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.0000 Files Ransomware Virus – Remove and Restore Encrypted Data

This article aims to help you by explaining more about plus how to remove the .0000 CryptoMix ransomware variant from your computer and how to restore files that have been encrypted by this virus.

Yet another variant of the CryptoMix ransomware family has surfaced out in the wild, appending the .0000 file extension to the files which are encrypted by the malware. The virus then drops a ransom note, named _HELP_INSTRUCTION.TXT which asks victims to contact the cyber-criminals on one of 4 anonymous e-mail addresses. Upon contact, the victims are requested to pay a hefty ransom fee in order to restore their encrypted files back to their original and working state. If you are one of the victims of .0000 ransomware, it is strongly recommended that you read this article and hence learn how to remove this CryptoMix ransomware variant and restore your files without having to pay ransom.

Threat Summary

Name .0000 CryptoMix
Type Ransomware, Cryptovirus
Short Description Aims to encrypt the files on the infected computer and then asks victims to contact the cyber-crooks and pay them to get the files decoded.
Symptoms Files are no longer openable and are with changed names and added .0000 file extension. Ransom note, named _HELP_INSTRUCTION.TXT is dropped on the desktop of the user’s PC.
Distribution Method Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Executable files
Detection Tool See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware

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User Experience Join Our Forum to Discuss .0000 CryptoMix.
Data Recovery Tool Windows Data Recovery by Stellar Phoenix Notice! This product scans your drive sectors to recover lost files and it may not recover 100% of the encrypted files, but only few of them, depending on the situation and whether or not you have reformatted your drive.

.0000 Files Virus – How Does It Infect Computers

The .0000 files virus aims to perform various different types of activities in order to successfully infect a given computer system. The primary one of those is to obfuscate the infection file of the .0000 ransomware in order to avoid detection by malware. This file may then be sent to victims via multiple different methods, including spammed e-mail messages which pretend that the infection file is a legitimate document, such as:

  • Invoice.
  • .PDF files
  • Microsoft Office documents.
  • Banking statements.
  • Purchase receipts.

The e-mails which are being sent, distributing the infection file of .0000 CryptoMix ransomware variant may also contain deceitful messages within them, for example:

In addition to via e-mail, the malicious files of .0000 CryptoMix ransomware may also be spread other methods, such as fake key generator files, fake software setups and other files that may be uploaded online as legitimate downloads.

.0000 CryptoMix Ransomware – More Information

There is not much that differs the .0000 file ransowmare from the other CryptoMix variants it derives from. The malware drops it’s malicious files on the victim’s computer upon infecting it by either downloading them from a remote host or extracting them in an obfuscated manner. The malicious files that are dropped by the .0000 files virus may have different names and are usually located in the commonly targeted Windows folders:

After those files are dropped on the computer of the victim, the CryptoMix ransomware may perform various different activities, starting with:

  • Creating mutexes.
  • Touching system files and processes.
  • Modifying registry sub-keys in the Windows Registry Editor. Deleting the Shadow Volume copies and disabling System recovery.

Regarding the registry editor and the Windows registry sub-keys, the .0000 CryptoMix variant may attack the Run and RunOnce Windows Registry sub-keys. This may result in the ransomware’s encryption file running automatically on system boot. The registry keys which may be attacked by it, have the following locations:

→ HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce

After having modified the registry editor, the .0000 ransomware may also delete the shadow volume copies of your computer by running the following commands as an administrator in your Windows Command prompt without this appearing visually on your screen:

→ bcdedit /set bootstatuspolicy ignoreallfailures
bcdedit /set recoveryenabled No
bcdedit /set {default} bootstatuspolicy ignoreallfailures
bcdedit /set {default} recoveryenabled No
vssadmin delete shadows /for= [/oldest | /all | /shadow=] [/quiet]

The virus also makes sure that it’s presence is known on your computer by adding the _HELP_INSTRUCTION.TXT ransom note, which has the following contents:

Hello!
Attention! All Your data was encrypted!
For specific informartion, p1ease send us an emai] with Your 10 number:
y0000@tuta.io
y0000@protonmai1.com
y0000@yandex.com
y0000@yandex.com
Please send emai] to al email addresses! we will help You as soon as possible!
DECRYPT-ID-

.0000 Files Virus Encryption Process

The encryption of the .0000 files ransomware is conducted in the same way as other CryptoMix variants. The virus begins by having a pre-configured set of file extensions which it scans for in order to encrypt them. These file extensions belong ot the most often used file types, like videos, archives, documents, images and others, for example:

