What is Exx ransomware?

Exx ransomware is yet another dangerous virus classified as a ransomware. Ransomware is a form of malicious software from cryptovirology that blocks all the personal files on your computer and makes them unreadable. Exx ransomware targets pictures, videos, documents, archives, databases, and other files that may be of value to the user. Once encryption is done, the victim is offered to pay ransom for the decryption software. That’s the whole point of ransomware is to make users believe that there is no other way to decrypt files but to pay a ransom. Nonetheless, we still do not recommend you to pay them money, because no one can ensure that criminals keep their promises. Read this user-friendly guide to learn how to remove Exx ransomware and decrypt .exx files without paying a ransom.

Screenshot of Exx ransomware wallpaper:

Once the encryption procedure is done, you won’t be able to open files with .exx extension unless they are decrypted. For example, file “IMG2054.jpg” will turn into “IMG2054.jpg.exx“. Afterward, Exx ransomware displays a pop-up window, leaves TXT file “HELP_RESTORE_FILES.txt” and changes desktop wallpaper “HELP_RESTORE_FILES.bmp”. The attackers are demanding a ransom in bitcoin cryptocurrency as such transactions are very difficult to track. We are reminding you once again that we do not recommend you to pay, as there are no guarantees that your files will be returned.

The content of the desktop wallpaper and the HELP_RESTORE_FILES.txt file:

All your documents, photos, databases and other important files have been encrypted
with strongest encryption RSA-2048 key, generated for this computer.

Private decryption key is stored on a secret Internet server and nobody can
decrypt your files until you pay and obtain the private key.

If you see the main encryptor red window, examine it and follow the instructions.
Otherwise, it seems that you or your antivirus deleted the encryptor program.
Now you have the last chance to decrypt your files.
Open in your browser one of the links:
hxxp://iq3ahijcfeont3xx.fenaow48fn42.com
hxxp://iq3ahijcfeont3xx.sm4i8smr3f43.com
hxxps://iq3ahijcfeont3xx.tor2web.blutmagie.de
They are public gates to the secret server.
Copy and paste the following Bitcoin address in the input form on server. Avoid missprints.
15Wgt4Fpgg6Mxai1BJ3yUJrznL9w79FJpm
Follow the instructions on the server.

If you have problems with gates, use direct connection:
1. Download Tor Browser from hxxp://torproject.org
2. In the Tor Browser open the hxxp://iq3ahijcfeont3xx.onion/
Note that this server is available via Tor Browser only.
Retry in 1 hour if site is not reachable.
Copy and paste the following Bitcoin address in the input form on server. Avoid missprints.
15Wgt4Fpgg6Mxai1BJ3yUJrznL9w79FJpm
Follow the instructions on the server.

In the end, it’s up to you to believe or not to believe, but let us warn you – no one can guarantee that they will keep their end of the bargain. On the contrary, there is a high risk of being cheated and simply left with nothing. The only reliable way to solve the problem is to remove Exx ransomware from the system using appropriate software in order to stop the malicious actions of the virus and then restore your data from the backup.

The content of the pop-up window:

All your important files have been encrypted!

Your personal files(including those on the network disks, USB, etc) have been encrypted:
photos, videos, documents, etc. Click “Show files” Button to view a complete list of encrypted files,
and you can personally verify this.

Encryption was made using a unique strongest RSA-2048 public key generated for this computer.
To decrypt files you need to acquire the private key.
The only copy of the private key, which will allow you to decrypt your files,is located on a secret TOR
server in the Internet; the server will eliminate the key after a time period specified in this window.
Once this has been done, nobody will ever be able to restore your files…
In order to decrypt files press button to open your personal page and follow the instruction.
[File decryption button]
in case of “File decryption button” malfunction use one of public gates:
hxxp://iq3ahijcfeont3xx.sm4i8smr3f43.com or
hxxps://iq3ahijcfeont3xx.tor2web.blutmagie.de

Use you Bitcoin address to enter the site: 15Wgt4Fpgg6Mxai1BJ3yUJrznL9w79FJpm
[Click to copy Bitcoin address to clipboard]
if both button and reserve gates not opening, please follow these steps:
You must install TOR browser www.torproject.org/projects/torbrowser.html.en
After installation,run the browser and ender address iq3ahijcfeont3xx.onion
Follow the instructions on the web-site. We remind you that the sooner you do so,
the more chances are left to recover the files.

