Remove ZPPS Ransomware Virus (DECRYPT .zpps FILES)
ZPPS ransomware seeks to encrypt your computer-stored files
Contents
ZPPS is a new ransomware-type computer virus originating from the STOP/DJVU cybercriminal gang. After landing on the target system, this virus encrypts all files found in it. These threats are usually distinguished from a 4-character extension they use to mark encrypted files. In this case, the ransomware uses .zpps extension to mark encrypted data. To illustrate, files that were originally named as 1.jpg or 2.txt will appear as 1.jpg.zpps or 2.txt.zpps after the cyberattack.
The ransomware not only encrypts victim’s files, but also drops _readme.txt ransom notes in each affected data folder. These notes contain a message from the malware developers/operators who explain what actually happened to victim’s files. According to the note, there is only one way to recover encrypted files. The note suggests that the victim can purchase ZPPS file decryption test from the criminals and restore encrypted data. In other words, the cybercriminals try to extort the computer user after taking one’s data hostage with the help of encryption algorithms.
What’s included in the ransom note
The _readme.txt note briefly explains that all of victims files, including images, audio and video, documents, archives and other data types were encrypted. The note suggests that the criminals have access to tools that are capable of reversing damage inflicted on victim’s files. In order to get these tools, the victim has to pay a ransom to cybercriminals. The note suggests that the victim should rush to contact the threat actors within 72 hours in order to get a discount on the ZPPS ransomware decryption tool.
If the victim does that, the criminals settle for $490 as the decryption price. Otherwise, the victim will be asked to pay the full amount, which is $980. In both scenarios, the only accepted currency will be Bitcoin since cybercriminals seek to remain anonymous when cashing out money collected through computer user extortion.
The only way to contact the criminals, according to the note, is writing to them via email. For this matter, the crooks include two email addresses that the victim can use – admin@helpdata.top and supportsys@airmail.cc. The note also advises including victim’s personal ID (provided at the end of the ransom note) and a sample of encrypted file. The ransom note explains that the criminals can decrypt one file as a proof that they can decrypt the rest of the files.
However, cybersecurity experts do not recommend to get your hopes too high because trusting the criminals is not something that you should do. According to official FBI recommendations for ransomware victims, one must always remember that paying the ransom doesn’t guarantee data recovery. Moreover, threat actors often tend to harass victims who already paid further. Finally, paying the ransom simply fuels the ransomware cycle and the criminals can create more malware, employ more developers or distributors and infect more computers worldwide.
Additional damage caused by the ransomware
STOP/DJVU ransomware versions like ZPPS virus rarely infect the computer alone. After analyzing a set of samples submitted to VirusTotal and other online malware submission platforms, we have discovered that these viruses tend to arrive in tandem with information-stealing Trojans such as VIDAR/AZORULT. These Trojans have capability to collect various sensitive details about the infected computer as well as information stored in web browsers, including saved passwords. Cybersecurity experts warn that the cybercriminals behind this malware might attempt to use collected data for blackmail.
In addition, this ransomware will initiate additional tasks on the compromised computer, including deletion of Volume Shadow Copies (prevents easy data recovery) and modification of the Windows HOSTS file (adds a list of domains to block on the infected computer).
It is extremely important to take action to remove ZPPS ransomware virus and related malware from your computer as soon as possible. Do not worry if you’re not an experienced computer user – for this matter, we have prepared a detailed guide on how to delete malware from your computer safely. Keep in mind that you should not skip the part of booting your PC in Safe Mode with Networking option. Next, run a chosen antivirus software to delete malicious components. Finally, consider downloading RESTORO to repair virus damage on Windows OS files. Your can find a full tool’s review here.
