I wrote this article to help you remove Win32-Exxroute.A Ransomware. This Win32-Exxroute.A Ransomware removal guide works for all Windows versions.
Win32-Exxroute.A ransomware is a Trojan win-locker. The ransomware programs whose names start with “Win32” belong to this category. Their technical characteristics do not differ from the profile of the classic win-lockers. The only distinguishable characteristic is the approach towards distribution. Upon entering your machine, Win32-Exxroute.A ransomware does what any other win-locker would. The clandestine program encrypts most files on the hard drive, including documents, images, audios, videos, databases, archives and custom programs. Win32-Exxroute.A ransomware demands a ransom in exchange for the decryption key, required to unlock the infected files.
How does Win32-Exxroute.A Ransomware operate?
Upon entering a computer, Win32-Exxroute.A ransomware waits in stealth until the system is turned off. Then it performs the encryption. The malevolent program rearranges the codes of the vulnerable files to render them inaccessible. It locks them using a public key and creates a unique private key for the decryption. Win32-Exxroute.A ransomware informs the victim what has occurred and what he is required to do via a ransom note. The win-locker drops the file in a prominent place upon completing the encryption process.
There are several versions of Win32-Exxroute.A ransomware. The main aspect which sets them apart are the payment methods they use. Most of them do not use the traditional form of payment – bitcoins. Instead, they ask people to pay through MoneyPak, MoneyGram or Ukash. These platforms are used for online transactions. The bitcoin cryptocurrency is the safest online payment method, as it protects the anonymity of the recipient. It is unusual that most versions of Win32-Exxroute.A ransomware do not make use of it. The variants which accept payments in bitcoins also include the latter platforms as alternative options.
Win32-Exxroute.A ransomware is distinguishable for conducting a couple of tasks which most other win-lockers do not perform. The malignant program limits the Internet accessibility to the designated payment platforms. This prevents the user from looking for a solution online, if he does not have an alternative device with Internet connection. Even so, the lack of access makes it harder to transfer an anti-virus utility to the infected device.
The other malicious task Win32-Exxroute.A ransomware carries out is to collect information from the victim’s browser and sell it on darknet markets. This includes the browsing history, tracking cookies, email, IP address, geographic location, demographic details, user names and passwords. Although the win-locker limits the Internet access, all the information you have within your current logs could still be sufficient for hackers to break into your accounts.
How is Win32-Exxroute.A ransomware distributed?
We elaborated that Win32-Exxroute.A ransomware is transmitted to computers via Trojan horses. We still need to explain how a Trojan can access your system. In most cases, the rogue software travels in spam emails. It hides behind an attached file. Opening the host is enough to infect your machine. You need to be cautious when handling your emails. Check the contacts to confirm their origin. The other way for a Trojan to penetrate your PC is through a drive-by installation. This happens when visiting a corrupted website or following a compromised link. The furtive program enters the computer through background processes and conducts the install of Win32-Exxroute.A ransomware in the same manner. To stay safe, do your research on unfamiliar websites and links before accessing them.
Win32-Exxroute.A Ransomware Removal
Method 1: Restore your encrypted files using ShadowExplorer
Usually, Win32-Exxroute.A Ransomware deletes all shadow copies, stored in your computer. Luckily, the ransomware is not always able to delete the shadow copies. So your first try should be restoring the original files from shadow copies.
- Download ShadowExplorer from this link: http://www.shadowexplorer.com/downloads.html.
- Install ShadowExplorer
- Open ShadowExplorer and select C: drive on the left panel
- Choose at least a month ago date from the date field
- Navigate to the folder with encrypted files
- Right-click on the encrypted file
- Select “Export” and choose a destination for the original file
Method 2: Restore your encrypted files by using System Restore
- Go to Start –> All programs –> Accessories –> System tools –> System restore
- Click “Next“
- Choose a restore point, at least a month ago
- Click “Next“
- Choose Disk C: (should be selected by default)
- Click “Next“. Wait for a few minutes and the restore should be done.
Method 3: Restore your files using File Recovery Software
If none of the above method works, you should try to recover encrypted files by using File Recovery Software. Since Win32-Exxroute.A Ransomware first makes a copy of the original file, then encrypts it and deletes the original one, you can successfully restore the original, using a File Recovery Software. Here are a few free File Recovery Software programs:
