Ziver Ransomware

Ziver is a Makop-based ransomware, first spotted in July 2025, that encrypts user files and appends a unique ID, the developer’s email, and the .ziver extension. Victims receive a ransom note that warns of file encryption and exfiltration, followed by threats of public data release if demands aren’t met.

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Threat Overview

This sophisticated crypto-virus locks your data, demands ransom (typically Bitcoin), and uses double extortion—threatening to leak stolen data if you refuse payment.

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Threat Details

Attribute	Details
Threat Type	Ransomware / Crypto‑Virus / File locker
Encrypted File Extension	.ziver (files also renamed with unique ID + ziver25@outlook.com)
Ransom Note File Name	+README‑WARNING+.txt
Associated Email	ziver25@outlook.com
Detection Names	Avast: Win32:Fasec [Trj], Combo Cleaner: Gen:Variant.Ransom.Makop.50, ESET‑NOD32: A Variant Of Win32/Filecoder.Phobos.E, Kaspersky: HEUR:Trojan‑Ransom.Win32.Generic, Microsoft: Ransom:Win32/Phobos.PB!MTB
Symptoms	Files become inaccessible, renamed with .ziver, ransom note on desktop
Distribution Methods	Email attachments with macros, torrent sites, malicious ads
Damage	Files encrypted and exfiltrated; supporting malware may also be installed
Danger Level	High – data lock and extortion; irreversible damage without backups
Removal Tool	SpyHunter (download here)

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Ransom Note Text

Files on your server are encrypted and compromised, stolen for the purpose of publishing on the internet.
You can avoid many problems associated with hacking your server.
We can decrypt your files, we can not publish files on the internet – To do this, you need to contact us as soon as possible. To clarify the details of decryption, write to us using email.
Avoid contacting intermediary companies… they are not able to do anything without our help. Be sure to contact us before using their help…
Email: ziver25@outlook.com
YOUR ID: –

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Expert Analysis

How you likely got infected:
The ransomware often spreads via phishing emails (with malicious macros), deceitful torrent or download sites, and malvertising—tricking users into running infected executables.

What it does:
Once executed, Ziver scans your drives, encrypts files (most common types), renames them with .ziver, drops a ransom note, modifies the desktop wallpaper, and may exfiltrate data for double extortion.

Should you be worried?
Absolutely. Without proper backups, your files are lost permanently. Even paying the ransom carries risks—attackers may not provide keys or may misuse payment information. They also explicitly warn against involving third parties, increasing the risk of data loss.

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.

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Conclusion

Ziver is a potent threat leveraging encryption and data theft to pressure victims. Prevention is critical: always maintain offline backups, use reliable security tools like SpyHunter, and exercise caution with email attachments and downloads. Recovery without backups is nearly impossible—paying the ransom is discouraged due to persistent criminal behavior.