Ransomware Summary
| Name | ZPPS Ransomware Virus |
| Type | Ransomware; Crypto-malware; Virtual Extortion Virus |
| Family | STOP/DJVU |
| Encryption type | RSA 2048 + Salsa20 |
| Previous versions | UIHJ, ZFDV, RRBB, RRCC, RRYY, BBYY, BBZZ (find full list here) |
| Version | 486th |
| Extension | .zpps |
| Cybercriminal emails | admin@helpdata.top and supportsys@airmail.cc |
| Additional malware dropped | Azorult or Vidar Trojan |
| Damage | The ransomware uses encryption to maliciously modify all files on the PC and marks their original names with .zpps extension. Ransom notes called as _readme.txt will be dropped in every computer folder. This piece of malware usually drags VIDAR Stealer alongside it and also eliminates VSS from the system. On top of that, it tends to modify Windows HOSTS file to restrict computer user’s access to cybersecurity-related websites online. |
| Ransom note | _readme.txt |
| Ransom demand | $490-$980 in Bitcoin |
| Distribution | Victims often download this ransomware along illegal torrent downloads, cracked software, activators, key generators or tools like KMSPico. |
| Known software cracks to contain this malware | Corel Draw, Tenorshare 4ukey, Adobe Photoshop, Cubase, Adobe Illustrator, Internet Download Manager, Tally, League of Legends. |
| Detection names | Ransom:Win32/StopCrypt.PAL!MTB (Microsoft), Trojan.Crypt (A) (Emsisoft), HEUR:Trojan-Ransom.Win32.Stop.gen (Kaspersky), Trojan.GenericKD.47850419 (BitDefender), Trojan.MalPack.GS (Malwarebytes), ML.Attribute.HighConfidence (Symantec) see all detection name variations on VirusTotal |
| Removal | Remove ransomware and related malware from your PC using trustworthy software. To repair virus damage on Windows OS files, consider scanning with RESTORO (secure download link). |
REPAIR VIRUS DAMAGE
Scan your system for FREE to detect security, hardware and stability issues. You can use the scan results and try to remove threats manually, or you can choose to get the full version of software to fix detected issues and repair virus damage to Windows OS system files automatically. Includes Avira spyware/malware detection & removal engine.
The screenshot provided below shows how files encrypted by this ransomware virus appear in a regular data folder.
How ransomware-type viruses are distributed?
Ransomware-type viruses are often distributed through illegal online downloads (such as torrents), also phishing emails that contain malicious attachments, fake ads promoting infectious installers or software update tools and drive-by downloads.
STOP/DJVU versions like ZPPS ransomware are mostly found in pirated software versions. Computer users might stumble upon them when looking for ways to activate premium software for free.
Our research team has discovered that cybercriminals often rely on a wide range of similar-looking cracked software (warez) sites that publish articles allegedly including a download link for popular software cracks, for instance, Adobe Photoshop, League of Legends, or others. The provided links lead to websites where the download link gets generated. The download typically contains a password-protected archive with a malicious setup inside of it.
Once the victim opens such file, the system gets immediately infected. We simply cannot stress this enough – you should only download software from reliable and official websites only and invest in software you like rather than trying to infringe copyrights of legitimate software developers and expose your computer to various cybersecurity risks.
Another common ransomware distribution pattern relies on malicious email attachments. Cybercriminals use various phishing techniques when attacking potential victims and seek to spark victim’s curiosity or create a sense of urgency. Some examples of the subjects of such emails are listed below:
- Payment declined – Update Required;
- Your email account will be closed;
- Important! Your password will expire in 1 day(s);
- Invoice number [random number];
- Problem with bank account.
Exercise caution when opening emails, especially ones that you did not wait for. Look out for urgent subject lines, suspicious greeting lines, typo mistakes, and unknown attachment data types.
Finally, if you’re someone who has already been struck by STOP/DJVU ransomware version, be careful when looking for available recovery tools online. Cybercriminals often prey for ransomware victims by offering fake decryption tools that are filled with malware. In other situations, you might run into scammers claiming they can recommend a “hacker” who can restore your files. Do not be tricked – their only intention is to scam you financially.
Remove ZPPS Ransomware Virus and Recover Your Files
The instructions provided below will help you to remove ZPPS ransomware virus. Make sure you read the provided instructions carefully and not hop over the steps in rush. You will need to boot your computer in Safe Mode with Networking and then run a scan using an antivirus software.
Once ZPPS virus removal is complete, please consider the option of downloading RESTORO (see its review). You can use it for repairing Windows OS files damaged during the malware attack.
OUR GEEKS RECOMMEND
Our team recommends removing malware using a professional antivirus software and then using the following tool to repair virus damage to Windows system files:
REPAIR VIRUS DAMAGE TO YOUR COMPUTER
RESTORO provides a free scan that helps to identify hardware, security and stability issues and presents a comprehensive report which can help you to locate and fix detected issues manually. It is a great PC repair software to use after you remove malware with professional antivirus. The full version of software will fix detected issues and repair virus damage caused to your Windows OS files automatically.
RESTORO uses AVIRA scanning engine to detect existing spyware and malware. If any are found, the software will eliminate them.
Read full review here.
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.
ZPPS Ransomware Virus Removal Guidelines
Method 1. Enter Safe Mode with Networking
Step 1. Start Windows in Safe Mode with Networking
Before you try to remove ZPPS Ransomware Virus virus, you must start your computer in Safe Mode with Networking. Below, we provide the easiest ways to boot PC in the said mode, but you can find additional ones in this in-depth tutorial on our website – How to Start Windows in Safe Mode. Also, if you prefer a video version of the tutorial, check our guide How to Start Windows in Safe Mode on Youtube.
Instructions for Windows XP/Vista/7 users
- First of all, turn off your PC. Then press the Power button to start it again and instantly start pressing F8 button on your keyboard repeatedly in 1-second intervals. This launches the Advanced Boot Options menu.
