Viruses are an integral part of the life of a modern computer user. Users of the Windows operating system from Microsoft are especially affected by them. Of course, there are viruses for other OSs, but there are much fewer. Systems such as MacOS and Linux are more protected from outside intrusion and loss of user files. More recently, a new XTBL ransomware virus has appeared on the Internet . How to decrypt lost data and generally protect yourself from this virus? We will analyze this question a little lower.
What is the XTBL virus
XTBL is a virus that uses a 1024-bit encryption code . Once on a computer, it remotely encrypts user files. Mostly striking music and photos. After the encryption process is completed, the files receive the extension “.xtbl” and it is no longer possible to open them. It is futile to try to rename files with the extension “.xtbl”. If you make such an attempt, they will be immediately removed by the virus. And forever.
The user receives a system message stating that his data is encrypted, and an offer to read the Readme.txt file for more information. And this file contains instructions for decryption. And it says that the user must send a certain amount to the specified address. And in return he will be sent a key and an XTBL decoder. Although usually they never send anything.
Here is a brief description of this virus. Agree, it’s rather unpleasant to pay a large amount for no one knows why. At the moment, XTBL is the most dangerous virus, since free antiviruses do not know how to detect it. And such giants as NOD or Kaspersky can detect it only if it is not modified.
Virus infection methods
There are several ways to hook XTBL. They are especially relevant for users of Windows. Since the virus is usually hidden in executable files with the extensions “.exe”, “.scr” or “.bat”. Linux or MacOS users are much easier to live, because these extensions are simply not supported on their OS. So, the main methods of infection with the virus:
- By email (some file attached to the letter).
- Through hacking programs for licensed products. The so-called "cracks".
- When unpacking the archive downloaded from an unreliable source.
These are the main methods of infection. Remember, if in the letter sent to you you see an attached document of the type “Report.doc.exe”, in no case do not open it. There may be an XTBL virus file. Well, of course, you should not even go to dubious sites and download pirated software.
How the XTBL virus works
The algorithm of the virus is based on remote encryption of user data . After penetration, the virus slowly encrypts individual files. At the very beginning of the process, it can still be stopped. Just kill the process in the windows task manager. After that, of course, you need to clean the system with special programs, but not any antivirus will do. To remove, you need some powerful product like Kaspersky.
XTBL virus uses a 1024-bit encoding. It’s unrealistic to decipher the result of his malicious work. It will take thirty years to select a decryption combination. When you try to rename the encrypted XTBL file to some “normal” format, the file is completely deleted. And not at all in the basket and without any warning. Therefore, if you become his victim, you should not immediately carry out any manipulations with encrypted information.
After successful file encryption, the virus will self-destruct. That is why it is then impossible to detect. And the “.xtbl” format remains for you “as a present”, which cannot be opened by any existing programs. Unlike similar viruses, XTBL uses an "advanced" encoding algorithm. In addition, apparently, the decryption key is generated using the computer name. That is why standard decryption programs do not help. Even the antivirus giants do not have an algorithm to decrypt the consequences of XTBL. Simply put, if your files are encrypted with an XTBL virus, then hardly anything will help you.
Some XTBL modifications can also delete OS backup points. So, using the “Previous file versions” function may not work.
File decryption methods
Unfortunately, specific effective ways to eliminate the effects of the virus do not exist. A normal and stable XTBL decoder cannot be found; it exists in nature. Moreover, the virus is constantly being modified, and in some cases it is even difficult to determine.
The only thing that can be done after successful removal of the virus is to contact information recovery specialists. But here, no one will give an absolute guarantee of the return of all your files. Usually this method helps only 70% of users. But this is not a bad result.
If there are backups, then there should be no problems. Enough to “cure” XTBL one of the most powerful antiviruses. After that, you can start restoring files from the backup. If there is no copy, then you can use the standard Windows function “Previous file versions”. Of course, there is very little chance of success. Few manage to overcome the XTBL virus. How to decipher his "creativity" is still not really known. But do not lose hope that one day decryption tools will be developed.
How to avoid such sad consequences
Not one antivirus will give a 100% guarantee of protection against malicious programs. Even the coolest. To prevent the consequences of the virus, you need to regularly back up files (backups). The main thing is not to be too late. If you try to copy the XTBL file, the virus will delete it immediately.
Backups are best created in specialized programs, because they use a file format that no virus can infect. In addition, you should not store it on a computer. It is advisable to burn to disk to avoid possible infection.
Methods of protection and treatment
To protect against this virus, it is recommended to use software products that have already proven themselves in the market of anti-virus systems. For example, Kaspersky, NOD 32 or Dr. Web Of course, they are paid. However, in the presence of a paid license, these companies can not only help with protection. If your files are encrypted with the XTBL virus, they may try to create a special decoder specifically for you. Definitely, such a service is worth the money spent.
To cure and remove the XTBL virus, the first thing you need to do is load the operating system into safe mode. All subsequent operations should be performed only in it. After that, you should run the antivirus and select the “deep” scan. The process, of course, will drag on for a couple of hours at least, but there is hope for finding and removing the virus. Files with the extension “.xtbl” are not considered by the antivirus as a threat. So that they will not go anywhere, and in time you will be able to start trying to decrypt.
Other viruses from the same “family”
XTBL virus is not the only one. Although the coolest. Now there are a huge number of ransomware programs. All kinds of "lockers" by hook or by crook try to shake the money out of ordinary users.
Some time ago, the SMS locker, also encrypting user files, was popular. But unlike XTBL, its purpose was also system files. On one “beautiful” day, when the computer was turned on and the OS was loaded, the user saw a system message about the lock and instructions on sending money. The computer did not turn on. But with these viruses everything was much simpler. The banal reinstallation of the OS, unlike XTBL, helped. How to decrypt files, no thought.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are a lot of viruses in the computer world. Some do not do any tangible harm and look completely harmless. But some "monsters" can make them "sweat", raking the consequences of their work. The main thing is not to forget about precautions and carry out simple infection prevention.
It’s good if you pick up some light virus. What if something serious like XTBL? How to decipher its "scribble" - we made out, of course, the chances are few, but they are!