A ransomware named Zepto, because of the extension it adds to encrypted files, has been seen by researchers recently. Seemingly related to the Locky ransomware, Zepto uses the same ransom note. Another such crypto-virus, which might be spreading with the same malicious campaign is Bart Ransomware. To know how to remove Zepto ransomware and see how to try to restore your data, you should read the article through.
Threat Summary
| Name | Zepto |
| Type | Ransomware |
| Short Description | The ransomware uses 128-bit AES ciphers to encrypt files with an asymmetric algorithm to have a decryption key different than the encryption one. |
| Symptoms | The ransomware will lock all your files with .zepto extension appended to them and put a ransom note in your PC. The note states that you have to pay the equivalent of 300$ in Bitcoins for decryption. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Suspicious Sites |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
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Malware Removal Tool
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| User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Zepto Ransomware |
| 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. |
Zepto Virus Video Removal Guide
Zepto Ransomware – How Did I Get Infected?
Zepto ransomware is spread with a spam email campaign similar to the one of Locky ransomware and the same as Bart ransomware. When opened, the email contains a file which in fact is a JavaScript file with the malicious code inside. The whole process of encryption is masked, so a user only notices the after effects of the encryption.
Zepto Ransomware – Further Inspection
Zepto is the name of a ransomware that appears to be a new variant of Locky ransomware. The Zepto ransomware is named after the extension it puts to encrypted files.
The ransomware possibly makes an entry in the Windows Registry for automatically loading upon the start of Windows:
→HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run [exe name]
Right after your files get encrypted, the Zepto ransomware creates two files containing payment instructions. The files are:
- HELP_instructions.html
- HELP_instructions.bmp
You can see the picture of the ransom note:
The ransom note reads the following:
!!! IMPORTANT INFORMATION !!!
All of your files are encrypted with RSA-2048 and AES-128 ciphers.
More information about the RSA and AES can be found here:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RSA_(cryptosystem)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Advanced_Encryption_Standard
Decrypting of your files is only possible with the private key and decrypt program, All which is on our secret server.
To receive your private key follow one of the links:
1. https://mphtadhci5mrdlju.tor2web(.)org/D7F6EEB0D8FC508E
2. https://mphtadhci5mrdlju.onion(.)to/D7F6EEB0D8FC508E
If all of this addresses are not available, follow synthesis steps:
1. Download and install Tor Browser: https://www.torproject.org/download/download-easy(.)html
2. After a successful installation, run the browser and wait for initialization.
3. Type in the address bar: mphtadhci5mrdlju(.)onion/D7F6EEB0D8FC508E
4. Follow the instructions on the site.
!!! Your personal identification ID: D7F6EEB0D8FC508E !!!
The sum of money wanted as ransom is 0.5 Bitcoins, which is a little over than 315 US dollars. The note indicates two web addresses using a Tor proxy where if you simply copy the links you can see their content. Inside are instructions for paying similar to that of Locky and Bart ransomware viruses. Do not pay the ransom as that will only support the criminals. No guarantee is there that paying will get your files back. The ransomware doesn’t use threats but simply give links to the paying websites.
The Zepto ransomware uses a 128-bit ciphers with 2048-bit AES algorithm for file encryption. The key is asymmetric, which means that is different than the encryption one and is sent to the ransomware makers. Zepto resembles Bart ransomware so much and it appeared almost at the same time. If the new Locky variant is sold on the black market, then the extensions which the ransomware encrypts could be the same as the Bart variant:
→.123, .3dm, .3ds, .3g2, .3gp, .602, .aes, .arc, .asc, .asf, .asm, .asp, .avi, .bak, .bat, .bmp, .brd, .cgm, .cmd, .cpp, .crt, .csr, .csv, .dbf, .dch, .dif, .dip,
.djv, .djvu, .doc, .docb, .docm, .docx, .dot, .dotm, .dotx, .fla, .flv, .frm, .gif, .gpg, .hwp, .ibd, .jar, .java, .jpeg, .jpg, .key, .lay, .lay6, .ldf, .m3u, .m4u, .max, .mdb, .mdf, .mid, .mkv, .mov, .mp3, .mp4, .mpeg, .mpg, .ms11, .myf, .myi, .nef, .odb, .odg, .odp, .ods, .odt, .otg, .otp, .ots, .ott, .p12, .paq, .pas, .pdf, .pem, .php, .png, .pot, .potm, .potx, .ppam, .pps, .ppsm, .ppsx, .ppt, .pptm, .pptx, .psd, .rar, .raw, .rtf, .sch, .sldm, .sldx, .slk, .stc, .std, .sti, .stw, .svg, .swf, .sxc, .sxd, .sxi, .sxm, .sxw, .tar, .tbk, .tgz, .tif, .tiff, .txt, .uop, .uot, .vbs, .vdi, .vmdk, .vmx, .vob, .wav, .wb2, .wk1, .wks, .wma, .wmv, .xlc, .xlm, .xls, .xlsb, .xlsm, .xlsx, .xlt, .xltm, .xltx, .xlw, .zip
When the whole encryption procedure is complete, you will see that every file on your computer is renamed with symbols and has a new extension appended – .zepto. The symbols take hexadecimal characters from the ransomware ID of a victim, in a specific order. Locky ransomware had a similar renaming pattern when it came out.
Zepto ransomware is likely to erase the Shadow Volume Copies present on a Windows operating system. Keep on reading this article to see how you might restore your data to what it was before encryption.
Remove Zepto Ransomware and Restore .zepto Locked Files
If your computer is infected by the Zepto ransomware, you should have a little experience in dealing with malware removal. You should get rid of the ransomware as fast as you possibly can because it could encrypt more data and spread itself deeper over your current network. The recommended action for you is to remove the ransomware completely by following the step-by-step instructions given below.
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for Zepto with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Zepto 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 Zepto 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 Zepto 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 Zepto
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Zepto.
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 Zepto 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.
Zepto-FAQ
What is Zepto Ransomware?
Zepto 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 Zepto 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 Zepto Infect?
Via several ways.Zepto 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 Zepto 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 .Zepto files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Zepto 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 .Zepto files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Zepto" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Zepto 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 Zepto 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 Zepto ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Zepto 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 Zepto 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 Zepto Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Zepto 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 Zepto 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.
My computer has been over taken by Zepto. I’ve made a new test word document file to see if it will continue to encrypt my files but so far it hasn’t. They want 4 BTC which is about $2600 right now. I’m wondering how long before someone figures out the key to this problem. They’re asking for money worth the value of my computer. I can’t support their cause of illegal actions by paying them. If it was $20 I would consider the risk but this is serious.
Hi J$,
What you’re saying is absolutely true – giving ransom money to cyber criminals only enables their malicious operations further!
Is there a development with your infection case?
Hello, so far there hasn’t been any breakthroughs? lost files are lost forever?