Znto Virus – Details
Znto is a harmful software application functioning as typical ransomware. Michael Gillespie, the widely known malware researcher, very first discovered this new name in the DJVU ransomware family.
Znto was developed for the sole purpose to encrypt all popular file types. Rationally, as quickly as the file encryption is successfully achieved, the users are unable to get access to them. Znto ransomware adds its own “.znto” to all the encrypted data. For example, the file “price_list.xls”, when crypted by Znto, will be titled as “price_list.xls.znto”. When the file encryption is achieved, Znto puts its own unique text file (_readme.txt) into all the folders that keep the encrypted files.
The message stated by text file requesting for the random os extremely similar to the notices provided by other ransomware hazards coming from the DJVU family. The warning basically indicates that the information has been secured and the only service to get access to it is to use a special standalone key. Regretfully, this declaration is definitely true.
The approach to secure the files utilized by Znto is not entirely investigated. Nevertheless, there is no doubt that each computer system owner may be provided an unique decryption key, which is absolutely unique. It is incredibly hard to recover the information without the proper key in location.
“Don’t worry, you can return all your files!”, from _readme.txt message:
One more peculiarity of the Znto ransomware is that the users are unable to get access to the key. The decrypting key is hosted on a special server under the total control by the crooks who have actually launched the Znto ransomware into the world wide web. In order to get the key and restore the essential data, the users are informed to contact the scams through email or by telegram and to pay the ransom in the quantity of $980.
The message also states that the people need to get in touch with the Znto authors within 72 hours upon the minute of the information file encryption. The alert indicates that by doing so the people will acquire a 50% discount, therefore, the ransom amount drops down to $490.
Znto encrypted your information, nevertheless, it might not be the only risk on your computer. Plus, the ransomware might be hidden deep in the system. To spot and erase the threat completely, 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 recommend 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 encryption, even when the quantity of the ransom is gotten into their accounts. Thus, paying ransom frequently does not result in a successful healing. So, the users might just lose their money for nothing.
Likewise, we advise you not to get in touch with the frauds as they advise. Do not transfer money into their wallets. There are no applications that could break the Znto virus or bring back the information for free. Therefore, the only right choice is to bring back the information from possible backups (if readily available).
Virus Summary
| Name | Znto Ransomware |
| File Extension | znto |
| 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 .znto extension to all the files modified by it. |
| Distribution Method | Adware bundles and software cracks |
| Similar Infections | Lokas, Besub, Nusar |
| Znto Removal Tool | GridinSoft Anti-Malware |
| Znto Decryption Tool | Emsisoft Djvu Decryptor |
Do not forget that the Web is now filled with infections similar to the Znto virus. For instance, this specific hazard is generally similar to Brusaf and other ransomware-type infections. These destructive energies have actually been developed in order to secure the essential information and express the need for the users to pay the ransom. All these infections use the similar algorithm to create the specific key for successful files decryption.
Unless the Znto ransomware is still under the development procedure or has got some concealed bugs, it is not possible to restore the information manually. Therefore, the only working service to avoid the loss of your essential information is to frequently preserve up-to-date backups of all your essential documents.
Another crucial piece of guidance is to store the backups on special storage not connected to your main computer. For example, you might store it on the USB Flash Drive, or some external hard disk, or by using the cloud data storage services. Keeping the backups on your system drive is extremely risky, because the backup may also be encrypted by the Znto infection.
Leakages for the Znto ransomware attack.
Znto utilizes numerous paths to penetrate the susceptible computer systems. It is not specific what specific technique was used in your case, however, the intrusion may take place by means of the following channels:
- bundling with third-party programs, mainly free apps;
- spam emails from the unidentified senders;
- websites supplying complimentary hosting;
- P2P (peer-to-peer) torrent software.
There are times when the Znto might camouflage itself as some authentic application, for instance, through the misleading signals demanding setup of some software update. This is the most common technique used by the frauds to inject the Znto ransomware files into the system. This way users partly participate in its setup, without clearly comprehending the threat.
Furthermore, the frauds may send unsolicited spam email with challenging signals encouraging individuals to open suspicious attachments or click on some download links, for example, those encouraging the people to open certain photos, text files, tax documents and other information.
No doubt, opening these files or clicking on the harmful links might basically harm the system. Fake Acrobat Reader upgrade notifications may result in the Znto ransomware seepage. Similarly, downloading the split software application might in addition contain the ransomware installer. The last however not the least, installation of Znto may take place through some Trojan horses that might be set up stealthily into the system and without the user’s direct approval and even approval.
Avoiding the Znto virus attack.
Naturally, there is no outright guarantee that your computer system will be always free of any malware attacks, nevertheless, we would like to share some helpful suggestions with you to make it much safer. Make certain to pay extremely attention while searching the web and specifically while downloading cost-free programs. Do not open any dubious e-mail accessories, specifically if the sender is not understood to you.
Do not forget that specific freeware installer might likewise contain some other extra apps in the bundle. These extra applications might be extremely harmful. It is of utmost importance to keep your anti-virus software and your os in basic to be always effectively updated.
It is rather rational that downloading pirated programs is unlawful, however, furthermore, such unauthorized programs usage may likewise bring severe damage to your system. Thus, do not download any split programs. Plus, the reality that your current anti-virus did not protect the system from the Znto ransomware is a good reason for you to reconsider your choices and switch to another program that can render the protecting functions on a better level.
Below please find the quotation from the Znto 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 “.znto” extension added by the ransomware:”
Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove Znto 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.
Use Emsisoft Decryptor for restore znto 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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