RansomwareRemoval Guide

Remove ZeroCool Virus (.ZeroCool Files Ransomware)

ZeroCool Virus – Details

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

The message given by ZeroCool text file requesting for the ransom is absolutely the same as the statements given by other ransomware representatives. It literally mentions that the information is encrypted which the only way to restore it is to use a an unique decryption key. Sadly, this is definitely true. The sort of cryptography mechanism used by ZeroCool is still not correctly examined. Still, it is definitely certain that each victim may be given the specific decryption key, which is absolutely distinct. It is impossible to restore the files without the key available.

Another technique of ZeroCool is that the victims cannot get to the key. The key is kept on a specific server run by the frauds related to ZeroCool ransomware. To get the key and recover the important information people have to pay the ransom.

However, irrespective of the requested quantity, people should keep away from paying the ransom virus. Cyber frauds are unfair, so they tend to completely disregard what their victims feel about the problem, 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 definitely do not transfer money into their accounts. It is said to admit that there are no utilities able to crack ZeroCool ransomware and to recover the information data free of charge. Therefore, the only best decision is to recover the lost data from the available backup.

Virus Summary

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

Bear in mind that the world wide web is now overwhelmed with threats that look comparable to ZeroCool ransomware. Destructive programs of such kind are typically elaborated to encrypt important information and to state 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 distinct decryption key for files decryption.

Thus, as long as the ransomware is still being developed or has some hidden bugs, manually recovering the information is just not feasible. The only method to prevent the loss of your essential information is to routinely 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 Memory Stick or external hard disk 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 ZeroCool ransomware. Although it is uncertain how precisely ZeroCool injects your computer, there are some leaks through which it may infiltrate the system:

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

Frequently ZeroCool virus might exist as some legitimate software application, for instance, in the pop-ups instructing users to execute some important software updates. This is the typical trick used by online scams to persuade people into downloading and installing ZeroCool infection manually, by means of their direct participation in the installation process.

Furthermore, the criminals may refer to numerous email spam strategies to inject harmful codes into Windows PC. So, they may describe to sending unsolicited spam e-mails with tricky notifications promoting users to download the attachments or click on certain download links, for example, the ones motivating users to open some video, documents, tax reports or invoices.

Needless to mention, opening such documents or clicking on such dangerous links may significantly damage the system. Fictitious Adobe Flash Player upgrade alerts may result in ZeroCool ransom injection. As for the cracked software, these illegally downloaded programs may also include destructive codes resulting in ZeroCool secret installation. Finally, injection of ZeroCool may happen by methods of Trojans that privately get injected into the system and install malicious utilities without the user’s approval.

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

Even though there is no 100% guarantee to avoid your system from getting infected, there are some pieces of advice we wish to show with you. First off, be really cautious when you surf the web and particularly while downloading complimentary apps. 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 include other unwanted utilities in the bundle, so they may be malicious. 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 essential 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 defending your computer.

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

Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove ZeroCool 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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