Zen Ransomware

Zen ransomware is a newly discovered variant of the Dharma ransomware family. This malicious program encrypts users’ files and adds the .zen extension to them, rendering the files completely inaccessible. Victims are then presented with a ransom note demanding Bitcoin payments in exchange for the decryption key.

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Threat Overview

Zen ransomware modifies the filenames of encrypted files by appending a unique victim ID, the attacker’s email address, and the .zen extension. For example, a file originally named invoice.pdf becomes invoice.pdf.id-XXXXXX.[zen_crypt@tuta.io].zen. After encrypting files, it generates a ransom note called info.txt and also displays a pop-up window containing instructions on how to pay the ransom.

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Zen Ransomware Summary

Attribute	Details
Threat Type	Ransomware (Dharma family)
Encrypted File Extension	.zen
Ransom Note File Name(s)	info.txt, ransom pop-up window
Associated Email Address	zen_crypt@tuta.io
Detection Names	Varies; often recognized as Dharma ransomware variant
Symptoms of Infection	Files renamed with .zen extension, ransom note, pop-up demands
Damage	File encryption, deletion of shadow copies, possible system changes
Distribution Methods	Phishing emails, malicious downloads, exploit kits
Danger Level	High
Removal Tool	SpyHunter

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Understanding the Zen Ransomware Threat

How Did I Get Infected?

Zen ransomware is most likely delivered through:

• Phishing emails with malicious attachments or links
• Infected installers from untrustworthy websites
• Exploit kits targeting vulnerabilities in outdated software

Once executed, the ransomware begins encrypting data and displays ransom instructions shortly after.

What Does It Do?

Zen ransomware performs the following malicious activities:

• Encrypts data on the infected system and any accessible network drives
• Renames files with the .zen extension and unique identifiers
• Drops a ransom note named info.txt
• Shows a pop-up window instructing victims to contact the attackers
• Deletes Volume Shadow Copies to hinder recovery efforts
• May modify system settings or create persistence mechanisms

Should You Be Worried?

Yes — Zen ransomware poses a severe risk to personal and organizational data. Without a decryption key, it’s nearly impossible to recover affected files. Victims are strongly advised not to pay the ransom, as there’s no guarantee that attackers will actually decrypt the data. Immediate malware removal and restoration from backups are the safest actions.

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Ransom Note Text

Below is the typical content found in the info.txt ransom note:

pgsqlCopyEditAll your files have been encrypted!
To restore your files, contact us at: zen_crypt@tuta.io
You can send up to 3 files for free decryption.
Do not rename encrypted files or use third-party decryption tools; this may result in permanent 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

Zen ransomware is a highly dangerous cyber threat that encrypts your personal or business data and pressures you into paying a ransom. It spreads via deceptive methods and uses strong encryption to hold files hostage. Victims should avoid engaging with the attackers and instead use a reputable malware removal tool like SpyHunter to clean the system. Regular backups and good cybersecurity hygiene remain your best defense.