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mzlq Virus Removal (.mzlq Files)

.mzlq virus has your files inaccessible? Learn about the .mzlq virus from this post, how to remove .mzlq virus. and try to restore your data. Instructions .mzlq virus removal and decryption are below.

mzlq-virus-file-remove-stop-ransomware-note

.mzlq Virus

.mzlq virus is a virus that locks or in other words encrypts files. Files will have a cipher that cannot be unlocked unless you have a specific key, making decryption hard. After the algorithm launched from this virus, locks the files on a computer, it will show a note to try and extort you for money.

.mzlq file virus is also known as STOP ransomware and belongs to that family of ransomware cryptoviruses.

Encrypted files will have the .mzlq extension placed at the back of their names as an extension, when the whole process finishes. Extension is added as a secondary. This .mzlq variant leaves a ransom message, containing instructions for people to pay the criminals, which is unadvised.

.mzlq Ransomware

.mzlq Ransomware is one of the most crippling computer threats for the last few years. As part of the STOP ransomware family, the virus is known to corrupt machines Worldwide. As .mzlq Ransomware is a cryptovirus, said encryption is next to impossible to crack. You should see down here how to dispose of it and what you can do for restoring your files.

.mzlq File Extension

STOP cryptovirus makers demand a big ransom sum as payment for the alleged restoration of your data. .mzlq virus file ransomware usually makes entries in the Windows Registry to get persistence, and modifies Windows registries. Every file with the .mzlq extension will get custom encryption for each specific computer.

Documents, banking files as well as backups, video and audio files are liable to encryption. The added new extension makes for the Windows system to think a .mzlq file exists, making it unable to open it.

mzlq Virus Summary

Name .mzlq Virus
File Extension .mzlq
Type Ransomware, Cryptovirus
Short Description STOP ransomware encrypts files on your computer and wants money as a ransom to be paid to allegedly restore them.
Symptoms The cryptovirus will encrypt your files by putting the extension .mzlq and making them inaccessible. Ransom fee is demanded for potential unlock.
Ransom Demanding Note _readme.txt
Distribution Method Spam Emails, Email Attachments
Detection Tool See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware

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Malware Removal Tool

User Experience Join Our Forum to Discuss mzlq Virus.
Data Recovery Tool Windows Data Recovery by Stellar Notice! This product scans your drive sectors to recover lost files and it may not recover 100% of the encrypted files, but only few of them, depending on the situation and whether or not you have reformatted your drive.

.mzlq Ransomware – What To Do?

You can learn about the ransomware in the next paragraphs or go straight to the removal process down below.

.mzlq Files Virus can spread its infection in a particular number of ways. The most orthodox way for its malware sample to be spread is with a e-mail spam campaign targetting e-mail addresses over the World or in selected countries. Cryptoviruses like this one could also spread among torrent websites and platforms for file downloads.

Free applications and tools are often advertised useful or that they will solve a problem but hide a malicious script for this STOP ransomware threat or another virus.

As this is the newest version of the STOP ransomware new information about the .mzlq virus infection could be presented soon. Usually the virus affects system files to infect a PC and try to permanently get stuck in its core files even after a reinstallation of the Operating System.

.mzlq files virus will encrypt your files and then display a simple note with instructions in files scattered around folders containing said locked files. The creators of the cryptovirus want you to pay a ransom sum for restoring your files as such a message states. The .mzlq virus is in fact the newest variant of the STOP ransomware family.

As things stand AV owners and decryption enthusiasts and experts alike find it almost impossible to decrypt files if the data is locked with an ONLINE key. In other words, the key is stored outside your computer machine and thus nobody knows what is it. Imagine the analogy of wanting to unlock and open a drawer, without damaging it, without having it’s key.

.mzlq files ransomware creates entries in the Windows Registry for persistence and changes Windows processes before even locking the files so its harder for a victim to get rid of it.

When encryption is done, the .mzlq Files virus will place a ransom note with files across your computer. You can see the contents in the _readme.txt file.

The ransom note states the following:

ATTENTION!

Don’t worry, you can return all your files!
All your files like photos, databases, documents and other important are encrypted with strongest encryption and unique key.
The only method of recovering files is to purchase decrypt tool and unique key for you.
This software will decrypt all your encrypted files.
What guarantees you have?
You can send one of your encrypted file from your PC and we decrypt it for free.
But we can decrypt only 1 file for free. File must not contain valuable information.
You can get and look video overview decrypt tool:
https://we.tl/t-PHmSJZS9ey
Price of private key and decrypt software is $980.
Discount 50% available if you contact us first 72 hours, that’s price for you is $490.
Please note that you’ll never restore your data without payment.
Check your e-mail “Spam” or “Junk” folder if you don’t get answer more than 6 hours.

