ZaToN Ransomware
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 |
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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.
Following encryption, all personal files corrupted by this Dharma ransomware strain will appear with a few extensions appended to their original names. The first one is a special ID number needed for the decryption key, followed by a hackers related email address and the .ZaToN extension.
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.comSend 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.
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Attention! SensorsTechForum strongly recommends that all malware victims should look for assistance only by reputable sources. Many guides out there claim to offer free recovery and decryption for files encrypted by ransomware viruses. Be advised that some of them may only be after your money.
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.
- Guide 1: How to Remove ZaToN Ransomware from Windows.
- Guide 2: Get rid of ZaToN Ransomware from Mac OS X.
How to Remove ZaToN Ransomware from Windows.
Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove ZaToN Ransomware
Step 2: Uninstall ZaToN Ransomware and related software 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 uninstall most 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:
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: Scan for ZaToN Ransomware with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 5 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by ZaToN Ransomware.
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.
Simply click on the link and on the website menus on top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.
Get rid of ZaToN Ransomware from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall ZaToN Ransomware and remove related files and objects
1. Hit the ⇧+⌘+U keys to open Utilities. Another way is to click on “Go” and then click “Utilities”, like the image below shows:
- Go to Finder.
- In the search bar type the name of the app that you want to remove.
- Above the search bar change the two drop down menus to “System Files” and “Are Included” so that you can see all of the files associated with the application you want to remove. Bear in mind that some of the files may not be related to the app so be very careful which files you delete.
- If all of the files are related, hold the ⌘+A buttons to select them and then drive them to “Trash”.
In case you cannot remove ZaToN Ransomware via Step 1 above:
In case you cannot find the virus files and objects in your Applications or other places we have shown above, you can manually look for them in the Libraries of your Mac. But before doing this, please read the disclaimer below:
You can repeat the same procedure with the following other Library directories:
→ ~/Library/LaunchAgents
/Library/LaunchDaemons
Tip: ~ is there on purpose, because it leads to more LaunchAgents.
Step 3 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by ZaToN Ransomware.
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.
Simply click on the link and on the website menus on 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 and how does it work?
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 algorithm how 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.
How does ZaToN Ransomware ransomware infect my computer?
Via several ways.ZaToN Ransomware Ransomware infects computers by being sent via phishing e-mails, 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.
After you download and execute this attachment, a drive-by download occurs and your computer is infected with the ransomware virus.
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. At this point the .ZaToN Ransomware files are encrypted. You can only open them once they are decrypted.
Decryptor did not decrypt my data. What now?
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.
One way to restore files, encrypted by ZaToN Ransomware ransomware is to use a decryptor for it. But since it's a new virus, advised that the decryption keys for it may not be out yet and available to the public. We will update this article and keep you posted as soon as this decryptor is released.
How Do I restore ".ZaToN Ransomware" files (Other Methods)?
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% guarantee that you will be able to get your files back. But if you have a backup, your chances of success are much greater.
How do I get rid of ZaToN Ransomware ransomware virus?
The safest way and the most efficient one for the removal of this ransomware infection is the use a professional anti malware software. It will scan for and locate ZaToN Ransomware ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .ZaToN Ransomware files.
Also, keep in mind that viruses like ZaToN Ransomware ransomware also install Trojans and keyloggers that can steal your passwords and accounts. Scanning your computer with an anti-malware software will make sure that all of these virus components are removed and your computer is protected in the future.
What to Do If nothing works?
There is still a lot you can do. If none of the above methods seem to work for you, then try these methods:
- Try to find a safe computer from where you can can login on your own line accounts like One Drive, iDrive, Google Drive and so on.
- Try to contact your friends, relatives and other people so that they can check if they have some of your important photos or documents just in case you sent them.
- Also, check if some of the files that were encrypted it can be re-downloaded from the web.
- Another clever way to get back some of your files is to find another old computer, a flash drive or even a CD or a DVD where you may have saved your older documents. You might be surprised what will turn up.
- You can also go to your email account to check if you can send any attachments to other people. Usually what is sent the email is saved on your account and you can re-download it. But most importantly, make sure that this is done from a safe computer and make sure to remove the virus first.
More tips you can find on our forums, where you can also asks any questions about your ransomware problem.
How to 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.
