Uninstall XHAMSTER virus (Free Removal Guide) - Quick Decryption Solution

Description of XHAMSTER ransomware

XHAMSTER ransomware is the infection encoding personal files to get money from victims directly

The threat is focused on the direct ransom demand

XHAMSTER ransomware is a dangerous cryptocurrency extortion-based threat. This is the particular virus that makes various changes on the computer once the system gets infected. Also, it locks various most common files with the help of encryption algorithms and makes them inaccessible. As a result, victims often try to pay the demanded ransom, but this is not recommended. It is better to take other actions than rely on untrustworthy cybercriminals.

This particular virus is the new variant of a well-known Phobos ransomware family. These creators encourage victims to pay the ransom amount and receive the alleged decryption tool in return. Such tactics are common and used by many other ransomware-type threats. However, it is important to note that cybercriminals can trick you and not help you unlock files or they can send additional threats instead of the promised tool.

Additional information about the file-locker

XHAMSTER ransomware makes data useless and unopenable when the infection finds its way to the vulnerable computer. This threat is dangerous and cannot be left unattended on the machine as it can cause additional problems or lock new files too. In addition to encrypting files, such viruses can severely damage your computer and its essential functions. If you do not want to experience a lot of problems, it is better to remove this virus.

XHAMSTER ransomware removal should be done with a reliable anti-malware tool. Only then can you think about file recovery. Unfortunately, there is no official decryption tool, but below you will find other solutions that can help in this situation. Also, it is important to repair the damaged system.

The threat renames files once they get locked, and the original code is altered. It marks files with a .XHAMSTER extension and then displays a message which offers to decrypt the data if payment in Bitcoin is made. If you do not know what the locked file looks like, here is a simple example: a file named 2.jpg becomes an unopenable piece renamed to 2.jpg.id[C279F237-2797].[ICQ@xhamster2020].XHAMSTER. Also, every victim gets a personal ID and contact information that is left in the info.hta and info.txt files. These ransom messages also describe facts about the payment and file recovery options.

The ransom message that criminals deliver after successful encoding of data:

All your files have been encrypted!
All your files have been encrypted due to a security problem with your PC.
If you want to restore them, install ICQ software on your PC here hxxps://icq.com/windows/
or on mobile phone from Appstore/Google Play Market search for “ICQ”
Write to our ICQ @xhamster2020 hxxps://icq.im/xhamster2020
Write this ID in the title of your message –
You have to pay for decryption in Bitcoins. The price depends on how fast you write to us.
Free decryption as guarantee
Before paying you can send us up to 5 files for free decryption. The total size of files must be less than 3Mb (non archived), and files should not contain valuable information. (databases,backups, large excel sheets, etc.)
Attention!
Do not rename encrypted files.
Do not try to decrypt your data using third party software, it may cause permanent data loss.
Decryption of your files with the help of third parties may cause increased price (they add their fee to our) or you can become a victim of a scam.
Be assured we are the only people who can recover your files and there is no free tool.

Remove the virus completely as soon as possible

Such infection can cause more damage than file encryption. It alters system files and settings directly to ensure that the needed processes get to run with every reboot and all the functions are controlled by the ransomware. This is crucial since all the alterations lead to failed functions, disabled programs, and features of the OS. It is possible that ransomware releases additional malware payloads and triggers security tools or different applications to get shut down. You need to remove the infection, and the way to do so is to run the AV tool for the proper XHAMSTER ransomware removal.

Antivirus applications can detect the files related to ransomware and additional threats like malware, trojans, and worms. If you scan your system with SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes, it can reveal all potential infections. This is a crucial step because any threats left behind can affect the machine further and even trigger another round of file encryption. It is even possible to lose the data permanently.

XHAMSTER file virus developers instruct victims to pay the demanded amount and contact them via ICQ for the payment details. But we do not recommend paying the ransom or trying to contact cybercriminals because they can take the ransom money but still not send the promised decryption tool.

Ransom message describe facts about the payment

Even if you need these encrypted files, it is still not worth relying on virus developers. There are other ways to recover locked data and the simplest solution is using backups. If your computer has been affected by XHAMSTER ransomware, remove it as soon as possible and only then try other options for data recovery.

Remember to repair the virus damage

When ransomware and other viruses infect the machine, various processes get affected. Windows registry entries, other directories, and databases of system files can get damaged or corrupted. Affected files can lead to additional system issues. Malware damage to such files triggers problems with performance and stability, and security issues. Windows operating system recovery is needed then.

You should rely on proper tools that are designed to repair such files, and recover smooth performance. FortectIntego is developed with the purpose to fix damaged files, repairing processes, and removing other pieces of malware that get leftover. The program has a few engines and databases where needed Windows files can be found and repaired. This application also wan fix errors related to registry, damaged DLLs, and other system files. You can find links where you can download this PC repair tool, then:

• Download the application by clicking on the link above
• Click on the ReimageRepair.exe
  
• Choose Yes when the User Account Control (UAC) shows up.
• Press Install and wait for the installation process.
  
• The analysis of your machine with begin after the installation.
  
• Check the results listed in the Summary.
  
• You can choose each of the issues and fix them manually.
  
• If you see many problems that you find difficult to fix, we recommend you purchase the license and fix them automatically.

Using this software can save a lot of time for you and improve the performance of the machine. Various issues can get fixed and system errors solved by running a thorough system scan and repair. You can avoid manual file repair that when done incorrectly can trigger more serious damage. Automatic system repair means that you do not need to reinstall the OS or different files.

The ransomware can enter the system unnoticed

XHAMSTER ransomware spreads the same way as any other version of the Phobos file virus. The malicious infection finds its way to the computer when the infectious file is opened and launched on the targeted machine. Users download such files using torrent platforms, inadvertently opening spam e-mails, downloading pirated game versions, etc. This is why you need to be very careful and always think about what websites you visit or what files you download.

Infected files can run the payload on the system quickly and cause the drop of dangerous malware like the XHAMSTER file virus. Often users do not even realize that they have downloaded the virus. They only notice it when all their personal files are encrypted and a ransom message is left on their computer.

Encoding file virus marks data with a unique appendix

If you want to avoid ransomware and other infections in the future, you should always have a reliable anti-malware program on the machine. Also, it is very important to download applications only from trusted sources. Suspicious emails, advertisements, links, etc. should be ignored.