Decrypt .zzzzz files and remove Locky/ZZZZZ ransomware virus

Stay on top of the Locky ransomware epidemic, learn what characteristics its new ZZZZZ variant has under the hood and try to restore encrypted .zzzzz files.

The temporarily dominant Aesir version of the Locky ransomware has recently passed the baton to a new build called ZZZZZ. While sharing many traits with its antecedent, it stands out from the pack as a standalone version. The newcomer exhibits a different take on tweaking victims’ files and creates a distinctive combo of documents that provide a recovery avenue. The most prominent change circles around the .zzzzz file extension being added to all the encrypted entries. The ransomware also prepends this extension with hexadecimal characters that have nothing in common with the original filenames. The upshot of this compromise, therefore, is that the ZZZZZ virus encrypts all important files on a computer, replaces their names with unidentifiable strings, and creates the -INSTRUCTION.html (.bmp) ransom notes to explain what should be done for data restoration.

ZZZZZ sneaks its way into Windows machines by means of phishing. This isn’t the most advanced propagation vector imaginable, but its success rate is consistently high. What happens is, people receive emails with malicious attachments. The cybercrooks tend to deploy multiple different spam themes concurrently. Most of these auto-generated emails pretend to be deliver invoices, scanned documents from office, bills, insufficient payment details, resignation letters, and spam mailout logs. The attachments are mainly ZIP archives that contain VBScript or JavaScript files. Furthermore, a new hoax is underway on Facebook, where users receive phony photos in .SVG format. It’s advised to stay away from messages like that and never open the enclosed files.

On infiltrating a PC, the ZZZZZ ransomware first determines if the system interface language is Russian – if so, the attack won’t continue. Otherwise, it moves on by running a scan for data. The infection targets popular types of files, including but not limited to Microsoft Office documents, images, videos and databases. Meanwhile, it ignores executables so that the system can operate smoothly and allows the victim to follow the black hat hackers’ demands. ZZZZZ uses two cryptographic algorithms – RSA-2048 and AES-128 – to lock down every detected item.

By adding the -INSTRUCTION.html and -INSTRUCTION.bmp ransom help files to the desktop and encrypted directories, the ransomware clarifies the details of the mishap to the victim. The user is told to visit an online resource called Locky Decryptor page via Tor Browser, which ensures anonymity of this interaction. Then, the infected person finds out that they can redeem their files by submitting 0.5 Bitcoin to the attacker. Be advised, however, that victims who paid up never got their decryption key and automatic decryptor in many cases, so it’s not the best idea to opt for the ransom right away. Of course, the circumstances may vary. A while ago, a piece of ransomware attacked a healthcare company and encoded critical data on its servers, including patients’ records. This is one of the examples where it might make sense to choose the lesser of two evils. If you are an individual user, though, try the steps below first.

ZZZZZ ransomware automated removal and data recovery

When faced with ransomware like ZZZZZ, 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 ZZZZZ 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.

ZZZZZ 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 ZZZZZ 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 .zzzzz files

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 ZZZZZ 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 ZZZZZ removal tool