How to Remove Xiaoba666 Ransomware

Xiaoba666 is a newly emerged ransomware-type virus from the XIAOBA family. It encrypts victims’ data using powerful RSA-4096 encryption and demands a ransom of 0.5 BTC (Bitcoin) for decryption. The malware hijacks files and appends a custom extension in the following format:

cssCopyEdit[xiaoba_666@163.com]Encrypted_[random_string].XIAOBA

For example, 1.jpg becomes [xiaoba_666@163.com]Encrypted_eOvHyIyDlJ.XIAOBA. Once encryption is complete, the ransomware drops a ransom note named HELP_SOS.hta, an HTML application written in multiple languages, including English, German, French, Chinese, Arabic, Hindi, and more.

The note threatens victims not to use third-party recovery tools, claiming they may corrupt files, and instead insists on paying the ransom via a Bitcoin wallet address. A free test decryption is offered for one file to encourage payment.

Xiaoba666 Ransomware Threat Overview

Attribute	Details
Threat Name	Xiaoba666 Ransomware
Threat Type	Ransomware, Crypto Virus, Files Locker
Encrypted File Extension	[xiaoba_666@163.com]Encrypted_[random_string].XIAOBA
Ransom Note File	HELP_SOS.hta
Ransom Amount	0.5 BTC (≈ $38,000 at time of writing)
Contact Email	xiaoba_666@163.com
Crypto Wallet Address	1DveXPhdwz69ttF8z2keJT2ux1onaDrzyb
Detection Names	Avast (FileRepMalware [Misc]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Heur.Ransom.Imps.3), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of Win32/Kryptik_AGen.FFB), Kaspersky (HEUR:Trojan-Ransom.Win32.Encoder.gen), Microsoft (Trojan:Win32/Wacatac.B!ml)
Symptoms of Infection	Files inaccessible, renamed extensions, ransom note appears
Damage Caused	File encryption, data loss, possible installation of password stealers
Distribution Methods	Email attachments, cracked software, torrents, malicious ads, fake updates
Danger Level	Critical – severe encryption, no known free decryptor
Free Decryptor Available?	❌ No

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Xiaoba666 Ransom Note Message (English)

pgsqlCopyEditFile Recovery Guide

You may have noticed that your file could not be opened and some software is not working properly.

This is not wrong. Your file content still exists, but it is encrypted using "XIAOBA 2.0 Ransomware".

The contents of your files are not lost and can be restored to their normal state by decryption.

The only way to decrypt a file is to get our "RSA 4096 decryption key" and decrypt it using the key.

Please enter 0.5 bitcoin into this address: 1DveXPhdwz69ttF8z2keJT2ux1onaDrzyb

Please contact E-Mail after completing the transaction: xiaoba_666@163.com

Send the file that needs to be decrypted to complete the decryption work

Using any other software that claims to recover your files may result in file corruption or destruction.

You can decrypt a file for free to ensure that the software can recover all your files.

Please find someone familiar with your computer to help you

You can find the same guide named "HELP_SOS.hta" next to the encrypted file.

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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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Coclusion

Xiaoba666 Ransomware is extremely aggressive in its attack strategy and supports multilingual ransom demands, signaling a widespread global targeting pattern. The use of a unique email identifier within the file name also helps the attackers organize victims and their corresponding decryption requests.

Victims should be aware that even if they pay the ransom, there’s no guarantee that their files will be restored. Security experts strongly advise against paying under any circumstances, as it encourages further criminal activity and often leads to data loss regardless.