ZOUU Virus (.zouu File Ransomware) 🔐 Removal & Decryption

Zouu virus is a STOP/DJVU family of ransomware-type infections. This virus encrypts all files (video, photos, documents) and can be tracked by a specific “.zouu” file extension. It uses a strong encryption method, which makes it impossible to calculate the key in any way.

Zouu uses a unique key for each victim, with one exception:

If Zouu cannot establish a connection to its command and control server (C&C Server) before starting the encryption process, it uses the offline key. This key is the same for all victims, making it possible to decrypt files encrypted during a ransomware attack.

I have gathered a complete collection of all possible solutions, tips and practices in neutralizing the Zouu virus and decrypting files. In some cases, it is easy to recover your files. And sometimes it is just impossible.

There are several universal methods for recovering encrypted .zouu files, which will be demonstrated below. It is vital to read the entire instruction manual carefully and make sure to understand it all. Do not skip any steps. Each of these steps is very important and must be completed by you.

Zouu virus?

☝️ Zouu can be correctly identified as a STOP/DJVU ransomware-type virus.

Zouu

🤔 Zouu virus is ransomware that originates from the DJVU/STOP family. Its primary purpose is to encrypt files that are important to you. After that ransomware virus asks its victims for a ransom fee ($490 – $980) in BitCoin.

The Zouu ransomware is a specific kind of threat that encrypts your documents and then forces you to pay to restore them. Note that Djvu/STOP ransomware family was first revealed and discovered by virus analyst Michael Gillespie.

Zouu virus is basically similar to other representatives of the same DJVU family: Zoqw, Bpws, Bpto. This virus encrypt all popular file types and adds its particular “.zouu” extension into all files. For example, the file “1.jpg”, will be amended into “1.jpg.zouu“. As soon as the encryption is successfully accomplished, the virus drops a specific message file “_readme.txt” and puts it into all folders that contain the modified files.

The image below gives a clear vision of how the files with “.zouu” extension look like:

Zouu File (STOP/DJVU Ransomware)

Name	Zouu Virus
Ransomware family¹	DJVU/STOP² ransomware
Extension	.zouu
Ransomware note	_readme.txt
Ransom	From $490 to $980 (in Bitcoins)
Contact	[email protected], [email protected]
Detection	Crytex.Virus.FileInfector.DDS, Win32/Filecoder.OLC, Malware-Cryptor.InstallCore.5
Symptoms	Encrypted most of your files (photos, videos, documents) and adds a particular “.zouu” extension; Can delete Volume Shadow copies to make victim’s attempts to restore data impossible; Adds a list of domains to HOSTS file to block access to certain security-related sites; Installs password-stealing Trojan on the system, like Vidar Stealer or RedLine Stealer; Manages to install a SmokeLoader backdoor;
Fix Tool	To remove possible malware infections, scan your PC: 6-day free trial available.

This _readme.txt file asking payment is for restore files via decryption key:

_readme.txt (STOP/DJVU Ransomware) – The scary alert demanding from users to pay the ransom to decrypt the encoded data contains these frustrating warnings

Zouu ransomware arrives as a set of processes that are meant to perform different tasks on a victim’s computer. One of the first ones being launched is winupdate.exe, a tricky process that displays a fake Windows update prompt during the attack. This is meant to convince the victim that a sudden system slowdown is caused by a Windows update. However, at the same time, the ransomware runs another process (usually named by four random characters) which starts scanning the system for target files and encrypting them. Next, the ransomware deletes Volume Shadow Copies from the system using the following CMD command:

vssadmin.exe Delete Shadows /All /Quiet

Once deleted, it becomes impossible to restore the previous computer state using System Restore Points. The thing is, ransomware operators are getting rid of any Windows OS-based methods that could help the victim to restore files for free. In addition, the crooks modify the Windows HOSTS file by adding a list of domains to it and mapping them to the localhost IP. As a result, the victim will run into a DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error when accessing one of the blocked websites.

We noticed that ransomware attempts to block websites that publish various how-to guides for computer users. It is evident that by restricting specific domains, the crooks are trying to prevent the victim from reaching relevant and helpful ransomware-attack-related information online. The virus also saves two text files on the victim’s computer that provide attack-related details – the victim’s public encryption key and personal ID. These two files are called bowsakkdestx.txt and PersonalID.txt.

After all these modifications, the malware doesn’t stop. Variants of STOP/DJVU tend to drop Vidar password-stealing Trojan on compromised systems. This threat has a lengthy list of capabilities, such as:

Stealing Steam, Telegram, Skype login / password;
Stealing cryptocurrency wallets;
Downloading malware to the computer and running it;
Stealing browser cookies, saved passwords, browsing history, and more;
Viewing and manipulating files on victim’s computer;
Allowing the hackers to perform other tasks on the victim’s computer remotely.

The cryptography algorithm used by DJVU/STOP ransomware family is AES-256. So, if your documents got encrypted with an online decryption key, which is totally distinct. The sad reality is that it is impossible to decrypt the files without the unique key.

In case if Zouu worked in online mode, it is impossible for you to gain access to the AES-256 key. It is stored on a remote server owned by the frauds who distibute the Zouu virus.

For receiving decryption key the payment should be $980. To obtain the payment details, the victims are encouraged by the message to contact the frauds 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