Remove ZIPE Ransomware Virus (.ZIPE File Virus Decryption Guide)

ZIPE ransomware aims to make your files inaccessible to force you pay up

ZIPE virus is a dangerous ransomware that modifies the victim’s files using cryptography algorithm, thus making them inaccessible. It is the 229th version of STOP/DJVU ransomware which applies .ZIPE extension on target files after encrypting them. Victims receive _readme.txt ransom note as an explanation of what happened and as demand for ransom. This malware variant provides new contact email pair – helpmanager@mail.ch and restoreadmin@firemail.cc.

Just as previous versions, this ransomware spreads on peer-to-peer (P2P) networks and as fraudulent Adobe update pop-ups on rogue sites. After the infiltration, it imitates the Windows updates screen to hide the infection until all data on the computer is encoded.

ZIPE ransomware has similar versions, such as VARI, OONN, NILE, PEZI, COVM, MZLQ, and SQPC, that also belong to the STOP/DJVU malware family. The said malware has a tendency to use 4-letter extensions to mark encrypted files. According to the analysis of the latter cyber threats, this ransomware can also prevent you from accessing security websites and Windows Defender application on the infected computer.

The developers of this ransomware-type virus aim to keep the encryption process uninterrupted until it is complete. Therefore, many computer users do not have a clue about the attack until the very end when all photos, documents, videos, and audio files are no longer accessible and encrypted.

Ransom note suggests paying up

After successful encryption, this virus is programmed to drop a ransom note. It states that the data on the affected computer has been encoded and the only way to reaccess it is to get a unique decryption tool from the cyber attackers. For that, people are asked to pay a ransom.

ZIPE decryption tool costs 50% less in the first 72 hours — $490. After the given period of time, the price increases to $980 to give the victims a sense of pressure. The money is asked to be transferred to a specific Bitcoin account to avoid traceability.

The criminals assure the victim that they can provide test decryption for those who want it. The attackers suggest sending them one small encrypted file for decryption, and promise to send it back to prove that the decryptor exists. Unfortunately, that might not be a sufficient reason to pay the ransom.

Our Geek’s Advice team wants to warn you straight away — we have collected multiple complaints that people agreed to pay the ransom and never received the decryption key or were asked to pay more money. Thus, we do not recommend dealing with cyber attackers under any circumstances.

Instead, we suggest getting a professional malware elimination software to help you remove ZIPE ransomware virus from your system. You can try RESTORO as it can help you repair virus damage afterward. It is our top choice when it comes to the removal of file-encrypting viruses.

After ZIPE File virus removal, you will not be able to access your files right away. You need to restore data from the latest backup in the Cloud. If you don’t store backups, we suggest you reading the STOP/DJVU decryption guide to get some help.

Threat Summary

Name	ZIPE Ransomware
Type	File-encrypting virus
Extension	.zipe
Family	STOP/DJVU
Version	229th version
Ransom note	_readme.txt
Contact e-mails	helpmanager@mail.ch and restoreadmin@firemail.cc
Ransom amount	$490 in 72 hours or $980 later
Distribution	Software cracks, keygens, illegal files, peer-to-peer downloads
Associated processes	58ff.tmp.exe 4fe7.tmp.exe 68dd.tmp.exe FF86.tmp.exe 32DF.tmp.exe FC8.tmp.exe updatewin2.exe
Symptoms	The victim downloads an illegal file online, then shortly notices that all personal files now have blank icons and an additional .zipe extension. Each affected folder holds _readme.txt ransom note, which demands paying a ransom in cryptocurrency for cyber criminals. Affected files can no longer be opened in any way.
Damage	Displays a fake Windows update screen and encrypts files; Later, they are no longer accessible for the user. Steals victim’s passwords by installing AZORULT trojan
Removal	Remove the malware using free instructions given below. To eliminate virus damage for the system, consider using RESTORO

Popular distribution methods: P2P networks and fake Adobe updates

Usually, cybercriminals try to trick people into downloading the ZIPE ransomware themselves. They create deceptive descriptions or landing pages, such as fake software downloads on peer-to-peer (P2P) networks and fraudulent Adobe Flash update pop-ups. Thus, unsuspecting people are tricked to install the file-encrypting virus on their own.

The most common distribution method remains the deceptive Adobe Flash Player update advertisements. Computer users can encounter a redirect to its landing page while browsing on untrustworthy websites or clicking on suspicious ads.

The fake pop-up looks exceptionally similar to real Adobe updates and many regular computer users are tricked to believe that they actually need to update their software. Unfortunately, this is merely a trick to lure people into clicking on the update button that triggers an automatic installation of ransomware.

Another widely used malware distribution technique is to place ransomware named as a legitimate software on P2P file-sharing sites. Many people aim to get payed software for free and start looking for its cracks on P2P networks. That is how they are tricked to download ransomware instead.

Our Geek’s Advice team strongly suggest you to avoid visiting unverified websites that could potentially hold malicious codes. You can simply check if the site is safe by looking at the URL bar — legitimate pages are verified. Additionally, software updates are not offered online. Instead, the installed application on your computer should notify you about updates.

Furthermore, it is essential to refrain from clicking on any type of ads, including banners, pop-ups, etc. They can either redirect you to a page embedded with ransomware installation code or start the installation immediately after the click.

Finally, download software from official websites at all times. It is very useful to have an antivirus with real-time protection running on your computer, as it helps you to avoid all types of malware.

Safely uninstall ZIPE file-encrypting virus

Since this ransomware can block access to the security websites or the Windows Defender application, it is important to learn how to remove ZIPE virus safely. For that, you must choose and install a professional malware removal software.

Our security team members highly recommend using RESTORO to fix the virus damage after the malware removal.

To start ZIPE ransomware removal, you must boot your computer into Safe Mode. Those who are not familiar with the technicalities can use a step-by-step guide at the end of this article. It shows how to use the antivirus and uninstall all virus-related elements.

Malware removal will not restore the encrypted files. For that, you must either use the latest backup from the Cloud or try alternative recovery methods explained at STOP/DJVU decryption article.

OUR GEEKS RECOMMEND

Our team recommends a two-step rescue plan to remove ransomware and other remaining malware from your computer, plus repair caused virus damage to the system:

GeeksAdvice.com editors select recommended products based on their effectiveness. We may earn a commission from affiliate links, at no additional cost to you. Learn more.

Alternative software recommendations

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware

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System Mechanic Ultimate Defense

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