To get this software you need write on our e-mail:
helpmanager@mail.ch

Reserve e-mail address to contact us:
restoremanager@firemail.cc

Your personal ID:

You shouldn’t under any circumstances pay the ransom. Your .mzlq files may not get recovered, and nobody could give you a guarantee that the decryptor will work.

The cybercriminals have designed the ransomware to encrypt files and add the .mzlq extension to them. All file types such as documents, archives, backups, picture, video and audio files among others can be encrypted by the .mzlq virus variant.

The ransomware could be set to erase all the Shadow Volume Copies from the Windows operating system with the help of the following command:

→vssadmin.exe delete shadows /all /Quiet

If your computer is infected with the ransomware and your files are locked, read down below to find out how you could potentially restore your files back to normal. Note that if your files are locked with the ONLINE key, as most newer variants, there is no known to decrypt the files. That should not discourage you to try because most variants of the ransomware are decryptable.

Remove Mzlq Virus and Try to Restore .mzlq Files

If your Computer got infected with the .mzlq File Virus, you should have a bit of experience in removing malware. You should remove this ransomware as fast as possible before it can have the opportunity to spread further and infect other computers. You should remove the ransomware and follow the step-by-step instructions guide provided right down here.

Tsetso Mihailov

Tsetso Mihailov is a tech-geek and loves everything that is tech-related, while observing the latest news surrounding technologies. He has worked in IT before, as a system administrator and a computer repair technician. Dealing with malware since his teens, he is determined to spread word about the latest threats revolving around computer security.

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  • Step 1
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  • Step 3
  • Step 4
  • Step 5

Step 1: Scan for mzlq Virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool

1. Click on the "Download" button to proceed to SpyHunter's download page.


It is recommended to run a scan before purchasing the full version of the software to make sure that the current version of the malware can be detected by SpyHunter. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter's EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria.


2. After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to update automatically.

scan for and delete ransomware virus step 2


3. After the update process has finished, click on the 'Malware/PC Scan' tab. A new window will appear. Click on 'Start Scan'.

scan for and delete ransomware virus step 3


4. After SpyHunter has finished scanning your PC for any files of the associated threat and found them, you can try to get them removed automatically and permanently by clicking on the 'Next' button.

scan for and delete ransomware virus step 4

If any threats have been removed, it is highly recommended to restart your PC.

Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide

Step 2: Uninstall mzlq Virus and related malware from Windows

Here is a method in few easy steps that should be able to uninstall most programs. No matter if you are using Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista or XP, those steps will get the job done. Dragging the program or its folder to the recycle bin can be a very bad decision. If you do that, bits and pieces of the program are left behind, and that can lead to unstable work of your PC, errors with the file type associations and other unpleasant activities. The proper way to get a program off your computer is to Uninstall it. To do that:


1. Hold the Windows Logo Button and "R" on your keyboard. A Pop-up window will appear.
delete ransomware from windows step 1


2. In the field type in "appwiz.cpl" and press ENTER.
delete ransomware from windows step 2


3. This will open a window with all the programs installed on the PC. Select the program that you want to remove, and press "Uninstall"
delete ransomware from windows step 3Follow the instructions above and you will successfully delete most unwanted and malicious programs.


Step 3: Clean any registries, created by mzlq Virus on your computer.

The usually targeted registries of Windows machines are the following:

  • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
  • HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
  • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
  • HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce

You can access them by opening the Windows registry editor and deleting any values, created by mzlq Virus there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:

1. Open the Run Window again, type "regedit" and click OK.
delete ransomware virus registries step 1


2. When you open it, you can freely navigate to the Run and RunOnce keys, whose locations are shown above.
delete ransomware virus registries step 2


3. You can remove the value of the virus by right-clicking on it and removing it.
delete ransomware virus registries step 3 Tip: To find a virus-created value, you can right-click on it and click "Modify" to see which file it is set to run. If this is the virus file location, remove the value.

IMPORTANT!
Before starting "Step 4", please boot back into Normal mode, in case you are currently in Safe Mode.
This will enable you to install and use SpyHunter 5 successfully.

