Remove ZaLtOn ransomware And Restore Encrypted Files

Proper Guide To Delete ZaLtOn ransomware

ZaLtOn ransomware is a dreadful computer virus and new addition to the Xorist ransomware family. Once this pernicious threat successfully infiltrates the Windows computers, it encrypts users’ crucial files and data kept inside their machines and then asks them to pay off for the decryption tool/keys. It’s a silent intruder that doesn’t need users’ consent to get into their systems. Soon after the penetration, this notorious crypto-malware performs a deep scanning of all the folders in search of the files that are in its target list and once detected, locks each of them using a sophisticated encryption algorithm.

Depth Analysis of ZaLtOn ransomware:

ZaLtOn ransomware is able to infect almost all types of files including images, videos, audios, documents, spreadsheets etc. and make them completely inaccessible or unusable. Data locked by this hazardous threat can be easily identified as it marks them with “.ZaLtOn” extension. Following successful encryption, this destructive crypto-virus changes the desktop wallpaper, displays couple of ransom notes in a pop-up window and “HOW TO DECRYPT FILES.txt” text file and informs victims about the unpleasant situation.

Notes displayed by ZaLtOn ransomware state that the encrypted files can be retrieved using a certain decryption key that can be purchased for 0.11 of BtCoins. The payment has to be transferred to the provided BTC wallet. For more details, users need to contact the criminals via the provided email addresses.  Hackers promise that once the payment is made, they will send the required decryption key and also the instructions on how to use it.

Text Presented In The Ransom Notes:

In your attention!!!

Hello, your server is very vulnerable, that’s why you became a victim of ransomware

All your files are currently encrypted

However, there is also good news, the files can be decrypted if you pay 0.11 bitcoin.

All you have to do is follow the steps below.

Buy 0.11 bitcoin, you can easily buy bitcoin from this sites:

www.localbitcoins.com

www.paxful.com

Send the amount to this wallet: 17cvUD9uzYk3fsCZzGyKNZ3aSgnoSKU3X7

After sending, contact us at this email address: [email protected]

With this subject: –

ATTENTION!! we do not receive emails sent from gmail accounts

Immediately after this you will receive an email with the keys and a small tutorial for decrypting the files.

Here’s another list of where to buy bitcoin:

hxxps://bitcoin.org/en/exchanges

Should You Pay The Ransom?

Although, it’s true that files encrypted by ZaLtOn ransomware can’t be accessed without using the proper decryption key/software. Due to this, many victims agree to deal with the hackers but often end up losing both files as well as money. Remember that the only motive of such criminals is to extort illicit money from the victimized people. You have absolutely no guarantee that they will provide you the required functional decryptor even if the ransom is paid.

What Should The Victims Do?

Here in such precarious situation, the first thing you need to do is to perform ZaLtOn ransomware removal from the computer as soon as possible. For data recovery, you can use alternative methods such as backup or a genuine file-recovery application. You should never consider dealing with the criminals under any circumstance as it has been tendency of such people that they often disappear once the ransom is paid and cause them to lose both files as well as money.

Summarize Information

Name: ZaLtOn ransomware

Type: Ransomware, Crypto-virus, File-encrypting malware

Short Description: Precarious threat that locks users’ crucial data and then forces them into paying the attackers an amount of ransom to get the decryption software/key.

Extension:  “.ZaLtOn”

Ransom Demanding Note: “HOW TO DECRYPT FILES.txt”

Ransom Amount: 0.11 of Bitcoin

BTC Wallet Address: 17cvUD9uzYk3fsCZzGyKNZ3aSgnoSKU3X7

Attackers’ contact: [email protected]

Symptoms: Encrypted files become unusable stored inside the compromised PCs, earlier functional files now have different extension, A pop-up window is exhibited and a text file is left on each affected folder. Victims are asked to pay an amount of ransom to get the functional decryptor and unlock their encoded data and files.

Distribution methods: Spam emails, peer to peer network sharing, unofficial activation and updating tools.

Damage: All files are encrypted and cannot be accessed without paying ransom, Additional password stealing Trojans and malware infections can be installed along with ransomware infections and other malware.

Removal: To remove this virus from the system, we advise you to use a reliable anti-malware tool. Once malware gets removed, you can recover your files by using existing backup or data-recovery software.

Penetration of ZaLtOn ransomware:

These crypto-viruses are typically distributed via unofficial software activation (‘cracking’) tools, malspam campaigns, Trojans, fake software updating tools, questionable files and apps download sources. Among them, the most used and popular method is spam campaign. Cyber hackers send dubious emails that contain spiteful attachments or download links for vicious files. These mails are often disguised as important or official. Nevertheless, when recipients open the attached file, installation of hazardous software begins.

Criminals usually attach PDF documents, executable files (like .exe), archive files like RAR, ZIP, JavaScript files and Microsoft Office documents to their emails. So, you need to be very attentive while opening emails that you receive from unknown senders. In case your PC is already infected with this crypto-virus, you must remove ZaLtOn ransomware from the device without wasting any time.

Antimalware Details And User Guide

Click Here For Windows

Click Here For Mac

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

Step 2: Delete ZaLtOn ransomware using “System Restore”

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

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