What Is Zouu Virus?
Zouu Ransomware is a STOP/DJVU virus variant and a type of malicious threat that is typically used to encrypt user data and demand a ransom payment for its release. It is considered a particularly dangerous form of ransomware as it is often difficult to remove and can spread quickly across networks. It is typically spread through spam emails, malicious downloads, and unpatched software vulnerabilities.
Read this article to further know more about the Zouu virus and how you can fully get rid of it.
Zouu Virus – Why Is My Windows Infected?
Zouu virus ransomware is a type of malicious software that can infect a computer and demand money in return for unlocking the user’s files. It is important to understand why a Windows system may become infected with this type of virus so that proactive steps can be taken to prevent it from happening.
ZouuVirus – How Did I Get Infected?
The most common cause of infection by this virus is through malicious email attachments or malicious websites that contain malicious code. It is also possible for Zouu virus ransomware to be spread through instant messaging, file sharing, and browsing the web, using obfuscators to hide it.
The following means seem to be the main methods used to spread this virus:
- If it is sent to you as an e-mail attachment or a URL.
- By being downloaded from a shady site.
Taking care to only download files from trusted sources and not clicking on unfamiliar links is the best prevention for these infections.
Zouu Virus – What Does It Do?
The Zouu virus is a type of malicious software that is designed to cause disruption to a computer system. It can spread quickly through a network, and can be used to steal data, delete files, and even render computers inoperable.
Once in your device, this virus can add its payload files in the following directories of Windows:
- %Local%
- %Temp%
- %Windows%
- %SystemDrive%
- %LocalLow%
- %AppData%
- %System%
- %system32%
The virus also drops its ransom note, going by the name of _readme.txt:
This malware may also crate a lot of value entries in Registries, like the Run and RunOnce ones.
It is important to take steps to protect yourself from this type of virus, such as using strong passwords, avoiding suspicious links and emails, and regularly updating your antivirus software.
What Are .zouu] Files
- Videos (.mp4, .avi, etc.).
- Audio (.mp3, .wav, etc.).
- Picture file kinds (.jpg, .png, .etc).
- Archive file formats (.zip, .rar, etc).
- Documents of different types (.docx, .pptx, etc.).
- Others.
After encryption, the files assume the .zouu file suffix and start to look, like shown in the figure below:
How to Open .zouu Files
Opening .zouu files encrypted by ransomware can be a difficult task, but there are a few methods that may be able to help. The first is to try a reliable anti-malware tool, as it may be able to detect and remove the ransomware, allowing you to reclaim access to your files. If that fails, you may need to try a data recovery tool. These tools will scan your system and attempt to recover your files, though the success rate may vary depending on the type of ransomware used. Finally, it may be possible to use a decryptor tool to unlock the files, depending on the type of ransomware used.
What To Do If My Files Are .zouu?
If your files are encrypted with the .zouu extension, the best thing to do is to contact a reputable data recovery or security firm to help you recover the files.
They will have the tools, cipher knowledge and expertise to assist you with decrypting the files. Additionally, they can help you prevent future encryption of your files.
Zouu Virus – Details
| Name | Zouu virus, also known as UDS:Trojan.Win32.Chapak.gen, Ransom:Win32/StopCrypt.KM!MTB, Win32:PWSX-gen [Trj], Win32:PWSX-gen [Trj], A Variant Of Win32/GenKryptik.FHJB – more detections of this virus on VirusTotal |
| File Extension | .zouu |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | The ransomware encrypts files on your computer system and demands a ransom to be paid to allegedly recover them. |
| Symptoms | The Zouu Virus ransomware will encrypt your files by appending the .zouu extension to them. |
| Ransom Demanding Note | _readme.txt |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
| Detection Tool |
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How To Protect Windows from Zouu In The Future?
Protecting Windows from Zouuin the future requires a robust security plan. This plan should include installing antivirus software, keeping operating systems and applications up to date, using two-factor authentication, and regularly backing up data.
Additionally, it is important to avoid clicking on unknown links or attachments, use secure passwords, and monitor activity for any suspicious activity. By following these steps and also learning how to safely store your files to protect them from ransomware, you can help protect your Windows system from any future Zouu threats.
How to Remove Zouu Virus?
Removing Zouu ransomware virus from your computer can be a difficult process. The best way to do so is to use a reliable anti-malware program. This program can be downloaded for free and will scan your computer for any malicious files. Once identified, it will then quarantine and remove the ransomware virus from your machine.
How to Decrypt / Fix .zouu Files?
Decrypting or fixing .zouu files could be done by using a specialized data recovery tool. This type of software is designed to deep scan the file and recover the original data. It can also be used to decrypt encrypted files. Additionally, it can be used to repair corrupted or damaged files. The tool can be downloaded and installed on a computer or device to access the file, and then the data can be recovered.
If your decryption key is offline, you can try using the STOP Ransomware decryption steps to fix these files.
Ventsislav Krastev
Ventsislav is a cybersecurity expert at SensorsTechForum since 2015. He has been researching, covering, helping victims with the latest malware infections plus testing and reviewing software and the newest tech developments. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for learning new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management, Network Administration and Computer Administration of System Applications, he found his true calling within the cybersecrurity industry and is a strong believer in the education of every user towards online safety and security.
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Step 1: Scan for Zouu with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Zouu 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 Zouu 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 Zouu 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 Zouu
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Zouu.
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 Zouu 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.
Zouu-FAQ
What is Zouu Ransomware?
Zouu 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 Zouu 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 Zouu Infect?
Via several ways.Zouu 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 Zouu 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 .Zouu files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Zouu 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 .Zouu files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Zouu" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Zouu 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 Zouu 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 Zouu ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Zouu 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 Zouu 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 Zouu Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Zouu 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 Zouu 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.