Odin ransomware is the upgraded version of Locky Ransomware Trojan. When the distribution network of Locky ransomware was distributed the makers developed more advanced version. Odin ransomware does the same task like Locky with the more complex encryption method. It uses asymmetric cryptography to encrypt the files. In the previous version, makers found that some users were able to decrypt their files so they develop more advanced Trojan.

In the start when Odin comes into limelight people were thinking that this is a new ransomware, but after sometimes security experts analyze some pattern between Locky and Odin ransomware. Odin ransomware encrypts files and changes their name into 32 Hex characters with .odin extension. The name of the file is divided into five parts separated with a hyphen like 1B3SYWJ1-1CJR-8QRW-D944-4EDEBB69667B.odin it also leaves instruction in every folder like Locky and other ransomware.

In the guide, we will tell you how to remove Odin ransomware virus from your computer? We will also tell you how to get back your files? The files that are encrypted with Odin ransomware cannot be decrypted without the actual encryption key. Still, there are some ways that work if you want to get your files back. We will also tell you how to stay away from Odin ransomware in future.

What is Odin Ransomware?

How Odin Ransomware gets into your System?

Odin ransomware is upgraded version of Locky ransomware still, it uses the same strategy to spread. The developers of this program send fake emails to many users at the same time. This email contains a common message that fits for everyone. The sender name and address is also altered by changing the header information. They use popular names of banking organizations and courier companies.

This email contains attachment in the form of zip, .doc, .docx, .xls files. The file name pretends to be like an invoice for some pending bill, for example, newdoc24.zip, order_details_4561.zip, untitled9.zip etc. When you download this attachment and open the word or excel file, you can’t see anything there. Your word or excel program warns you that the macros are disabled, enable to view the content. When you enable the macro you give permission to infect your computer with Odin ransomware virus.

The macro is small lines of codes written to do some big things. It is inbuilt in the word or excel document. The code written in macro downloads the Odin Trojan from the command and control server (C&C Server). It downloads encrypted DLL installer into the temporary folder. Then this installer is executed and placed into the memory with the help of Windows tool rundll32.exe. Once the Trojan is in the memory it starts scanning for important files in each accessible drives. It goes through folder by folder and encrypts all files it finds. The attached removal storage and shared network drives will also be compromised if they are accessible.

Odin ransomware decryptor is too costly. Usually, other ransomware demand ransom between .5 to 2 bitcoin but it demands 3 bitcoin which costs you around $2760. If you are a normal user then you cannot pay this huge ransom for the Odin ransomware decrypt tool. It is also true that decryption is not possible without paying the ransomware. It has been seen that some people successfully get their files back with the help of recovery software. We will tell you how to get your files back infected with Odin ransomware virus?

Odin Ransomware Removal Guide

Try to Restore Windows to Previous Date to Remove Odin Ransomware

Removing Odin infection isn't that easy. Sometimes, the windows restoration feature works. Restore the windows to a previous date when you were not infected with Odin malware will give you a clean computer with all your files. It is a good idea to worth a try before paying that huge ransom. 

• WINDOWS 10
• wINDOWS 8 / 8.1
• WINDOWS 7 / VISTA

Search for ‘System Restore’ in Windows Search box and choose ‘Create a Restore Point’ from the Results.

Under the System Protection Tab choose ‘System Restore’

Click on Next

You will find the list of restore points. If you can’t find good restore point then check the box of ‘Show more restore points’. Select an appropriate restore point, click next and follow the instruction to restore your windows.

Go on the Desktop and press Windows + C button. It will display the Windows Charm menu.

In this charm menu Click on Settings and then select Control Panel

Search for ‘Recovery’ in the Control Panel Search Box and Choose Recovery from the Search Result

Now Choose ‘Open System Restore’

Click on Next

Now choose the Restore Points and click on Next

Click on Finish

Now Click on Yes button to confirm the restoration process. It warns that once the system restore will start it cannot be stopped.

Click on the Start button and search for System Restore in the search box and select the System Restore from the search result.

Select Choose a different restore point and click Next in the window. In the next window you will see different restore points and select one appropriate and click next.

Now Click on Finish button.

Now Windows will ask for confirmation that the once the Restoration will start it cannot be stopped. Click on Yes to confirm.

Automatically Remove Odin Ransomware from your Computer

Odin ransomware virus hide itself in the computer. Detecting it is not easy for Antiviruses, you need a strong antimalware to do the task. I recommend you to download and install MalwareFox. It will scan your computer and remove any possible traces of Odin virus. To begin this step download MalwareFox.

Step 1- Install MalwareFox on your PC

Open the Installer by Clicking on the Downloaded file.

Now choose your desired language and follow the instructions to install the MalwareFox on your computer.

After completing the installation, the MalwareFox will update the application to its latest version. Let it update.

Now it will sync the Malware database with server. It is important step as it needs to know latest types of malwares.

Step 2 - Scan and Clean your Computer for Malware

When the update process completes it will show Real Time Protection: On. Now you can scan your computer. Press Scan button and leave everything on MalwareFox, it knows how to deal with Odin Ransomware and other malware.

After the scan complete click on Next button to clean your computer completely.

Recover your Files using Recovery Software

Decrypting the files encrypted with RSA-2048 and AES-128 encryption method without encryption key is not possible. It is complex encryption hard to break. Don't think that there is no hope. Some user successfully gets their important files. Recovery software helps you to do that. 

A shadow copy of all your files in the drive is created in case of any emergency. However, Odin tries to delete that too. Sometimes, recovery software successfully restored that. These software look for the shadow copy traces through the drive and joins them to create the actual file. Software like Shadow Explorer and Recuva works well in this case. You can also search for other recovery software and can take help from that.

How to Stay Away from Odin Ransomware?

Most ransomware including Odin uses spam email to infects the computer. If you want to stay away from such trouble then you need to be little cautious. Do not follow any spam email. If you don't know the sender then simply don't open the email. The attachment in these emails contains dangerous stuff that infects your PC. 

Another good practice to stay away from trouble is to take backup of your important files. Take backup regularly in a separate drive and leave it unattached. In case you lost your files then you can easily retrieve them from here. Also, install a good antimalware on your computer. I recommend MalwareFox. It detects most malware while other antimalware works for few. Download and install it and keep the real-time protection on so that it can prevent any malware attack.