Mzhi – Ransomware
Mzhi is a malicious software application working as common ransomware. Michael Gillespie, the popular virus researcher, first discovered this new name in the DJVU ransomware family.
Mzhi was created for the sole function to encrypt all popular file types. Rationally, as quickly as the encryption is effectively achieved, the users are unable to get access to them. Mzhi virus adds its own “.mzhi” to all the encrypted data. For instance, the file “price_list.xls”, as soon as crypted by Mzhi, will be entitled as “price_list.xls.mzhi”. When the file encryption is accomplished, Mzhi puts its own unique text document (_readme.txt) into all the folders that keep the encrypted files.
The alert mentioned by _readme.txt requesting for the random os very similar to the notices offered by other ransomware risks coming from the DJVU family. The warning basically indicates that the data has been secured and the only option to get access to it is to use an unique standalone key. Regretfully, this statement is definitely real.
The approach to encrypt the files used by Mzhi is not completely investigated. However, there is no doubt that each computer owner might be released an unique decryption key, which is absolutely distinct. It is incredibly hard to recuperate the data without the appropriate key in place.
“Don’t worry, you can return all your files!”, from _readme.txt message:
One more peculiarity of the Mzhi ransomware is that the users are not able to get access to the key. The decrypting key is hosted on an unique server under the total control by the scoundrels who have actually launched the Mzhi virus into the world wide web. In order to acquire the key and bring back the essential information, the users are informed to get in touch with the scams through e-mail or by telegram and to pay the ransom in the quantity of $980.
The message likewise states that the people must call the Mzhi authors within 72 hours upon the moment of the information encryption. The alert shows that by doing so the people will acquire a 50% discount rate, therefore, the ransom quantity falls to $490.
Mzhi crypted your data, however, it might not be the only hazard on your computer. Plus, the ransomware may be hidden deep in the system. To detect and delete the hazard completely, we recommend you to describe the aid of GridinSoft Anti-Malware app.
Download GridinSoft Anti-Malware
GridinSoft Anti-Malware Review, How to get free trial?, EULA, and Privacy Policy.
No matter what the quantity of the ransom is, we strongly recommend that you do not pay the ransom. There is no warranty that these online criminals will keep their pledges, so they might not care at all what the victims feel about the file encryption, even when the amount of the ransom is gotten into their accounts. Thus, paying ransom often does not lead to a successful healing. So, the users may just lose their money for absolutely nothing.
Similarly, we urge you not to call the frauds as they instruct. Do not move money into their wallets. There are no applications that could break the Mzhi virus or bring back the information at no charge. For that reason, the only appropriate choice is to bring back the information from possible backups (if offered).
Virus Summary
| Name | Mzhi Ransomware |
| File Extension | mzhi |
| Type | Ransomware |
| Family | DJVU |
| Short Description | The ransomware encrypts all the data stored on your system and requires a ransom to be paid on your part supposedly to recover your important files. |
| Symptoms | File encryption by the ransomware is performed by means of the AES-256 algorithm (CFB mode) encryption algorithm. Once the encryption is completed, the ransomware adds its special .mzhi extension to all the files modified by it. |
| Distribution Method | Adware bundles and software cracks |
| Similar Infections | Lokas, Besub, Nusar |
| Mzhi Removal Tool | GridinSoft Anti-Malware |
| Mzhi Decryption Tool | Emsisoft Djvu Decryptor |
Do not forget that the Internet is now full of infections similar to the Mzhi ransomware. For example, this particular hazard is generally similar to Brusaf and other ransomware-type infections. These harmful energies have actually been established in order to secure the essential data and express the need for the users to pay the ransom. All these infections use the similar algorithm to produce the specific key for effective information decryption.
Unless the Mzhi ransomware is still under the development procedure or has got some concealed bugs, it is not possible to restore the information manually. Therefore, the only working option to prevent the loss of your crucial information is to frequently preserve up-to-date backups of all your vital data.
Another important piece of advice is to save the backups on unique storage not connected to your primary PC. For instance, you might save it on the USB Flash Drive, or some external hard disk, or by using the cloud data storage services. Keeping the backups on your system drive is very dangerous, given that the backup might also be secured by the Mzhi .
Leaks for the Mzhi ransomware attack.
Mzhi uses many courses to penetrate the vulnerable computers. It is not certain what specific approach was utilized in your case, however, the invasion might happen through the following channels:
- bundling with third-party programs, mainly free software;
- spam e-mails from the unidentified senders;
- websites offering complimentary hosting;
- P2P (peer-to-peer) torrent downloads.
