The Deoxyz virus is a high-risk ransomware infection that encrypts files on a compromised system and demands payment for their decryption. Cybersecurity researchers classify it as a cryptovirus due to its use of strong encryption algorithms and stealthy tactics. Victims usually encounter this threat through phishing emails or malicious software bundles downloaded from suspicious websites.
Deoxyz Ransomware – Threat Overview
Property | Details |
---|---|
Threat Name | Deoxyz Ransomware |
Threat Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
Encrypted Extension | Randomized (varies by infection, e.g., .HIXJ ) |
Ransom Note Filename | read_it.txt , helpme.bat |
Associated Emails | Trustfiles@skiff.com, Trustfiles@onionmail.org |
Telegram Contact | hxxps://t.me/Trustfiles |
Symptoms | Inaccessible files with random extensions, ransom note displayed |
Damage | File encryption, data theft, potential data leaks, registry modification |
Distribution Methods | Spam emails, malicious attachments, pirated software, sketchy websites |
Infection Locations | %Local%, %AppData%, %SystemDrive%, %Temp%, %Windows%, %system32%, etc. |
Ransom Amount | Varies – paid in Bitcoin |
Danger Level | High |
Once Deoxyz ransomware infects your computer, it quickly scans for valuable files—documents, videos, images, databases, and archives—and locks them with unbreakable encryption. In most cases, encrypted files are appended with a random extension, making them unrecognizable to the user. It then drops a ransom note titled read_it.txt and displays a message via a file named helpme.bat, instructing victims to pay a ransom in Bitcoin to supposedly recover their files.
However, paying the ransom is extremely risky. There’s no guarantee that the attackers will send the decryption key. In fact, many victims report losing their money and never regaining access to their data. Moreover, Deoxyz may also steal sensitive information before encrypting your files and threaten to leak it online unless you comply.
Below is the actual ransom message used by the Deoxyz ransomware:
Deoxyz
Dear Client
If you’re seeing this note, your system was breached, sensitive data was leaked, and your files are now encrypted.
To fix this, you must contact us right away.
Email: Trustfiles@skiff.com
If no reply in 24 hours, try: Trustfiles@onionmail.org
Or contact via Telegram: hxxps://t.me/Trustfiles
- DO NOT:
1.1 Change or move encrypted files. This could make them impossible to recover.
1.2 Use third-party tools. Doing so might damage your files further.
1.3 Shut down or restart your computer. It could corrupt your data.
- HOW THIS HAPPENED
Your system had weak security, and we exploited it to encrypt your important data. We also downloaded confidential information. It’s now your choice—either it’s deleted, leaked, or sold.
- STOLEN DATA MAY INCLUDE:
– Legal records and personal documents
– Databases and financial info
– Business communications and backups
- WHAT TO DO
– Reach out to us through the contact info above
– Get our decryption tool by following our steps
– Don’t use recovery software or third-party negotiators—this could make things worse
- IF YOU IGNORE US
– In 4 days, stolen data may be sold or released
– Recovery keys will be erased
– We’ll report the breach to authorities and competitors
- IF YOU WORK WITH US
– We’ll provide a working decryption tool
– We’ll delete stolen files and share proof
– We’ll guide you on fixing your security flaws
- PROOF OF THE BREACH
– We can send you examples of stolen data
– If ignored, your data will be exposed in 4 days
– Your decryption key will be lost forever after that
- BREAKING OUR TERMS
– Will result in permanent data loss
– Leaked info could be shared publicly
– Your organization may face legal consequences
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
- 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:
- 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.
- Press Windows + R, type
- 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:
- Restart your Mac and immediately press and hold the Shift key.
- Release the key once you see the Apple logo.
- Your Mac will start in Safe Mode.
Step 3: Locate and Terminate Malicious Processes
For Windows Users:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
- Look for suspicious processes (e.g., unknown names, high CPU usage, or random letters).
- Right-click on the process and select End Task.
For Mac Users:
- Open Activity Monitor (Finder > Applications > Utilities > Activity Monitor).
- Look for unusual processes.
- Select the process and click Force Quit.
Step 4: Delete Malicious Files
For Windows Users:
- Press Windows + R, type
%temp%
, and hit Enter. - Delete all files in the Temp folder.
- Navigate to:
C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Roaming
C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Local
C:\Windows\System32
- Look for suspicious files related to the ransomware (random file names, recently modified) and delete them.
For Mac Users:
- Open Finder and go to Go > Go to Folder.
- Type
~/Library/Application Support
and delete suspicious folders. - 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.
- Press Windows + R, type
regedit
, and hit Enter. - Navigate to:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software
- Look for unfamiliar folders with random characters or ransomware-related names.
- Right-click and select Delete.
For Mac Users:
- Go to System Preferences > Users & Groups.
- Click on Login Items and remove any suspicious startup items.
- Navigate to
~/Library/Preferences
and remove malicious.plist
files.
Step 6: Restore System Using System Restore (Windows) or Time Machine (Mac)
For Windows Users:
- Press Windows + R, type
rstrui
, and hit Enter. - Click Next, choose a restore point before the infection, and follow the prompts to restore your system.
For Mac Users:
- Restart your Mac and hold Command + R to enter macOS Utilities.
- Select Restore from Time Machine Backup.
- 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.
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
- Open the downloaded file (
SpyHunter-Installer.exe
). - Follow the on-screen prompts to install the program.
- Once installed, launch SpyHunter.
Step 3: Perform a Full System Scan
- Click on Start Scan Now.
- SpyHunter will scan for ransomware and other malware.
- Wait for the scan to complete.
Step 4: Remove Detected Threats
- After the scan, SpyHunter will list all detected threats.
- 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.
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.
If you are still having trouble, consider contacting virtual technical support.