Decrypt RZA4096 ransomware: “All of your files were protected by a strong encryption with RZA4096”

This is a self-help walkthrough applicable for computer troubleshooting and decrypting personal data scrambled by RZA4096, or CryptXXX, ransomware.

Linguistic literacy is definitely a weak link of the gang responsible for distributing one of today’s nastiest ransom Trojans called CryptXXX and its alias known as UltraCrypter. The number of spelling errors that these guys did in the TXT edition of the restoration instructions is quite striking. Rather than write the correct denomination of the cryptosystem used to encode data, which is RSA-4096, the ne’er-do-wells mention RZA4096. This fact, however, does not appear to indicate that CryptXXX authors are unprofessional. The strength of the crypto and its flawless implementation is sufficient to make victims consider paying the ransom of 1.2 Bitcoins, or approximately 500 USD. Incidentally, the contaminated users often enter ‘RZA4096’ as the keyword when seeking assistance online.

The ransomware under consideration has gone through several tweaks during the last two months. While the earlier iterations featured specific extensions appended to one’s files, for instance .crypz, .cryptz, .cryp1, .crypt1, the latest variant concatenates a random string of 5 characters and digits that varies from prey to prey. An example would be something like .51FCD or .AD3A1. This isn’t the only change that surfaced, though.

The set of files that the infection drops on Windows Desktop and inserts into encrypted directories is now randomized as well. The names of these documents are derived from the unique 12-character ID that the victim got in the course of the compromise. Their formats are HTML, TXT and BMP. The Notepad version mentioned above says “All of your files were protected by a strong encryption RZA4096”. For more specific directions, the user is provided with a number of Tor gateways that point to a page titled “Decryption service”.

When on the decrypt page, the infected person is updated on the status of the attack. In particular, they can learn how much time is left before the ransom doubles and becomes 2.4 BTC, which is more than 1000 USD. The operating system details and IP address displayed on there are probably intended to make the assault look more sophisticated. Ultimately, the extortionists tell the victim to buy a piece of software called UltraDeCrypter, which will allegedly decrypt all data in a matter of minutes. Unfortunately, a lot of the RZA4096 attack incidents prove the opposite: paying up does not guarantee file recovery.

CryptXXX arrives at Windows computers through the aid of an exploit kit (EK), which harnesses security flaws in outdated software in order to execute the ransomware. By the way, there has been a shift from the Angler exploit kit to Neutrino in this campaign recently. This attack vector relies on a network of hacked websites which, when visited, redirect people to the EK’s landing page in a covert fashion.

Anyone hit by the RZA4096 strain of this crypto contagion should try several simple recovery techniques before delving deeper into cipher entropy or meeting the perpetrators’ demands.

RZA4096 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 RZA4096 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 RZA4096 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 RZA4096 ransomware removal tool