There is no other way to restore your files except of making the payment.
Any attempt to remove or corrupt this software will result in immediate
elimination of the private key by the server.

[Show files] [Enter Decrypt Key]

There are two solutions to remove Exx Ransomware and decrypt your files. The first is to use an automated removal tool. This method is suitable even for inexperienced users since the removal tool can delete all instances of the virus in just a few clicks. The second is to use the Manual Removal Guide. This is a more complex way that requires special computer skills.

Screenshot of Exx encrypted files:

How Exx ransomware gets on my computer?

Cybercriminals use various techniques to deliver the virus to the target computer. Ransomware viruses can infiltrate victims’ computers more than in one or two ways, in most cases, cryptoviral extortion attack is carried out with the help of the following methods:

• Spam

  This is the most used distribution method. Cybercriminals use fraudulent emails to pose as official organizations or business companies (receipts, winning notifications, confirmation of order; bank messages, and so on) to lure unsuspecting users into clicking on a malicious attachment – just one click to make your files inaccessible. To mislead the user and make it look like an official email, cybercriminals add an extra symbol to the email address, for example, instead of service@paypal.com, you may see service[.]@paypal.com or service[_]@paypal.com. That’s why you should always pay attention to received emails and identify the sender to make sure that this is from a trusted source. Also, the presence of grammatical and typographical errors in the text of the message indicates that this is fake. If nothing’s wrong, scan the attachment with antivirus software first and then you can open it. Compliance with all these rules will help you save a lot of nerve, time, and money.
• Software

  Hackers use the special toolkit to exploit known vulnerabilities in systems or applications. That’s why you should always make Windows updates on time and keep them up to date. Remember that these updates close the security holes in the system through which the virus can enter your computer. Make sure that your operating system itself is not outdated and is officially supported, for example, Windows XP, Vista, 7 are no longer supported.
• Malicious

  Various dubious web-sources can contain malicious scripts or hyperlinks that can infect your system. Our advice – avoid visiting P2P sites and websites with illegal content (pirated software, movies, music). Use only legitimate services and remember – there’s no free lunch in this world.
• RDP

  Cybercriminals often abuse the built-in Windows feature – Remote Desktop Protocol to infect computers with ransomware. That way, they access the target computer remotely and install viruses manually. To avoid infection via RDP, you should set a different from 3389 TCP port and use a more strong password.

How to remove Exx ransomware?

Recommended Solution:

• Removal Tool
• Recovery Tool
• Prevention Tool

Try SpyHunter

SpyHunter is a powerful tool that is able to keep your Windows clean. It would automatically search out and delete all elements related to malware. It is not only the easiest way to eliminate malware but also the safest and most assuring one. The full version of SpyHunter costs $42 (you get 6 months of subscription). By clicking the button, you agree to EULA and Privacy Policy. Downloading will start automatically.

Download SpyHunter

Try Stellar Data Recovery

Stellar Data Recovery is one of the most effective tools that can recover lost and corrupted files — documents, emails, pictures, videos, audio files, and more — on any Windows device. The powerful scan engine can detect compromised files and finally save them to specified destination. Despite its advancedness, it’s very concise and simple so that even the most inexperienced user can figure it out.

Download Stellar Data Recovery

Try MailWasher

Email security is the first line of defense against ransomware viruses. To do this, we recommend that you use MailWasher. MailWasher blocks ransomware viruses coming through spam and phishing, and automatically detects malicious attachments and URLs. In addition, malicious messages can be blocked even before the recipient opens them. Since the main source of the spread of ransomware viruses are infected emails, antispam significantly reduces the risk of a virus appearing on your computer.

Download MailWasher

After the virus is completely removed from your system, you can begin the process of restoring your files.

How to decrypt files infected by Exx Ransomware?

