This article has been created in order to help explain what is the .zip files ransomware virus and how to remove it from your computer plus how you can unlock files, archived by it.
The .zip files virus is a variant of Unlock92 ransomware viruses. The .zip file extension is used by this malware variant after it attacks your computer so that you can see that there is something wrong with your files. The ransomware’s end goal is to extort users into paying a hefty ransom fee in order to get the archived files to work once more. Thankfully this virus is decryptable and if you read this article you can remove it and restore your files for free.
Threat Summary
Name | Unlock92 |
Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
Short Description | Aims to encrypt the files on the compromised computers and then hold them hostage until a ransom is paid to the cyber-criminals. |
Symptoms | The files on the compromised computers are encrypted. |
Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Executable files |
Detection Tool |
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Malware Removal Tool
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Unlock92. |
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. |
Unlock92 .zip – Distribution
In order to be spread onto the computers of victims, the Unlock92 ransomware may come either via e-mail messages that contain malicious attachments or via other types of files, uploaded on suspicious websites.
If spread via e-mail, te .zip variant of Unlock92 ransomware may be replicated with the aid of malicious attachments, whose primary purpose may be to get users to download and run the attachment while it pretends to be a document of importance, like an invoice, receipt or even legal document.
If the file is uploaded online for download, it is usually an executable type of file whose primary purpose is to convince users that this is a legitimate type of executable available for free download. Such files are often sought after programs, like installers, portable software, cracks, patches and other license activators of different types.
.zip Files Virus – Activity
Dubbed Unlock92 Zipper, this ransomware virus aims to archive the files on your computer and put them in a password-protected .zip file, preventing you from opening the files. The virus does this by dropping it’s malicious payload after you have triggered it’s infection file.
After the payload is dropped, it may reside in the following Windows directories:
- %AppData%
- %Temp%
- %Local%
- %LocalLow%
- %Roaming%
After the files of the affected computer have been dropped on the victim’s computer, the ransomware may also display it’s ransom note with random name, which has the following contents:
Если хотите вернуть ваши файлы отправьте один небольшой архив и файл KEY.VL на e-mail: un92@protonmail.com
Если вы не получили ответа в течение суток то скачайте с сайта www.torproject.con браузер TOR
и с его помощью зайдите на сайт: {Tor web page}
– там будет указан действующий почтовый ящик.
Пароль для архива состоит более чем из 50 символов. На самостоятельный подбор уйдёт не один год.
Judging by the ransom note, it appears as if the cyber-criminals want victims to visit a tor-based wep page where they can make the ransom payment.
.zip Files Virus – “Encryption” Process
Unlike the previous variants of Unlock92 ransomware, which were decryptable, this virus variant uses an archiving software to archive the important files on your computer. To do this, the virus scans for the most often used types of files based on the file extensions that they have:
→ .psd, .jpeg, .docx, .doc, .arj, .tar, .7z, .rar, .zip, .tif, .jpg, .ai, .bmp, .png, .xlsx, .pptx, .accdb, .mdb, .rtf, .odt, .ods, .cd, .ldf, .mdf, .max, .dbf, .epf, .1cd, .md, .db, .pdf, .ppt, .xls, .cdr, .odb, .odg
After the files have been detected, this Unlock92 variant may start to copy them and archive the copied files, shortly after which, the .zip variant of Unlock92 may delete the original files.
Remove .zip Files Virus and Restore Your Files
If you want to remove this ransomware infection from your computer, we recommend that you follow the removal instructions underneath this article. They have been divided in manual and automatic removal methods. If the manual removal solution does not seem to be working for you, the best course of action according to security experts is to remove the Unlock92 Zipper virus automatically by conducting an advanced scan using anti-malware software. Such type of program aims to effectively make sure that viruses, like Unlock92 Zipper are permanently gone and also ensures that future protection for your PC is also available.
If you want to decrypt files, encrypted by this variant of Unlock92 ransomware, we recommend that you contact researcher Michael Gillespie as he claims that this infection Is decryptable and has left a tweet on the situation.
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for Unlock92 with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Unlock92 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:
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by Unlock92 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 Unlock92 there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
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 Unlock92
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Unlock92.
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 Unlock92 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.
Unlock92-FAQ
What is Unlock92 Ransomware?
Unlock92 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 Unlock92 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 Unlock92 Infect?
Via several ways.Unlock92 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 Unlock92 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 .Unlock92 files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Unlock92 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 .Unlock92 files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Unlock92" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Unlock92 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 Unlock92 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 Unlock92 ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Unlock92 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 Unlock92 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 Unlock92 Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Unlock92 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 Unlock92 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.
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