Step 4: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove mzlq Virus

OFFER

Manual Removal Usually Takes Time and You Risk Damaging Your Files If Not Careful!
We Recommend To Scan Your PC with SpyHunter

Keep in mind, that SpyHunter’s scanner is only for malware detection. If SpyHunter detects malware on your PC, you will need to purchase SpyHunter's malware removal tool to remove the malware threats. Read our SpyHunter 5 review. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter's EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria

1. Hold Windows Key + R.
remove ransomware in safe mode step 1


2. The "Run" Window will appear. In it, type "msconfig" and click OK.
remove ransomware in safe mode step 2


3. Go to the "Boot" tab. There select "Safe Boot" and then click "Apply" and "OK".
remove ransomware in safe mode step 3
Tip: Make sure to reverse those changes by unticking Safe Boot after that, because your system will always boot in Safe Boot from now on.


4. When prompted, click on "Restart" to go into Safe Mode.
remove ransomware in safe mode step 4


5. You can recognise Safe Mode by the words written on the corners of your screen.
remove ransomware in safe mode step 5


Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by mzlq Virus.

Method 1: Use STOP Decrypter by Emsisoft.

Not all variants of this ransomware can be decrypted for free, but we have added the decryptor used by researchers that is often updated with the variants which become eventually decrypted. You can try and decrypt your files using the instructions below, but if they do not work, then unfortunately your variant of the ransomware virus is not decryptable.

Follow the instructions below to use the Emsisoft decrypter and decrypt your files for free. You can download the Emsisoft decryption tool linked here and then follow the steps provided below:

1 Right-click on the decrypter and click on Run as Administrator as shown below:

stop ransomware decryptor step 1

2. Agree with the license terms:

stop ransomware decryptor step 2

3. Click on "Add Folder" and then add the folders where you want files decrypted as shown underneath:

stop ransomware decryptor step 3

4. Click on "Decrypt" and wait for your files to be decoded.

stop ransomware decryptor step 4

Note: Credit for the decryptor goes to Emsisoft researchers who have made the breakthrough with this virus.

Method 2: Use data recovery software

Ransomware infections and mzlq Virus aim to encrypt your files using an encryption algorithm which may be very difficult to decrypt. This is why we have suggested a data recovery method that may help you go around direct decryption and try to restore your files. Bear in mind that this method may not be 100% effective but may also help you a little or a lot in different situations.

1. Download the recommended Data Recovery software by clicking on the link underneath:

Simply click on the link and on the website menus on the top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.


mzlq Virus-FAQ

What is mzlq Virus Ransomware?

mzlq Virus is a ransomware infection - the malicious software that enters your computer silently and blocks either access to the computer itself or encrypt your files. 

Many ransomware viruses use sophisticated encryption algorithms to make your files inaccessible. The goal of ransomware infections is to demand that you pay a ransom payment to get access to your files back.

What Does mzlq Virus Ransomware Do?

Ransomware in general is a malicious software that is designed to block access to your computer or files until a ransom is paid.

Ransomware viruses can also damage your system, corrupt data and delete files, resulting in the permanent loss of important files.

How Does mzlq Virus Infect?

Via several ways.mzlq Virus Ransomware infects computers by being sent via phishing emails, containing virus attachment. This attachment is usually masked as an important document, like an invoice, bank document or even a plane ticket and it looks very convincing to users.

Another way you may become a victim of mzlq Virus is if you download a fake installer, crack or patch from a low reputation website or if you click on a virus link. Many users report getting a ransomware infection by downloading torrents.

How to Open .mzlq Virus files?

You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .mzlq Virus files are encrypted. You can only open them once they are decrypted using a specific decryption key for the particular algorithm.

What to Do If a Decryptor Does Not Work?

Do not panic, and backup the files. If a decryptor did not decrypt your .mzlq Virus files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.

Can I Restore ".mzlq Virus" Files?

Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .mzlq Virus files. 

These methods are in no way 100% guaranteed that you will be able to get your files back. But if you have a backup, your chances of success are much greater.

How To Get Rid of mzlq Virus Virus?

The safest way and the most efficient one for the removal of this ransomware infection is the use a professional anti-malware program.

It will scan for and locate mzlq Virus ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .mzlq Virus files.

Can I Report Ransomware to Authorities?

In case your computer got infected with a ransomware infection, you can report it to the local Police departments. It can help authorities worldwide track and determine the perpetrators behind the virus that has infected your computer.

