RZML Virus (.RZML File) 🔐 Decrypt & Removal Guide

The Rzml virus, known as a ransomware infection, is part of the STOP/DJVU family. This malware family is notorious for its malicious file encryption capabilities. Once the Rzml virus infects a computer, it scans the system for files like photos, videos, documents, and more. It changes the file structure and appends the “.rzml” extension to each file, making them unusable without the decryption.

Rzml Virus Overview

Rzml

🤔 Rzml virus is ransomware that belongs to the DJVU/STOP family. Its main target is to cipher your files. After that, this ransomware asks its victims to pay the ransom – ($490 – $980) in Bitcoin.

The Rzml virus is a malware type that encrypts your files and coerces you into paying for their recovery. This ransomware ciphers a wide selection of file types. Encrypted files become identifiable by a distinct “.rzml” extension. As a result, the affected files become impossible to access and use.

Once the encryption is over, malware spawns _readme.txt ransom note files in every folder with ciphered files. These files contain instructions about the way to pay the ransom, and also the notice regarding a ransom increase. If the victim fails to pay in 72 hours, ransom sum will double from $490 to $980.

Rzml Ransomware works with Salsa20 encryption algorithms to cipher the files. Since Rzml virus utilizes such a robust ciphering method, it becomes particularly hard, if even possible, to pick the decryption key without cooperating with the attackers.

Once the files are encrypted, the Rzml virus displays a ransom note to the victim, demanding a ransom payment in exchange for the decryption key. The ransom note provides instructions on how to pay off the bill and often contains threats of permanent data loss or increased ransom amounts if the ransom is not paid within a specified timeframe.

I have compiled an all-encompassing list of the solutions, advice, and methods to stop the Rzml ransomware and recover your files. There are cases when it may be possible to restore your files, while sometimes, it may be impossible.

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📌 Important Note!

It is crucial to say that paying off the ransom is not a guarantee of the successful files recovery. The rascals who stand behind the Rzml virus are known for their untrustworthiness. There have been instances where victims have paid the ransom, only to be denied by the cyber criminals with the decryption key provision.

Rzml ransomware employs a unique key for every victim, with one exception:

The Rzml virus is similar to other DJVU ransomware variants such as Rzkd, Teza, Nzqw, and Nzer. This virus ciphers files of different formats and appends its distinct “.rzml” extension to all files. For instance, a file named “1.jpg” would be altered to “1.jpg.rzml” and “2.png” to “2.png.rzml“.

Once the encryption is over, the ransomware spawns a special text file named “_readme.txt” and places it in every folder containing the encrypted files. It also adds the readme file to the desktop, so the victim will not miss its appearance even without opening folders.

The image below provides a visual representation of files with the “rzml” extension:

Encrypted Files by STOP/DJVU Ransomware

Name	Rzml Virus
Ransomware family¹	DJVU/STOP² ransomware
Extension	.rzml
Ransomware note	_readme.txt
Ransom	From $490 to $980 (in Bitcoins)
Contact	[email protected], [email protected]
Detection	Spyware:Win32/Stealc, Trojan:Win32/Gepys.A!MTB, Win32:Monder-V [Trj]
Symptoms	Installs password-stealing Trojan on the system, like Vidar Stealer or RedLine Stealer; Adds a list of domains to HOSTS file to block access to certain security-related sites; Encrypts most of your files (photos, videos, documents) and adds a particular “.rzml” extension; Manages to install a SmokeLoader backdoor; Can delete Volume Shadow copies to make victim’s attempts to restore data impossible;
Fix Tool	To remove possible malware infections, scan your PC: 6-day free trial available.

This message asking payment is for restore files via decryption key:

_readme.txt (STOP/DJVU Ransomware) – The terrifying alert requesting users to pay the ransom to unlock the encoded data contains these annoying admonitions.

Rzml ransomware uses a set of tasks that are used to execute certain functions on a victim’s computer. First of all, it launches the winupdate.exe, a tricky process that displays a fake Windows update notification during the attack. That is needed to convince the victim that a sudden system slowdown is caused by a Windows update.

