source code or part of a RaaS (Ransomware as a Service) service, but that it seems to have been created independently. It is likely that the creator of the XCrypt Ransomware is located in Russia. The XCrypt Ransomware's ransom note, contained in a file named 'Xhelp.jpg,' has a Russian text. However, it does not seem that the XCrypt Ransomware targets computer users in Russia; attacks involving the XCrypt Ransomware have been detected all over the world and are not limited to Russian speakers.
Table of Contents
How the XCrypt Ransomware may Infiltrate a Computer
PC security analysts suspect that most of the XCrypt Ransomware infections are delivered using phishing email messages, which trick computer users into opening the included file attachment. Emails used to deliver the XCrypt Ransomware use falsified email addresses to make it seem as if the email is coming from a trusted source. Many of these emails will use social engineering techniques designed to trick computer users into opening a corrupted file attachment and downloading threats onto their computers. The XCrypt Ransomware can infect multiple versions of Windows, including both 32-bit and 64-bit operating systems. The XCrypt Ransomware is larger than many other ransomware Trojans, but it works fast and carries out an effective attack. The XCrypt Ransomware communicates with its Command and Control server using a Telegram channel, a method that has been abused by other ransomware Trojans in recent months.
How the XCrypt Ransomware Carries out Its Attack
Once the XCrypt Ransomware has infected a computer, it will communicate with its Command and Control server and relay information about the infected computer, including its location and information about its configuration. The XCrypt Ransomware encrypts the victim's files using the AES 256 encryption, a method that's typical of these attacks. The files encrypted by the XCrypt Ransomware will not have their name or extension changed, although they will no longer be accessible by the victim's applications. The XCrypt Ransomware targets numerous file types, including databases, spreadsheets, Office documents, images, videos and numerous others. The XCrypt Ransomware delivers its ransom note in a file named 'Xhelp.jpg' that contains a ransom message in Russian, which is reproduced below in translation to English:
'Your computer has been hacked! the XCrypt
All your files are now encrypted.
Unfortunately for you, the programmers and the police can not help you.
To decrypt, refer to the operator via ICQ.
IMPORTANT! Write down the number of our ICQ 714595302
The window is loaded on your desktop, but you can delete it and lose our contacts, thus lose all your files.
Icq 714 595 302'
Communicating with the People Responsible for the XCrypt Ransomware
Most ransomware Trojans avoid popular or commercial messaging platforms, usually opting for anonymous messaging services of some sort, or an email address from a private email server. The XCrypt Ransomware uses an unconventional approach, where victims are asked to communicate with the people associated with the XCrypt Ransomware via ICQ, a popular messaging platform. PC security researchers strongly advise computer users to avoid communicating with the people responsible for the XCrypt Ransomware attack and refrain from making any payments especially. Although the XCrypt Ransomware does encrypt the victim's files irreparably, con artists will rarely keep their promise to decrypt the affected files. In many cases, the victim's files will remain encrypted, and the con artists may ignore them or even ask for more money. Instead, take preemptive measures to limit the damage from attacks like the XCrypt Ransomware. Some ways in which you can protect your computer from these attacks include having backup copies of your files, on the cloud or an external memory device, and always using a reliable security program that is fully up-to-date. Backups allow you to recover your files after an attack especially.
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