RansomwareRemoval Guide

Remove Z9 Virus (+Decrypt .[help.me24@protonmail.com].Z9 files) – Dharma Ransomware

Z9 – Ransomware

The Z9 stands for a ransomware-type infection. The virus comes from the Dharma ransomware family. Z9 was elaborated specifically to encrypt all major file types. When the file is encrypted people are not able to use them. Z9 adds the “.[help.me24@protonmail.com].Z9” extension for each file encrypted by it. For example, the file “myphoto.jpg“, once encrypted by Z9, will be renamed into “myphoto.jpg.[help.me24@protonmail.com].Z9“. As quickly as the encryption is finished, Z9 places a special text file into every folder containing the encrypted data.

The message given by Z9 text file requesting for the ransom is definitely the same as the statements given by other ransomware representatives belonging to the Dharma clan. It actually mentions that the information is encrypted which the only way to restore it is to use a a distinct decryption key. Sadly, this is definitely true. The type of cryptography mechanism used by Z9 is still not properly examined. Still, it is absolutely particular that each victim might be given the specific decryption key, which is completely unique. It is impossible to restore the files without the key available.

Another trick of Z9 is that the victims cannot get to the key. The key is saved on a specific server run by the frauds connected with Z9 ransomware. To get the key and recover the important info people have to pay the ransom.

Nevertheless, irrespective of the asked for amount, people must stay away from paying the ransom virus. Cyber frauds are not fair, so they tend to totally disregard what their victims feel about the problem, even when the payment reaches their pockets. This is why paying the ransom typically does not provide any positive result and people just lose their money for nothing.

We highly recommend that you do not contact these crooks and definitely do not transfer money into their accounts. It is said to admit that there are no utilities able to crack Z9 ransomware and to recover the data data free of charge. Therefore, the just best decision is to recover the lost information from the available backup.

Virus Summary

NameZ9 Ransomware
File Extension.[help.me24@protonmail.com].Z9
TypeRansomware
FamilyDharma
Short DescriptionThe 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.
SymptomsFile encryption by the ransomware is performed by means of the AES and RSA encryption algorithms. Once the encryption is completed, the ransomware adds its special [help.me24@protonmail.com].Z9 extension to all the files modified by it.
Distribution MethodSpam Emails, Email Attachments
Similar InfectionsRoger, Cryptocashaol, Vbox
Removal Tool   GridinSoft Anti-Malware

Bear in mind that the web is now overwhelmed with threats that look similar to Z9 ransomware. It is similar Roger and many other ransomware-type threats. Destructive programs of such kind are typically elaborated to encrypt crucial data and to state the demand prior to the user to pay the ransom. The peculiarity of all such ransomware threats is that all apply a similar algorithm to produce the unique decryption key for files decryption.

Therefore, as long as the ransomware is still being developed or has some hidden bugs, manually recovering the information is just not feasible. The only way to prevent the loss of your essential data is to routinely create backups of your important information.

Bear in mind that even if you create such backups, they need to be put into a special storage utility not connect to your main PC. You may use the Memory Stick or external hard disk for this purpose, or refer to the help of the cloud storage. If you save your backup files on your common system they may be encrypted along with other files, so it’s absolutely not a good storage location.

How did ransomware infect my system?

There are several ways used by online frauds to distribute Z9 ransomware. Even though it doubts how exactly Z9 injects your system, there are some leaks through which it may penetrate the system:

  • integration with third-party software, especially freeware;
  • spam e-mails from unidentified senders;
  • websites rendering free hosting services;
  • pirated peer-to-peer (P2P) downloads.

Frequently Z9 ransomware may be presented as some legitimate software, for example, in the pop-ups instructing users to implement some essential software application updates. This is the typical technique used by online frauds to persuade people into downloading and installing Z9 infection manually, by means of their direct participation in the installation process.

In addition, the criminals might refer to numerous e-mail spam methods to inject destructive codes into PC. So, they may refer to to sending unsolicited spam emails with tricky notices promoting users to download the attachments or click on certain download links, for example, the ones motivating users to open some photos, documents, tax reports or invoices.

Needless to mention, opening such documents or clicking on such dangerous links may severely damage the PC. Fictitious Adobe Flash Player update notifies may result in Z9 ransom injection. When it comes to the cracked applications, these illegally downloaded programs may also contain destructive codes leading to Z9 secret installation. Lastly, injection of Z9 may occur by methods of Trojans that covertly get injected into the system and install destructive utilities without the user’s consent.

Is there any method to avoid the injection of Z9 ransomware?

Even though there is no 100% guarantee to avoid your system from getting infected, there are some pieces of suggestions we wish to show with you. First off, be extremely cautious when you surf the web and particularly while downloading complimentary programs. Keep away from opening suspicious email attachments, especially when the sender of the email is not familiar to you.

Bear in mind that some freeware installers may consist of other unwanted utilities in the package, so they may be harmful. Make sure that your current antivirus software and your entire operating system is always duly updated.

Of course, downloading pirated software is illegal and may lead to important damage to be produced your system. Hence, stay away from downloading cracked software. You are likewise strongly recommended to reconsider your existing security software and potentially change to another security solution that can render much better services of defending your computer.

Screenshot of files with “.[help.me24@protonmail.com].Z9” extension added by the ransomware:
Z9 Ransomware - encrypt files with .[help.me24@protonmail.com].Z9 extension

Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove Z9 ransomware from your computer

1.Download GridinSoft Anti-Malware.

You can download GridinSoft Anti-Malware by clicking the button below:

  GridinSoft Anti-Malware

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.
GridinSoft Anti-Malware
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.
GridinSoft Anti-Malware Setup

3. Press Install button for run GridinSoft Anti-Malware.

GridinSoft Anti-Malware Install

3.Once installed, GridinSoft Anti-Malware will automatically run.

GridinSoft Anti-Malware  Start

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.
GridinSoft Anti-Malware Scan

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.
GridinSoft Anti-Malware Scan Result

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Daniel Zimmermann

Daniel Zimmermann has been writing on security and malware subjects for many years and has been working in the security industry for over 10 years. Daniel was educated at the Saarland University in Saarbrücken, Germany and currently lives in New York.

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