Zipe – General Info
Zipe is a harmful software functioning as typical ransomware. Michael Gillespie, the popular virus researcher, first discovered this new name in the DJVU ransomware family.
Zipe was developed for the sole function to encrypt all popular file types. Realistically, as soon as the file encryption is successfully achieved, the users are not able to get access to them. Zipe virus adds its own “.zipe” to all the encrypted files. For example, the file “price_list.xls”, when encrypted by Zipe, will be titled as “price_list.xls.zipe”. Once the file encryption is achieved, Zipe puts its own special text document (_readme.txt) into all the folders that keep the encrypted files.
The alert mentioned by document requesting for the random os very comparable to the notifications provided by other ransomware threats belonging to the DJVU family. The warning generally indicates that the files have been secured and the only solution to get access to it is to use a special standalone key. Regretfully, this statement is definitely true.
The approach to secure the files utilized by Zipe is not totally looked into. Nevertheless, there is no doubt that each computer system owner may be issued a special decryption key, which is definitely special. It is exceptionally tough to recover the information without the appropriate key in location.
“Don’t worry, you can return all your files!”, from _readme.txt message:
One more peculiarity of the Zipe virus is that the users are not able to get access to the key. The decrypting key is hosted on a unique server under the total control by the criminals who have launched the Zipe infection into the world wide web. In order to acquire the key and bring back the essential information, the users are informed to contact the scams through email or by telegram and to pay the ransom in the amount of $980.
The message likewise says that the people ought to contact the Zipe authors within 72 hours upon the moment of the information file encryption. The alert shows that by doing so individuals will obtain a 50% discount, therefore, the ransom amount falls to $490.
Zipe modified your files, nevertheless, it might not be the only danger on your computer. Plus, the ransomware may be hidden deep in the system. To identify and erase the threat entirely, we advise you to refer to the help of GridinSoft Anti-Malware .
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No matter what the amount of the ransom is, we strongly encourage that you do not pay the ransom. There is no guarantee that these online criminals will keep their promises, so they may not care at all what the victims feel about the encryption, even when the amount of the ransom is received into their accounts. Hence, paying ransom frequently does not result in an effective recovery. So, the users may just lose their money for absolutely nothing.
Likewise, we advise you not to contact the frauds as they instruct. Do not transfer loan into their wallets. There are no applications that might split the Zipe ransomware or bring back the information for free. Therefore, the only correct choice is to restore the data from possible backups (if available).
Virus Summary
| Name | Zipe Ransomware |
| File Extension | zipe |
| 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 .zipe extension to all the files modified by it. |
| Distribution Method | Adware bundles and software cracks |
| Similar Infections | Pezi, Covm, Koti |
| Removal Tool | GridinSoft Anti-Malware |
Do not forget that the Web is now filled with infections comparable to the Zipe ransomware. For instance, this particular threat is generally identical to Brusaf and other ransomware-type infections. These harmful utilities have been established in order to encrypt the crucial data and reveal the need for the users to pay the ransom. All these infections utilize the similar algorithm to generate the particular key for successful data decryption.
Unless the Zipe ransomware is still under the development procedure or has actually got some concealed bugs, it is not possible to restore the information by hand. Thus, the only working solution to avoid the loss of your essential information is to frequently maintain updated backups of all your vital documents.
Another important piece of guidance is to keep the backups on special storage not connected to your primary device. For example, you might store 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 regular drive is extremely dangerous, considering that the backup might also be encrypted by the Zipe ransomware.
Leaks for the Zipe ransomware attack.
Zipe utilizes many courses to penetrate the susceptible computers. It is not particular what specific method was utilized in your case, however, the intrusion may happen through the following channels:
- bundling with third-party programs, primarily free apps;
- spam e-mails from the unknown senders;
- websites offering complimentary hosting;
- P2P (peer-to-peer) torrent downloads.
There are times when the Zipe virus might camouflage itself as some real application, for instance, through the misleading alerts requiring setup of some software application update. This is the most common trick used by the scams to inject the Zipe infection files into the system. In this manner users partly participate in its setup, without plainly understanding the threat.
Moreover, the frauds may send out unsolicited spam email with tricky notifies encouraging the people to open dubious attachments or click some download links, for example, those motivating individuals to open certain photos, text files, tax documents and other information.
No doubt, opening these files or clicking the destructive links may essentially damage the system. Fake Adobe Flash Player update notices may cause the Zipe ransomware seepage. Similarly, downloading the split software might in addition contain the ransomware installer. The last but not the least, setup of Zipe might occur through some Trojan horses that may be set up stealthily into the system and without the user’s direct approval or even consent.
Preventing the Zipe injection.
Naturally, there is no outright guarantee that your computer system will be always devoid of any malware attacks, however, we want to share some useful pointers with you to make it more secure. Make sure to pay really attention while searching the web and specifically while downloading cost-free programs. Do not open any dubious e-mail accessories, particularly if the sender is not understood to you.
Do not forget that specific freeware installer might also include some other additional apps in the package. 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 updated.
It is quite rational that downloading pirated software is illegal, however, additionally, such unauthorized apps use might likewise bring severe damage to your system. For this reason, do not download any cracked programs. Plus, the fact that your present anti-virus did not safeguard the system from the Zipe ransomware is a good reason for you to reassess your choices and switch to another program that can render the safeguarding functions on a far better level.
Below please find the quotation from the Zipe 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 “.zipe” extension added by the virus:”
Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove Zipe ransomware from your computer
1.Download GridinSoft Anti-Malware.
You can get 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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