How to delete Zpps ransomware

Zpps ransomware will encrypt your files and add .zpps to them. This ransomware comes from the Djvu/STOP ransomware family, operated by cybercriminals who release new ransomware on a regular basis. The main point of this ransomware is to extort money from victims by offering them a decryptor, the only tool that can currently decrypt encrypted files. Users who have a backup can recover files without issue but users who did not back up files will not have many options. Paying the ransom is an option but we do not recommend doing that because it comes with many risks, including money loss.

 

 

Zpps ransomware is a generic Djvu/STOP version, and practically identical to most of its other versions, including Fefg, Fdcv, and Dfwe. The ransomware will target personal files, which include photos, videos, images, documents, etc. The files will be encrypted immediately after the ransomware is initiated. During the process, the ransomware will show a fake Windows update window. It’s supposed to distract victims from what’s happening. Encrypted files will have .zpps added to them. For example, an encrypted text.txt file would become text.txt.zpps. The extension helps identify which files have been encrypted. It also helps with recognizing which ransomware version it is, which is important when looking for free decryptors.

When the ransomware is done encrypting files, it will place a _readme.txt ransom note in all folders that have encrypted files. The note contains instructions on how victims can acquire the decryptor. Unfortunately, according to the note paying the ransom is necessary in order to receive the decryption tool. The cybercriminals demand $980 for the decryptor, though the note also mentions a 50% discount for victims who make contact within the first 72 hours. Whether the discount part is true or not is dubious, but paying the ransom, in general, is not recommended. You need to remember that the ransomware operators are cybercriminals, and there is nothing stopping them from simply taking your money. While some ransomware cyber gangs operate similarly to a business, you do not get the usual assurances when dealing with them. Since there are no obligations from their side, they can just take your money and not send you the decryptor. It has happened to many victims in the past. Whether to pay or not is your decision but you do need to be aware of the risks.

If you have copies of your files in a backup, you can access it to start recovering files as soon as you remove Zpps ransomware from your computer using anti-malware software. Make sure to use anti-malware software for this because unless you know exactly what to do, you could accidentally cause additional damage to your device. Once the ransomware has been fully removed, you can access your backup and start recovering files.

It will be much more difficult to recover files if you do not have a backup. A free Zpps ransomware decryptor may eventually become available but you will not find one at the moment. Developing one will be difficult because this ransomware uses online keys to encrypt files. This means the keys are unique to each victim, and unless they are released by cybercriminals themselves (or by law enforcement if they catch the malware operators), a free Zpps ransomware is unlikely. You can currently find a free Djvu/STOP decryptor developed by Emsisoft but it’s unlikely to work for more recent Djvu versions. It’s still worth a try, however.

How is ransomware distributed?

If users have bad browsing habits, they are much more likely to infect their computers with various malware. That is mainly because users who are less careful are more likely to open unsolicited email attachments, pirate copyrighted content using torrents, click on malicious ads, etc. A great way to avoid malware infections is to take the time to develop better online habits.

It’s no secret that malware is often distributed using email attachments. It’s enough for users to open the malicious attachments for the malware to initiate. As long as the file remains unopened, the email itself is not dangerous. Fortunately for users, the emails are often quite easy to recognize. The biggest giveaway is grammar/spelling mistakes. Senders usually pretend to be from legitimate companies whose services users supposedly use, and use scare tactics to pressure users into opening the attachments. But when the sender pretends to be from a real company but the email is full of grammar/spelling mistakes, it becomes immediately obvious that you are dealing with a malicious email. Grammar/spelling mistakes are one of the most noticeable signs of a malicious email. You should also take note of how an email addresses you. If the sender claims that you’re a customer of theirs but addresses you in generic User, Member, Customer, etc., you’re likely dealing with a malicious email. Legitimate senders whose attachments you should open will address you by name. Otherwise, it would look impersonal and unprofessional. But while most malicious emails will be quite obvious, there are more sophisticated versions. Thus, we recommend scanning all unsolicited email attachments with anti-virus software or VirusTotal before opening them.

You can also encounter malware in torrents, especially for popular content. Torrent sites are often very poorly regulated, which allows malicious actors to upload torrents with malware in them. In particular, torrents for movies, TV shows, video games, and software often have torrents in them. Using torrents to download copyrighted content is not only stealing, but it’s also dangerous for the computer.

Zpps ransomware removal

Ransomware is a very complex infection and it requires a professional solution. Use a reliable anti-malware program to remove Zpps ransomware from your computer. Once the malware is gone, it’s safe to access your backup to start recovering files. If you try to delete Zpps ransomware manually, you may end up causing additional damage to your computer. Furthermore, incorrectly removing ransomware could later allow it to recover. And if ransomware was able to recover while you were connected to your backup, the backed-up files would become encrypted as well. And if that were to happen, your files may be permanently lost.