Zaps – Ransomware
Zaps is a destructive software working as common ransomware. Michael Gillespie, the popular virus researcher, very first found this new name in the DJVU ransomware family.
Zaps was created for the sole function to encrypt all popular file types. Logically, as quickly as the file encryption is effectively achieved, the users are unable to get access to them. Zaps virus adds its own “.zaps” to all the encrypted files. For instance, the file “price_list.xls”, once crypted by Zaps, will be titled as “price_list.xls.zaps”. Once the encryption is achieved, Zaps puts its own special text file (_readme.txt) into all the folders that store the encrypted files.
The message specified by text file requesting for the random os really similar to the notifications provided by other ransomware risks coming from the DJVU family. The caution essentially shows that the data has been secured and the only solution to get access to it is to use a special standalone key. Regretfully, this statement is absolutely real.
The method to encrypt the files used by Zaps is not completely looked into. Nevertheless, there is no doubt that each computer system owner might be issued a special decryption key, which is absolutely unique. It is extremely tough to recuperate the information without the suitable key in location.
“Don’t worry, you can return all your files!”, from text file message:
One more peculiarity of the Zaps infection is that the users are not able to get access to the key. The decrypting key is hosted on a special server under the complete control by the scoundrels who have introduced the Zaps infection into the web. In order to obtain the key and restore the essential data, the users are told to contact the frauds through email or by telegram and to pay the ransom in the quantity of $980.
The message likewise states that the people need to get in touch with the Zaps authors within 72 hours upon the moment of the data encryption. The alert indicates that by doing so the people will acquire a 50% discount, therefore, the ransom quantity falls to $490.
Zaps modified your files, nevertheless, it might not be the only risk on your PC. Plus, the ransomware might be hidden deep in the system. To detect and erase the danger totally, we suggest you to describe the help of GridinSoft Anti-Malware app.
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No matter what the amount of the ransom is, we strongly advise that you do not pay the ransom. There is no assurance that these online criminals will keep their guarantees, so they might not care at all what the victims feel about the file encryption, even when the amount of the ransom is received into their accounts. Hence, paying ransom typically does not result in a successful recovery. So, the users may simply lose their money for nothing.
Likewise, we urge you not to contact the scams as they instruct. Do not transfer cash into their wallets. There are no applications that might break the Zaps virus or bring back the data at no charge. Therefore, the only appropriate choice is to bring back the information from possible backups (if offered).
Virus Summary
| Name | Zaps Ransomware |
| File Extension | zaps |
| Type | Ransomware |
| Family | DJVU |
| 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-256 algorithm (CFB mode) encryption algorithm. Once the encryption is completed, the ransomware adds its special .zaps extension to all the files modified by it. |
| Distribution Method | Adware bundles and software cracks |
| Similar Infections | Lokas, Besub, Nusar |
| Zaps Removal Tool | GridinSoft Anti-Malware |
| Zaps Decryption Tool | Emsisoft Djvu Decryptor |
Do not forget that the Internet is now full of infections comparable to the Zaps virus. For instance, this particular danger is basically identical to Brusaf and other ransomware-type infections. These damaging utilities have actually been developed in order to encrypt the important information and express the demand for the users to pay the ransom. All these infections utilize the similar algorithm to generate the particular key for effective data decryption.
Unless the Zaps ransomware is still under the development process or has actually got some hidden bugs, it is not possible to bring back the information by hand. Therefore, the only working service to avoid the loss of your important information is to frequently maintain updated backups of all your important files.
Another essential piece of recommendations is to save the backups on special storage not linked to your main PC. For example, you might store it on the USB Flash Drive, or some external disk drive, or by using the cloud data storage services. Keeping the backups on your system drive is extremely risky, considering that the backup may also be encrypted by the Zaps ransomware.
Leakages for the Zaps ransomware attack.
