VXUG Ransomware: How to Remove It and Recover Your Files

VXUG Ransomware is a dangerous malware variant that encrypts files on an infected system and demands a ransom payment for their decryption. It is a part of the Chaos ransomware family and employs strong encryption techniques to lock victims’ files, leaving them inaccessible. This ransomware appends a unique extension to each encrypted file, incorporating an email address and an identifier.

The attackers behind VXUG Ransomware use a ransom note named “how_to_decrypt.hta” to communicate their demands, often threatening permanent file loss if the ransom is not paid within a specified timeframe. However, paying the ransom does not guarantee file recovery and may lead to further extortion.

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VXUG Ransomware Overview

Attribute	Details
Threat Type	Ransomware, Cryptovirus
Encrypted File Extension	Random extension with the email staff@vx-underground.org
Ransom Note Filename	how_to_decrypt.hta
Associated Email Address	staff@vx-underground.org
Detection Names	Trojan.Ransom.VXUG, Win32/Filecoder.VXUG, Ransom:Win32/VXUG
Symptoms of Infection	Files encrypted with a new extension, ransom note displayed, system performance issues
Damage	Loss of personal and business files, potential data theft, system modifications
Distribution Methods	Malicious email attachments, phishing links, bundled software
Danger Level	Severe

How VXUG Ransomware Works

VXUG Ransomware infiltrates systems through infected email attachments, malicious links, and unverified software downloads. Once inside, it performs the following actions:

1. File Encryption: It encrypts various file types, including images, videos, audio files, backups, and documents.
2. File Renaming: Encrypted files are renamed with a random extension that includes the email staff@vx-underground.org.
3. Ransom Note Display: A file named "how_to_decrypt.hta" appears, providing instructions for paying the ransom.
4. Registry Modifications: VXUG alters Windows Registry settings to ensure persistence on the infected system.
5. Shadow Copy Deletion: The ransomware executes the following command to prevent file recovery:

   vssadmin.exe delete shadows /all /Quiet

VXUG Ransomware Ransom Note Text

The ransom note, displayed in "how_to_decrypt.hta", contains the following message:

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ENCRYPTED BY VXUG

What happened?
All your documents, databases, backups, and other critical files were encrypted by vx-underground.
Our software used the AES cryptographic algorithm (you can find related information in Wikipedia).

It happened because of security problems on your server, and you cannot use any of these files anymore. The only way to recover your data is to buy a decryption key from us.

To do this, please send your unique ID to the contacts below.
E-mail: staff@vx-underground.org

Unique ID: [F27195A8-B7BFB093]

Right after payment, we will send you a specific decoding software that will decrypt all of your files. If you have not received the response within 24 hours, please contact us on Twitter @vxunderground.

During a short period, you can buy a decryption key with a 50% discount.
4 days 23:48:49
The price depends on how soon you will contact us.
All your files will be deleted permanently in: 6 days 23:48:49

Attention!

• Do not try to recover files yourself. This process can damage your data and recovery will become impossible.
• Do not waste time trying to find the solution on the Internet. The longer you wait, the higher the decryption key price will be.
• Do not contact any intermediaries. They will buy the key from us and sell it to you at a higher price.

What guarantees do you have?
Before payment, we can decrypt three files for free. The total file size should be less than 5MB (before archiving), and the files should not contain any important information (databases, backups, large tables, etc.).

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How to Remove VXUG Ransomware

Step 1: Use SpyHunter to Scan and Remove VXUG Ransomware

1. Download SpyHunter for your operating system (Windows/Mac).
2. Install SpyHunter and open the program.
3. Run a full system scan to detect VXUG Ransomware.
4. Remove all detected threats and restart your PC.

Step 2: Remove VXUG Registry Entries (Advanced Users Only)

1. Press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
2. Navigate to:

   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run

3. Look for suspicious entries related to VXUG and delete them.
4. Exit the Registry Editor and restart your computer.

Step 3: Restore Files Using Backup or Shadow Copies

If you have backups, restore your files after completely removing VXUG.

If backups are unavailable, try using Shadow Volume Copies:

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
2. Type:

   vssadmin list shadows

3. If shadow copies exist, restore them using:

   vssadmin restore shadow /for=C:

Step 4: Use Data Recovery Software

If Shadow Copies are deleted, use data recovery software like Recuva or EaseUS Data Recovery to attempt file recovery.

Prevention Measures to Avoid Future Infections

1. Do not open email attachments from unknown sources.
2. Avoid clicking on suspicious links in emails and messages.
3. Regularly update your software and security patches.
4. Install a reputable anti-malware tool like SpyHunter.
5. Keep backups of important files on external drives or cloud storage.
6. Use strong passwords and enable multi-factor authentication (MFA).

Conclusion

VXUG Ransomware is a severe cyber threat that can lock your essential files and demand a ransom. Following the removal steps above and enforcing security best practices can help you eliminate the infection and prevent future attacks. Remember, never pay the ransom, as it only encourages cybercriminals and offers no guarantee of data recovery.