This article will help you remove ZekwaCrypt ransomware effectively. Follow the ransomware removal instructions provided at the end of the article.
ZekwaCrypt is the name of a ransomware cryptovirus, that is raging on the Web at the moment of writing this article. Files with around 650 different extensions will become encrypted. Encrypted files will receive the extension .zekwakc. Read below to find out what ways you could try to potentially restore some of your data.
Threat Summary
| Name | ZekwaCrypt |
| Type | Ransomware |
| Short Description | The ransomware encrypts around 650 different file extensions. |
| Symptoms | The ransomware will encrypt files on your computer and display a ransom message after that. |
| 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 ZekwaCrypt. |
| Data Recovery Tool | Windows Data Recovery by Stellar Phoenix 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. |
ZekwaCrypt Ransomware – Distribution
The ZekwaCrypt ransomware could be distributed through different methods. One of those methods could be with the payload file that initiates the malicious script, being spread around the Internet.
ZekwaCrypt might also be distributing that payload file on social media and file-sharing services. Freeware programs found on the Web can be presented as helpful, but at the same time hide the malicious script for the virus in question. Don’t open files after you download them, especially if they come from suspicious sources like links and e-mails. Open them, after you have made sure to check their size, signatures and scanned them with a security tool. You might want to read the ransomware prevention tips in the forum.
ZekwaCrypt Ransomware – Information
ZekwaCrypt ransomware is a nasty cryptovirus. Without mercy it will encrypt every file you have on your computer, no matter the file type. It appends the .zekwakc extension to encrypted files. The ransomware is known as the detection “Ransom: Win32/Zekwacrypt.A” from Microsoft’s Malware Protection Center.
ZekwaCrypt ransomware makes entries in the Windows Registry to achieve persistence and to make the ransomware work. One of those registry entries is usually designed in a way that will start the virus automatically with each launch of the Windows Operating System. The following registry entries are used by the virus:
→Key: HKU\Administrator\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\
Value: ext
Data: encrypt extension
→Key: HKU\Administrator\Software\Classes\
Value: default
Data:
→Key: HKU\Administrator\Software\Classes\
Value: default
Data: notepad “%documents%\_
A ransom note will appear right after the encryption process is finished. The following files will also be created with it in your Documents folder:
- psawfcsnbd_encrypted_readme.txt.bmp (same content as encrypted_readme.txt encrypted_readme.txt)
- _
_encrypted_readme.txt
The following files are created in any directory which contains encrypted files:
- encrypted_readme.txt
- encrypted_list.txt
Whatever you do, you should NOT in any circumstance pay the cyber crooks. Your files may not get restored, and nobody could give you a guarantee for that. Moreover, giving money to those criminals will likely just financially support them and probably give them the motivation to create more ransomware and do other criminal activities.
The cryptovirus encrypts lots of file types. You can see what file extensions the ZekwaCrypt ransomware seeks to encrypt from the list provided down here:
