ZCryptor ransomware: decrypt .zcrypt files

Get rid of ZCryptor ransomware, prevent it from spreading over to other Windows computers and recover .zcrypt files that it skews during the attack.

A ransom Trojan that locks files using a strong cryptosystem, appends them with .zcrypt extension and drops recovery instructions in ‘How to decrypt files.html’ document, is categorized as a severe ransomware with the conventional name of Ransom:Win32/ZCryptor.A, or simply ZCrypt. Whereas this breed may look like a run-of-the-mill data encoding malware to the naked eye, it exhibits characteristics that are nowhere to be found in other strains.

So, what’s special about ZCryptor and how is it different from the ransomware norm? According to a research performed by several renowned antimalware labs, including Microsoft’s, this offending code is capable of propagating similarly to computer worms. It is common knowledge that worms utilize self-replication activity, which means that they copy themselves to different connected devices in a bid to spread across a breached environment exponentially. That’s how this particular crypto virus operates. It can replicate itself to removable drives and thus contaminate any machine that the contagious data medium is subsequently inserted into. To top it off, the infection evades antivirus detection by adopting complex obfuscation.

It goes without saying that ZCryptor also targets local drives as well as network directories that the computer has access to. It moves laterally inside non-system paths and locates files whose extensions indicate that they are likely to be valuable for the victim. Several examples of more than 100 targeted formats include objects with .txt, .dng, .doc(x), .java, .jpeg, .jpg, .mp4, .mpeg, .msg, .pdf, .php, .png, .ppt(x), .psd, .rtf, .sql, .xls(x), .xml, and .zip extensions.

The ransomware then uses an asymmetric encryption algorithm to make it impossible for the user to open or otherwise access any of the mutilated personal items. Every such file retains its original filename but is complemented with the ‘.zcrypt’ string, so it’s easy to tell what exactly has been encrypted. The Trojan reaches out to its C2 server to exchange crypto keys in a secure way. To tell the victim what’s going on and advise him or her on further steps to get the data back, ZCryptor opens a document titled ‘How to decrypt files.html’ via the web browsing client that’s currently set as the default one on the PC. The ransom notes read:

All your data (photos, documents, databases, …) have been encrypted with a private and unique key generated for this computer. It means that you will not be able to access your files anymore until they’re decrypted. The private key is stored in our servers and the only way to receive your key to decrypt your files is making a payment.

The monetary expression of this imposed deal starts with 1.2 Bitcoins, which is about $500. Unless this amount of money is sent out during 4 days, the ransom will increase to 5 BTC. After 7 days have expired, the key will purportedly be destroyed beyond retrieval. Although this situation looks like doom and gloom for the most part, there are ways to regain possession of the frozen .zcrypt files without having to pay up.

ZCryptor ransomware automated removal and data recovery

Owing to an up-to-date database of malware signatures and intelligent behavioral detection, the recommended software can quickly locate the infection, eradicate it and remediate all harmful changes. So go ahead and do the following:

1. Download and install the antimalware tool. Open the solution and have it check your PC for PUPs and other types of malicious software by clicking the Start Computer Scan button

Download ZCryptor virus remover

2. Rest assured the scan report will list all items that may harm your operating system. Select the detected entries and click Fix Threats to get the troubleshooting completed.

Data recovery toolkit to the rescue

Some strains of ransomware are known to delete the original files after the encryption routine has been completed. As hostile as this activity appears, it can play into your hands. There are applications designed to revive the information that was obliterated because of malfunctioning hardware or due to accidental removal. The tool called Stellar Data Recovery features this type of a capability and therefore it can be applied in ransom attack scenarios to at least get the most important files back. So use the app to get an idea of what data can be restored and let it do the recovery job. Here is a step-by-step walkthrough:

1. Download and install Stellar Data Recovery.

Download Stellar Data Recovery

2. Open the application, select the types of recoverable files to look for, and click Next.

3. Choose the areas you want the tool to recover from and click the Scan button.

4. Having scanned the specified locations, the program will display a notification about the total amount of recoverable data. Close the dialog and click the Recover button. This will hopefully help you get some of your valuable files back.

Ransomware Prevention Tips

To avoid ZCryptor ransomware and other file-encrypting infections in the future, follow several simple recommendations:

These techniques are certainly not a cure-all, but they will add an extra layer of ransomware protection to your security setup.

Revise your security status

Post-factum assessment of the accuracy component in malware removal scenarios is a great habit that prevents the comeback of harmful code or replication of its unattended fractions. Make sure you are good to go by running an additional safety checkup. Another benefit of using the antimalware tool is that it will keep ransomware threats from intruding on your computer further on.

Download ZCryptor ransomware removal tool