RansomwareRemoval Guide

Remove ZareuS Virus (.ZareuS Files Ransomware)

ZareuS – Ransomware

The ZareuS mean a ransomware-type infection. ZareuS was elaborated specifically to encrypt all major file types. Once the file is encrypted people are not able to use them. ZareuS adds the “.ZareuS” extension for each file encrypted by it. For example, the file “myphoto.jpg“, when encrypted by ZareuS, will be renamed into “myphoto.jpg.ZareuS“. As soon as the encryption is finished, ZareuS places a special text file into every folder containing the encrypted data.

The message given by ZareuS text file asking for the ransom is definitely the same as the statements given by other ransomware representatives. It literally mentions that the info is encrypted and that the only way to restore it is to use a a special decryption key. Unfortunately, this is definitely true. The type of cryptography mechanism used by ZareuS is still not properly examined. Still, it is definitely specific that each victim may be given the specific decryption key, which is completely distinct. It is impossible to restore the files without the key available.

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

Nonetheless, irrespective of the requested quantity, people should keep away from paying the virus. Cyber frauds are not fair, so they tend to completely ignore what their victims feel about the problem, even when the payment reaches their pockets. This is why paying the ransom typically does not give any positive outcome and people simply waste their money for nothing.

We strongly advise 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 ZareuS ransomware and to recover the data data totally free. Thus, the just best decision is to recover the lost data from the available backup.

Virus Summary

NameZareuS Ransomware
File Extension.ZareuS
TypeRansomware
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 ZareuS extension to all the files modified by it.
Distribution MethodSpam Emails, Email Attachments
Removal Tool   GridinSoft Anti-Malware

Bear in mind that the web is now overwhelmed with threats that look similar to ZareuS ransomware. Malicious programs of such kind are normally elaborated to encrypt essential information and to set forth the demand before 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 data decryption.

Thus, as long as the ransomware is still being developed or has some hidden bugs, manually recovering the information is simply not feasible. The only method to avoid the loss of your important information is to frequently create backups of your important information.

Bear in mind that even if you create such backups, they should be placed 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 numerous ways used by online scams to distribute ZareuS ransomware. Even though it doubts how precisely ZareuS injects your system, there are some leaks through which it may infiltrate the system:

  • integration with third-party software application, especially freeware;
  • spam emails from unknown senders;
  • sites rendering free hosting services;
  • pirated peer-to-peer (P2P) downloads.

Typically ZareuS virus may exist as some genuine software, for instance, in the pop-ups advising users to implement some crucial software application updates. This is the typical technique used by online frauds to persuade people into downloading and installing ZareuS infection manually, by means of their direct participation in the installation process.

Furthermore, the criminals may refer to various email spam techniques to inject destructive codes into copmuter. So, they may describe to sending unsolicited spam emails with tricky notifications promoting users to download the attachments or click on certain download links, for example, the ones encouraging users to open some receipts, files, tax reports or invoices.

Needless to mention, opening such documents or clicking on such dangerous links may seriously damage the PC. Fictitious Adobe Flash Player update notifies may result in ZareuS virus injection. As for the cracked software, these illegally downloaded programs may likewise include harmful codes leading to ZareuS secret installation. Lastly, injection of ZareuS may take place by means of Trojans that covertly get injected into the system and install destructive tools without the user’s approval.

Is there any way to prevent the injection of ZareuS ransomware?

Even though there is no 100% guarantee to prevent your computer from getting infected, there are some pieces of recommendations we wish to show with you. First of all, be very careful when you surf the web and specifically while downloading complimentary programs. Stay away from opening suspicious email attachments, especially when the sender of the email is not familiar to you.

Keep in mind that some freeware installers may contain other unwanted utilities in the package, so they may be destructive. Make sure that your current anti-virus and your entire OS is always appropriately updated.

Obviously, downloading pirated software is unlawful and may result in vital damage to be produced your system. Hence, stay away from downloading cracked software. You are likewise strongly advised to reconsider your existing security software and possibly switch to another security solution that can render far better services of defending your Windows.

Screenshot of files with “.ZareuS” extension added by the ransomware:
ZareuS Ransomware - encrypt files with .ZareuS extension

Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove ZareuS 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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