How to Recover Files Encrypted by Zzzzz Ransomware?

Question

Issue: How to Recover Files Encrypted by Zzzzz Ransomware?

I understand that my PC has been infected because I cannot open the majority of the files stored on it. The ones that I cannot open have a .zzzzz file extension. Luckily, I have backups of the most important documents, but most of the photos, videos, and other personal info is locked. I‘m asked to pay the ransom, which I‘m not going to do. However, I wonder if there is another way to recover files encrypted by Zzzzz virus? Would highly appreciate any help!

Solved Answer

Zzzzz virus or .zzzzz file extension is the latest installment of the notorious Locky ransomware. The hackers of this insidious virus started actively distributing it during the holiday season and the first massive wave of infections has been registered right after Black Friday. Apparently, Locky developers are not going to stop as they are taking all possible measures to spread Zzzzz ransomware further and it seems that their efforts are paying off.

All of the Locky ransomware versions gained their names according to the file extension appended. For example, previously we had .odin, .thor, .aesir, while the latest Locky ransomware updated version showed up with a .zzzzz file extension. Despite this alteration, the other traits typical to Locky haven’t been changed. The infection is typically spread via fictitious emails that contain a .zip file. Security specialists have noticed that the virus is often targeting Amazon users by sending them fake emails reporting the status of the order. If the computer owner opens the attachment, the Trojan is activated and transfers the malicious .zzzzz ransomware code to the targeted system. When the virus roots deeply into the operating system, it corrupts documents, audio, video, and image files by adding a .zzzzz file extension to each of them. Thus, the names of encrypted files look like this – [8_random_characters]-[4_random_characters]-[4_random_characters]-[4_random_characters]-[12_random_characters].zzzzz extensions. In addition, the desktop background picture is replaced by a Locky-specific ransomware note, while the demands are presented in .html, _6-INSTRUCTION.html, and -INSTRUCTION.bmp files. The victim is expected to pay 740 USD ransom, but the sum can vary.

Zzzzz is a severe cyber infection that is capable of finding the least security breach. That‘s why it‘s vital to keep the system protected by using a professional anti-virus and anti-malware. If, unfortunately, you have already been infected, please DO NOT pay the ransom because by doing so you will support cyber crooks and get a zero guarantee that encrypted data will be restored. Instead of that, we would highly recommend you to install FortectMac Washing Machine X9 and remove Zzzzz ransomware immediately. After that, try to recover your data by following the methods provided below.

NOTE: DO NOT fall for installing Locky Decrypter promoted on the Zzzzz ransomware note. The tool has been developed by the same hackers who have invented the infection. Having this in mind, mace your own conclusions on how trustworthy this tool may be.

How to Recover Files Encrypted by Zzzzz Ransomware?

Recover now! Recover now!
To recover needed system components, please, purchase the licensed version of Fortect Mac Washing Machine X9 recovery tool.

Method 1. Use a Data Backup

If you have listened to the warnings of security experts about an increasing ransomware hijacks, then you must have created data backups some time ago. Recovering files encrypted by Zzzzz ransomware using data backups is the most reliable method. Therefore, try to recall if you have some files on cloud storage, external drive, USB flash drive, CD, DVD or other storages and use them to recover lost data.

NOTE: Before plugging in the external drive or opening a cloud storage, make sure that the Zzzzz virus has been removed successfully. For this purpose, run a scan with anti-virus to remove it and then reappear the scan to ensure that the infection has gone permanently.Otherwise, it may damage the restored files and even corrupt the drive.

Method 2. Retrieve Shadow Volume Copies

Microsoft operating system is set to create backups automatically on a particular schedule. The Volume Shadow Copies Service is handy when the PC owner accidentally removes or modifies important files or if they are damaged after a system crash. Recent researches have shown that Shadow Volume Copies benefit a lot when trying to decrypt files encrypted by ransomware. While it hasn’t been tested with Zzzzz ransomware code, it’s worth given a try. However, we must warn you that most of the Locky virus variants tend to damage Shadow Volume Copies, so do not get upset if this method won’t help you.

