How to remove TeamXrat (Virus Removal Guide)
TeamXrat ransomware is a computer virus that encrypts the files on your computer, randomizes the file names, and adds the ___xratteamLucked extension to files it encrypts
Once TeamXrat ransomware has encrypted files with the ___xratteamLucked extension and changes the file names it will load a ransom note named Como descriptografar os seus arquivos.txt on the computer and change the desktop wall paper to an image of a partial ransom note. The desktop background contains an image of Bart Simpson and says “Do not blame us for failing” to safety on it.
The ransom note and desktop background are written in Portuguese. This is because TeamXrat ransomware was created by Brazilian cybercriminals named TeamXRat or CorporacaoXRat.
The ransom notes and desktop background do not inform the victim of the amount of the ransom they have to pay to retrieve their files, nor the payment method required (which is usually Bitcoins). Instead of releasing this information, the ransomware authors instruct victims to send an email to one of the anonymous email services Mail2Tor, protonmail.com, or Email.tg.
Email addresses related to this ransomware are:
- corporacaoxrat@mail2tor.com
- xRatTeam@mail2tor.com
- xratteam@email.tg
- corporacaoxrat@protonmail.com
The ransomware is also notorious for attacking hospitals, local businesses, and innocent people.
It is not recommended to pay ransomware authors to decrypt your files unless you have no other choice. Instead of supporting cybercriminals by paying the ransom you can contact Kaspersky support to obtain a decryptor and more instructions. Kaspersky has decryption software to decrypt your files but has not released it online to avoid the ransomware being altered by the cybercriminals to fight the program. You can also use programs like Shadow Explorer, PhotoRec, or Recuva to restore corrupted files.
How did TeamXrat virus get on my computer?
TeamXrat virus is usually distributed via malicious spam email attachments, exploit kits, and instant message spam. The ransomware usually employs social engineering in order to trick unsuspecting victims into downloading a file under the guise that it is something it is not. Once the file is manually executed by the user ransomware will begin to advance on the computer system and carry through it’s various functions.
How to remove TeamXrat virus and recover your files
This TeamXrat ransomware removal guide will help you remove TeamXrat virus from your computer and recover your encrypted files.
1. Contact Kaspersky support (and skip to step #7 below) for decryption software and instructions to decrypt your files for free or download and Install Recuva by Pirform.
2. Run the program and start the Recuva Wizard.
3. Select All Files and click Next.
4. Select a file location. Click I’m not sure to search everywhere on your computer.
5. Click Start.
6. Select All Files with your mouse and click the Recover button. If you cannot restore your files with Recuva we recommend to try using Shadow Explorer to restore your files.
7. Download and Install Malwarebytes Anti-Malware software to detect and remove malicious files from your computer.
8. Open Malwarebytes and click the Scan Now button – or go to the Scan tab and click the Start Scan button.
9. Once the Malwarebytes scan is complete click the Remove Selected button.
10. To finish the Malwarebytes scan and remove detected threats click the Finish button and restart your computer if promoted to do so.
11. Download and Install HitmanPro by Surfright to perform a second-opinion scan.
12. Open HitmanPro and click Next to start scanning your computer. *If you are using the free version you may chose to create a copy or perform a one-time scan.
13. Once the HitmanPro scan is complete click the Next button.
14. To activate the free version of HitmanPro: enter your email address twice and click the Activate button.
15. Click the Reboot button.
16. Download and Install CCleaner by Piriform to cleanup junk files, repair your registry, and manage settings that may have been changed.
17. Open CCleaner and go to the main Cleaner screen. Click the Analyze button. When the process is complete, click the Run Cleaner button on the bottom right of the program interface.
18. Go to Tools > Startup and search for suspicious entries in each tab starting from Windows all the way to Content Menu. If you find anything suspicious click it and click the Delete button to remove it.
19. Go to the Registry window and click the Scan for Issues button. When the scan is complete click the Fix selected issues… button and click Fix All Selected Issues.
How to stay protected against future infections
The key to staying protected against future infections is to follow common online guidelines and take advantage of reputable Antivirus and Anti-Malware security software with real-time protection.
Real-time security software
Security software like Malwarebytes and Norton Security have real-time features that can block malicious files before they spread across your computer. These programs bundled together can establish a wall between your computer and cyber criminals.
Common Online Guidelines
- Backup your computer and personal files to an external drive or online backup service
- Create a restore point on your computer in case you need to restore your computer to a date before infection
- Avoid downloading and installing apps, browser extensions, and programs you are not familiar with
- Avoid downloading and installing apps, browser extensions, and programs from websites you are not familiar with – some websites use their own download manager to bundle additional programs with the initial download
- If you plan to download and install freeware, open source software, or shareware make sure to be alert when you install the object and read all the instructions presented by the download manager
- Avoid torrents and P2P clients
- Do not open email messages from senders you do not know