How to remove Zeoticus 2.0 ransomware and recover encrypted files

Complete Zeoticus 2.0 ransomware removal guide

It is likely that Zeoticus developers release an update with Zeoticus 2.0 ransomware. This malware encodes stored files and then demands ransom payment for the decryption. Files encrypted by this malware will receive [email protected] (rather than .Zeoticus, in the first case). So, the files 1.jpg, 2.jpg will become [email protected], [email protected] and similarly all other encrypted files will receive this extension as secondary extension with their original name. Following to the data encryption process completed, the ransomware stores an HTML file – READ_ME.html on the desktop.

The READ_ME.html file informs victims about the data encryption and instructs them to contact to the Zeoticus 2.0 ransomware developers if they want the data back. [email protected], [email protected] and [email protected] -are the three email addresses mentioned in the ransom note for the contact. When contacted, the users are likely provided the further instructions on how to purchase the unique decryption tool and how much to pay for it and several other details regarding payment. Here is the full text presented on the ransom note:

All your data are encrypted.

Only we can decrypt your data, write to the original mails specified in this file, otherwise you will become a victim of scammers

Be carefully, recovery companies usually require more than we, and act as middleman

—————————————————–

Contact and send this file to us:

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]

1077357048

=)

Unfortunately, in most of the cases with ransomware infection, the files decryption is not possible without the involvement of the crooks behind it. It may be when the ransomware is at initial stage or the virus has some flaws/bugs. Regardless of the cases, you are highly recommended not to pay/contact to the crooks, as often – victims receive no decryption tools even after they submit the payment request. In other word, they suffer financial loss and the files remain at the encrypted form. The safest option is therefore to remove Zeoticus 2.0 ransomware and recover the files using existing backups. The malware removal is necessary to prevent further files encryption and avoid other possible damages as a result of continuous processing of the malicious file on the system background.

How to get back the encrypted files?

Existing backup is the best option to get the files back. Simply use it after the ransomware removal and get the files in the earlier accessible condition. The problem is that not all users have such backup files. However, there is still a hope from Volume Shadows and data recovery tools. Volume Shadow Copies are automatically created backups from OS. This is available only for a short time. Also, there is a minimum chance that this option is left untouched during the system infection and files encryption process. Still, you will find complete guide below the post in the data recovery portion on how to use Shadow Copies to get the files back. Another option is data recovery tool. Such tools are nowadays designed with special functionalities added and so you can anticipate files recovery using them.

Threat Summary

Type: Ransomware

Extension use:  [email protected]

Ransom note:  READ_ME.html

Symptoms: Stored files become inaccessible, and their filename gets renamed. Ransom demanding message is displayed on the desktop. Cyber crooks demand ransom payment for the files decryption.

Distribution methods: infected email attachments, torrent sites and malicious ads

Damages: Risk of password stealing Trojan or other dangerous virus intrusion that cause direct damage to the system/software installed

Removal: Use some reputable antivirus tool or follow below mentioned step by step instruction to remove Zeoticus 2.0 ransomware from the system

Sophisticated methods to distribute ransomware

Malicious actors behind Zeoticus 2.0 ransomware use various sophisticated methods for the distribution purpose. In recent months, ransomware become the much larger that than it is used to be, as crooks are now capable of stealing data from the infected hosts and later on publish It online for profits. Various methods used for making the intrusion possible and succession of their goal are:

• Spam emails – spam emails in thousands are designed in campaigns to make people believing that they are received some legit emails with some important files attached on them. However, when users open the provided attachments, they end up downloading / installing malware on their device
• Untrustworthy downloading channels: P2p networks, free file hosting sites and third party downloaders or installers spread malware by presenting it as legit software
• Fake software updaters: They exploit bugs/flaws of outdated software or directly download malware instead of providing updates
• Illegal activation tools: They can infect computer by supposedly bypassing activation key for paid software

 Thus, you should be careful during web session if you want to avoid system infection. Avoid opening any irrelevant emails, especially the attachments provided on them. Use official websites and direct links for any software download. Also, use only official software developers’ tools/functions for any software update and activation. At last but not the least, employ a reputable antivirus tool for adequate PC protection.

Zeoticus 2.0 ransomware removal guide

Below, you will find complete guide on performing Zeoticus 2.0 ransomware removal from the system. However, we recommend you use some reputable antivirus tool so that you can perform the removal process with an ease and in more effective way.

Antimalware Details And User Guide

Click Here For Windows

Click Here For Mac

Step 1: Remove Zeoticus 2.0 ransomware through “Safe Mode with Networking”

Step 2: Delete Zeoticus 2.0 ransomware using “System Restore”

Step 1: Remove Zeoticus 2.0 ransomware through “Safe Mode with Networking”

For Windows XP and Windows 7 users: Boot the PC in “Safe Mode”. Click on “Start” option and continuously press on F8 during the start process until the “Windows Advanced Option” menu appears on the screen. Choose “Safe Mode with Networking” from the list.

Now, a windows homescreen appears on the desktop and work-station is now working on “Safe mode with networking”.

