All files on your computer end with the .STOP extension? Zida Virus virus has your files locked? You cannot open them because they are renamed?
See how to remove the zida virus and see potential recovery ways to try to save your data. Removal steps for the zida virus are located at the end of this article.
Zida Virus
zida Virus is made to hit computer systems mainly running Windows OS. Victims cannot open their files due to the encryption caused by the STOP Ransomware Virus. The virus causes various problems to computers, as it encrypts most files per system. zida Ransomware falls into the category of encryption viruses. Decrypting your files is hard if at all possible. Latest versions of the STOP ransomware rarely get decrypted when they come out.
What Does zida Ransomware Do?
zida ransomware uses a military standard for encryption. The algorithm locks files and makes them hard to decrypt. PCs with this virus infection are slow, especially during the encryption process. A ransom note is shown after everything is encrypted. zida virus is also called .zida file virus by its victims. Belonging to the STOP virus family, it is considered a nasty and malicious threat of the highest risk level. Locked files will get the .zida extension after their original names. The zida variant places a ransom instructions note for paying criminals to allegedly get files back to normal.
.zida File Extension
Cybercriminals spreading the STOP virus demand money while stating that upon payment, they will decrypt all user files. .zida virus file may make new registry entries so it can start every time with Windows. Windows processes might also be modified by the cryptovirus. Locked files receive .zida extension. Documents, banking data, backups, audio and video data will be locked with the extension and be inaccessible.
Zida Summary
| Name | Zida |
| File Extension | .zida |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | The ransomware locks files on your computer system by encryption and demands a ransom to be paid for alleged file restoration. |
| Symptoms | The virus payload will initiate file encryption and append the extension .zida to them making them unopenable. Ransom fee is asked as payment. |
| Ransom Demanding Note | _readme.txt |
| 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 zida virus. |
| Data Recovery Tool | Windows Data Recovery by Stellar 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. |
Zida Ransomware – More Information
zida Files Virus has a few methods for infection spread. The virus payload is sent to a computer with torrents and file download websites. Free services promoted online can contain a malicious script for STOP ransomware.
zida virus being the newest STOP ransomware variant, should be removed as fast as possible when found.
When a system is infected the ransomware will spread to other computers found on the network. It stays to a victim’s system after reinstallation, too.
.zida files virus locks your files with an encryption algo. Next, you see a note that displays instructions, inside infected folders. Criminals want money from its victims by promising them to restore files after payment. No one can gurantee that the files will get restored and that the criminals are telling the truth. Newer STOP ransomware versions are not decrypted right away as they use ONLINE keys for encryption. The key is stored online, and thus you cannot use it for decryption. If the key is on your computer, then a decrypter will find and use it.
zida files ransomware could create entries in the Windows Registry and manipulate processes on the computer.
After encryption, the .zida files virus will put a ransom notification in the form of text files in various folders. The main note is named _readme.txt and you can read its content:
ATTENTION!
Don’t worry, you can return all your files!
All your files like photos, databases, documents and other important are encrypted with strongest encryption and unique key.
The only method of recovering files is to purchase decrypt tool and unique key for you.
This software will decrypt all your encrypted files.
What guarantees you have?
You can send one of your encrypted file from your PC and we decrypt it for free.
But we can decrypt only 1 file for free. File must not contain valuable information.
You can get and look video overview decrypt tool:
https://we.tl/t-gSEEREZ5tS
Price of private key and decrypt software is $980.
Discount 50% available if you contact us first 72 hours, that’s price for you is $490.
Please note that you’ll never restore your data without payment.
Check your e-mail “Spam” or “Junk” folder if you don’t get answer more than 6 hours.To get this software you need write on our e-mail:
helpmanager@mail.chReserve e-mail address to contact us:
restoremanager@firemail.ccYour personal ID:
You should not pay ransom fees. Your files are not guaranteed to get recovered so you should not take that chance. By funding the criminals, you are not helping anybody else, but them.
The virus encrypts files with the .zida extension. Most file types, such as important documents, backups, pictures, videos and personal data and credentials will get encrypted by the zida virus. Hackers have made the virus to lock extensions which are the ones mostly used.
Shadow Volume Copies in Windows will get erased with a single command as written down here:
→vssadmin.exe delete shadows /all /Quiet
If your computer is infected with the ransomware and your files are locked, see how you could potentially restore your files. In case your files are locked with an ONLINE key, there is a very little chance for decryption. Do not let that discourage you and try decrypting, after you create a backup of your files.
Remove zida File Virus
Zida Ransomware Removal Instructions
If your computer machine is infected with .zida File Virus, you should be experienced in removing malware in a manual way. You should remove this ransomware fast, before it has any chance to spread. You should remove the ransomware and follow the instructions with easy to follow steps given here.
Tsetso Mihailov
Tsetso Mihailov is a tech-geek and loves everything that is tech-related, while observing the latest news surrounding technologies. He has worked in IT before, as a system administrator and a computer repair technician. Dealing with malware since his teens, he is determined to spread word about the latest threats revolving around computer security.
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Step 1: Scan for Zida with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Zida 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 Zida 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 Zida 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 Zida
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Zida.
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 Zida 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.
Zida-FAQ
What is Zida Ransomware?
Zida 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 Zida 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 Zida Infect?
Via several ways.Zida 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 Zida 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 .Zida files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Zida 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 .Zida files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Zida" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Zida 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 Zida 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 Zida ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Zida 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 Zida 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 Zida Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Zida 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 Zida 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.