Below, we have prepared a list with government websites, where you can file a report in case you are a victim of a cybercrime:

Cyber-security authorities, responsible for handling ransomware attack reports in different regions all over the world:

Germany - Offizielles Portal der deutschen Polizei

United States - IC3 Internet Crime Complaint Centre

United Kingdom - Action Fraud Police

France - Ministère de l'Intérieur

Italy - Polizia Di Stato

Spain - Policía Nacional

Netherlands - Politie

Poland - Policja

Portugal - Polícia Judiciária

Greece - Cyber Crime Unit (Hellenic Police)

India - Mumbai Police - CyberCrime Investigation Cell

Australia - Australian High Tech Crime Center

Reports may be responded to in different timeframes, depending on your local authorities.

Can You Stop Ransomware from Encrypting Your Files?

Yes, you can prevent ransomware. The best way to do this is to ensure your computer system is updated with the latest security patches, use a reputable anti-malware program and firewall, backup your important files frequently, and avoid clicking on malicious links or downloading unknown files.

Can mzlq Virus Ransomware Steal Your Data?

Yes, in most cases ransomware will steal your information. It is a form of malware that steals data from a user's computer, encrypts it, and then demands a ransom in order to decrypt it.

In many cases, the malware authors or attackers will threaten to delete the data or publish it online unless the ransom is paid.

Can Ransomware Infect WiFi?

Yes, ransomware can infect WiFi networks, as malicious actors can use it to gain control of the network, steal confidential data, and lock out users. If a ransomware attack is successful, it could lead to a loss of service and/or data, and in some cases, financial losses.

Should I Pay Ransomware?

No, you should not pay ransomware extortionists. Paying them only encourages criminals and does not guarantee that the files or data will be restored. The better approach is to have a secure backup of important data and be vigilant about security in the first place.

What Happens If I Don't Pay Ransom?

If you don't pay the ransom, the hackers may still have access to your computer, data, or files and may continue to threaten to expose or delete them, or even use them to commit cybercrimes. In some cases, they may even continue to demand additional ransom payments.

Can a Ransomware Attack Be Detected?

Yes, ransomware can be detected. Anti-malware software and other advanced security tools can detect ransomware and alert the user when it is present on a machine.

It is important to stay up-to-date on the latest security measures and to keep security software updated to ensure ransomware can be detected and prevented.

Do Ransomware Criminals Get Caught?

Yes, ransomware criminals do get caught. Law enforcement agencies, such as the FBI, Interpol and others have been successful in tracking down and prosecuting ransomware criminals in the US and other countries. As ransomware threats continue to increase, so does the enforcement activity.

About the mzlq Virus Research

The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this mzlq Virus how-to removal guide included, is the outcome of extensive research, hard work and our team’s devotion to help you remove the specific malware and restore your encrypted files.


How did we conduct the research on this ransomware?

Our research is based on an independent investigation. We are in contact with independent security researchers, and as such, we receive daily updates on the latest malware and ransomware definitions.

Furthermore, the research behind the mzlq Virus ransomware threat is backed with VirusTotal and the NoMoreRansom project.

To better understand the ransomware threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.


As a site that has been dedicated to providing free removal instructions for ransomware and malware since 2014, SensorsTechForum’s recommendation is to only pay attention to trustworthy sources.

How to recognize trustworthy sources:

  • Always check "About Us" web page.
  • Profile of the content creator.
  • Make sure that real people are behind the site and not fake names and profiles.
  • Verify Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter personal profiles.

2 Comments
  1. Hristo Trifonov

    Здравей, Цецо!!!
    Престъпниците удариха и моя лаптоп. Всичките ми файлове са с разширение .mzlq. Опитах всичко, но от Emsisoft казват, че ключа е online и за момента не могат да направят нищо. Rectordecryptor на Kaspersky успя с музиката ми, но тя не ми трябва. Същия декриптор маха разширението от .pdf и .jpg , но само това. файловете остават повредени. Ще се радвам на някаква помощ. Благодаря предварително.

    Reply
    1. Tsetso Mihailov (Post author)

      Привет, Христо Трифонов!

      Това което мога да Ви посъветвам е да направите backup, тоест да запазите файловете които са заключени някъде – на флашка, друг хард диск и т.н. Ако това е сторено, другото което остава е да чакате.

      Имате късмет, че сте успял въобще нещо да спасите от файловете. Именно това, че е използван Online ключ, тоест само хакерите имат достъп до него, този ключ няма как да бъде сложен в декриптор за пълно възстановяване.

      Следете главната статия за този вирус на sensorstechforum.com/remove-stop-ransomware/ както и Emsisoft за промяна по темата, но имайте предвид, че може да минат месеци, дори година преди декриптиращите програми да станат ефиксани.

      П.С. Понякога хващат разпространителите на вируса или те сами се предават и пускат всички използвани ключове, след като са си направили парите, но не се случва често.

      Reply

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