PNG .PSD .PSPIMAGE .TGA .THM .TIF .TIFF .YUV .AI .EPS .PS .SVG .INDD .PCT .PDF .XLR .XLS .XLSX .ACCDB .DB .DBF .MDB .PDB .SQL .APK .APP .BAT .CGI .COM .EXE .GADGET .JAR .PIF .WSF .DEM .GAM .NES .ROM .SAV CAD Files .DWG .DXF GIS Files .GPX .KML .KMZ .ASP .ASPX .CER .CFM .CSR .CSS .HTM .HTML .JS .JSP .PHP .RSS .XHTML. DOC .DOCX .LOG .MSG .ODT .PAGES .RTF .TEX .TXT .WPD .WPS .CSV .DAT .GED .KEY .KEYCHAIN .PPS .PPT .PPTX ..INI .PRF Encoded Files .HQX .MIM .UUE .7Z .CBR .DEB .GZ .PKG .RAR .RPM .SITX .TAR.GZ .ZIP .ZIPX .BIN .CUE .DMG .ISO .MDF .TOAST .VCD SDF .TAR .TAX2014 .TAX2015 .VCF .XML Audio Files .AIF .IFF .M3U .M4A .MID .MP3 .MPA .WAV .WMA Video Files .3G2 .3GP .ASF .AVI .FLV .M4V .MOV .MP4 .MPG .RM .SRT .SWF .VOB .WMV 3D .3DM .3DS .MAX .OBJ R.BMP .DDS .GIF .JPG ..CRX .PLUGIN .FNT .FON .OTF .TTF .CAB .CPL .CUR .DESKTHEMEPACK .DLL .DMP .DRV .ICNS .ICO .LNK .SYS .CFG

After detecting the files, the malware uses the AES encryption algorithm in order to encrypt the files. This process replaces the data from the original files with data from the encrypted file types. After doing this, the .0000 ransomware generates a unique AES decryption key. This key is assymetric and just like the XZZX ransomware variant of CryptoMix, the .0000 ransomware uses 11 RSA-1024 encrption keys to encrypt the AES assymetric key, used for the encryption of your files. This gives the .0000 ransomware the ability to work as an offline virus without even communicating with the cyber-criminals allowing their command and control server to be exposed.

After the encryption process of this CryptoMix ransomware variant has completed, the malware adds the .0000 file extension to the encrypted files and then completely renames them, so that you won’t be able to recognize which file is the most important to you. The files begin appearing like shown in the image below:

How to Remove .0000 Files Virus and Protect Yourself + Restore Files

In order to remove the .0000 ransomware variant of CryptoMix, reccomendations are to focus on on following the removal instructions which we have suggested down below. They are created to help you remove the .0000 ransowmare manually if you have malware removal experience or automatically, which is the most preferred method, according to malware analysts. This is because downloading an advanced anti-malware software and scanning your PC with it automatically will allow you to remove all of the malicious files related to the .0000 file ransomware and protect your computer against future infections in real-time.

If you want to restore files that have been encrypted by the .0000 CryptoMix ransomware variant, it is reccomended that you try out the alternative file recovery methods down below in step “2.Restore files encrypted by .0000 CryptoMix”. They are specifically created in order to help you recovery as many files as you can without having to pay the ransom and trust cyber-criminals with your money.

Ventsislav Krastev

Ventsislav is a cybersecurity expert at SensorsTechForum since 2015. He has been researching, covering, helping victims with the latest malware infections plus testing and reviewing software and the newest tech developments. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for learning new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management, Network Administration and Computer Administration of System Applications, he found his true calling within the cybersecrurity industry and is a strong believer in the education of every user towards online safety and security.

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  • Step 1
  • Step 2
  • Step 3
  • Step 4
  • Step 5

Step 1: Scan for .0000 CryptoMix with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool

1. Click on the "Download" button to proceed to SpyHunter's download page.


It is recommended to run a scan before purchasing the full version of the software to make sure that the current version of the malware can be detected by SpyHunter. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter's EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria.


2. After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to update automatically.

scan for and delete ransomware virus step 2


3. After the update process has finished, click on the 'Malware/PC Scan' tab. A new window will appear. Click on 'Start Scan'.

scan for and delete ransomware virus step 3


4. After SpyHunter has finished scanning your PC for any files of the associated threat and found them, you can try to get them removed automatically and permanently by clicking on the 'Next' button.

scan for and delete ransomware virus step 4

If any threats have been removed, it is highly recommended to restart your PC.

Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide

Step 2: Uninstall .0000 CryptoMix and related malware from Windows

Here is a method in few easy steps that should be able to uninstall most programs. No matter if you are using Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista or XP, those steps will get the job done. Dragging the program or its folder to the recycle bin can be a very bad decision. If you do that, bits and pieces of the program are left behind, and that can lead to unstable work of your PC, errors with the file type associations and other unpleasant activities. The proper way to get a program off your computer is to Uninstall it. To do that:


1. Hold the Windows Logo Button and "R" on your keyboard. A Pop-up window will appear.
delete ransomware from windows step 1


2. In the field type in "appwiz.cpl" and press ENTER.
delete ransomware from windows step 2


3. This will open a window with all the programs installed on the PC. Select the program that you want to remove, and press "Uninstall"
delete ransomware from windows step 3Follow the instructions above and you will successfully delete most unwanted and malicious programs.


Step 3: Clean any registries, created by .0000 CryptoMix on your computer.

The usually targeted registries of Windows machines are the following:

  • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
  • HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
  • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
  • HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce

You can access them by opening the Windows registry editor and deleting any values, created by .0000 CryptoMix there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:

1. Open the Run Window again, type "regedit" and click OK.
delete ransomware virus registries step 1


2. When you open it, you can freely navigate to the Run and RunOnce keys, whose locations are shown above.
delete ransomware virus registries step 2


3. You can remove the value of the virus by right-clicking on it and removing it.
delete ransomware virus registries step 3 Tip: To find a virus-created value, you can right-click on it and click "Modify" to see which file it is set to run. If this is the virus file location, remove the value.

IMPORTANT!
Before starting "Step 4", please boot back into Normal mode, in case you are currently in Safe Mode.
This will enable you to install and use SpyHunter 5 successfully.

Step 4: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove .0000 CryptoMix

OFFER

Manual Removal Usually Takes Time and You Risk Damaging Your Files If Not Careful!
We Recommend To Scan Your PC with SpyHunter

Keep in mind, that SpyHunter’s scanner is only for malware detection. If SpyHunter detects malware on your PC, you will need to purchase SpyHunter's malware removal tool to remove the malware threats. Read our SpyHunter 5 review. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter's EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria

1. Hold Windows Key + R.
remove ransomware in safe mode step 1


2. The "Run" Window will appear. In it, type "msconfig" and click OK.
remove ransomware in safe mode step 2


3. Go to the "Boot" tab. There select "Safe Boot" and then click "Apply" and "OK".
remove ransomware in safe mode step 3
Tip: Make sure to reverse those changes by unticking Safe Boot after that, because your system will always boot in Safe Boot from now on.


4. When prompted, click on "Restart" to go into Safe Mode.
remove ransomware in safe mode step 4


5. You can recognise Safe Mode by the words written on the corners of your screen.
remove ransomware in safe mode step 5


Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by .0000 CryptoMix.

Method 1: Use STOP Decrypter by Emsisoft.

Not all variants of this ransomware can be decrypted for free, but we have added the decryptor used by researchers that is often updated with the variants which become eventually decrypted. You can try and decrypt your files using the instructions below, but if they do not work, then unfortunately your variant of the ransomware virus is not decryptable.

Follow the instructions below to use the Emsisoft decrypter and decrypt your files for free. You can download the Emsisoft decryption tool linked here and then follow the steps provided below:

1 Right-click on the decrypter and click on Run as Administrator as shown below:

stop ransomware decryptor step 1

2. Agree with the license terms:

stop ransomware decryptor step 2

3. Click on "Add Folder" and then add the folders where you want files decrypted as shown underneath:

stop ransomware decryptor step 3

4. Click on "Decrypt" and wait for your files to be decoded.

stop ransomware decryptor step 4

Note: Credit for the decryptor goes to Emsisoft researchers who have made the breakthrough with this virus.

Method 2: Use data recovery software

Ransomware infections and .0000 CryptoMix aim to encrypt your files using an encryption algorithm which may be very difficult to decrypt. This is why we have suggested a data recovery method that may help you go around direct decryption and try to restore your files. Bear in mind that this method may not be 100% effective but may also help you a little or a lot in different situations.

1. Download the recommended Data Recovery software by clicking on the link underneath:

Simply click on the link and on the website menus on the top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.


.0000 CryptoMix-FAQ

What is .0000 CryptoMix Ransomware?

.0000 CryptoMix is a ransomware infection - the malicious software that enters your computer silently and blocks either access to the computer itself or encrypt your files. 

Many ransomware viruses use sophisticated encryption algorithms to make your files inaccessible. The goal of ransomware infections is to demand that you pay a ransom payment to get access to your files back.

What Does .0000 CryptoMix Ransomware Do?

Ransomware in general is a malicious software that is designed to block access to your computer or files until a ransom is paid.

Ransomware viruses can also damage your system, corrupt data and delete files, resulting in the permanent loss of important files.

How Does .0000 CryptoMix Infect?

Via several ways..0000 CryptoMix Ransomware infects computers by being sent via phishing emails, containing virus attachment. This attachment is usually masked as an important document, like an invoice, bank document or even a plane ticket and it looks very convincing to users.

