RansomwareRemoval Guide

Remove ZoNiSoNaL Virus (+Decrypt .ZoNiSoNaL files) – Xorist Ransomware

ZoNiSoNaL Virus Ransomware

The ZoNiSoNaL stands for a ransomware-type infection. The virus comes from the Xorist ransomware family. ZoNiSoNaL was elaborated particularly to encrypt all major file types. When the file is encrypted people are unable to use them. ZoNiSoNaL adds the “.ZoNiSoNaL” extension for each file encrypted by it. For example, the file “myphoto.jpg“, when encrypted by ZoNiSoNaL, will be renamed into “myphoto.jpg.ZoNiSoNaL“. As quickly as the encryption is finished, ZoNiSoNaL places a special text file into every folder containing the encrypted data.

The message given by ZoNiSoNaL text file asking for the ransom is absolutely the like the statements given by other ransomware representatives belonging to the Xorist clan. 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. Regretfully, this is definitely true. The type of cryptography mechanism used by ZoNiSoNaL is still not appropriately examined. Still, it is absolutely specific that each victim might be given the specific decryption key, which is totally unique. It is difficult to bring back the files without the key available.

Another trick of ZoNiSoNaL is that the victims cannot get to the key. The key is stored on a specific server run by the frauds related to ZoNiSoNaL ransomware. To get the key and recover the important info people have to pay the ransom.

Nevertheless, irrespective of the requested quantity, people must keep away from paying the ransom virus. Cyber frauds are not fair, so they tend to totally 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 nothing.

We highly 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 ZoNiSoNaL ransomware and to recover the data data free of charge. Therefore, the just right decision is to recover the lost information from the available backup.

Virus Summary

NameZoNiSoNaL Ransomware
File Extension.ZoNiSoNaL
TypeRansomware
FamilyXorist
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 ZoNiSoNaL extension to all the files modified by it.
Distribution MethodSpam Emails, Email Attachments
Similar InfectionsQolkuznbvcg, Glute, Lock
Removal Tool   GridinSoft Anti-Malware

Remember that the internet is now overwhelmed with threats that look similar to ZoNiSoNaL ransomware. It is similar Qolkuznbvcg and many other ransomware-type threats. Malicious programs of such kind are typically elaborated to encrypt essential 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 create the special decryption key for data decryption.

Hence, as long as the ransomware is still being developed or has some hidden bugs, by hand recovering the information is simply not feasible. The only way to avoid the loss of your crucial information is to regularly 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 Memory Stick or external disk drive for this purpose, or refer to the help of the cloud storage. If you store your backup files on your common system they may be encrypted together 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 ZoNiSoNaL ransomware. Although it doubts how precisely ZoNiSoNaL injects your computer, there are some leaks through which it may penetrate the system:

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

Often ZoNiSoNaL ransomware might be presented as some genuine software, for instance, in the pop-ups advising users to execute some crucial software application updates. This is the typical trick used by online scams to persuade people into downloading and installing ZoNiSoNaL infection manually, by ways of their direct participation in the installation process.

Furthermore, the criminals may describe different e-mail spam strategies to inject malicious codes into PC. So, they may refer to 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 video, documents, tax reports or invoices.

Needless to mention, opening such documents or clicking on such dangerous links may severely harm the PC. Fictitious Adobe Flash Player upgrade alerts may result in ZoNiSoNaL virus injection. As for the cracked applications, these illegally downloaded programs may likewise contain destructive codes causing ZoNiSoNaL secret installation. Lastly, injection of ZoNiSoNaL may occur by methods of Trojans that secretly get injected into the system and set up harmful utilities without the user’s consent.

Is there any way to prevent the injection of ZoNiSoNaL ransom virus?

Even though there is no 100% guarantee to prevent your PC from getting infected, there are some pieces of advice we want to show with you. First of all, be really mindful when you surf the web and especially while downloading totally free 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 include other unwanted utilities in the package, so they may be harmful. Make sure that your current antivirus and your entire OS is always duly updated.

Obviously, downloading pirated software is unlawful and may result in essential damage to be produced your system. For this reason, stay away from downloading cracked software. You are also highly encouraged to reconsider your existing security software and possibly switch to another security solution that can render better services of protecting your system.

Below please find the quotation from the ZoNiSoNaL text file:

ATENTION!!!

I am truly sorry to inform you that all your important files are crypted.

Atention! I do not offer for free the decrypt key\'s, for that you have to pay 0.14 BITCOIN.

You can get bitcoin very easy on this site: www.localbitcoins.com
You have to create an account and to buy 0.14 BITCOIN from a seller located in your city.
Then you have to send the amount at this BTC adress: 1L2fbTgoSWKDhNp3cmXYFygd1fX2cF8YqJ

After that, contact me at this email adress: zonis@gmx.com
With this subject: KEYSIDFOR-NB0T1C40912341

After the payment you will receive the key\'s to decrypt your files and a tutorial

Here is another list where you can buy bitcoin:
hxxps://bitcoin.org/en/exchanges

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

Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove ZoNiSoNaL 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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