Exten Ransomware

Warning: Exten ransomware encrypts your files and demands payment in Bitcoin

Exten ransomware is a file-encrypting malware from the Phobos family, known for locking users out of their data and demanding hefty ransoms in cryptocurrency. Once it infects a system, Exten appends a custom extension to each file and drops a ransom note instructing the victim to email the attackers. This ransomware poses a serious risk to personal and business data, especially if backups are missing or outdated.

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🧪 Exten Ransomware Summary

Threat Type	Ransomware (File Encryptor)
Encrypted File Extension	.id[xxxxxxx].[exten1@onionmail.org].exten
Ransom Note Filename	info.hta, info.txt
Email Contact	exten1@onionmail.org, exten2@msgsafe.io
Detection Names	Avast (Win32:RansomX-gen), ESET (Win32/Filecoder.Phobos.AH), Kaspersky (Trojan-Ransom.Win32.Phobos.gen)
Symptoms	Files renamed and inaccessible, ransom notes on desktop, increased CPU usage
Damage + Distribution Methods	Encrypts data, demands ransom; spreads via phishing emails, cracked software, and exposed RDP ports
Danger Level	🔴 High – Risk of permanent data loss

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How Did I Get Infected With Exten Ransomware?

Exten ransomware doesn’t just show up out of nowhere. It typically infiltrates systems through:

• Phishing Emails: Malicious attachments disguised as invoices or delivery documents.
• Pirated Software: Fake cracks and keygens often come bundled with ransomware.
• Exposed RDP Ports: Hackers brute-force weak remote desktop credentials to drop the payload.
• Fake Software Updates: Users are tricked into installing malware posing as system or app updates.

Once executed, Exten silently begins encrypting files while avoiding detection by disabling Windows security features.

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What Exten Ransomware Does to Your Files

As soon as Exten activates, it scans all drives for common file types: documents, images, databases, videos, archives, and more. It uses AES + RSA encryption, effectively locking each file with a unique key. The extension pattern is as follows:

photo.jpg → photo.jpg.id[0B65E8C5].[exten1@onionmail.org].exten

Simultaneously, it drops ransom notes (info.txt and info.hta) that instruct victims to contact the attackers via email to negotiate decryption.

There’s no guarantee that paying the ransom will recover your data. In many cases, victims are ghosted after payment or asked for more money.

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Should You Be Worried About Exten Ransomware?

Yes. Exten ransomware is a serious threat. Here’s why:

• Data Loss: Without backups or a decryptor (which doesn’t currently exist for Exten), your files may be lost forever.
• Financial Risk: Paying the ransom doesn’t guarantee decryption and may make you a repeat target.
• System Instability: Some ransomware variants install backdoors, keyloggers, or remote access tools for future exploitation.
• Business Downtime: For SMBs, encrypted data means halted operations, regulatory fines, and loss of customer trust.

Removing the malware is critical, but recovering encrypted files without backups is extremely difficult.

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Ransom Note Dropped by Exten Ransomware

Here’s what the typical ransom note from Exten ransomware looks like (info.txt):

All your files have been encrypted!
To restore them, contact us:
Email: exten1@onionmail.org
Reserve Email: exten2@msgsafe.io
Send your ID: [ID number]

You have 72 hours to contact us, after which your data will be deleted permanently.

The attackers threaten to delete the decryption key if you don’t respond in time. Do not engage with them — it only funds future attacks.

Manual Ransomware Removal Guide

Warning: Manual removal is complex and risky. If not done correctly, it can lead to data loss or incomplete removal of ransomware. Only follow this method if you are an advanced user. If unsure, proceed with Method 2 (SpyHunter Removal Guide).

Step 1: Disconnect from the Internet

1. Unplug your Ethernet cable or disconnect Wi-Fi immediately to prevent further communication with the ransomware’s command and control (C2) servers.

Step 2: Boot into Safe Mode

For Windows Users:

1. For Windows 10, 11:
   • Press Windows + R, type msconfig, and hit Enter.
   • Go to the Boot tab.
   • Check Safe boot and select Network.
   • Click Apply and OK, then restart your PC.
2. For Windows 7, 8:
   • Restart your PC and press F8 repeatedly before Windows loads.
   • Select Safe Mode with Networking and press Enter.