Method 1. Restore your files with the help of Recovery Tool

In case your PC has been attacked by ransomware, you may restore your files by using file recovery software. Stellar Data Recovery is one of the most effective tools that can recover lost and corrupted files — documents, emails, pictures, videos, audio files, and more — on any Windows device. The powerful scan engine can detect compromised files and finally save them to specified destination. Despite its advancedness, it’s very concise and simple so that even the most inexperienced user can figure it out.

1. Run Stellar Data Recovery.
2. Select type of files you want to restore and click Next.



3. Select the drive and folder where your files are located and date that you want to restore them from and press Scan.



4. Once the scanning process is done, click Recover to restore your files.



5. After this, select a destination and click Start Saving to save restored data.

Since new ransomware-type viruses appear almost every day, there is no technical possibility to issue a decryptor for each virus. In this case, the recovery tool comes to the rescue. Despite the fact that this is one of the most effective methods in the absence of a decryptor, this is not 100 percent and not the only way.

Method 2. Restore the system using System Restore

Although the latest versions of Exx Ransomware can remove system restore files, this method may help you partially restore your files. Give it a try and use standard System Restore to revive your data. The entire process is preferably carried out in Safe Mode with Command Prompt:

For Windows XP/Vista/7 users:

Restart your computer and before your system starts – hit F8 several times. This will prevent system from loading and will show Advanced boot options screen. Choose Safe mode with Command Prompt option from the options list using up and down arrows on your keyboard and hit Enter.

For Windows 8/10 users:

1. Click the Start button, then select Settings
2. Click Update & Security, then select Recovery and click Restart now.
3. After your device reboots, go to Troubleshoot > Advanced options >Startup Settings > Restart



4. After your PC restarts, you should press F5 key to Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt.

After the system is loaded in Safe Mode with Command Prompt, do following:

1. In the Command Prompt window, type cd restore and hit Enter.



2. Then type rstrui.exe and hit Enter again.



3. Once a new window shows up, click Next.



4. Choose the date before the infection appearance and click Next again



5. In the opened pop-up window, click Yes to start system restore.

Method 4. Roll the files back to the previous version

Previous versions can be copies of files and folders created by Windows Backup (if it is active) or copies of files and folders created by System Restore. You can use this feature to restore files and folders that you accidentally modified or deleted, or that were damaged. This feature is available in Windows 7 and later versions.

1. Click the encrypted file and choose Properties
2. Open the Previous Version tab
3. Select the latest version and click Copy
4. Click Restore

How to prevent your system from Ransomware?

No one is safe from infection with a virus that secretly encrypts your data. But in order to minimize this risk, you need to follow the rules:

1. Always make Windows updates on time and keep them up to date. Remember that these updates close the security holes in the system through which the virus can enter your computer.

2. The most efficient way to avoid data loss is of course to make a backup of all important data from your computer. It is enough just to synchronize the necessary folders with one of the cloud services, so as not to be afraid to see the text requiring the payment of bitcoins in exchange for a decryption key. It can be a cloud or a remote hard drive on the network. If you store all your files on the Internet, the likelihood of virus infection will be lower. Do not make copies to external hard drives, as this could damage them.

3. Since spam email is the most popular form of spreading ransomware-type viruses, the user should never open email attachments without first having scanned them with antivirus. Just clicking on the link or opening the attachment can damage the operating system (Windows) in a few minutes, damage important data, and infect other machines with the virus.

• AntiSpam

Try MailWasher

Email security is the first line of defense against ransomware viruses. To do this, we recommend that you use MailWasher. MailWasher blocks ransomware viruses coming through spam and phishing, and automatically detects malicious attachments and URLs. In addition, malicious messages can be blocked even before the recipient opens them. Since the main source of the spread of ransomware viruses are infected emails, antispam significantly reduces the risk of a virus appearing on your computer.

Download MailWasher

4. All previous methods do not matter if you do not have a reliable antivirus. The presence of anti-virus protection on your computer can prevent all these unpleasant surprises. Anti-virus protection will protect you from malware, money loss, time loss, invasion of your personal life. Now the antivirus market is so huge that it is difficult to make a choice in favor of one of them. If you have not decided who to give preference to, we suggest you familiarize yourself with our Top 5 Antivirus Software for Windows