The TRUST FILES Virus is a newly identified ransomware variant that encrypts files on infected computers and demands a ransom for decryption. This ransomware is particularly dangerous because it not only locks files but also threatens to leak stolen data if victims do not comply with the attackers’ demands. The malware appends the .HIXJ Dragon extension to encrypted files and leaves behind ransom notes named #README.hta or #README-TO-DECRYPT-FILES.txt.
Victims are instructed to contact the attackers via email at Trustfiles@skiff.com or Trustfiles@onionmail.org, or through Telegram at hxxps://t.me/Trustfiles. The hackers warn against modifying files, using third-party decryption tools, or shutting down the infected system, as these actions could make decryption impossible.
Threat Summary
Below is a detailed table summarizing the characteristics of the TRUST FILES Virus:
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Threat Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
Encrypted File Extension | .HIXJ Dragon |
Ransom Note File Name | #README.hta, #README-TO-DECRYPT-FILES.txt |
Associated Email Addresses | Trustfiles@skiff.com, Trustfiles@onionmail.org |
Detection Names | Varies across security tools; classified under ransomware threats |
Symptoms of Infection | Files renamed with .HIXJ extension, ransom note appears, system slows down, unauthorized connections to remote servers |
Damage | File encryption, potential data exfiltration, modification of system settings, registry alterations |
Distribution Methods | Spam emails, malicious attachments, fake software downloads, unsafe websites |
Danger Level | High – severe risk of data loss and financial extortion |
Ransom Note Text
TRUST FILES
Dear Client
If you are reading this message, it means that:
– your network infrastructure has been compromised,
– critical data was leaked,
– files are encrypted
The best and only thing you can do is to contact us to settle the matter before any losses occurs.
If You Want To Restore Them Email Us : Trustfiles@skiff.com
If You Do Not Receive A Response Within 24 Hours, Send A Message To Our Second Email : Trustfiles@onionmail.org
Or Contact via Telegram ID: hxxps://t.me/Trustfiles
1. THE FOLLOWING IS STRICTLY FORBIDDEN
1.1 EDITING FILES ON HDD.
Renaming, copying or moving any files could DAMAGE the cipher and decryption will be impossible.
1.2 USING THIRD-PARTY SOFTWARE.
Trying to recover with any software can also break the cipher and file recovery will become a problem.
1.3 SHUTDOWN OR RESTART THE PC.
Boot and recovery errors can also damage the cipher. Sorry about that, but doing so is entirely at your own risk.
2. EXPLANATION OF THE SITUATION
2.1 HOW DID THIS HAPPEN
The security of your IT perimeter has been compromised (it’s not perfect at all). We encrypted your workstations and servers to make the fact of the intrusion visible and to prevent you from hiding critical data leaks. We spent a lot of time researching and finding out the most important directories of your business, your weak points. We have already downloaded a huge amount of critical data and analyzed it. Now its fate is up to you, it will either be deleted or sold, or shared with the media.
2.2 VALUABLE DATA WE USUALLY STEAL:
– Databases, legal documents, personal information.
– Audit reports.
– Audit SQL database.
– Any financial documents (Statements, invoices, accounting, transfers etc.).
– Work files and corporate correspondence.
– Any backups.
– Confidential documents.
2.3 TO DO LIST (best practices)
– Contact us as soon as possible.
– Contact us only in our Mails or Telegram, otherwise you can run into scammers.
– Purchase our decryption tool and decrypt your files. There is no other way to do this.
– Realize that dealing with us is the shortest way to success and secrecy.
– Give up the idea of using decryption help programs, otherwise you will destroy the system permanently.
– Avoid any third-party negotiators and recovery groups. They can become the source of leaks.
3. POSSIBLE DECISIONS
3.1 NOT MAKING THE DEAL
– After 4 days starting tomorrow your leaked data will be Disclosed or sold.
– We will also send the data to all interested supervisory organizations and the media.
– Decryption key will be deleted permanently and recovery will be impossible.
– Losses from the situation can be measured based on your annual budget.
3.2 MAKING THE WIN-WIN DEAL
– Databases, legal documents, personal information.
– You will get the only working Decryption Tool and the how-to-use Manual.
– You will get our guarantees (with log provided) of non-recoverable deletion of all your leaked data.
– You will get our guarantees of secrecy and removal of all traces related to the deal in the Internet.
– You will get our security report on how to fix your security breaches.
4. HOW TO CONTACT US
Contact via Telegram ID: hxxps://t.me/Trustfiles
Write us to the mails: Trustfiles@skiff.com or Trustfiles@onionmail.org
Write this ID in the title of your message Your ID is on the files
5. EVIDENCE OF THE LEAKAGE
5.1 You can request sample files chat to review leaked data samples.
5.2 Contact us only in our Mails or Telegram, otherwise you can run into scammers.
5.3 All leaked Data samples will be Disclosed in 4 Days if you remain silent.
5.4 Your Decryption keys will be permanently destroyed at the moment the leaked Data is Disclosed.
6. RESPONSIBILITY
6.1 Breaking critical points of this offer will cause:
Deletion of your decryption keys.
Immediate sale or complete Disclosure of your leaked data.
Notification of government supervision agencies, your competitors, and clients.
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.