→.APR, .BOX, .dot, .GML, .mb, .PAS, .rt, .VC6, .jas, .bpw, .dotm, .GO, .MCD, .PDB, .rtf, .VCD, .ari, .BRD, .dotx, .GRB, .md2, .pdd, .RVM, .VCPROJ, .arw, .BREP, .dotXSI, .GTABLE, .md3, .pdf, .RVT, .vdi, .srf, .BSDL, .dpm, .GTC, .MDA, .PDI, .rw2, .VDPROJ, .1CD, .bzip, .DPR, .GXK, .MDB, .PDX, .rwl, .vfd, .3dm, .C, .dproj, .gz, .mdc, .pef, .rwx, .vhd, .3dmf, .C2D, .drf, .gzip, .MDE, .pem, .rwz, .VHDL, .3dmlw, .c4d, .DRW, .H, .MDF, .pfx, .S, .vimproj, .3ds, .CAD, .dsa, .ha, .MDS, .php, .S12, .VIP, .3DV, .cal3d, .dsk, .hdd, .mdx, .php2, .S19, .VLM, .3dxml, .cap, .dsm, .hdmov, .mef, .php3, .sav, .vmc, .3fr, .CATDrawing, .DSPF, .HPP, .mesh, .php4, .SCAD, .vmdk, .3g2, .CATPart, .dss, .HS, .mht, .php5, .SCALA, .vmem, .3ga, .CATProcess, .dsv, .htm, .mhtml, .php6, .SCDOC, .vmsd, .3gp, .CATProduct, .dtd, .html, .mid, .php7, .SCE, .vmsn, .3gp2, .CBL, .dts, .HXX, .midi, .phps, .SCI, .vmss, .3gpp, .CBP, .DWB, .IAM, .mka, .phtml, .SCM, .vmtm, .3mf, .CC, .DWF, .ICD, .mkv, .PIPE, .SD7, .vmx, .4DB, .CCC, .DWG, .IDW, .ML, .pl, .SDB, .vmxf, .4DD, .CCD, .DXF, .IFC, .mlp, .PLN, .SDC, .VND, .4DIndx, .CCM, .E, .ifo, .mm3d, .ply, .SDF, .vob, .4DIndy, .CCP4, .E2D, .IGES, .model, .PM, .SDI, .VS, .4DR, .CCS, .EAP, .ihtml, .mos, .png, .shtml, .vsv, .7z, .cda, .EASM, .iiq, .mov, .pot, .sia, .vud, .aac, .CDI, .EDIF, .IMG, .mp2, .potm, .sib, .vue, .ABC, .CDL, .EDRW, .imp, .mp2v, .potx, .skp, .vwx, .ac, .CDR, .EFS, .INC, .mp3, .pov, .sldasm, .w3d, .ac3, .cer, .EGG, .indd, .mp4, .PP, .SLDDRW, .waData, .ACCDB, .cfg, .EGT, .info, .mp4v, .ppam, .sldm, .waIndx, .ACCDE, .cfl, .eip, .IPN, .mpa, .ppk, .sldprt, .waJournal, .ACCDR, .cfm, .EL, .IPT, .mpc, .pps, .sldx, .waModel, .ACCDT, .cgi, .EMB, .ISO, .mpe, .ppsm, .SLN, .wav, .ace, .CGM, .EMF, .ivf, .mpeg, .ppsx, .smd, .wb2, .ACP, .cgr, .eml, .j2c, .mpg, .ppt, .smk, .WDB, .ADA, .CHML, .EPRT, .j2k, .mpls, .pptm, .snd, .webm, .ADB, .CIF, .eps, .jar, .MPO, .pptx, .SPEF, .WGL, .ADF, .CIR, .epub, .JAVA, .mpv2, .PRC, .SPI, .wings, .adp, .CLJ, .erf, .jp2, .mpv4, .PRG, .SQL, .wm, .ADS, .CLS, .ESS, .jpc, .MRC, .PRO, .SQLITE, .wma, .ADT, .CMX, .ESW, .jpe, .mrw, .PRT, .sr2, .WMDB, .ADZ, .CO, .evo, .jpeg, .MS12, .ps, .SREC, .WMF, .AEC, .COB, .EXCELLON, .jpf, .mts, .psb, .srw, .wmp, .AI, .core3d, .EXP, .jpg, .MYD, .psd, .ssh, .wmv, .aif, .CPF, .F, .jpx, .MYI, .PSM, .std, .wpd, .aifc, .CPP, .f4v, .jsp, .NCF, .PSMODEL, .STEP, .wps, .aiff, .cr2, .F77, .JT, .NDF, .pst, .STIL, .wrl, .ain, .crt, .F90, .k25, .nef, .ptx, .STK, .wv, .alac, .crw, .fac, .kdb, .nif, .pub, .STL, .x, .AMF, .CS, .fb2, .kdbx, .NRG, .pva, .stm, .X_B, .amr, .CSPROJ, .fbx, .kdc, .nrw, .pvs, .SUB, .X_T, .amv, .csv, .FDB, .KEXI, .NSF, .PWI, .SV, .X3D, .an8, .ctm, .fff, .KEXIC, .NTF, .pxn, .SVG, .x3f, .aob, .CUE, .flac, .KEXIS, .NV2, .PY, .swf, .XAR, .aoi, .CXX, .flc, .L, .nvram, .PYT, .SWG, .XE, .ape, .D, .fli, .las, .OASIS, .R, .SXD, .xhtml, .apl, .D64, .flic, .lasso, .obj, .R3D, .tak, .xla, .AR, .DAA, .flv, .lassoapp, .OCD, .ra, .tar, .xlam, .arc, .dae, .FM, .LDB, .ODB, .raf, .TCL, .xll, .arj, .DAF, .FMZ, .LEF, .ODG, .ram, .TCT, .xlm, .ART, .DB, .FOR, .LISP, .odm, .rar, .TCW, .xls, .ASC, .DBA, .FP, .log, .odp, .raw, .tex, .xlsb, .asf, .DBF, .FP3, .lwo, .odt, .RB, .TIB, .xlsm, .ASM, .DBPro123, .FP5, .lws, .off, .RC, .tif, .xlsx, .asp, .dcr, .FP7, .lxo, .ofr, .RC2, .tiff, .xlt, .aspx, .dcs, .FRM, .lzh, .ofs, .rec, .tp, .xltm, .au, .DEF, .FRX, .M, .oga, .RED, .trp, .xltx, .avi, .der, .FS, .m1a, .ogex, .REDS, .ts, .xlw, .AWG, .DFF, .FSDB, .m1v, .ogg, .REL, .tta, .xml, .b3d, .dfm, .FTH, .m2a, .ogm, .RESX, .txt, .XPL, .B6T, .DFT, .FTN, .m2p, .ogv, .RFA, .u3d, .XQ, .BAS, .DGK, .g, .m2t, .OpenAccess, .RIN, .uc2, .XSI, .bay, .DGN, .GBR, .m2ts, .opus, .rk, .UDL, .XSL, .bdmv, .divx, .GDB, .m2v, .ORA, .RKT, .UNV, .Y, .bik, .DMG, .gdoc, .M4, .orf, .RKTL, .UPF, .z3d, .BIM, .DMS, .GDSII, .m4a, .ott, .RLF, .V, .zip, .BIN, .DMT, .GED, .m4b, .P, .rm, .V2D, .bkf, .dng, .gif, .m4r, .p12, .rmi, .VAP, .blend, .doc, .glm, .m4v, .p7b, .rmm, .VB, .block, .docb, .GM6, .ma, .p7c, .rmvb, .VBG, .bml, .docm, .GMD, .maff, .pages, .rp, .VBP, .bmp, .docx, .GMK, .max, .PAR, .rss