There are times when the Mzhi virus may disguise itself as some real application, for example, through the deceptive notifies requiring installation of some software application update. This is the most common technique utilized by the frauds to inject the Mzhi ransomware files into the system. This way users partly participate in its installation, without clearly comprehending the danger.
Furthermore, the frauds might send unsolicited spam email with tricky signals motivating individuals to open suspicious attachments or click some download links, for instance, those motivating individuals to open specific images, text files, tax documents and other info.
No doubt, opening these files or clicking on the harmful links may basically damage the system. Fake Adobe Flash Player update alerts may lead to the Mzhi ransomware infiltration. Similarly, downloading the split software application may in addition contain the ransomware installer. The last but not the least, installation of Mzhi may take place through some Trojan horses that might be installed stealthily into the system and without the user’s direct authorization or even permission.
Preventing the Mzhi injection.
Naturally, there is no outright warranty that your computer will be always free of any malware attacks, however, we wish to share some useful suggestions with you to make it safer. Make sure to pay really very close attention while browsing the web and especially while getting cost-free programs. Do not open any suspicious email attachments, specifically if the sender is not known to you.
Do not forget that certain freeware installer might likewise contain some other additional apps in the bundle. These additional applications may be really destructive. It is of utmost value to keep your anti-virus software application and your os in general to be always appropriately updated.
It is quite rational that downloading cracked apps is illegal, nevertheless, in addition, such unapproved programs usage might also bring severe damage to your system. Hence, do not download any split programs. Plus, the fact that your present anti-virus did not safeguard the system from the Mzhi ransomware is a good factor for you to reevaluate your options and change to another program that can render the safeguarding functions on a much better level.
Below please find the quotation from the Mzhi text file:
ATTENTION! Don't worry, you can return all your files! All your files like photos, databases, documents and other important are encrypted with strongest encryption and unique key. The only method of recovering files is to purchase decrypt tool and unique key for you. This software will decrypt all your encrypted files. What guarantees you have? You can send one of your encrypted file from your PC and we decrypt it for free. But we can decrypt only 1 file for free. File must not contain valuable information. You can get and look video overview decrypt tool: https://we.tl/t-2P5WrE5b9f Price of private key and decrypt software is $980. Discount 50% available if you contact us first 72 hours, that's price for you is $490. Please note that you'll never restore your data without payment. Check your e-mail "Spam" or "Junk" folder if you don't get answer more than 6 hours. To get this software you need write on our e-mail: restorealldata@firemail.cc Reserve e-mail address to contact us: gorentos@bitmessage.ch Our Telegram account: @datarestore
Screenshot of files with “.mzhi” extension added by the ransomware:”
Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove Mzhi ransomware from your computer
1.Download GridinSoft Anti-Malware.
You can get GridinSoft Anti-Malware by clicking the button below:
2. Double-click on the setup file.
When setup file has finished downloading, double-click on the setup-antimalware-ag.exe file to install GridinSoft Anti-Malware on your computer.
An User Account Control asking you about to allow GridinSoft Anti-Malware to make changes to your device. So, you should click “Yes” to continue with the installation.
3. Press Install button for run GridinSoft Anti-Malware.
3.Once installed, GridinSoft Anti-Malware will automatically run.
4. Wait for the GridinSoft Anti-Malware scan to complete.
GridinSoft Anti-Malware will automatically start scanning your computer for Win Speedup 2018 and other malicious programs. This process can take a 20-30 minutes, so we suggest you periodically check on the status of the scan process.
5. Click on “Clean Now”.
When the scan has completed, you will see the list of infections that GridinSoft Anti-Malware has detected. To remove them click on the “Clean Now” button in right corner.
Use Emsisoft Decryptor for restore mzhi files
You can download Emsisoft Decryptor by clicking the button below:
- Run the decryptor as an administrator. The license terms will show up, which you have to agree to by clicking the “Yes” button.
- Once the license terms are accepted, the primary decryptor user interface opens.
- By default, the decryptor will pre-populate the locations to decrypt with the currently connected drives and network drives. Additional locations can be added using the Add” button.
- Decryptors typically offer various options depending on the particular malware family. The available options are located in the Options tab and can be enabled or disabled there. You can find a detailed list of the available Options below.
- After you have added all the locations you want to decrypt to the list, click the “Decrypt” button to start the decryption process. The screen will switch to a status view, informing you about the current process and decryption status of your files
- The decryptor will inform you once the decryption process is finished. If you require the report for your personal records, you can save it by clicking the “Save log” button. You can also copy it straight to your clipboard to paste it into emails or forum posts if you are asked to.
User Review
( votes)