- Use arrow keys on the keyboard to navigate down to Safe Mode with Networking option and press Enter.
Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10/11 users
- Open Windows Start menu, then press down the Power button. On your keyboard, press down and hold the Shift key, and then select Restart option.
- This will take you to Windows Troubleshoot screen. Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings > Restart. Tip: If you can't find Startup Settings, click See more recovery options.
- In Startup Settings, press the right key between F1-F9 to enter Safe Mode with Networking. In this case, it is the F5 key.
Step 2. Remove files associated with the virus
Now, you can search for and remove ZPPS Ransomware Virus files. It is very hard to identify files and registry keys that belong to the ransomware virus, Besides, malware creators tend to rename and change them repeatedly. Therefore, the easiest way to uninstall such type of a computer virus is to use a reliable security program such as INTEGO Antivirus, which also includes data recovery software. For virus damage repair, consider using RESTORO.
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See Full Review
RESTORO is a unique PC Repair Tool which comes with an in-built Avira scan engine to detect and remove spyware/malware threats and uses a patented technology to repair virus damage. The software can repair damaged, missing or malfunctioning Windows OS files, corrupted DLLs, and more. The free version offers a scan that detects issues. To fix them, license key for the full software version must be purchased.
Method 2. Use System Restore
In order to use System Restore, you must have a system restore point, created either manually or automatically.
Step 1. Boot Windows in Safe Mode with Command Prompt
Instructions for Windows XP/Vista/7 users
- Shut down your PC. Start it again by pressing the Power button and instantly start pressing F8 button on your keyboard repeatedly in 1-second intervals. You will see Advanced Boot Options menu.
- Using arrow keys on the keyboard, navigate down to Safe Mode with Command Prompt option and press Enter.
Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10/11 users
- Launch Windows Start menu, then click the Power button. On your keyboard, press down and hold the Shift key, and then choose Restart option with the mouse cursor.
- This will take you to Windows Troubleshoot screen. Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings > Restart. Tip: If you can't find Startup Settings, click See more recovery options.
- In Startup Settings, press the right key between F1-F9 to enter Safe Mode with Command Prompt. In this case, press F6 key.
Step 2. Start System Restore process
- Wait until system loads and command prompt shows up.
- Type cd restore and press Enter, then type rstrui.exe and press Enter. Or you can just type %systemroot%system32restorerstrui.exe in command prompt and hit Enter.
- This launches System Restore window. Click Next and then choose a System Restore point created in the past. Choose one that was created before ransomware infection.
- Click Yes to begin the system restoration process.
After restoring the system, we recommend scanning the system with antivirus or anti-malware software. In most cases, there won't be any malware remains, but it never hurts to double-check. In addition, we highly recommend checking ransomware prevention guidelines provided by our experts in order to protect your PC against similar viruses in the future.
Alternative software recommendations
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware
Removing spyware and malware is one step towards cybersecurity. To protect yourself against ever-evolving threats, we strongly recommend purchasing a Premium version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware, which provides security based on artificial intelligence and machine learning. Includes ransomware protection. See pricing options and protect yourself now.
System Mechanic Ultimate Defense
If you're looking for an all-in-one system maintenance suite that has 7 core components providing powerful real-time protection, on-demand malware removal, system optimization, data recovery, password manager, online privacy protection and secure driver wiping technology. Therefore, due to its wide-range of capabilities, System Mechanic Ultimate Defense deserves Geek's Advice approval. Get it now for 50% off. You may also be interested in its full review.
Disclaimer. This site includes affiliate links. We may earn a small commission by recommending certain products, at no additional cost for you. We only choose quality software and services to recommend.
Decrypt ZPPS files
Fix and open large ZPPS files easily:
It is reported that STOP/DJVU ransomware versions encrypt only the beginning 150 KB of each file to ensure that the virus manages to affect all files on the system. In some cases, the malicious program might skip some files at all. That said, we recommend testing this method on several big (>1GB) files first.
- Create a copy of encrypted file to a separate folder using Copy > Paste commands.
- Now, right-click the created copy and choose Rename. Select the ZPPS extension and delete it. Press Enter to save changes.
- In the prompt asking whether you want to make the changes as file might become unusable, click OK.
- Try opening the file.
STOP/DJVU decryption tool usage guide
STOP/DJVU ransomware versions are grouped into old and new variants. ZPPS Ransomware Virus is considered the new STOP/DJVU variant, just like UIHJ, ZFDV, RRBB, RRCC, RRYY, BBYY, BBZZ (find full list here). This means full data decryption is now possible only if you have been affected by offline encryption key. To decrypt your files, you will have to download Emsisoft Decryptor for STOP DJVU, a tool created and maintained by a genius security researcher Michael Gillespie.
