Do you know what Xxlecxx is?
Xxlecxx is a name of an infection that poses as a file-encrypting ransomware. Although it uses an intimidating warning to make you believe that your personal files were encrypted, in reality, your files are unlikely to have been harmed. They might have been harmed by a different infection, but definitely not by this fake ransomware. This threat is a screen-locker that displays a screen-size notification that cannot be closed. By doing this, the threat ensures that you cannot access your files to see that they are not encrypted. That being said, disabling the lock-down is very easy, and you do not need to be an experienced user to succeed. Our research team has analyzed the misleading screen-locker, and this report discusses all findings in detail. If you want to learn about the threat before you delete it, keep reading, and if you want to remove Xxlecxx right away, check out the instructions below.
According to the data retrieved by our research team, the suspicious Xxlecxx spreads via spam emails, which is the only thing that this threat has in common with real ransomware infections, such as Petna Ransomware, Mole02 Ransomware, or Reetner Ransomware. In this scenario, the installer of the threat is concealed, and the victim executes it without realizing it by opening, for example, a corrupted spam email attachment. Of course, different pathways could be used to spread this devious threat as well, and so you have to be cautious about all security backdoors and vulnerabilities. It is especially dangerous to let in the screen-locker via bundled installers because they could include other infections as well. Needless to say, if this is how the threat got in, you MUST inspect your operating system right away, and if other infections exist, they must be removed as well. If other threats are found, hopefully, they are just as harmless as the peculiar Xxlecxx itself.
The message that Xxlecxx represents via the screen-locking window suggests that your files can be recovered only if you pay a ransom of $150. The window includes a “What to Do” button that should lead to instructions on how to pay the ransom, as well as the decryption code window for an alleged decryption key. Even if you get a key after you pay money, it will not do anything because your files are NOT encrypted. We cannot stress enough how important it is that you do not follow any instructions presented to you by the fake ransomware and its creator. To disable the screen-locking window, tap keys Alt+F4 on your keyboard. After this, you should immediately delete Xxlecxx because it could lock your PC again. Also, the file representing the infection could be used in other malicious ways, and so you need to get rid of it as soon as possible.
Xxlecxx screenshot
Scroll down for full removal instructions
Once you disable the fake message and see for yourself that your files are not encrypted, you need to find and delete the executable that has launched the malicious Xxlecxx. If you cannot find it yourself, a legitimate anti-malware tool will do that for you. This tool is especially useful if multiple threats require removal at the same time, and if you want to strengthen the protection of your operating system. Overall, if you executed the infection yourself by opening a corrupted spam email attachment, you might be able to identify and delete Xxlecxx manually. If you need our help cleaning your operating system, add your questions in the comments section so that our team of experts could help you as soon as possible.
Remove Xxlecxx from Windows
- Tap Alt+F4 keys simultaneously to disable the lock-down.
- Find the {random name}.exe file that represents the ransomware.
- Right-click the file and choose Delete.
- Empty Recycle Bin and then perform a full system scan.
In non-techie terms:
Xxlecxx is a devious infection that cyber criminals created to trick gullible users that they need to pay a ransom of $150 to get their files decrypted. In reality, this infection does not encrypt files, and the message it displays regarding the encryption is completely bogus. Since you cannot know whether or not your files were encrypted because of the screen-locking window, we suggest disabling it first. Right after that, you need to find and delete Xxlecxx executable. You might be able to do that manually, but it is recommended that you employ anti-malware software instead. It will automatically erase the bogus ransomware along with any other threats that might be present.