At the same time, the ransomware runs another process (which name commonly consists of 4 random characters) which initiates scanning the disk for target files and ciphering them. Then the ransomware deletes Volume Shadow Copies from the system through the following CMD command:

vssadmin.exe Delete Shadows /All /Quiet

Once removed, it becomes nearly impossible to retrieve the previous computer state using System Restore Points. The problem is, ransomware operators are eliminating any built-in Windows methods that could assist the victim to regain files for free. In addition, the rascals modify the Windows HOSTS file by appending a list of domains to it and directing them to the localhost IP. As a result, the victim will witness a DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error when trying to access one of the blocked websites.

It has come to our attention that ransomware endeavors to restrict websites that promote various how-to guides for computer users. It is obvious that by limiting specific domains, the crooks are trying to prevent the victim from reaching relevant and helpful ransomware-attack-related information online. Malware also keeps two text files on the victim’s computer that present attack-related details – the public key of this victim and personal ID. These two files are named bowsakkdestx.txt and PersonalID.txt.

After all these alterations, the malware doesn’t stop. Variants of STOP/DJVU tend to install Vidar password-stealing Trojan on compromised systems. This threat carries an extensive list of capabilities, including:

Infiltrating the victim’s computer with malware and executing it to gain unauthorized access.
Obtaining unauthorized access to login credentials of Steam, Telegram, and Skype.
Manipulating and viewing files on the victim’s computer without their knowledge.
Stealing cryptocurrency wallets from the victim’s system.
Granting the hackers remote control over the victim’s computer for various malicious activities.
Extracting sensitive information such as browser cookies, saved passwords, and browsing history.

The encryption algorithm used by DJVU/STOP virus is AES-256. So, once your data is encrypted with an online decryption key, the possibility to get your files back are quite low. Thing is, online key is unique for each victim, and brute forcing it will take too much time.

Getting the online decryption key in any other way is also nearly impossible. It is kept on a remote server controlled by the hackers who spread the Rzml malware. For receiving decrypting code the payment should be $980. To obtain the payment details, the victims should contact the fraudsters by email ([email protected]).

The message by the ransomware states the following information:

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-WJa63R98Ku

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:

[email protected]

Reserve e-mail address to contact us:

[email protected]

Your personal ID:
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Do not pay the ransom!

Please, try to use the available backups, or Decrypter tool

_readme.txt file also requests that the system owners must get in touch with the hackers’ representatives during 72 hours starting from the moment of files were encrypted. If user contacts hackers within 72 hours, hackers grant a 50% discount. This decreases the ransom sum down to $490.

Yet, stay away from paying the ransom! I strongly recommend that you to avoid contacting these scammers and do not pay. A highly effective solution to recover the lost data is just using the available backups, or using Decrypter tool from Emsisoft.

The peculiarity of such viruses is the application a similar set of actions to generate the unique decryption key. Thus, unless the ransomware is still in development or possesses with some hard-to-track flaws, manually recovering the ciphered data is a thing you can’t perform. The exclusive resolution to prevent the loss of your valuable data is to regularly make backups of your crucial files.

Note that even if you do maintain such backups regularly, they must be kept into a specific location without loitering, not being connected to your main workstation. For instance, the backup may be kept on the USB flash drive or some optional external hard drive storage. Optionally, you may turn to the help of online (cloud) information storage.

It goes without saying, when you maintain your backup data on your regular device, it may be ciphered together with other data. For this reason, storing the backup on your main computer is surely not a wise idea.

How I was infected?

Ransomware has a various methods to built into your system. But it doesn’t really matter what way had place in your case.

Ransomware attack following a successful phishing attempt.

Nevertheless, these are the common leaks through which it may be injected into your PC:

Concealing the virus within seemingly legitimate apps, especially utilities provided as freeware or shareware.
Spreading the virus through spam emails containing suspicious links that lead to the virus installer.
Exploiting online free hosting resources to host and distribute the virus files discreetly.
Obtaining pirated software from illegal peer-to-peer (P2P) resources, which may unknowingly contain malware.

Instances have been reported when the Rzml virus was disguised as some legitimate procedure, for example, the messages requesting to run a browser update or a vastly needed codec for online media playback. This is typically the way how some online scams aim to force you into deploying the ransomware manually, by actually making you directly participate in this process.

