Ziggy Ransomware
A ransomware Trojan called Ziggy or ZiggyCrypter has been reported by security researchers. Its live attack campaigns are currently spreading malicious strains via different methods. Once installed on a PC, Ziggy ransomware seeks suitable ways to corrupt the system and encrypt personal information. The next moment it drops a ransom message (## HOW TO DECRYPT ##.exe) and loads it on the screen. The appearance of this message means that the ransomware has successfully encrypted your personal files and renamed their names with the .ziggy extension.
Even though hackers insist on paying them a hefty ransom fee, we advise you to avoid following their instructions and try to remove malicious files from the infected PC with the guide that follows.
Ziggy Virus Summary
| Name | Ziggy also known as Ransom:MSIL/ZiggyCrypter.c43367d4, Trojan.TR/Dldr.Agent.leeix, Ransom:MSIL/ZiggyCrypter.PA!MTB, Ransom.Ziggy |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Ransom Note | ## HOW TO DECRYPT ##.exe |
| Short Description | Severe malware that is designed to encrypt valualbe files stored on compromised computers so that it can then extort ransom fee from victims. |
| Symptoms | Files are encrypted and their named are changed to randomly generated characters followed by the malicious extension .ziggy Ransom message extorts a payment for files recovery. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by Malware Download
Malware Removal Tool
|
User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Ziggy Virus. |
| 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. |
.ziggy Files Virus – How Did I Get It and What Does It Do?
The activation of only one file is needed for an infection with Ziggy also known as ZiggyCrypter ransomware or .ziggy files virus. This malicious file, however, won’t ever be presented as harmful to your system. Ransomware Trojans are well known to be installed via two main methods which are:
- Phishing emails.
- Visit to a website that contains a malicious script/program.
Other methods that may be utilized for the propagation of this cryptovirus are freeware installers, fake notifications about software updates, misleading security warnings, malicious advertisements, etc.
The moment the payload file of the Ziggy virus is activated on a computer operating system, the threat receives the chance to plague various files and settings. What this ransomware aims is to fulfill the attack without being noticed. Lots of system components may be corrupted by the so-called ziggy files virus. The bad news is that all changes will still cause a damaging impact on the overall system security as long as there are malicious files on the system.
Since Ziggy virus is developed to sponsor hacking activities, it will not only impact the system security but totally lock valuable files stored on the drives. Unfortunately, all types of files that are most likely to be storing important information will be encrypted with not one but two cipher algorithms – AES and RSA. Then .ziggy files may appear to be all of the following:
- Audio files
- Video files
- Document files
- Image files
- Backup files
- Banking credentials, etc
In fact, changes will affect both files’ code and names. Other two extensions will appear next to original files’ names – an ID number and an email address. For expample, the file 18.jpg will be renamed to 18.jpg.id=[234B6543].email=[EnceryptedFiles@tutanota.com].ziggy.
What follows next is the activation of Ziggy’s ransom note. The ransom message of Ziggy ransomware is generated after the execution of a file named ## HOW TO DECRYPT ##.exe. This executable process displays a pop-up window that looks like the image presented below:
The same looking message may be set as a desktop wallpaper as well. All it reads is:
All your files have been encrypted!
Ziggy Ransomware
All your files have been encrypted due to a security problem with your PC. If you want to restore them, write us to the e-mail:
EnceryptedFiles@tutanota.com
Write this ID in the title of your message : 80120***
In case of no answer in 12 hours write us to this e-mail: ReturnEncerypted@tutanota.com
You have to pay for decryption in Bitcoins. The price depends on how fast you write to us. After payment we will send you the tool that will decrypt all your files.
Free decryption as guarantee
Before paying you can send us up to 5 files for free decryption. The total size of files must be less than 4Mb (non archived), and files should not contain valuable
information. (databases,backups, large excel sheets, etc.)
How to obtain Bitcoins
The easiest way to buy bitcoins is LocalBitcoins site. You have to register, click ‘Buy bitcoins’, and select the seller by payment method and price.
https://localbitcoins.com/buy_bitcoins
Also you can find other places to buy Bitcoins and beginners guide here:
http://www.coindesk.com/information/how-can-i-buy-bitcoins/
Attention!
# Do not rename encrypted files.
# Do not try to decrypt your data using third party software, it may cause permanent data loss.
# Decryption of your files with the help of third parties may cause increased price (they add their fee to our) or you can become a victim of a scam.
Fraudsters hope that victims of their Ziggy ransomware will rush into buying Bitcoins and sending them to hackers’ wallet. According to their instructions, the ransom amount is defined by the time that has passed before a victim contacted them. No matter what they promise to do, beware that they are cybercriminals and can continue acting like ones. We believe that there is no guarantee that hackers will answer victims’ emails once they receive the requested ransom.
There are lots of registered cases of ransomware victims who have lost their money and never received a working solution for their encoded files. The recovery of .ziggy files is definitely of paramount importance to you but don’t let yourself falling victim to hackers once again. For the sake of your security, you should better remove Ziggy ransomware from the infected PC right now and back up all .ziggy files to an external drive. Safe copies of encoded files may serve you for a free decryption process once security researchers manage to release an efficient tool. Meanwhile, you may want to consider the help of alternative data restoration methods. And if so, you could find some of them in the removal guide that follows.
Remove Ziggy Ransomware and Attempt to Restore Data
The so-called Ziggy ransomware is a threat with highly complex code that heavily damages both essential system settings and valuable data. So the only way to use your infected system securely again is to remove all malicious files and objects created by the ransomware. For this purpose, you could follow our step-by-step removal guide.
In the event that you want to attempt to restore .ziggy files with the help of alternative data recovery methods, do check the step – Try to Restore files encrypted by Ziggy Ransomware. We remind you to back up all encrypted files to an external drive before you begin with the recovery process.
Gergana Ivanova
Highly motivated writer with 5+ years of experience writing for ransomware, malware, adware, PUPs, and other cybersecurity-related issues. As a writer, I strive to create content that is based on thorough technical research. I find joy in the process of creating articles that are easy to understand, informative, and useful. Follow me on Twitter (@IRGergana) for the latest in the field of computer, mobile, and online security.
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Step 1: Scan for Ziggy Virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Ziggy 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:
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully delete most unwanted and malicious programs.
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by Ziggy 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 Ziggy Virus 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 Ziggy Virus
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Ziggy 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:
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 Ziggy 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.
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.
Ziggy Virus-FAQ
What is Ziggy Virus Ransomware?
Ziggy 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 Ziggy 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 Ziggy Virus Infect?
Via several ways.Ziggy 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 Ziggy 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 .Ziggy Virus files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Ziggy 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 .Ziggy Virus files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Ziggy Virus" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Ziggy 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 Ziggy 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 Ziggy Virus ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Ziggy 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 Ziggy 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 Ziggy Virus Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Ziggy 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 Ziggy 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.
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