Home > Ransomware > ZaToN Ransomware Removal
THREAT REMOVAL

ZaToN Ransomware Removal

ZaToN Ransomware

ZaToN Ransomware virus removal guide

A computer infection dubbed ZaToN virus has been detected to plague computer systems with the goal to extort a ransom from its victims. It harasses its victims by encrypting their personal files. For the decryption of .ZaToN files, the ransomware drops a ransom note that provides instructions on a ransom payment process. This note could be found in a file called HOW TO DECRYPT FILES.txt which is stored somewhere on the infected PC. Unfortunately, .ZaToN files won’t be accessible until their code is reverted back to its original state. Beware that the ransom payment provides no guarantee that hackers will send a working decryption tool.

ZaToN Ransomware Summary

Name ZaToN also known as Trojan/Win32.Xorist.R25524, Trojan-Ransom.Win32.Xorist.lk, Trj/RansomXor.A
Type Ransomware, Cryptovirus
Short Description Encrypts target files stored on infected computers, marks them with the .ZaToN suffix.
Symptoms Important files are encoded. You cannot open them. Hackers demand a ransom payment.
Distribution Method Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Infected Installers
Detection Tool See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware

Download

Malware Removal Tool

ZaToN Virus – Distribution and Impact

ZaToN virus – a strain of the Xorist ransomware, has been spotted in the wild. The ransomware needs its payload to be executed on a computer operating system to begin its attack flow.

For an unnoticed execution of this payload file are used traditional mechanisms. Such are the email attachments, fake download buttons displayed by shady sites, URL links to corrupted sites, torrent files, freeware installers, or malicious advertisements.

The ZaToN virus payload execution is the start of a complex ransomware attack that is capable of ruining PC security. A computer whose system is running the ZaToN ransomware code remains extremely vulnerable to additional malware attacks. Hackers may misuse the code of this threat to establish a remote connection and then install additional malware components.

Corruption of all important personal files is also part of this nasty attack. The threat may prevent you from opening the following types of files:

  • Audio files;
  • Video files;
  • Document files;
  • Image files;
  • Backup files;
  • Banking credentials, etc.

Since files’ code is changed by a cipher algorithm, victims cannot open them with any of the installed programs. Files encrypted by ZaToN Xorist virus receive an extension of the same name and appear as .ZaToN files.

Similar to some recently detected Xorist ransomware strains (Flubo, Snopy and Mame) the ZaToN variant ends its attack by generating a pop-up message. This pop-up displays a message to notify victims about the ransomware presence on the system.

Then the ransomware will create an additional ransom message (HOW TO DECRYPT FILES.txt) and try to extort a ransom payment from victims with its help. The text message of this file reads the following:

To decrypt the data, users are told that they must pay a ransom worth 0.04 BTC (Bitcoin cryptocurrency). This sum is worth approximately 1200 USD (note, exchange rates fluctuate; hence, the conversion may be inaccurate in the future).

In your attention!!!

Hello, your server is very vulnerable, that’s why you became a victim of ransomware
All your files are currently encrypted
However, there is also good news, the files can be decrypted if you pay 0.04 bitcoin.
All you have to do is follow the steps below.

Buy 0.04 bitcoin, you can easily buy bitcoin from this sites:
www.localbitcoins.com
www.paxful.com

Send the amount to this wallet: 1G91imBejqS5PDn9jAyPiV5uMsvaXuzNaj
After sending, contact us at this email address: zaton@tuta.io
With this subject: –

Immediately after this you will receive an email with the keys and a small tutorial for decrypting the files.

Here’s another list of where to buy bitcoin:
hxxps://bitcoin.org/en/exchanges

Apparently, these messages aim to persuade ransomware victims to contact hackers at zaton@tuta.io email address. Hackers hope that victims will act exactly as requested. However, we remind all ZaToN virus victims who want to pay the hefty ransom that they rely on cybercriminals’ honesty.

Note that there are quite a lot of ransomware victims who have never received a decryption tool once they transferred the required ransom to hackers. Furthermore, there is always a possibility that the decryptor will be broken and inefficient.

So our advice is to consider the help of alternative data recovery methods once you remove this ransomware from your infected PC.

Remove ZaToN Virus and Try to Restore Data

The so-called ZaToN virus is a threat with highly complex code that plagues the whole system in order to encrypt personal files. Hence the infected system could be used in a secure manner again only after the complete removal of all malicious files and objects created by ZaToN ransomware. That’s why we recommend that all steps presented in the removal guide below should be completed for the sake of your system and data security. Beware that a manual ransomware removal approach is suitable for more experienced computer users. If you don’t feel comfortable with the manual steps navigate to the automatic part of the guide.

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.

More Posts

Follow Me:
Google Plus


  • Step 1
  • Step 2
  • Step 3
  • Step 4
  • Step 5

Step 1: Scan for ZaToN Ransomware 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 ZaToN Ransomware 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 ZaToN Ransomware 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 ZaToN Ransomware 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 ZaToN Ransomware

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 ZaToN Ransomware.

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 ZaToN Ransomware 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.


ZaToN Ransomware-FAQ

What is ZaToN Ransomware Ransomware?

ZaToN Ransomware 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 ZaToN Ransomware 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 ZaToN Ransomware Infect?

Via several ways.ZaToN Ransomware 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 ZaToN Ransomware 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 .ZaToN Ransomware files?

You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .ZaToN Ransomware 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 .ZaToN Ransomware files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.

Can I Restore ".ZaToN Ransomware" Files?

Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .ZaToN Ransomware 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 ZaToN Ransomware 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 ZaToN Ransomware ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .ZaToN Ransomware 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 ZaToN Ransomware 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 ZaToN Ransomware Research

The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this ZaToN Ransomware 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 ZaToN Ransomware 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.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This website uses cookies to improve user experience. By using our website you consent to all cookies in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
I Agree