ZOH Virus – Details
The ZOH stands for a ransomware-type infection. The virus comes from the Dharma ransomware family. ZOH was elaborated specifically to encrypt all major file types. Once the file is encrypted people are not able to use them. ZOH adds the “.zoh” extension for each file encrypted by it. For example, the file “myphoto.jpg“, once encrypted by ZOH, will be renamed into “myphoto.jpg.zoh“. As soon as the encryption is finished, ZOH places a special text file into every folder containing the encrypted data.The message given by ZOH text file requesting the ransom is definitely the same as the statements given by other ransomware virus representatives belonging to the Dharma type. It literally points out 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 sort of cryptography mechanism used by ZOH is still not correctly examined. Still, it is absolutely specific that each victim might be given the specific decryption key, which is completely unique. It is difficult to bring back the files without the key available.
Another trick of ZOH is that the victims cannot gain access to the key. The key is saved on a particular server run by the frauds related to ZOH ransomware. To get the key and recover the important information people have to pay the ransom.
ZOH 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 requested amount, people must stay away from paying the virus. Cyber frauds are unfair, 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 usually does not provide any positive outcome and people just waste their money for absolutely nothing.
We highly 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 ZOH ransomware and to recover the information data totally free. Thus, the only best decision is to recover the lost data from the available backup.
Virus Summary
| Name | ZOH Ransomware |
| File Extension | .zoh |
| Type | Ransomware |
| Family | Dharma |
| 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 zoh extension to all the files modified by it. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
| Similar Infections | Kjh, Bsc, Harma |
| Removal Tool | GridinSoft Anti-Malware |
Keep in mind that the internet is now overwhelmed with threats that look similar to ZOH ransomware. It is similar Kjh and many other ransomware-type threats. Destructive programs of such kind are usually elaborated to encrypt crucial 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 comparable algorithm to produce the distinct 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 just not feasible. The only method to prevent the loss of your essential files is to frequently create backups of your important information.
Keep in mind that even if you create such backups, they must be put into a special storage utility not connect to your main computer. You may use the USB Memory Stick or external hard disk 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 along with other files, so it’s definitely not a good storage location.
How did ransomware infect my PC?
There are several methods used by online scams to distribute ZOH ransomware. Although it is uncertain how precisely ZOH injects your PC, there are some leaks through which it may infiltrate the system:
- integration with third-party software application, especially freeware;
- spam emails from unknown senders;
- websites rendering free hosting services;
- pirated peer-to-peer (P2P) downloads.
Typically ZOH ransomware may exist as some genuine software application, for instance, in the pop-ups instructing users to execute some essential software updates. This is the typical trick used by online scams to persuade people into downloading and installing ZOH infection manually, by means of their direct participation in the installation process.
In addition, the criminals might refer to numerous e-mail spam strategies to inject destructive codes into copmuter. So, they may refer to to sending unsolicited spam emails with tricky notifications 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 files or clicking on such dangerous links may significantly harm the system. Fictitious Adobe Flash Player upgrade notifies may result in ZOH virus injection. As for the cracked applications, these illegally downloaded programs may also consist of malicious codes causing ZOH secret installation. Lastly, injection of ZOH may take place by methods of Trojans that secretly get injected into the system and install harmful utilities without the user’s permission.
Is there any way to prevent the injection of ZOH ransom virus?
Despite the fact that there is no 100% guarantee to prevent your PC from getting infected, there are some pieces of guidance we wish to share with with you. First of all, be very careful when you browse the web and especially while downloading complimentary apps. Keep 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 include other unwanted utilities in the package, so they may be destructive. Make sure that your current antivirus software and your entire OS is always appropriately updated.
Obviously, downloading pirated software is unlawful and may lead to vital damage to be produced your system. Thus, stay away from downloading cracked software. You are also strongly encouraged to reconsider your existing security software and perhaps change to another security solution that can render much better services of protecting your PC.
Screenshot of files with “.zoh” extension added by the ransomware:
Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove ZOH 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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