Those are around 650 file extensions. The extension that encrypted files will receive is .zekwakc. That extension will be added as a second extension after the original one, with no name changes to those encrypted files.
Anything that is named backup or has such an extension will be deleted. The following directories and strings will be excluded from encryption:
- Microsoft
- Windows
- Borland
- Content.IE5
- Mozilla
- Framework
- Temp
- Torrents
- Torrent
- I386
The ZekwaCrypt cryptovirus is quite likely to delete the Shadow Copies from the Windows operating system by utilizing the following command:
→vssadmin.exe delete shadows /all /Quiet
Continue to read below to check out what kinds of ways you can try for potentially recovering at least a part of your data.
Remove ZekwaCrypt Ransomware and Restore .zekwakc Files
If your computer got infected with the ZekwaCrypt ransomware virus, you should have a bit of experience in removing malware. You should get rid of this ransomware as quickly as you can before it can have the chance to spread further and infect other computer systems. You should remove this ransomware and follow the step-by-step instructions guide provided down below.
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for ZekwaCrypt with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall ZekwaCrypt 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:
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully delete most unwanted and malicious programs.
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by ZekwaCrypt 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 ZekwaCrypt there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
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.
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 ZekwaCrypt
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by ZekwaCrypt.
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:
2. Agree with the license terms:
3. Click on "Add Folder" and then add the folders where you want files decrypted as shown underneath:
4. Click on "Decrypt" and wait for your files to be decoded.
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 ZekwaCrypt 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.
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.
ZekwaCrypt-FAQ
What is ZekwaCrypt Ransomware?
ZekwaCrypt 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 ZekwaCrypt 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 ZekwaCrypt Infect?
Via several ways.ZekwaCrypt 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 ZekwaCrypt 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 .ZekwaCrypt files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .ZekwaCrypt 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 .ZekwaCrypt files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".ZekwaCrypt" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .ZekwaCrypt 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 ZekwaCrypt 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 ZekwaCrypt ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .ZekwaCrypt 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 ZekwaCrypt 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 ZekwaCrypt Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this ZekwaCrypt 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 ZekwaCrypt 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.