Zida Virus Removal Guide (.zida files ransomware)

Zida – General Info

Zida is a destructive software application working as typical ransomware. Michael Gillespie, the widely known malware researcher, very first found this new name in the DJVU ransomware family.

Zida was created for the sole purpose to encrypt all popular file types. Rationally, as quickly as the file encryption is effectively achieved, the users are not able to get access to them. Zida ransomware includes its own “.zida” to all the encrypted data. For example, the file “price_list.xls”, as soon as crypted by Zida, will be entitled as “price_list.xls.zida”. As soon as the file encryption is accomplished, Zida puts its own special text document (_readme.txt) into all the folders that keep the encrypted files.

The alert stated by document asking for the random os extremely similar to the alerts provided by other ransomware risks coming from the DJVU family. The caution essentially shows that the files have been secured and the only option to get access to it is to use a special standalone key. Regretfully, this declaration is absolutely real.

The method to secure the files used by Zida is not entirely researched. However, there is no doubt that each computer system owner may be provided an unique decryption key, which is definitely unique. It is exceptionally hard to recuperate the information without the proper key in location.

“Don’t worry, you can return all your files!”, from text file message:

One more peculiarity of the Zida infection is that the users are unable to get access to the key. The decrypting key is hosted on an unique server under the complete control by the crooks who have introduced the Zida ransomware into the internet. In order to obtain the key and bring back the crucial information, the users are told to connect with the frauds through e-mail or by telegram and to pay the ransom in the amount of $980.

The message likewise says that the people should contact the Zida authors within 72 hours upon the moment of the data encryption. The alert suggests that by doing so individuals will obtain a 50% discount, for that reason, the ransom quantity falls to $490.

No matter what the quantity of the ransom is, we highly recommend that you do not pay the ransom. There is no assurance that these online criminals will keep their pledges, so they may not care at all what the victims feel about the encryption, even when the quantity of the ransom is received into their accounts. Hence, paying ransom typically does not result in an effective healing. So, the users may just lose their money for absolutely nothing.

Similarly, we urge you not to call the scams as they advise. Do not transfer cash into their wallets. There are no applications that might split the Zida virus or bring back the data at no charge. Therefore, the only correct decision is to bring back the information from possible backups (if readily available).

Virus Summary

Name Zida Ransomware
File Extension zida
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 .zida extension to all the files modified by it.
Distribution Method Adware bundles and software cracks
Similar Infections Pykw, Moba, Vawe
Removal Tool   GridinSoft Anti-Malware

Do not forget that the Internet is now filled with infections similar to the Zida virus. For instance, this particular hazard is essentially similar to Brusaf and other ransomware-type infections. These damaging utilities have been established in order to encrypt the essential data and reveal the demand for the users to pay the ransom. All these infections utilize the similar algorithm to produce the particular key for successful files decryption.

Unless the Zida ransomware is still under the development procedure or has got some hidden bugs, it is not possible to restore the information manually. Thus, the only working option to avoid the loss of your important data is to routinely preserve current backups of all your essential documents.

Another important piece of recommendations is to save the backups on unique storage not linked to your main PC. For example, you might save it on the USB Flash Drive, or some external hard disk drive, or by using the cloud data storage services. Keeping the backups on your system drive is very dangerous, since the backup may also be secured by the Zida ransomware.

Leakages for the Zida ransomware attack.

Zida uses numerous paths to infiltrate the vulnerable computer systems. It is not particular what specific method was utilized in your case, nevertheless, the invasion might happen by means of the following channels:

  • bundling with third-party programs, generally free software;
  • spam emails from the unidentified senders;
  • websites offering free hosting;
  • P2P (peer-to-peer) torrent software.

There are times when the Zida virus may disguise itself as some genuine application, for instance, through the deceptive signals demanding setup of some software update. This is the most common technique utilized by the frauds to inject the Zida infection files into the system. In this manner users partially participate in its installation, without plainly understanding the risk.

Additionally, the frauds might send out unsolicited spam e-mail with difficult notifies motivating the people to open dubious accessories or click some download links, for example, those encouraging individuals to open certain photos, text files, tax files and other info.

No doubt, opening these files or clicking on the destructive links may basically damage the system. Fake Adobe Flash Player update alerts may lead to the Zida ransomware seepage. Similarly, downloading the broken software might in addition consist of the ransomware installer. The last however not the least, installation of Zida may take place through some Trojan horses that may be set up stealthily into the system and without the user’s direct permission or perhaps approval.

Avoiding the Zida attack.

Of course, there is no absolute guarantee that your computer will be always free of any malware attacks, nevertheless, we would like to share some useful pointers with you to make it safer. Ensure to pay very attention while searching the web and specifically while getting cost-free programs. Do not open any suspicious email attachments, particularly if the sender is not known to you.

Do not forget that certain freeware installer might likewise include some other extra apps in the bundle. These extra applications might be extremely destructive. It is of utmost significance to keep your anti-virus software application and your os in general to be always correctly upgraded.

It is quite logical that downloading pirated software is unlawful, however, additionally, such unapproved programs use may likewise bring major damage to your system. Thus, do not download any split programs. Plus, the reality that your present anti-virus did not secure the system from the Zida ransomware is an excellent reason for you to reconsider your choices and change to another program that can render the protecting functions on a far better level.

Below please find the quotation from the Zida 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 “.zida” extension added by the ransomware:”

Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove Zida 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.

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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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