ZaLtOn Virus – Details
The ZaLtOn mean a ransomware-type infection. The virus comes from the Xorist ransomware family. ZaLtOn was elaborated specifically to encrypt all major file types. Once the file is encrypted people are not able to use them. ZaLtOn adds the “.ZaLtOn” extension for each file encrypted by it. For example, the file “myphoto.jpg“, when encrypted by ZaLtOn, will be renamed into “myphoto.jpg.ZaLtOn“. As soon as the encryption is finished, ZaLtOn places a special text file into every folder containing the encrypted data.The message given by ZaLtOn text file requesting for the ransom is definitely the same as the statements given by other ransomware representatives coming from the Xorist clan. It actually discusses that the info is encrypted and that the only way to restore it is to use a a distinct decryption key. Sadly, this is definitely true. The kind of cryptography mechanism used by ZaLtOn is still not properly examined. Still, it is definitely certain that each victim may be given the specific decryption key, which is totally unique. It is difficult to restore the files without the key available.
Another technique of ZaLtOn is that the victims cannot access to the key. The key is saved on a particular server run by the frauds associated with ZaLtOn ransomware. To get the key and recover the important info people need to pay the ransom.
ZaLtOn encrypted your documents, but that might not be the only damage done to you. The ransomware might still be hidingon your computer. To identify whether this holds true, we suggest downloading GridinSoft Anti-Malware.
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However, irrespective of the asked for amount, people need to keep away from paying the ransom virus. Cyber frauds are not fair, so they tend to totally ignore what their victims feel about the issue, even when the payment reaches their pockets. This is why paying the ransom usually does not give any positive outcome and people just lose their money for nothing.
We strongly encourage that you do not contact these crooks and absolutely do not transfer money into their accounts. It is said to admit that there are no utilities able to crack ZaLtOn ransomware and to recover the data data free of charge. Hence, the just best decision is to recover the lost information from the available backup.
Virus Summary
| Name | ZaLtOn Ransomware |
| File Extension | .ZaLtOn |
| Type | Ransomware |
| Family | Xorist |
| 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 and RSA encryption algorithms. Once the encryption is completed, the ransomware adds its special ZaLtOn extension to all the files modified by it. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
| Similar Infections | Locked3dllkierff, Mame, Vulicaps |
| Removal Tool | GridinSoft Anti-Malware |
Bear in mind that the internet is now overwhelmed with threats that look comparable to ZaLtOn ransomware. It is similar Locked3dllkierff and many other ransomware-type threats. Harmful programs of such kind are typically elaborated to encrypt crucial information 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.
Hence, as long as the ransomware is still being developed or has some hidden bugs, by hand recovering the information is merely not feasible. The only way to prevent the loss of your essential information is to regularly create backups of your important information.
Remember 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 USB Flash Drive or external hard drive for this purpose, or refer to the help of the cloud storage. If you keep your backup files on your common system they may be encrypted in addition to other files, so it’s certainly not a good storage place.
How did ransomware infect my computer?
There are several methods used by online frauds to distribute ZaLtOn virus. Although it is uncertain how precisely ZaLtOn injects your computer, there are some leaks through which it may penetrate the system:
- integration with third-party software, especially freeware;
- spam e-mails from unknown senders;
- websites rendering free hosting services;
- pirated peer-to-peer (P2P) downloads.
Often ZaLtOn ransomware may exist as some legitimate software, for instance, in the pop-ups instructing users to execute some crucial software application updates. This is the typical technique used by online scams to persuade people into downloading and installing ZaLtOn infection manually, by ways of their direct participation in the installation process.
Furthermore, the criminals might describe different e-mail spam techniques to inject harmful codes into Windows PC. So, they may describe to sending unsolicited spam e-mails with tricky notices promoting users to download the attachments or click on certain download links, for example, the ones encouraging users to open some photos, files, tax reports or invoices.
Needless to mention, opening such files or clicking on such dangerous links may severely harm the PC. Fictitious Adobe Flash Player update informs may result in ZaLtOn virus injection. As for the cracked software, these illegally downloaded programs may also consist of harmful codes resulting in ZaLtOn secret installation. Lastly, injection of ZaLtOn may occur by methods of Trojans that secretly get injected into the system and set up malicious tools without the user’s consent.
Is there any method to avoid the injection of ZaLtOn ransom virus?
Although there is no 100% guarantee to prevent your PC from getting infected, there are some pieces of guidance we wish to show with you. To start with, be really mindful when you surf the web and specifically while downloading free apps. Keep away from opening suspicious email attachments, especially when the sender of the email is not familiar to you.
Remember that some freeware installers may include other unwanted utilities in the package, so they may be malicious. Make sure that your current antivirus software and your entire OS is always appropriately updated.
Obviously, downloading pirated software is prohibited and may lead to necessary damage to be made for your PC. For this reason, stay away from downloading cracked software. You are likewise highly encouraged to reconsider your existing security software and potentially switch to another security solution that can render much better services of protecting your Windows.
Below please find the quotation from the ZaLtOn text file:
In your attention!!! Hello, your server is very vulnerable, that\'s why you became a victim of ransomware All your files are currently encrypted However, there is also good news, the files can be decrypted if you pay 0.11 bitcoin. All you have to do is follow the steps below. Buy 0.11 bitcoin, you can easily buy bitcoin from this sites: www.localbitcoins.com www.paxful.com Send the amount to this wallet: 17cvUD9uzYk3fsCZzGyKNZ3aSgnoSKU3X7 After sending, contact us at this email address: zalton@tuta.io With this subject: - ATTENTION!! we do not receive emails sent from gmail accounts Immediately after this you will receive an email with the keys and a small tutorial for decrypting the files. Here\'s another list of where to buy bitcoin: hxxps://bitcoin.org/en/exchanges
Screenshot of files with “.ZaLtOn” extension added by the ransomware:
Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove ZaLtOn ransomware from your computer
1.Download GridinSoft Anti-Malware.
You can download 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.
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