Remove Zobm virus and decrypt .zobm ransomware files

Being hit by the .zobm file variant of the Djvu/STOP ransomware is a messy experience because of data inaccessibility and the looming Bitcoin ransom demand.

1. What is the Zobm ransomware?
2. Zobm ransomware automated removal and data recovery
3. Zobm ransomware manual removal and file recovery
4. Ransomware Prevention Tips

What is the Zobm ransomware?

With some ransomware campaigns going to extremes with their quick ups and dramatic downs, the Djvu/STOP family has been consistently prolific over the time frame of about a year. It is constantly generating new knockoffs that act in very much the same way as its precursors, except that the extensions appended to victims’ encrypted files tend to switch with each iteration. One of the latest versions uses the .zobm string to blemish hostage data items while creating the invariable ransom note named _readme.txt. This ostensible dullness of the lineage under scrutiny doesn’t mean that it’s hardly changing at the code level. Most Djvu ransomware personas released before August 2019 had a bug in their encryption routine, which gave researchers from Emsisoft the green light to create a viable free decryption tool.

However, all spinoffs launched afterwards, including the Zobm build, implement the crypto in a more efficient way and therefore cannot be cracked unless the file scrambling process is executed using an offline encryption key. This isn’t a common situation, though. It only occurs when the Internet connection on an infected host drops right after the contamination for some reason, or in case the malicious program cannot query its C2 server for a unique cryptographic key.

As soon as a random-named Zobm ransomware binary is introduced to a host environment, the infection runs a series of commands to disable the Volume Snapshot Service (VSS) and delete Shadow Copies of the victim’s data. This technique is one of the strongholds of further extortion because it prevents the user from restoring their files via a backup feature built into the Windows operating system. Then, the virus fires up a covert scan to find all the information that’s likely to matter to the user. The logic of this process involves a predefined list of the most popular file formats to look for.

Once the scan is completed, Zobm tries to establish a connection with its server to receive a public encryption key required for the data mutilation process. The two different scenarios (successful versus failed server communication) are described above. The ransomware starts the encryption routine either way, leveraging asymmetric RSA cipher. This is a resource-heavy thing, so the computer will probably slow down along the way. To veil this hideous activity, the Zobm virus displays a phony Windows update popup message telling the user not to turn off the computer until the “update” is through.

The unauthorized data tweaking, when finished, entails the victim’s inability to access their important files, including Office documents and spreadsheets, pictures, videos, PDF files, and other objects most people store on their computers. Every hostage file is easy to identify as such: it gets the .zobm extension concatenated to its original name. Here’s an illustration of the change: a file Seaside.bmp is renamed to Seaside.bmp.zobm. Some victims hope they can revert the modifications by deleting the redundant tail, but this is certainly wishful thinking due to a much more drastic impact targeting the deep file structure rather than just the filenames.

Some threats of this type reinstall themselves repeatedly if you don't delete their core files. We recommend downloading WiperSoft to scan for malicious programs. This may save you hours and cut down your time to about 15 minutes.

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Every folder with encrypted entities in it will also be complemented with a ransom note, which is sort of a manual that explains the basics of what’s going on and includes preliminary instructions to start the decryption as the attackers view it. In the case of the Zobm ransomware, this is a document with the self-explanatory name “_readme.txt”. According to it, the ransom amounts to $980. If the infected user contacts the attackers within the first three days, they will allegedly get 50% off, so the price will be $490. The ransom is payable in Bitcoin cryptocurrency.
The crooks even provide a link to an online video review of the decryptor they “upsell”. In order to learn how to buy this software, the victim is supposed to send their personal ID (provided in the ransom note) to the perpetrators at restorealldata@firemail.cc or gorentos@bitmessage.ch. The former email address, by the way, has been added to the Djvu/STOP distributors’ contacts list just recently. In response to the message, the villains will send back the BTC address to submit the ransom. Whether or not they will actually make the decrypt tool available after the payment is unknown.
The Zobm ransomware is a spam-borne threat, for the most part. It mainly reaches new systems via misleading emails disguised as invoices, resumes, job offers, failed delivery notices, and other subjects that tend to attract recipients’ attention. The attached Word file asks the user to enable macros so that its contents can be rendered properly. If the would-be victim is imprudent to follow that prompt, a VBA subroutine will be triggered to pull in the ransomware payload and run on the machine. With that said, avoiding the Zobm variant of Djvu ransomware is a matter of exercising caution with suspicious email attachments. If the infection is already inside, the following steps are worth trying before making any further decisions regarding file restoration.

Zobm ransomware automated removal and data recovery

When faced with ransomware like Zobm, one of the best shortcuts in terms of removal is to use Combo Cleaner, a lightweight and incredibly effective application with PC security and optimization features under the hood. It detects and thoroughly deletes threats while giving you insights into the overall health of your computer.

This program’s protection power spans modules that forestall all known types of malware, including ransomware and browser hijackers, and take your online security to the next level by blocking phishing sites and other suspicious web pages. Follow these simple steps to eliminate the infection for good:

1. Download Combo Cleaner installer.

Download Zobm remover

^{Combo Cleaner scans your PC with no strings attached, but you’ll have to buy its fully functional version to remove the threats it detects. The disk optimization tools that find large files and duplicates are free to use.}

2. Open the CCSetup.exe file to get started. Several subsequent screens will allow you to make initial customizations so that the program works exactly as you need from the get-go.

3. The installation will be followed by an update of malware signatures. Once this process is through, click the Start Scan button in the left-hand sidebar.

4. Combo Cleaner will then check system locations that are most often polluted by Windows malware. The first scan can take a while to finish.

5. Combo Cleaner will display a system tray notification as soon as the scan is over. Click the Resolve found threats button to view the results.

6. The scan summary shows the names and types of the detected threats as well as their statuses and locations. Click the Remove all threats button and follow further on-screen prompts to get rid of these items.

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.

Zobm ransomware manual removal and file recovery

Some ransomware strains terminate themselves after completing the encryption job on a computer, but some don’t. Furthermore, the Zobm virus may prevent victims from using popular antimalware tools in order to stay on board for as long as possible. Under the circumstances, it may be necessary to utilize the Safe Mode with Networking or System Restore functionality.

Be advised that even after the ransomware is removed, files will still be encrypted and inaccessible. The malicious code cleanup part, however, is important because it keeps a relapse of the infection from occurring further on and eliminates all opportunistic malware.

Ways of non-ransom recovery of .zobm files encrypted by Djvu/STOP strain

Cracking the crypto used by this ransom Trojan is more of a science fiction thing rather than an attainable prospect for the masses. This is why the troubleshooting in predicaments of this sort is a matter of two approaches: one is to pay the ransom, which isn’t an option for many victims; and the other is to apply instruments that take advantage of the ransomware’s possible weaknesses. If the latter is your pick, the advice below is a must-try.

Ransomware Prevention Tips

To avoid Zobm 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 Zobm removal tool

Some threats of this type reinstall themselves repeatedly if you don't delete their core files. We recommend downloading WiperSoft to scan for malicious programs. This may save you hours and cut down your time to about 15 minutes.

Download WiperSoft (Free Remover*)

OFFER

* Free Remover allows you, subject to a 48-hour waiting period, one remediation and removal for results found.

WiperSoft's EULA, Privacy Policy, and more details about Free Remover.

We get asked this a lot, so we are putting it here: Removing a malware manually may take hours and damage your system in the process. We recommend downloading WiperSoft to see if it can detect the malware for you.

More information on WiperSoft, steps to uninstall, EULA, Terms and conditions, and Privacy Policy.