  1. Download and install ShadowExplorer. You may find it here.
  2. Open the program and click on a menu (top left corner).
  3. Find the disk on which the encrypted files are located and select it.
  4. Select the folder that you want to restore the first.
  5. Click on it and select Export.
  6. Repat the same with all folders that contain compromised files.

Method 3. Use Data Recovery Pro

The initial purpose of Data Recovery Tool is to restore files that have been deleted by accident or lost due to the system crash. However, it has recently been improved, so that it can now detect and restore virus-infected files. NOTE: it does not work as a ransomware decryptor primarily, it may not be able to restore files damaged by .zzzzz file extension virus.

  1. Download Data Recovery Pro and run the setup file.
  2. Follow the on-screen instructions to install it to your PC.
  3. Open the program and set it to run a scan.
  4. It should detect all files that have .zzzzz file extension. Click the file you want to restore and select Recover.

Method 4. Use a System Restore Point

System Restore Point is yet another innovation, which has been presented in Windows 10 OS. This service enables PC users to register a particular point of the PC’s condition, including data stored on it. Consequently, if the system gets slow, crashes or experiences virus infection, the user can restore the system to the previous point. So, if your files have been corrupted by Zzzzz ransomware, but you have a System Restore Point created some time ago, then you should try doing the following:

  1. Right-click on a file that you wish to restore.
  2. Select Properties from the drop-down menu.
  3. Open Previous Versions tab.
  4. Find Folder versions and mark the point you want your system to be restored.
  5. Click Restore and wait for the command to be executed.

Recover files and other system components automatically

To recover your files and other system components, you can use free guides by ugetfix.com experts. However, if you feel that you are not experienced enough to implement the whole recovery process yourself, we recommend using recovery solutions listed below. We have tested each of these programs and their effectiveness for you, so all you need to do is to let these tools do all the work.

Offer
do it now!
Download
recovery software Happiness
Guarantee
do it now!
Download
recovery software Happiness
Guarantee
Compatible with Microsoft Windows Compatible with OS X
Do you have any trouble?
If you are having problems related to Fortect, you can reach our tech experts to ask them for help. The more details you provide, the better solution they will provide you.
Fortect - a patented specialized Windows repair program. It will diagnose your damaged PC. It will scan all System Files, DLLs and Registry Keys that have been damaged by security threats.Mac Washing Machine X9 - a patented specialized Mac OS X repair program. It will diagnose your damaged computer. It will scan all System Files and Registry Keys that have been damaged by security threats.
This patented repair process uses a database of 25 million components that can replace any damaged or missing file on user's computer.
To repair damaged system, you have to purchase the licensed version of Fortect malware removal tool.To repair damaged system, you have to purchase the licensed version of Mac Washing Machine X9 malware removal tool.

Prevent websites, ISP, and other parties from tracking you

To stay completely anonymous and prevent the ISP and the government from spying on you, you should employ Private Internet Access VPN. It will allow you to connect to the internet while being completely anonymous by encrypting all information, prevent trackers, ads, as well as malicious content. Most importantly, you will stop the illegal surveillance activities that NSA and other governmental institutions are performing behind your back.

 

Recover your lost files quickly

Unforeseen circumstances can happen at any time while using the computer: it can turn off due to a power cut, a Blue Screen of Death (BSoD) can occur, or random Windows updates can the machine when you went away for a few minutes. As a result, your schoolwork, important documents, and other data might be lost. To recover lost files, you can use Data Recovery Pro – it searches through copies of files that are still available on your hard drive and retrieves them quickly.

 

About the author
Jake Doe
Jake Doe - Computer technology geek

Jake Doe is the news editor at UGetFix. Since he met Ugnius Kiguolis in 2003, they both launched several projects that spread awareness about cybercrimes, malware, and other computer-related problems.

Contact Jake Doe
About the company Esolutions

What you can add more about the problem: "How to Recover Files Encrypted by Zzzzz Ransomware?"