Remove ZES Virus (.[johncastle@msgsafe.io].zes Files Ransomware) – Makop Ransomware

ZES – Ransomware

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

The message given by ZES text file asking for the ransom is definitely the same as the statements given by other ransomware representatives coming from the Makop family. It actually discusses that the info is encrypted which the only way to restore it is to use a a special decryption key. Sadly, this is definitely true. The kind of cryptography mechanism used by ZES is still not appropriately examined. Still, it is absolutely specific that each victim may be given the specific decryption key, which is completely distinct. It is difficult to bring back the files without the key available.

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

Nevertheless, irrespective of the asked for quantity, people should stay away from paying the virus. Cyber frauds are unfair, so they tend to entirely disregard what their victims feel about the issue, even when the payment reaches their pockets. This is why paying the ransom usually does not provide any positive outcome and people simply lose their money for absolutely nothing.

We highly encourage that you do not contact these crooks and certainly do not transfer money into their accounts. It is said to admit that there are no utilities able to crack ZES ransomware and to recover the information data for free. Hence, the only best decision is to recover the lost information from the available backup.

Virus Summary

Name	ZES Ransomware
File Extension	.[johncastle@msgsafe.io].zes
Type	Ransomware
Family	Makop
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 [johncastle@msgsafe.io].zes extension to all the files modified by it.
Distribution Method	Spam Emails, Email Attachments
Similar Infections	Shootlock, Makop, Makop
Removal Tool	GridinSoft Anti-Malware

Remember that the internet is now overwhelmed with threats that look comparable to ZES ransomware. It is similar Shootlock and many other ransomware-type threats. Destructive programs of such kind are typically elaborated to encrypt essential data 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 special 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 simply not feasible. The only method to prevent the loss of your crucial files is to regularly create backups of your important information.

Remember that even if you create such backups, they should be placed into a special storage utility not connect to your main computer. You may use the Memory Stick or external hard drive 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 certainly not a good storage place.

How did ransomware infect my PC?

There are several methods used by online scams to distribute ZES ransomware. Despite the fact that it doubts how precisely ZES injects your PC, there are some leaks through which it may infiltrate the system:

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

Frequently ZES ransomware may exist as some genuine software application, for instance, in the pop-ups advising users to carry out some essential software application updates. This is the common technique used by online scams to persuade people into downloading and installing ZES infection manually, by means of their direct participation in the installation process.

Furthermore, the criminals might describe various email spam strategies to inject malicious codes into copmuter. 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 encouraging users to open some video, files, tax reports or invoices.

Needless to mention, opening such files or clicking on such dangerous links may badly harm the PC. Fictitious Adobe Flash Player update informs may result in ZES virus injection. As for the cracked software, these illegally downloaded programs may likewise include harmful codes leading to ZES secret installation. Finally, injection of ZES may occur by means of Trojans that privately get injected into the system and set up harmful utilities without the user’s approval.

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

Even though there is no 100% guarantee to prevent your computer from getting infected, there are some pieces of recommendations we want to share with with you. To start with, be extremely cautious when you surf the web and especially 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 include other unwanted utilities in the bundle, so they may be destructive. Make sure that your current antivirus and your entire OS is always duly updated.

Of course, downloading pirated software is unlawful and may result in important damage to be produced your system. For this reason, stay away from downloading cracked software. You are likewise strongly advised to reconsider your existing security software and potentially change to another security solution that can render much better services of protecting your PC.

Below please find the quotation from the ZES text file:

::: Greetings :::


Little FAQ:
.1.
Q: Whats Happen?
A: Your files have been encrypted and now have the \"makop\" extension. The file structure was not damaged, we did everything possible so that this could not happen.

.2.
Q: How to recover files?
A: If you wish to decrypt your files you will need to pay in bitcoins.

.3.
Q: What about guarantees?
A: Its just a business. We absolutely do not care about you and your deals, except getting benefits. If we do not do our work and liabilities - nobody will cooperate with us. Its not in our interests.
To check the ability of returning files, you can send to us any 2 files with SIMPLE extensions(jpg,xls,doc, etc... not databases!) and low sizes(max 1 mb), we will decrypt them and send back to you. That is our guarantee.

.4.
Q: How to contact with you?
A: You can write us to our mailbox: johncastle@msgsafe.io

.5.
Q: How will the decryption process proceed after payment?
A: After payment we will send to you our scanner-decoder program and detailed instructions for use. With this program you will be able to decrypt all your encrypted files.

.6.
Q: If I donít want to pay bad people like you?
A: If you will not cooperate with our service - for us, its does not matter. But you will lose your time and data, cause only we have the private key. In practice - time is much more valuable than money.

:::BEWARE:::
DON\'T try to change encrypted files by yourself!
If you will try to use any third party software for restoring your data or antivirus solutions - please make a backup for all encrypted files!
Any changes in encrypted files may entail damage of the private key and, as result, the loss all data.

Screenshot of files with “.[johncastle@msgsafe.io].zes” extension added by the ransomware:

Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove ZES 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.

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.