Remove ZZZZZ Ransomware

ZZZZZ Ransomware is a newly identified variant of the notorious SCARAB malware family. Designed to execute financially-motivated cyberattacks, this ransomware is capable of encrypting files on infected devices using an advanced encryption algorithm. Victims are then extorted for a ransom payment in exchange for a decryption tool. A particularly distressing feature of ZZZZZ Ransomware is its built-in countdown mechanism, which threatens to delete 24 files every 24 hours if the ransom is not paid. Additionally, the ransom amount increases by 30% every 24 hours, up to a fixed cap after 72 hours.

Summary of ZZZZZ Ransomware Threat

Feature	Details
Threat Type	Ransomware
Encrypted File Extension	.ZZZZZ
Ransom Note File Name	Инструкция.txt (Instructions.txt)
Associated Email	secure4353@msgsafe.io
Detection Names	Varies by security vendor (e.g., Trojan-Ransom.Win32.Scarab)
Symptoms of Infection	Files renamed with .ZZZZZ, ransom note displayed, inability to open files
Damage	Loss of access to important files, potential file deletion if ransom is not paid
Distribution Methods	Phishing emails, malicious attachments, exploit kits
Danger Level	High

Understanding the ZZZZZ Ransomware Threat

The ransomware appends the .ZZZZZ extension to all encrypted files, effectively rendering them inaccessible. Furthermore, it delivers its ransom demand through a text file named Инструкция.txt (translated as “Instructions.txt”), which is written entirely in Russian. This strongly suggests that ZZZZZ Ransomware primarily targets Russian-speaking users and entities.

ZZZZZ Ransomware’s Ransom Note

The ransom note instructs victims to contact the cybercriminals via email at secure4353@msgsafe.io. Victims are encouraged to send two encrypted files (each less than 2MB in size) as proof that decryption is possible. The full text of the ransom note is as follows:

Ваши документы, базы данных и другие файлы были зашифрованы. Но не стоит переживать!
Мы все расшифруем и вернем на свои места.

Для расшифровки данных:

Напишите на почту - secure4353@msgsafe.io

*В письме указать Ваш личный идентификатор (Key Identifier)
*Прикрепите 2 файла до 2 мб для тестовой расшифровки.
Мы их расшифруем, в качестве доказательства, что ТОЛЬКО МЫ можем расшифровать файлы.

Manual Ransomware Removal Guide

Warning: Manual removal is complex and risky. If not done correctly, it can lead to data loss or incomplete removal of ransomware. Only follow this method if you are an advanced user. If unsure, proceed with Method 2 (SpyHunter Removal Guide).

Step 1: Disconnect from the Internet

1. Unplug your Ethernet cable or disconnect Wi-Fi immediately to prevent further communication with the ransomware’s command and control (C2) servers.

Step 2: Boot into Safe Mode

For Windows Users:

1. For Windows 10, 11:
   • Press Windows + R, type msconfig, and hit Enter.
   • Go to the Boot tab.
   • Check Safe boot and select Network.
   • Click Apply and OK, then restart your PC.
2. For Windows 7, 8:
   • Restart your PC and press F8 repeatedly before Windows loads.
   • Select Safe Mode with Networking and press Enter.

For Mac Users:

1. Restart your Mac and immediately press and hold the Shift key.
2. Release the key once you see the Apple logo.
3. Your Mac will start in Safe Mode.

Step 3: Locate and Terminate Malicious Processes

For Windows Users:

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
2. Look for suspicious processes (e.g., unknown names, high CPU usage, or random letters).
3. Right-click on the process and select End Task.

For Mac Users:

1. Open Activity Monitor (Finder > Applications > Utilities > Activity Monitor).
2. Look for unusual processes.
3. Select the process and click Force Quit.

Step 4: Delete Malicious Files

For Windows Users:

1. Press Windows + R, type %temp%, and hit Enter.
2. Delete all files in the Temp folder.
3. Navigate to:
   • C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Roaming
   • C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Local
   • C:\Windows\System32
4. Look for suspicious files related to the ransomware (random file names, recently modified) and delete them.

For Mac Users:

1. Open Finder and go to Go > Go to Folder.
2. Type ~/Library/Application Support and delete suspicious folders.
3. Navigate to ~/Library/LaunchAgents and remove unknown .plist files.

Step 5: Remove Ransomware from Registry or System Settings

For Windows Users:

Warning: Incorrect changes in the Registry Editor can damage your system. Proceed with caution.

1. Press Windows + R, type regedit, and hit Enter.
2. Navigate to:
   • HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software
   • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software
3. Look for unfamiliar folders with random characters or ransomware-related names.
4. Right-click and select Delete.

For Mac Users:

1. Go to System Preferences > Users & Groups.
2. Click on Login Items and remove any suspicious startup items.
3. Navigate to ~/Library/Preferences and remove malicious .plist files.

Step 6: Restore System Using System Restore (Windows) or Time Machine (Mac)

For Windows Users:

1. Press Windows + R, type rstrui, and hit Enter.
2. Click Next, choose a restore point before the infection, and follow the prompts to restore your system.

For Mac Users:

1. Restart your Mac and hold Command + R to enter macOS Utilities.
2. Select Restore from Time Machine Backup.
3. Choose a backup prior to the ransomware infection and restore your system.

Step 7: Use a Decryption Tool (If Available)

• Visit No More Ransom (www.nomoreransom.org) and check if a decryption tool is available for your ransomware variant.

Step 8: Recover Files Using Backup

• If you have backups on an external drive or cloud storage, restore your files.

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Automatic Ransomware Removal Using SpyHunter

If manual removal seems too risky or complicated, using a reliable anti-malware tool like SpyHunter is the best alternative.

Step 1: Download SpyHunter

Download SpyHunter from the official link: Download SpyHunter

Or follow the official installation instructions here:
SpyHunter Download Instructions

Step 2: Install SpyHunter

1. Open the downloaded file (SpyHunter-Installer.exe).
2. Follow the on-screen prompts to install the program.
3. Once installed, launch SpyHunter.

Step 3: Perform a Full System Scan

1. Click on Start Scan Now.
2. SpyHunter will scan for ransomware and other malware.
3. Wait for the scan to complete.

Step 4: Remove Detected Threats

1. After the scan, SpyHunter will list all detected threats.
2. Click Fix Threats to remove the ransomware.

Step 5: Use SpyHunter’s Malware HelpDesk (If Needed)

If you are dealing with a stubborn ransomware variant, SpyHunter’s Malware HelpDesk provides custom fixes to remove advanced threats.

Step 6: Restore Your Files

If your files are encrypted:

• Try No More Ransom (www.nomoreransom.org) for decryption tools.
• Restore from cloud storage or external backups.

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Preventing Future Ransomware Attacks

• Keep backups on an external hard drive or cloud storage.
• Use SpyHunter to detect threats before they infect your system.
• Enable Windows Defender or a trusted antivirus program.
• Avoid suspicious emails, attachments, and links.
• Update Windows, macOS & software regularly.