For Mac Users:

1. Restart your Mac and immediately press and hold the Shift key.
2. Release the key once you see the Apple logo.
3. Your Mac will start in Safe Mode.

Step 3: Locate and Terminate Malicious Processes

For Windows Users:

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
2. Look for suspicious processes (e.g., unknown names, high CPU usage, or random letters).
3. Right-click on the process and select End Task.

For Mac Users:

1. Open Activity Monitor (Finder > Applications > Utilities > Activity Monitor).
2. Look for unusual processes.
3. Select the process and click Force Quit.

Step 4: Delete Malicious Files

For Windows Users:

1. Press Windows + R, type %temp%, and hit Enter.
2. Delete all files in the Temp folder.
3. Navigate to:
   • C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Roaming
   • C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Local
   • C:\Windows\System32
4. Look for suspicious files related to the ransomware (random file names, recently modified) and delete them.

For Mac Users:

1. Open Finder and go to Go > Go to Folder.
2. Type ~/Library/Application Support and delete suspicious folders.
3. Navigate to ~/Library/LaunchAgents and remove unknown .plist files.

Step 5: Remove Ransomware from Registry or System Settings

For Windows Users:

Warning: Incorrect changes in the Registry Editor can damage your system. Proceed with caution.

1. Press Windows + R, type regedit, and hit Enter.
2. Navigate to:
   • HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software
   • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software
3. Look for unfamiliar folders with random characters or ransomware-related names.
4. Right-click and select Delete.

For Mac Users:

1. Go to System Preferences > Users & Groups.
2. Click on Login Items and remove any suspicious startup items.
3. Navigate to ~/Library/Preferences and remove malicious .plist files.

Step 6: Restore System Using System Restore (Windows) or Time Machine (Mac)

For Windows Users:

1. Press Windows + R, type rstrui, and hit Enter.
2. Click Next, choose a restore point before the infection, and follow the prompts to restore your system.

For Mac Users:

1. Restart your Mac and hold Command + R to enter macOS Utilities.
2. Select Restore from Time Machine Backup.
3. Choose a backup prior to the ransomware infection and restore your system.

Step 7: Use a Decryption Tool (If Available)

• Visit No More Ransom (www.nomoreransom.org) and check if a decryption tool is available for your ransomware variant.

Step 8: Recover Files Using Backup

• If you have backups on an external drive or cloud storage, restore your files.

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Automatic Ransomware Removal Using SpyHunter

If manual removal seems too risky or complicated, using a reliable anti-malware tool like SpyHunter is the best alternative.

Step 1: Download SpyHunter

Download SpyHunter from the official link: Download SpyHunter

Or follow the official installation instructions here:
SpyHunter Download Instructions

Step 2: Install SpyHunter

1. Open the downloaded file (SpyHunter-Installer.exe).
2. Follow the on-screen prompts to install the program.
3. Once installed, launch SpyHunter.

Step 3: Perform a Full System Scan

1. Click on Start Scan Now.
2. SpyHunter will scan for ransomware and other malware.
3. Wait for the scan to complete.

Step 4: Remove Detected Threats

1. After the scan, SpyHunter will list all detected threats.
2. Click Fix Threats to remove the ransomware.

Step 5: Use SpyHunter’s Malware HelpDesk (If Needed)

If you are dealing with a stubborn ransomware variant, SpyHunter’s Malware HelpDesk provides custom fixes to remove advanced threats.

Step 6: Restore Your Files

If your files are encrypted:

• Try No More Ransom (www.nomoreransom.org) for decryption tools.
• Restore from cloud storage or external backups.

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Preventing Future Ransomware Attacks

• Keep backups on an external hard drive or cloud storage.
• Use SpyHunter to detect threats before they infect your system.
• Enable Windows Defender or a trusted antivirus program.
• Avoid suspicious emails, attachments, and links.
• Update Windows, macOS & software regularly.

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Conclusion

Exten ransomware is part of a notorious family of file-encrypting malware that continues to target users worldwide. If your system has been hit, disconnect it from the internet, remove the ransomware using a professional tool like SpyHunter, and avoid paying the ransom at all costs. Backups remain the most reliable way to restore your files. Prevention is key — update software regularly, patch RDP vulnerabilities, and stay alert for phishing lures.

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🧰 Recommended Action:

✅ Use SpyHunter to remove Exten ransomware:
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