Note! Please do not spam the security researcher with questions whether he can recover your files encrypted with online key - it is not possible.
In order to test the tool and see if it can decrypt ZPPS files, follow the given tutorial.
- Download the decryption tool from Emsisoft.
- Click the little arrow next to your download and choose Show in Folder.
- Now, right-click the file and choose Run as Administrator. If asked, enter administrator's password.
- In UAC window, click Yes.
- Click Yes to agree to software terms in both windows.
- The tool will automatically include C:// disk as a location to decrypt. The file recovery tool will prepopulate the locations to scan, including connected data storage drives or network drives. Click Add folder if you wish to add additional locations.
In Options tab, you can choose to keep encrypted file copies. We recommend leaving this option selected, especially if you do not know if the decryption tool will work. - Click Decrypt to start restoring ZPPS files. You will see the progress in the Results tab. Here, you can see messages from the tool, such as whether the decryption procedure is successful, or you need to wait for an update.
You might also be informed that online key was used to encrypt your files. In such case, the decryption tool won't work for you, and the only way to recover your files is to use a data backup.
Meanings of decryptor's messages
The ZPPS decryption tool might display several different messages after failed attempt to restore your files. You might receive one of the following messages:
Error: Unable to decrypt file with ID: [example ID]
This message typically means that there is no corresponding decryption key in the decryptor's database.
No key for New Variant online ID: [example ID]
Notice: this ID appears to be an online ID, decryption is impossible
This message informs that your files were encrypted with online key, meaning no one else has the same encryption/decryption key pair, therefore data recovery without paying the criminals is impossible.
Result: No key for new variant offline ID: [example ID]
This ID appears to be an offline ID. Decryption may be possible in the future.
If you were informed that an offline key was used, but files could not be restored, it means that the offline decryption key isn't available yet. However, receiving this message is extremely good news, meaning that it might be possible to restore your ZPPS extension files in the future. It can take a few months until the decryption key gets found and uploaded to the decryptor. We recommend you to follow updates regarding the decryptable DJVU versions here. We strongly recommend backing up your encrypted data and waiting.
Report Internet crime to legal departments
Victims of ZPPS Ransomware Virus should report the Internet crime incident to the official government fraud and scam website according to their country:
- In the United States, go to the On Guard Online website.
- In Australia, go to the SCAMwatch website.
- In Germany, go to the Bundesamt für Sicherheit in der Informationstechnik website.
- In Ireland, go to the An Garda Síochána website.
- In New Zealand, go to the Consumer Affairs Scams website.
- In the United Kingdom, go to the Action Fraud website.
- In Canada, go to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
- In India, go to Indian National Cybercrime Reporting Portal.
- In France, go to the Agence nationale de la sécurité des systèmes d’information.
If you can't find an authority corresponding to your location on this list, we recommend using any search engine to look up "[your country name] report cyber crime". This should lead you to the right authority website. We also recommend staying away from third-party crime report services that are often paid. It costs nothing to report Internet crime to official authorities.
Another recommendation is to contact your country's or region’s federal police or communications authority.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can only open ZPPS files if you have the decryption key, or if you were affected by offline encryption type.
To figure out whether you were affected by offline encryption, please go to C:/SystemID/PersonalID.txt and see if the string inside of it ends in t1. You can also try using Emsisoft Decryptor for STOP/DJVU.
Please follow the guidances provided by the official ZPPS decryption tools and believe what they say. If they say it is impossible to decrypt, it really is so. There is no magic tool or human capable of decrypting your files hiding somewhere. Encryption is a technique created to be nearly impossible to decrypt without a special private key (held by the criminals).
We advise scanning with anti-virus, anti-malware, malware removal tools or software like RESTORO to eliminate virus damage on the system. If you do not trust using a single tool, try running one after another. However, we do not recommend keeping several security programs on a computer at once as they can interfere with each other's work.
Beware of fake ZPPS decryption tools circulating around the web. Cyber criminals are uploading them to various shady websites, also might be promoting them via suspicious Youtube videos. These programs can infect your computer even more heavily (Trojans, miners, etc.). We suggest being extremely cautious around the web. If there will be an official STOP/DJVU decryption tool available, it will be widely discussed in public media.
Norbert Webb is the head of Geek’s Advice team. He is the chief editor of the website who controls the quality of content published. The man also loves reading cybersecurity news, testing new software and sharing his insights on them. Norbert says that following his passion for information technology was one of the best decisions he has ever made. “I don’t feel like working while I’m doing something I love.” However, the geek has other interests, such as snowboarding and traveling.
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hi i am undergraguatre student and my laptop before 4 day ago detected .ZPPS viruse then all my file encrypted pleas help me