Surely, the fake update alert will not tell that you are installing the threat. This process will be disguised under some alert stating that you need to install an urgent security update or some questionable program whatsoever.

Of course, the cracked apps represent the threat too. Using P2P is illegal and may end up with the injection of serious malware, including the Rzml ransomware.

To sum up, what can you do to avoid the penetration of the ransomware into your system? Even though there is no 100% guarantee to thwart your PC from getting damaged, there are some tips I want to give you to shield the Rzml penetration. You must be careful while using free software today.

Ensure you always read what the installer offers aside from the main free program. Keep away from opening dubious email attachments. Do not run files from the unknown addressees. Naturally, your current anti-malware program must always be updated.

The malware does not show itself openly. It will not be mentioned in the list of your available programs. However, it will be masked under some malicious process running regularly in the background, starting from the moment when you launch your computer.

How To Remove Ransomware?

Video Guide

How To Decrypt .rzml Files?

How to restore big files?

Try deleting .rzml extension on a few big files and opening them. This malware has issues with large files encryption. Either the virus read and did not lock the file, or it bugged and did not add the filemarker. If your files are very large (2GB+), such a situation is highly probable. Please, let me know in comments if that will work for you.

The newest extensions released around the end of August 2019 after the criminals made changes. This includes Rzkd, Teza, Nzqw etc.

As a result of the modifications made by the criminals, STOPDecrypter is no longer supported. It has been replaced with the Emsisoft Decryptor for STOP Djvu Ransomware developed by Emsisoft.

You can download free decryption tool here: Decryptor for STOP Djvu.

Select folders for decryption.

Based on the default configurations, the decryptor will automatically choose the available directories in order to unlock the currently accessible drives (the connected ones), including the network drives. Additional (optional) locations can be selected with the aid of the “Add” button.

Decryptors usually offer several options depending on the specific malware family. The existing possible options are presented in the Options tab and can be enabled or turned off there. You may discover a detailed list of the currently active Options below.

Click on the “Decrypt” button.

As soon as you add all the desired locations for decryption into the list, click on the “Decrypt” button in order to initiate the decryption procedure.

Note that the main screen may turn you to a status view, letting you know of the active process and the decryption statistics of your data:

The decryptor will notify you as soon as the decryption procedure is completed. If you need the report for your personal papers, you can save it by choosing the “Save log” button. Note that it is also possible to copy it directly to your clipboard and to paste it into emails or messages here if you need to do so.

The Emsisoft Decryptor might display different messages after a failed attempt to restore your files:

✓ Error: Unable to decrypt file with ID: [your ID]

Emsisoft does not have a corresponding key in the database.

✓ No key for New Variant online ID: [your ID]

Notice: this ID appears to be an online ID, decryption is impossible

Your original files were encrypted with an online key. Your key is unique and is kept on the command server, controlled by criminals. File recovery is only possible through paying the ransom. 🙁

✓ Result: No key for new variant offline ID: [example ID]

This ID appears be an offline ID. Decryption may be possible in the future.

An offline key was used, though the file recovery operation failed (the offline decryption key isn’t available yet). But, this message is a good news for you, because it might be possible to restore your files in the future. 🙂
It can take a few weeks or months until the decryption key gets found and uploaded to the decryptor. Please follow updates regarding the decryptable DJVU versions here.

✓ Remote name could not be resolved

This stands for a DNS issues. Our first recommendation is to reset your HOSTS file back to default.

How to Restore .rzml Files?

In some case ransomware is not doom for your files…

The Rzml ransomware encryption mechanism algoritm is next: it ciphers every file byte-by-byte, then saves a duplicate, erasing (not overriding!) the original file. Thus, the data of the file location on the disk drive is lost, but the original file is not deleted from the disk. The cell, or the sector where this file was kept, can still hold this file, but it is not present in the file system and can be rewritten by data that has been loaded to this disk after the removal. Hence, it is possible to retrieve your files using special software.

I recently had my pc infected by the this virus. It managed to bypass 2 Antivirus software and 2 malware fighters.

Anyway, after realizing it was an online algorithm, it is impossible to retrieve my encrypted files. I also had my backup drive plugged in at the time of the virus, and this was also infected, or so I thought. Every folder within my backup drive had been infected and was encrypted. However, despite losing some important files, I retrieved almost 80% of my 2TB storage.

