X Ransomware

X is a particularly menacing type of ransomware designed to inflict severe damage on the victim's files. Once it infiltrates a system, it initiates a process of encryption, rendering the files inaccessible to the victim. Additionally, it leaves behind a ransom note named 'X-Help.txt,' which serves as the cybercriminals' method of communication with the victim.

A distinct trait of this ransomware is its alteration of filenames. To signify that the files have been encrypted and are now under the control of the attackers, X appends the '.X' extension to each filename. For instance, if a file was originally named '1.jpg,' X will modify it to become '1.jpg.X.' This renaming process applies to various file types, as seen in examples like '2.png,' which becomes '2.png.X,' and so forth.

The primary objective of the X Ransomware is extortion, and it seeks to exploit the victim's desperation to regain access to their valuable files.

The X Ransomware Locks Victims from Accessing Their Own Data

The ransom note serves as a grim notification of a system hack, stating that the victim's files have been rendered inaccessible due to encryption. To recover the locked files, the note instructs victims of X Ransomware to establish contact with the attackers using the provided email addresses - 'recovery.team@onionmail.org' or 'recovery.team@skiff.com.'

The note also contains a menacing warning that sensitive information has been extracted and will be exposed on the darknet if the victim refuses to comply with the attackers' demands. As a show of their intentions, the attackers offer the option to send two non-critical files to them for decryption, serving as a guarantee of file restoration.

In the unfortunate event of falling victim to ransomware, most victims find themselves powerless to decrypt their files without the intervention of the threat actors. Despite the dire situation, it is strongly advised against paying the ransom. The attackers may not fulfill their promise of providing decryption tools, and there are added risks of further encryption or propagation of the threat within the local network.

Implement Robust Security Measures Against Potential Ransomware Attacks

Users can implement several security measures to protect their devices and data from ransomware infections. Here are some essential steps:

• Install and Update Anti-malware Software: Use reputable anti-malware software on all devices. Keep the software up-to-date to ensure it can detect and block the latest ransomware threats.
•  Regular Software Updates: Keep your operating system, applications, and all software up-to-date with the latest security patches and updates. Cybercriminals often exploit known vulnerabilities, so updating regularly helps to mitigate these risks.
•  Be Cautious with Email: Avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading attachments from unknown senders. Be particularly cautious with emails that seem urgent or ask for personal information, as ransomware attackers often use phishing techniques to gain access.
•  Backup Your Data: Regularly back up your important files to an external device or a secure cloud storage service. This way, even if your data gets encrypted by ransomware, you can restore it from the backups without paying the ransom.
•  Educate Yourself and Others: Stay informed about the latest ransomware threats and techniques used by cybercriminals. Educate family members and colleagues about the risks and best practices to follow.
•  Use Strong Passwords: Use complex and unique passwords for all online accounts, including email and banking. Consider using a password manager to help you generate and manage strong passwords securely.
•  Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Whenever possible, enable two-factor authentication for your online accounts. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification in addition to your password.

By implementing these security measures and adopting a proactive approach to cybersecurity, users can significantly reduce the risk of ransomware infections and protect their devices and valuable data from harm.

The full text of X Ransomware's ransom note is:

'Your Decryption ID:

If you are reading this message, it means your system has been hacked.
Your files have not been damaged or infected by viruses; they are just locked with the X suffix;
Because of this Your files are inaccessible.

If you want your files back, contact us at the email addresses shown below:

Recovery.team@onionmail.org

Recovery.team@skiff.com

((*** Your ID must be included in the subject line of your email or we WILL NOT answer ***))

We saved your data on our servers,
and if you don't contact us, we'll extract your sensitive information (like your user's personal information)
and put it on the darknet, where anybody can view and take it.

You could send us two non-important files of up to 5MB in any format,
We will decrypt it for free and return it to you as a guarantee of your files' health.

We have no political goals and are not trying to harm your reputation.
This is our business. Money and our reputation are the only things that matter to us.

There is no software or company on the internet that can recover your locked files; we are the only ones who can help you.

Do Not Change These Locked Files; if you want to do it anyway, make a backup of your files first.'