Zola Ransomware: A Growing Cybersecurity Threat

Ransomware is a particularly harmful type of malware that cybercriminals use to extort money from victims. This malicious software encrypts the files on an infected system, making them inaccessible to the user. The attackers then demand a ransom payment, typically in cryptocurrency, in exchange for the decryption key needed to restore access to the data. Ransomware has become increasingly prevalent and sophisticated, posing significant risks to individuals, businesses, and organizations worldwide.

Zola Ransomware

One of the latest examples of ransomware is known as Zola Ransomware. This specific threat is a variant of the well-known Phobos ransomware family. Like other ransomware, Zola operates by infiltrating a computer system, encrypting files, and then demanding a ransom from the victim. Once installed on a system, it appends the “.zola” extension to the names of all encrypted files. For example, a file named “document.pdf” would be renamed to “document.pdf.id[unique-ID].[email].zola”.

How Zola Ransomware Operates

Zola ransomware usually infiltrates systems through various means, including phishing emails, malicious attachments, compromised software downloads, or by exploiting vulnerabilities in outdated software. Once on a system, it silently executes and begins encrypting files with strong cryptographic algorithms. During this process, Zola targets a wide range of file types, including documents, photos, videos, databases, and more, ensuring maximum disruption to the victim’s activities.

After encryption, Zola ransomware leaves a ransom note, typically named “info.hta” or “info.txt“, on the infected system. This note contains instructions on how the victim can contact the attackers, often via an email address, and details the payment amount required to obtain the decryption tool. The note usually warns against using third-party decryption tools or contacting law enforcement, threatening to permanently lock the files if these actions are taken.

Text presented in this message:

~~~ Zola ~~~ 
>>> What happened?
We encrypted and stolen all of your files.
We use AES and ECC algorithms.
Nobody can recover your files without our decryption service.

>>> How to recover?
We are not a politically motivated group and we want nothing more than money.
If you pay, we will provide you with decryption software and destroy the stolen data.

>>> What guarantees?
You can send us an unimportant file less than 1 MG, We decrypt it as guarantee.
If we do not send you the decryption software or delete stolen data, no one will pay us in future so we will keep our promise.

>>> How to contact us?
Our email address: amgdecode@proton.me
In case of no answer within 24 hours, contact to this email: amgdecode@onionmail.com
Write your personal ID in the subject of the email.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>> Your personal ID: – <<<<<
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

>>> Warnings!
– Do not go to recovery companies, they are just middlemen who will make money off you and cheat you.
They secretly negotiate with us, buy decryption software and will sell it to you many times more expensive or they will simply scam you.
– Do not hesitate for a long time. The faster you pay, the lower the price.
– Do not delete or modify encrypted files, it will lead to problems with decryption of files.

The Purpose and Impact of Zola Ransomware

The primary goal of Zola ransomware, like other ransomware, is financial gain. By encrypting critical files, the attackers place the victim in a desperate situation where they may feel compelled to pay the ransom to recover their data. However, paying the ransom is highly discouraged by cybersecurity experts because it does not guarantee that the attackers will provide the decryption key. Additionally, paying the ransom supports and encourages the continued proliferation of such attacks.

Once Zola ransomware is installed, it causes severe consequences, including data loss, operational disruption, and potential financial damage. The encryption of files prevents access to essential data, which can be devastating for individuals and catastrophic for businesses.

Symptoms and Detection

Users infected with Zola ransomware will notice certain symptoms that indicate the presence of this malware on their system:

• Inability to open files that were previously accessible.
• Files renamed with the “.zola” extension.
• Presence of a ransom note, typically named “info.hta” or “info.txt“.
• Unusual slowness or crashing of the system.

To verify if the malware is indeed Zola ransomware, users can look for specific detection names used by various antivirus programs, such as:

• Trojan.Ransom.Phobos
• Ransom.Phobos
• Phobos-Ransomware

Similar Threats

Zola ransomware is part of a larger family of ransomware threats, including variants like Phobos, Dharma, and Crysis. These variants operate similarly, encrypting files and demanding ransoms, but they may use different encryption methods, ransom notes, or file extensions. Users should be aware of these threats as they are often difficult to distinguish from each other without detailed analysis.

Comprehensive Removal Guide

Removing Zola ransomware requires careful attention to detail. Follow these steps to safely remove the malware and attempt to recover your files:

1. Disconnect from the Internet: This will prevent the ransomware from communicating with its command-and-control servers, which may limit its ability to further encrypt files.
2. Boot into Safe Mode: Restart your computer and boot into Safe Mode to prevent the ransomware from launching during startup. To do this, press F8 during startup, then select “Safe Mode with Networking” from the menu.
3. Use an Anti-Malware Tool: Download and install SpyHunter. Perform a full system scan to detect and remove the ransomware.
4. Remove Ransomware Files: Once the scan is complete, follow the anti-malware tool’s instructions to remove the detected files. This may include deleting malicious files and cleaning the registry.
5. Restore Files from Backup: If you have a recent backup of your data, use it to restore your files. Ensure that the backup was not infected by the ransomware before restoring it.
6. Use Data Recovery Tools: If no backup is available, you may attempt to use data recovery tools to recover encrypted files, but success is not guaranteed.
7. Reinstall Operating System: In severe cases, a complete OS reinstall may be necessary to fully remove the ransomware and ensure system integrity.

Preventing Future Infections

To prevent ransomware infections like Zola in the future:

• Keep your operating system and software up to date with the latest security patches.
• Use strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication where possible.
• Be cautious with email attachments and links, especially from unknown senders.
• Regularly back up important data to an external drive or cloud storage that is not always connected to your system.
• Install and regularly update a reputable anti-malware tool like SpyHunter to scan your system for threats.

For the best protection against ransomware and other malware threats, we recommend using SpyHunter. Download SpyHunter today to scan your computer for free and ensure your system is safe from Zola ransomware and similar threats.