When I started going through the folders, I noticed the readme.txt ransom note in every folder. I opened some of the folders and found that all files that were not in a subfolder within that folder had been encrypted. However, I found a flaw and glimmer of hope when I went into the subfolders in other folders and found that these files had not been encrypted. Every folder within my c and d drives, including subfolders, had been encrypted, but this was not the case with the backup drive. Having subfolders created within a folder has saved 80% of my data.

As I said, I believe this to be only a small loophole on a backup drive. I’ve since found a further 10 % of my data on another hard drive on a different pc. So my advice is if you use a backup drive, create subfolders. I was lucky, I guess. But I was also unlucky that the virus hit as I was transferring some files from my backup.

Hopefully, this can help some other people in my situation.

Jamie Newland

Some pointers for recovery repair of Rzml files (true for all STOP/DJVU variants):

I have seen Stop/Djvu variants fail to encrypt deeper nested folders, so that you can check that. You may find those are not encrypted.

This ransomware saves encrypted data to a new file, deletes the original. So there’s a slight chance part of that deleted file can be recovered using file recovery software. It’s unlikely the folder structure can be restored, so a free tool like PhotoRec may be as good as any.

This ransomware only partially encrypts (about the first 150 KB), so depending on file size and type of data, the not encrypted part may be recoverable.

Joep

Recovering your files with PhotoRec

PhotoRec is an free program, which is originally created for files recovery from damaged disks, or for file retrieval in case if they are unintentionally deleted. However, as time has gone by, this program adopted the ability to retrieve the files of 400 different extensions. Hence, it can be used for file restoration after the Rzml attack.

First, you need to download this app. It is 100% free, but the developer states that there is no warranty that the files will be recovered. PhotoRec is spread together with another utility of the same developer – TestDisk. The downloaded archive will have TestDisk name, but don’t worry. PhotoRec files are right inside.

To launch PhotoRec, find and open “qphotorec_win.exe” file. No installation process is required – the program has all the files it need within the archive, hence, you can fit it on your USB drive, and try to help your friends/parents/anyone who has been attacked by Rzml ransomware.

Upon the launch, you will witness the screen showing you the complete list of your disk spaces. However, this details are probably futile, because the required menu is placed a bit higher. Click this tab, then choose the disk which was attacked by ransomware.

After selecting the disk, you need to select the destination folder for the retrieved files. This menu is located at the lower part of the PhotoRec window. The best choice is to export them on USB drive or any other type of removable disk.

Then, you need to designate the file formats. This option is located at the bottom, too. As it was mentioned, PhotoRec can recover the files of about 400 different formats.

Finally, you can begin files retrieval by pressing the “Search” button. You will view the screen where the outcomes of the scan and recovery are shown.

Rzml files recovery Video Guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

🤔 How can I open “.rzml” files?

No way. These files are encrypted by ransomware. The contents of encrypted files are not available until they are decrypted.

🤔 Encrypted files contain important information. How can I decrypt them urgently?

If your data remained in the .rzml files are very valuable, then most likely you made a backup copy. If not, then you can try to restore them through the system function – Restore Point. All other methods will require patience.

🤔 You have advised using GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove Rzml. Does this mean that the program will delete my encrypted files?

Of course not. Your encrypted files do not pose a threat to the computer. What happened has already happened.

🤔 This virus has blocked infected PC: I can’t get the activation code.

In this situation, you need to prepare the memory stick with a pre-installed

🤔 Decryptor did not decrypt all my files, or not all of them were decrypted. What should I do?

Have patience. You are infected with the new version of STOP/DJVU ransomware, and decryption keys have not yet been released. Follow the news on our website. We will keep you posted on when new keys or new decryption programs appear.

🤔 What can I do right now?

The Rzml ransomware encrypts only the first 150KB of files. So MP3 files are rather large, some media players (Winamp for example) may be able to play the files, but – the first 3-5 seconds (the encrypted portion) will be missing. You can try to find a copy of an original file that was encrypted: Files you downloaded from the Internet that were encrypted and you can download again to get the original.