What is X Ransomware?

X ransomware is a type of malware that has been designed to encrypt files on a victim's computer, making them inaccessible. Once the files are encrypted, X adds the ".X" extension to their filenames, thereby preventing the user from opening or accessing them. This malware also creates a ransom note called "X-Help.txt," which informs the victim that their system has been hacked, and their files are now locked due to encryption.

X Ransomware ransom note

The ransom note provides instructions for the victim to contact the attackers through specific email addresses (recovery.team@onionmail.org or recovery.team@skiff.com) to initiate the file recovery process. The attackers threaten to expose sensitive information on the darknet if the victim does not comply with their demands. To provide some assurance of file restoration, the attackers offer the option to send two non-important files for decryption.

The ransom note reads like the following:

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.

The attackers behind X ransomware claim to be the only ones capable of recovering the locked files and cite financial gain and reputation as their motivations. The victim is also advised not to attempt changing the locked files.

When it comes to ransomware attacks in general, victims often face limited options for file recovery. These options may include paying the ransom, utilizing available backups, or seeking specialized decryption tools for specific ransomware variants. However, paying the ransom is not advisable, as there is no guarantee that the cybercriminals will fulfill their promise of providing the decryption tool. Moreover, paying the ransom can lead to further damage, as ransomware may trigger additional encryptions and propagate within the local network.

How to resolve the X Ransomware problem and remove the threat

Ransomware infections like “X” typically occur when users unknowingly interact with malicious email attachments, harmful links, or compromised websites. Clicking on malicious online advertisements can also trigger ransomware activation on their computers. Additionally, ransomware like X ransomware can enter systems through Trojans that users unintentionally execute. Downloading and installing pirated software or obtaining software from untrustworthy sources can also lead to ransomware infections.

It is strongly recommended to remove ransomware from the affected system and to take preventive measures to avoid ransomware infections. This includes regularly updating software, using reliable security software, being cautious with email attachments and links, and avoiding interactions with suspicious websites or content.