The article will aid you to remove ZinoCrypt ransomware absolutely. Follow the ransomware removal instructions at the end of this article.
ZinoCrypt is a ransomware cryptovirus that currently distributes its 2017 edition, or at least that is what is stated inside the ransom note. The ransom note is written in English, and your files will become encrypted with the .ZINO extension. Keep on reading below to see how you could try to restore some of your data files.
Threat Summary
| Name | ZinoCrypt |
| Type | Ransomware |
| Short Description | The ransomware encrypts files on your PC and demands payment for unlocking them. |
| Symptoms | The ransomware will encrypt your files and put the extension .ZINO after it finishes with its encryption process. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
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Malware Removal Tool
|
User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss ZinoCrypt. |
| 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. |
ZinoCrypt Ransomware – Distribution
ZinoCrypt ransomware could spread its infection via different methods. The payload file that initiates the malicious script for this ransomware, which in turn infects your computer device, is circling the Internet and could infect a lot of computers if distributed on a big scale.
ZinoCrypt ransomware might also distribute its payload file on social media websites and services for file-sharing. Freeware that is found on the Web could be presented as useful but at the same time could hide the malicious script for the cryptovirus. Refrain from opening files just as you have downloaded them, especially if they come from suspicious sources such as links or e-mails. Instead, you should scan them beforehand with a security tool, while also checking the size and signatures of these files for anything that seems out of the ordinary. You should read the tips for ransomware prevention thread in our forum.
ZinoCrypt Ransomware – Description
ZinoCrypt ransomware is also a cryptovirus. Your files will get encrypted with the extension .ZINO. The ransomware surfaced now, in March 2017. Inside the ransom note it is stated that this is indeed the 2017 edition of the malware, but there is no evidence that the cryptovirus is older than that or that it ever surfaced in the past.
ZinoCrypt ransomware could make entries in the Windows Registry to achieve persistence, launch and repress processes in Windows. Some entries are designed in a way that will start the virus automatically with each launch of the Windows Operating System, such as the example given right here below:
→“HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run”
The ransom note will show up after the encryption process is complete. The note is written in English and gives details about what the ransom is, along with other instructions about what it will take to restore your files. The note is inside a file named ZINO_NOTE.txt. You can view the ransom message that loads after file encryption right here:
That ransom note reads the following:
ZENOCRYPT Ransomware – 2017 Edition
Your important files has been encrypted with the new ZinoCrypt Ransomware. (Photos,Videos,Etc..)
There are no tools online that will allow you to decode your files for free.
The only way to get your files back is to pay us.
Payment would be done strictly via BTC / Bitcoin.
Do not worry, al your files are safe, but are unavailable at the moment.
To recover the files you need to get special decryption software and personal key.You can contact us:
Primary Email: ZinoCrypt@protonmail.comPersonal ID:
[Redacted]
The note of the ZinoCrypt ransomware states that your files are encrypted and that the only way to get them back is if you pay in Bitcoin at a certain digital address. You should NOT in any circumstances pay those cybercriminals. Your files may not get restored, and nobody could give you a guarantee for that. Furthermore, giving money to these criminals will likely motivate them to create more ransomware or do other criminal activities.
ZinoCrypt Ransomware – Encryption Process
For now, a list with file extensions that the ZinoCrypt ransomware seeks to encrypt is not available. However, the article will get duly updated if such a list emerges. The extensions which are most likely to get encrypted are the following ones:
→.7z, .bmp, .doc, .docm, .docx, .html, .jpeg, .jpg, .mp3, .mp4, .pdf, .php, .ppt, .pptx, .rar, .rtf, .sql, .tiff, .txt, .xls, .xlsx, .zip
Every file that gets encrypted will receive the same extension appended to each one of them, and that is the .ZINO extension in this case.
The ZinoCrypt cryptovirus is most likely able to delete the Shadow Volume Copies from the Windows operating system by using the following command:
→vssadmin.exe delete shadows /all /Quiet
If that command is utilized, the encryption process will be more efficient, leaving very few options for recovery. You should read on through and check out what type of ways you can try to potentially restore some of your data.
Remove ZinoCrypt Ransomware and Restore .ZINO Files
If your computer got infected with the ZinoCrypt ransomware virus, you should have a bit of experience in removing malware. You should get rid of this ransomware as quickly as possible before it can have the chance to spread further and infect other computers. You should remove the ransomware and follow the step-by-step instructions guide provided below.
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for ZinoCrypt with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall ZinoCrypt 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 ZinoCrypt 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 ZinoCrypt 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 ZinoCrypt
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by ZinoCrypt.
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 ZinoCrypt 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.
ZinoCrypt-FAQ
What is ZinoCrypt Ransomware?
ZinoCrypt 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 ZinoCrypt 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 ZinoCrypt Infect?
Via several ways.ZinoCrypt 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 ZinoCrypt 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 .ZinoCrypt files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .ZinoCrypt 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 .ZinoCrypt files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".ZinoCrypt" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .ZinoCrypt 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 ZinoCrypt 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 ZinoCrypt ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .ZinoCrypt 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 ZinoCrypt 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 ZinoCrypt Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this ZinoCrypt 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 ZinoCrypt 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.
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