Zeropadypt files virus, otherwise known as .[Email=asmo49@asmodeus.us] ransomware, is currently active in the wild, infecting users and encrypting their data. It appears that the ransomware is descendant from the 0kilobypt family.
It’s still not known how exactly Zeropadypt files virus is being spread but we can assume that its operators are relying on the method proven to be very efficient in similar ransomware campaigns – phishing emails.
Threat Summary
Name | Zeropadypt |
Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
Short Description | The ransomware encrypts files on the victim’s computer and demands a ransom to be paid to allegedly restore them. |
Symptoms | Files are encrypted and unusable. |
Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
Detection Tool |
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Zeropadypt. |
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. |
Zeropadypt Files Virus – More Details
As already mentioned, it’s very likely that the Zeropadypt ransomware is being spread in phishing campaigns which typically contain file attachments or suspicious links. Other methods can be through application installers and malicious browser plugins (more information below).
Phishing messages are designed to trick victims into thinking that they have received a legitimate notification from a well-known Internet service. The message would contain interactive content and file attachments through which the infection can be activated. Another infection vector is through malicious sites which are hosted on domains that sound familiar to most users. The design of such pages typically copies portals, download pages and even search engines.
In a nutshell, the Zeropadypt files virus can be distributed through:
- Infected documents — All popular file formats can become carriers: spreadsheets, presentations, text documents and databases.
- Application installers — All well-known productivity programs can be affected: system utilities, office programs and creativity suites.
- Browser plugins — Malicious plugins can lead to a ransomware infection. Such plugins can be uploaded to the relevant repositories of the most popular web browsers often with fake user reviews and developer credentials.
In addition to encryption the user’s file, the Zeropadypt files virus may perform the following activities:
Windows Registry Changes. The most popular behavior when it comes to modifying the strings that are used by both the operating system and any third-party installed applications. This can lead to serious performance issues and problems when using the certain functions.
Removal of data. The engine can be programmed to find and remove sensitive user data: backups, shadow volume copies and restore points.
Boot Options. The engine can be programmed to automatically start as soon as the computer is powered on. In some cases this can also disable recovery options making it very difficult to use manual user removal guides.
In most ransomware campaigns we have observed, once all components have finished running, the actual encryption process will be initiated. All recent ransomware families are using strong encryption that is nearly impossible to break. Files that are encrypted by the Zeropadypt files virus may include include the following: images, music, videos, backups, databases, archives and etc. Users’ files will be renamed according to the following formula: [id=xxxxxxxxxx][Email=asmo49@asmodeus.us].
In other words, the first part of the renamed file name is assigned an ID that is generated via built-in algorithm, and the second part is the email that is placed inside the ransomware note. Note that any modifications can change the extension.
Please note that in some cases files can also be zeroed meaning that that their contents can be deleted.
The Zeropadypt ransomware note is created in a file known as READ-Me-Now.txt which has the following content:
Your All Files Encrypted
For Decrypt Your Data Contact Me: asmo49@asmodeus.us
Your ID for Decryption: r4o7x*****
If You Try Decrypt your file and damage it is Gonna Cost You more Price to Decrypt
you can Send 1MB Data For Decryption Test
Remove ..[Email=asmo49@asmodeus.us] Ransomware
If your computer system got infected with the ..[Email=asmo49@asmodeus.us] files virus, you may want to get rid of this ransomware as quickly as possible before it gets the chance to spread further and infect other computers. You can follow the step-by-step instructions guide provided below.
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for Zeropadypt with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Zeropadypt 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:
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by Zeropadypt 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 Zeropadypt there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
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 Zeropadypt
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Zeropadypt.
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 Zeropadypt 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.
Zeropadypt-FAQ
What is Zeropadypt Ransomware?
Zeropadypt 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 Zeropadypt 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 Zeropadypt Infect?
Via several ways.Zeropadypt 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 Zeropadypt 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 .Zeropadypt files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Zeropadypt 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 .Zeropadypt files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Zeropadypt" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Zeropadypt 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 Zeropadypt 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 Zeropadypt ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Zeropadypt 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 Zeropadypt 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 Zeropadypt Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Zeropadypt 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 Zeropadypt 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.
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