For Windows 8 Users: Go to the “Start Screen”. In the search results select settings, type “Advanced”. In the “General PC Settings” option, choose “Advanced startup” option. Again, click on the “Restart Now” option. The work-station boots to “Advanced Startup Option Menu”. Press on “Troubleshoot” and then “Advanced options” button.  In the “Advanced Option Screen”, press on “Startup Settings”. Again, click on “Restart” button. The work-station will now restart in to the “Startup Setting” screen. Next is to press F5 to boot in Safe Mode in Networking.

For Windows 10 Users: Press on Windows logo and on the “Power” icon. In the newly opened menu, choose “Restart” while continuously holding “Shift” button on the keyboard. In the new open “Choose an option” window, click on “Troubleshoot” and then on the “Advanced Options”. Select “Startup Settings” and press on “Restart”. In the next window, click on “F5” button on the key-board.

Step 2: Delete Zeoticus 2.0 ransomware using “System Restore”

Log-in to the account infected with Zeoticus 2.0 ransomware. Open the browser and download a legitimate anti-malware tool. Do a full System scanning. Remove all the malicious detected entries.

In case if you cannot start the PC in “Safe Mode with Networking”, Try using “System Restore”

• During the “Startup”, continuously press on F8 key until the “Advanced Option” menu appears. From the list, choose “Safe Mode with Command Prompt” and then press “Enter”

• In the new opened command prompt, enter “cd restore” and then press “Enter”.

• Type: rstrui.exe and Press “ENTER”

• Click “Next” on the new windows

• Choose any of the “Restore Points” and click on “Next”. (This step will restore the work-station to its earlier time and date prior to Zeoticus 2.0 ransomware infiltration in the PC.

• In the newly opened windows, press on “Yes”.

Once your PC gets restored to its previous date and time, download the recommended anti-malware tool and perform a deep scanning in order to remove Zeoticus 2.0 ransomware files if they left in the work-station.

In order to restore the each (separate) file by this ransomware, use “Windows Previous Version” feature. This method is effective when “System Restore Function” is enabled in the work-station.

Important Note: Some variants of Zeoticus 2.0 ransomware delete the “Shadow Volume Copies” as well hence this feature may not work all the time and is applicable for selective computers only.

How to Restore Individual Encrypted File:

In order to restore a single file, right click on it and go to “Properties”. Select “Previous Version” tab. Select a “Restore Point” and click on “Restore” option.

In order to access the files encrypted by Zeoticus 2.0 ransomware, you can also try using “Shadow Explorer”. In order to get more information on this application, press here.

Important: Data Encryption Ransomware are highly dangerous and it is always better that you take precautions to avoid its attack on your work-station. It is advised to use a powerful anti-malware tool in order to get protection in real-time. With this help of “SpyHunter”, “group policy objects” are implanted in the registries in order to block harmful infections like Zeoticus 2.0 ransomware.

Also, In Windows 10, you get a very unique feature called “Fall Creators Update” that offer “Controlled Folder Access” feature in order to block any kind of encryption to the files. With the help of this feature, any files stored in the locations such as “Documents”, “Pictures”, “Music”, “Videos”, “Favorites” and “Desktop” folders are safe by default.

It is very important that you install this “Windows 10 Fall Creators Update” in your PC to protect your important files and data from ransomware encryption. The more information on how to get this update and add an additional protection form rnasomware attack has been discussed here.

How to Recover the Files Encrypted by Zeoticus 2.0 ransomware?

Till now, you would have understood that what had happed to your personal files that got encrypted and how you can remove the scripts and payloads associated with Zeoticus 2.0 ransomware in order to protect your personal files that has not been damaged or encrypted until now. In order to retrieve the locked files, the depth information related to “System Restore” and “Shadow Volume Copies” has already been discussed earlier. However, in case if you are still unable to access the encrypted files then you can try using a data recovery tool.

Use of Data Recovery Tool

This step is for all those victims who have already tries all the above mentioned process but didn’t find any solution. Also it is important that you are able to access the PC and can install any software. The data recovery tool works on the basis of System scanning and recovery algorithm. It searches the System partitions in order to locate the original files which were deleted, corrupted or damaged by the malware. Remember that you must not re-install the Windows OS otherwise the “previous” copies will get deleted permanently. You have to clean the work-station at first and remove Zeoticus 2.0 ransomware infection. Leave the locked files as it is and follow the steps mentioned below.

Step1: Download the software in the work-station by clicking on the “Download” button below.

Step2: Execute the installer by clicking on downloaded files.

Step3: A license agreement page appears on the screen. Click on “Accept” to agree with its terms and use. Follow the on-screen instruction as mentioned and click on “Finish” button.

Step4: Once the installation gets completed, the program gets executed automatically. In the newly opened interface, select the file types that you want to recover and click on “Next”.

Step5: You can select the “Drives” on which you want the software to run and execute the recovery process. Next is to click on the “Scan” button.

Step6: Based on drive you select for scanning, the restore process begins. The whole process may take time depending on the volume of the selected drive and number of files. Once the process gets completed, a data explorer appears on the screen with preview of that data that is to be recovered. Select the files that you want to restore.

Step7. Next is to locate the location where you want to saver the recovered files.