Home Malware Programs Ransomware Xorist-XWZ Ransomware

Xorist-XWZ Ransomware

Posted: March 21, 2018

Threat Metric

Threat Level: 10/10
Infected PCs: 105
First Seen: April 13, 2016
Last Seen: September 15, 2020
OS(es) Affected: Windows

The Xorist-XWZ Ransomware is meant to encrypt the files of its victims and then offer to provide them with decryption instructions in exchange for a ransom payment. The threat has reused a significant portion of the Xorist Ransomwar's code and, thankfully, this is likely to mean that the Xorist-XWZ Ransomware can be decrypted for free without seeking assistance from its authors.

Despite the potential availability of free decryption software, the Xorist-XWZ Ransomware is not a threat that should be underestimated certainly. Its authors have programmed it to encrypt a broad range of files such as documents, photos, videos, spreadsheets, archives, backups, and various file formats related to popular software suites. Whenever the Xorist-XWZ Ransomware encrypts a file successfully, it also will alter its name by appending the '.xwz' extension (e.g. 'backup.bak' would be renamed to 'backup.bak.xwz').

After completing its attack, the Xorist-XWZ Ransomware will drop a ransom message via the file 'READ ME FOR DECRYPT.txt.' The instructions state that the victim's data is impossible to recover without the use of specialized decryption software, which can only be obtained by messaging Blackstarmafia@qq.com and following the instructions of the attackers. The ransom note contains a unique victim ID and a short guide on how to purchase Bitcoins since this is the preferred payment method of the attackers.

If you believe that your hard drive's contents were encrypted by the Xorist-XWZ Ransomware, then you should disregard the instructions of the perpetrators of the attack. Sending them money is unlikely to resolve the problem so that you should focus on alternative file recovery methods. However, your first task must be the full removal of the Xorist-XWZ Ransomware, which can be completed with the assistance of a trustworthy anti-virus software suite. After you remove the threatening application, you are free to use the free Xorist decryption software or alternative file recovery tools.

Technical Details

File System Modifications

Tutorials: If you wish to learn how to remove malware components manually, you can read the tutorials on how to find malware, kill unwanted processes, remove malicious DLLs and delete other harmful files. Always be sure to back up your PC before making any changes.

The following files were created in the system:



file.exe File name: file.exe
Size: 18.02 MB (18027520 bytes)
MD5: 27def0c68ee542333a8a99995429273a
Detection count: 77
File type: Executable File
Mime Type: unknown/exe
Group: Malware file
file.exe File name: file.exe
Size: 7.02 MB (7022592 bytes)
MD5: 1a2bcbcf04aeb44e406cc0b12e095fb4
Detection count: 63
File type: Executable File
Mime Type: unknown/exe
Group: Malware file
file.exe File name: file.exe
Size: 921.6 KB (921600 bytes)
MD5: e9db7fe38dfea5668c74d6f192ae847b
Detection count: 11
File type: Executable File
Mime Type: unknown/exe
Group: Malware file
Loading...