Another way you may become a victim of .0000 CryptoMix is if you download a fake installer, crack or patch from a low reputation website or if you click on a virus link. Many users report getting a ransomware infection by downloading torrents.

How to Open ..0000 CryptoMix files?

You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the ..0000 CryptoMix files are encrypted. You can only open them once they are decrypted using a specific decryption key for the particular algorithm.

What to Do If a Decryptor Does Not Work?

Do not panic, and backup the files. If a decryptor did not decrypt your ..0000 CryptoMix files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.

Can I Restore "..0000 CryptoMix" Files?

Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore ..0000 CryptoMix files. 

These methods are in no way 100% guaranteed that you will be able to get your files back. But if you have a backup, your chances of success are much greater.

How To Get Rid of .0000 CryptoMix Virus?

The safest way and the most efficient one for the removal of this ransomware infection is the use a professional anti-malware program.

It will scan for and locate .0000 CryptoMix ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important ..0000 CryptoMix files.

Can I Report Ransomware to Authorities?

In case your computer got infected with a ransomware infection, you can report it to the local Police departments. It can help authorities worldwide track and determine the perpetrators behind the virus that has infected your computer.

Below, we have prepared a list with government websites, where you can file a report in case you are a victim of a cybercrime:

Cyber-security authorities, responsible for handling ransomware attack reports in different regions all over the world:

Germany - Offizielles Portal der deutschen Polizei

United States - IC3 Internet Crime Complaint Centre

United Kingdom - Action Fraud Police

France - Ministère de l'Intérieur

Italy - Polizia Di Stato

Spain - Policía Nacional

Netherlands - Politie

Poland - Policja

Portugal - Polícia Judiciária

Greece - Cyber Crime Unit (Hellenic Police)

India - Mumbai Police - CyberCrime Investigation Cell

Australia - Australian High Tech Crime Center

Reports may be responded to in different timeframes, depending on your local authorities.

Can You Stop Ransomware from Encrypting Your Files?

Yes, you can prevent ransomware. The best way to do this is to ensure your computer system is updated with the latest security patches, use a reputable anti-malware program and firewall, backup your important files frequently, and avoid clicking on malicious links or downloading unknown files.

Can .0000 CryptoMix Ransomware Steal Your Data?

Yes, in most cases ransomware will steal your information. It is a form of malware that steals data from a user's computer, encrypts it, and then demands a ransom in order to decrypt it.

In many cases, the malware authors or attackers will threaten to delete the data or publish it online unless the ransom is paid.

Can Ransomware Infect WiFi?

Yes, ransomware can infect WiFi networks, as malicious actors can use it to gain control of the network, steal confidential data, and lock out users. If a ransomware attack is successful, it could lead to a loss of service and/or data, and in some cases, financial losses.

Should I Pay Ransomware?

No, you should not pay ransomware extortionists. Paying them only encourages criminals and does not guarantee that the files or data will be restored. The better approach is to have a secure backup of important data and be vigilant about security in the first place.

What Happens If I Don't Pay Ransom?

If you don't pay the ransom, the hackers may still have access to your computer, data, or files and may continue to threaten to expose or delete them, or even use them to commit cybercrimes. In some cases, they may even continue to demand additional ransom payments.

Can a Ransomware Attack Be Detected?

Yes, ransomware can be detected. Anti-malware software and other advanced security tools can detect ransomware and alert the user when it is present on a machine.

It is important to stay up-to-date on the latest security measures and to keep security software updated to ensure ransomware can be detected and prevented.

Do Ransomware Criminals Get Caught?

Yes, ransomware criminals do get caught. Law enforcement agencies, such as the FBI, Interpol and others have been successful in tracking down and prosecuting ransomware criminals in the US and other countries. As ransomware threats continue to increase, so does the enforcement activity.

About the .0000 CryptoMix Research

The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this .0000 CryptoMix how-to removal guide included, is the outcome of extensive research, hard work and our team’s devotion to help you remove the specific malware and restore your encrypted files.


How did we conduct the research on this ransomware?

Our research is based on an independent investigation. We are in contact with independent security researchers, and as such, we receive daily updates on the latest malware and ransomware definitions.

Furthermore, the research behind the .0000 CryptoMix ransomware threat is backed with VirusTotal and the NoMoreRansom project.

To better understand the ransomware threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.


As a site that has been dedicated to providing free removal instructions for ransomware and malware since 2014, SensorsTechForum’s recommendation is to only pay attention to trustworthy sources.

How to recognize trustworthy sources:

  • Always check "About Us" web page.
  • Profile of the content creator.
  • Make sure that real people are behind the site and not fake names and profiles.
  • Verify Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter personal profiles.

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