Zaps utilizes many paths to penetrate the vulnerable computer systems. It is not specific what particular method was utilized in your case, however, the invasion may take place through the following channels:
- bundling with third-party programs, generally freeware;
- spam emails from the unidentified senders;
- sites offering complimentary hosting;
- P2P (peer-to-peer) torrent downloads.
There are times when the Zaps ransomware may disguise itself as some genuine application, for instance, through the misleading informs requiring setup of some software application upgrade. This is the most common technique used by the frauds to inject the Zaps virus files into the system. By doing this users partly take part in its installation, without clearly comprehending the threat.
Moreover, the frauds may send unsolicited spam email with challenging signals encouraging individuals to open suspicious attachments or click some download links, for instance, those encouraging individuals to open specific images, text files, tax documents and other info.
No doubt, opening these files or clicking the harmful links might basically damage the system. Fake Media Player upgrade notifications may result in the Zaps ransomware seepage. Likewise, downloading the broken software application may additionally contain the ransomware installer. The last but not the least, setup of Zaps may take place through some Trojan horses that might be set up stealthily into the system and without the user’s direct consent and even authorization.
Avoiding the Zaps ransomware attack.
Naturally, there is no outright guarantee that your computer system will be always without any malware attacks, nevertheless, we would like to share some useful suggestions with you to make it more secure. Ensure to pay extremely very close attention while searching the web and especially while downloading cost-free programs. Do not open any dubious email accessories, especially if the sender is not understood to you.
Do not forget that particular freeware installer may likewise include some other extra apps in the package. These additional applications might be extremely damaging. It is of utmost significance to keep your anti-virus software and your operating system in general to be constantly properly updated.
It is rather logical that downloading pirated apps is prohibited, however, additionally, such unapproved apps use might likewise bring severe damage to your PC. Thus, do not download any split programs. Plus, the fact that your present anti-virus did not protect the system from the Zaps ransomware is a good reason for you to reconsider your choices and change to another program that can render the protecting functions on a better level.
Below please find the quotation from the Zaps text file:
ATTENTION! Don't worry, you can return all your files! All your files like photos, databases, documents and other important are encrypted with strongest encryption and unique key. The only method of recovering files is to purchase decrypt tool and unique key for you. This software will decrypt all your encrypted files. What guarantees you have? You can send one of your encrypted file from your PC and we decrypt it for free. But we can decrypt only 1 file for free. File must not contain valuable information. You can get and look video overview decrypt tool: https://we.tl/t-2P5WrE5b9f Price of private key and decrypt software is $980. Discount 50% available if you contact us first 72 hours, that's price for you is $490. Please note that you'll never restore your data without payment. Check your e-mail "Spam" or "Junk" folder if you don't get answer more than 6 hours. To get this software you need write on our e-mail: restorealldata@firemail.cc Reserve e-mail address to contact us: gorentos@bitmessage.ch Our Telegram account: @datarestore
Screenshot of files with “.zaps” extension added by the ransomware:”
Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove Zaps 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.
Use Emsisoft Decryptor for restore zaps files
You can download Emsisoft Decryptor by clicking the button below:
- Run the decryptor as an administrator. The license terms will show up, which you have to agree to by clicking the “Yes” button.
- Once the license terms are accepted, the primary decryptor user interface opens.
- By default, the decryptor will pre-populate the locations to decrypt with the currently connected drives and network drives. Additional locations can be added using the Add” button.
- Decryptors typically offer various options depending on the particular malware family. The available options are located in the Options tab and can be enabled or disabled there. You can find a detailed list of the available Options below.
- After you have added all the locations you want to decrypt to the list, click the “Decrypt” button to start the decryption process. The screen will switch to a status view, informing you about the current process and decryption status of your files
- The decryptor will inform you once the decryption process is finished. If you require the report for your personal records, you can save it by clicking the “Save log” button. You can also copy it straight to your clipboard to paste it into emails or forum posts if you are asked to.
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