How to remove ZIG ransomware and recover encrypted files

Complete tips to delete ZIG ransomware and decrypt data

ZIG ransomware is a ransomware-type infection designed by crooks with the purpose to block users’ access to their crucial files stored on systems. Like other malware of this kind, ZIG performs files encryption, changes the filenames of encrypted files and then generates a ransom note. It renames the filenames with the victims’ ID, [email protected] email address and the .ZIG extension. For examples, it renames the file 1.jpg to  to “1.jpg.id-C279F237.[[email protected]].ZIG”, “2.jpg” to “2.jpg.id-C279F237.[[email protected]].ZIG”, and so on. As its ransom note, the ransomware displays a pop-up window and also creates a text file named info.txt. The malware belongs to infamous Dharma ransomware group.

In most cases, ransom notes explain how users can contact to the developers and pay them the ransom and etc. The ZIG ransomware’s ransom note states that the victims have to contact to the crooks for payment information such as the price of the decryption tool, cryptocurrency wallet and etc via the provided email address – [email protected] or [email protected]. Also, it warns the users not to rename the files and/or decrypt the files using third party tools as it will render permanent data loss. As a rule, the victims are promised to receive decryption tool once after the ransom demand is fulfilled.

The victims have two choices: to decrypt the files using the decryption tool purchased from the attackers or restore the files using existing backups created before the files encryption. Obviously, the latter one is the most appropriate option. People should not rely on the evil minded people for honesty. The crooks may provide no decryption even if all their demands are met. The best is that you think of some reliable alternative for the files recovery. We recommend you perform ZIG ransomware removal at first before thinking much about the files recovery as without its removal you can’t even approach to the files retrieval process.

Below the post, you will find complete guide how to remove ZIG ransomware from system. Follow the instruction to get rid of the infection with an ease. After successfully performing the ransomware removal process, use the existing backups and restore the files in the earlier accessible condition. If no such backup option is available, once check if shadow copies exist- the automatically created backups from windows OS available for short time. In the data recovery section below the post you will find the respective guide. Another option for files recovery is to use third party data recovery tools.

How did ZIG ransomware enter my system?

It is common that crooks distribute ransomware and other malicious malware through Trojans, mal-spam campaigns, untrustworthy sources for downloading files and programs, unofficial software activation tools and fake updaters. Trojans are malicious programs especially designed to cause chain infection on already infected device. Mal-spam campaigns are used to distribute malware through attachments or website links. They send spam emails disguising them as legit, important, official letters with the aim to trick people into opening malicious Microsoft Office documents, executable files (like EXE), ZIP, RAR, and other archive files, JavaScript files, PDF documents, etc.

Files and programs downloaded from questionable, untrustworthy sources are often designed to download/ install malware too. The crooks often use Peer-to-Peer networks (e.g., torrent clients, eMule), third-party downloaders, free file hosting websites, freeware download pages, and unofficial websites as channels to distribute malware by disguising them as legit software. Unofficial software activation key are designed not to activate installed software but to install malicious malware. Similarly, fake updaters are to exploiting bugs/ flaws of outdated software or directly downloading malware instead of promised updates.

Text presented in ZIG ransomware‘s pop-up window:

YOUR FILES ARE ENCRYPTED

honestly

Don’t worry, you can return all your files!

If you want to restore them, write to the mail: [email protected] YOUR ID –

If you have not answered by mail within 12 hours, write to us by another mail:[email protected]

ATTENTION!

We recommend you contact us directly to avoid overpaying agents

Do not rename encrypted files.

Do not try to decrypt your data using third party software, it may cause permanent data loss.

Decryption of your files with the help of third parties may cause increased price (they add their fee to our) or you can become a victim of a scam.

Text presented in ZIG’s text file (“info.txt”):

all your data has been locked us

You want to return?

write email [email protected] or [email protected]

How to prevent ransomware infection?

It is highly advised not to trust any irrelevant emails that are received from unknown, suspicious addresses and contain attachments or website links. It is common that the emails of this kind are used to deliver malware. Installed software should have to be updated/ activated with implemented tools/ functions from official software developers. Third party updaters and unofficial activation tools tend to be malicious. Another issue is that the cracking tools are not legal to activate legit software. Furthermore, it is recommended to use only official websites and direct links for any download. Untrustworthy and unofficial websites, via third-party downloaders and other sources are not considered as safe.

Antimalware Details And User Guide

Click Here For Windows

Click Here For Mac

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

Step 2: Delete ZIG ransomware using “System Restore”

Step 1: Remove ZIG 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 ZIG ransomware using “System Restore”

Log-in to the account infected with ZIG 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 ZIG 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 ZIG 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 ZIG 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 ZIG 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 ZIG 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 ZIG 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 ZIG 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 ZIG 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.