Orion Hackers Ransomware

Orion Hackers is a dangerous ransomware strain based on LockBit 3.0 (LockBit Black), a notorious malware family designed to encrypt victims’ data and demand a ransom for decryption. Like other ransomware variants, Orion Hackers targets businesses and individual users, using phishing, social engineering, and malicious downloads as its primary distribution methods.

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Threat Summary

Attribute	Details
Name	Orion Hackers virus
Threat Type	Ransomware, Crypto Virus, File Locker
Encrypted File Extension	Random character string (e.g., “1.jpg.3OYkmrLQx”)
Ransom Note Name	[random_string].README.txt
Decryption Available?	No
Cyber Criminal Contact	Tox chat
Detection Names	Avast (Win32:RansomX-gen [Ransom]), Combo Cleaner (Trojan.GenericKDZ.107474), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of Win32/Filecoder.BlackMatte), Kaspersky (UDS:Trojan-Ransom.Win32.Generic), Microsoft (Ransom:Win32/Lockbit.HA!MTB)
Symptoms	Encrypted files with a new extension, ransom note displayed, changed desktop wallpaper
Distribution Methods	Phishing emails, torrents, malicious ads, software cracks, fake updates
Damage	Files are encrypted and cannot be accessed without paying the ransom. Additional malware may be installed.

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How Orion Hackers Ransomware Works

Encryption Process

Upon infecting a device, Orion Hackers ransomware:

• Scans the system for target file types (e.g., documents, images, videos, and databases).
• Encrypts files using a strong cryptographic algorithm, making them inaccessible.
• Appends a randomized extension to the filenames.
• Changes the desktop wallpaper with a ransom message.
• Drops a ransom note titled [random_string].README.txt.

Ransom Note Overview

The ransom note warns victims that their files have been encrypted and stolen. If they refuse to pay, the attackers claim they will leak stolen data and conduct repeated attacks. The attackers offer to decrypt one file for free as proof that recovery is possible.

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Text of the Orion Hackers Ransom Note

Your System Hacked By Orion Hackers!

>>>> Your data are stolen and encrypted

The data will be published on TOR website if you do not pay the ransom

>>>> What guarantees that we will not deceive you?

We are not a politically motivated group and we do not need anything other than your money.

If you pay, we will provide you the programs for decryption and we will delete your data.
Life is too short to be sad. Be not sad, money, it is only paper.

If we do not give you decrypters, or we do not delete your data after payment, then nobody will pay us in the future.
Therefore to us our reputation is very important. We attack the companies worldwide and there is no dissatisfied victim after payment.

>>>> You need contact us and decrypt one file for free on these tox id =32C12B278912E26E5EAC57AEBB3F4FF16F0E31603C7B9D46AC02E9D993EE14351CEC3AB5945C with your personal DECRYPTION ID

Download and install TOR Browser hxxps://www.torproject.org/
Write to a chat and wait for the answer, we will always answer you.
Sometimes you will need to wait for our answer because we attack many companies.

Links for Tor Browser:
hxxps://utox.org/
hxxps://utox.org/uTox_win64.exe

If you do not get an answer in the chat room for a long time, the site does not work and in any other emergency, you can contact us in jabber or tox.

Tox ID : 6F902E0A889E60D47FB305E2EE4B72926A4A68297F2364285E2CB005DE53B377F76934FF16AB

>>>> Your personal DECRYPTION ID: -

>>>> Warning! Do not DELETE or MODIFY any files, it can lead to recovery problems!

>>>> Warning! If you do not pay the ransom we will attack your company repeatedly again!

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How Orion Hackers Ransomware Infects Devices

Cybercriminals distribute ransomware using multiple techniques:

1. Phishing Emails – Fraudulent emails contain infected attachments or malicious links.
2. Trojanized Software – Bundled with cracked software, keygens, and pirated content.
3. Fake Updates – Disguised as legitimate software updates.
4. Malicious Advertisements – Malvertising campaigns redirect users to exploit kits.
5. Drive-by Downloads – Users unknowingly download malware by visiting compromised sites.
6. USB Drives and Network Shares – Self-propagation through connected devices.

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How to Remove Orion Hackers Ransomware (Step-by-Step Guide)

Step 1: Disconnect from the Internet

To prevent the ransomware from communicating with its servers, immediately disconnect your PC from the internet.

Step 2: Enter Safe Mode

1. Restart your computer.
2. Press F8 (for older Windows) or Shift + Restart (for Windows 10/11).
3. Select Safe Mode with Networking.

Step 3: Delete Malicious Files

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
2. Look for suspicious processes (randomized names, high CPU usage).
3. Right-click and choose End Task.

Step 4: Remove Orion Hackers from Startup

1. Open Run (Win + R) and type: msconfig
2. Go to the Startup tab.
3. Disable any suspicious entries.

Step 5: Scan for Malware

Use a reputable anti-malware tool like SpyHunter to detect and remove any remaining threats.

Step 6: Restore Encrypted Files

• If you have backups, restore files from there.
• If no backup exists, try data recovery tools (e.g., Recuva, EaseUS Data Recovery).
• Decryption is impossible without the cybercriminals' private keys.

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How to Prevent Ransomware Infections

Backup Your Data Regularly

• Use cloud storage with version history.
• Store backups on offline devices (e.g., external HDDs, USB drives).
• Keep multiple copies in different locations.

Be Cautious with Emails

• Avoid opening attachments from unknown senders.
• Verify links before clicking.
• Disable macros in Microsoft Office documents.

Keep Your System Updated

• Regularly update Windows, software, and antivirus programs.
• Apply security patches as soon as they are released.

Use Strong Security Software

• Install antivirus and anti-malware software (e.g., SpyHunter).
• Enable firewall protection.

Avoid Risky Online Behavior

• Do not download software from torrent sites or unverified sources.
• Do not use illegal software cracks or keygens.

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Conclusion

Orion Hackers ransomware is a dangerous cyber threat that encrypts files and demands ransom payments. However, paying does not guarantee file recovery and supports criminal activities. The best defense is prevention: regularly backup data, use strong security practices, and avoid risky online behavior.

By following the detailed removal guide above and implementing strong cybersecurity measures, users can protect their devices from ransomware attacks.