The Zpas virus, known as a ransomware infection, belongs to the STOP/DJVU family. This malware family is famous for malicious file ciphering. Once the Zpas virus infects a system, it targets various types of files, such as documents, videos, photos, and more. It changes the file structure and appends the “.zpas” extension to each file, making them inaccessible and unusable without the decryptor.
Zpas Virus Overview
Zpas
🤔 Zpas virus is ransomware that belongs to the DJVU/STOP family. Its main target is to lock files that are important to you. After that this ransomware asks for a ransom payment – ($490 – $980) in Bitcoin.
The Zpas virus is a malicious program that ciphers your files and forces you to pay for their recovery. This malware ciphers a wide selection of file types. Encrypted files become identifiable by a distinct “.zpas” extension. The affected files become impossible to access and use.
After that, the ransomware demands a file decryption payment in Bitcoin from its victims, ranging from $490 to $980. Usually, a ransom text file is named as “_readme.txt“.
Zpas Ransomware operates by Salsa20 encryption algorithms to cipher the targeted files. Since Zpas virus employs such a strong encryption method, it becomes pretty difficult, if not impossible, to pick the decryption key without the assistance of the attackers.
Once Zpas malware finishes the encryption, it shows a ransom note to the user, asking for a ransom payment for the decryption key. The ransom note provides instructions on the ways of making the payment and also often includes threats of system wipeout or increased ransom amounts if the ransom is not paid within a specified timeframe.
I have compiled a comprehensive list of the solutions, tips, and practices to neutralize the Zpas virus and decrypt and recover your files. There are situations when you can recover the files, while sometimes, it may be impossible.
📌 Important Note!
It is crucial to note that paying off the ransom does not guarantee the successful files recovery. The hackers behind the Zpas virus are known for their untrustworthiness. There were the cases where victims have paid the ransom, only to be denied by the cybercriminals with the decryption key provision.
Zpas uses a unique key for each victim, with one exception:
The Zpas virus is similar to other DJVU ransomware samples such as Zpww, Itqw, Ithh, and Itrz. This virus encrypts a wide range of common file types and appends its distinct “.zpas” extension to all files. For instance, a file named “1.jpg” would be altered to “1.jpg.zpas” and “2.png” to “2.png.zpas“.
After successful encryption, the virus creates a special text file named “_readme.txt” and places it in every folder containing the encrypted files. It as well adds this file to the desktop, so the user will not miss the attack even without opening folders.
The image below provides a visual representation of files with the “zpas” extension:
Encrypted Files by STOP/DJVU Ransomware
| Name | Zpas Virus |
| Ransomware family1 | DJVU/STOP2 ransomware |
| Extension | .zpas |
| Ransomware note | _readme.txt |
| Ransom | From $490 to $980 (in Bitcoins) |
| Contact | [email protected], [email protected] |
| Detection | Trojan:Win32/CryptRan.SA!MTB, Trojan:Script/Phonzy.B!ml, Trojan:MSIL/SnakeKeylogger.SPAQ!MTB |
| Symptoms |
|
| 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 warning insisting users to pay the ransom to decrypt the encrypted data contains these annoying cautions.
Zpas ransomware arrives as a set of actions that are used to execute different tasks on a victim’s computer. One of the initial ones being launched is winupdate.exe, a tricky process that shows a fake Windows update pop-up during the attack. This is meant to convince the victim that their PC has become slow because of a Windows update.
At the same time, the ransomware runs another process (usually named by four random characters) which initiates scanning the computer for target files and ciphering them. Next, the ransomware removes Volume Shadow Copies from the system through the following CMD command:
vssadmin.exe Delete Shadows /All /Quiet
Once erased, it becomes nearly impossible to restore the previous computer state using System Restore Points. The concern is, ransomware operators are eliminating any built-in Windows approaches that could aid the victim to regain files for free. In addition, the hackers modify the Windows HOSTS file by including a list of domains to it and directing them to the localhost IP. As a result, the victim will see a DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error when trying to access one of the listed websites.
We noticed that ransomware attempts to restrict websites that post various how-to guides for computer users. It is clear that by hindering specific domains, the malefactors are attempting to stop the victim from connecting to relevant and helpful ransomware-attack-related information online. The virus also stores two .txt files on the victim’s computer that present particulars related to the attack – the public key of this victim and personal ID. These two files are named bowsakkdestx.txt and PersonalID.txt.
After all these modifications, the malware doesn’t cease. Variants of STOP/DJVU have a tendency to release Vidar password-stealing Trojan on compromised systems. This threat carries an large list of capabilities, including:
- Stealing Steam, Telegram, Skype login / password;
- Stealing cryptocurrency wallets;
- Downloading other 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 encryption algorithm used by DJVU/STOP virus is AES-256. So, if your data got encrypted with an online decryption key, the chances to get your files back without paying the ransom are quite low. Thing is, online key is unique for each victim, and picking it will take too much time.
Retrieving the online decryption key in any other way is also nearly impossible. It is stored on a command server owned by the crooks who spread the Zpas malware. For receiving unlocking key the payment should be $980. To obtain the payment details, the victims should contact the hackers 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
How To Remove STOP/Djvu Ransomware?
Video Guide
How To Decrypt .zpas Files?
How to restore big files?
Try deleting .zpas extension on a few big files and opening them. This malware has issues with large files encryption. Either the virus accessed and did not encrypt the file, or it bugged and did not add the filemarker. If your files are very large (2GB+), the latter is most likely. 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 Zpww, Itqw, Ithh etc.
As a outcome of the changes 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.
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Select folders for decryption.
Based on the default configurations, the decryptor will by default choose the accessible directories in order to decode the currently reachable drives (the connected ones), including the network drives. Extra (optional) locations can be selected with the aid of the “Add” button.
Decryptors usually offer several options considering the specific malware family. The present possible options are presented in the Options tab and can be activated or disabled there. You may discover a comprehensive list of the currently active Options below.
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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 failed to find a correspondnig decryption key in their database.
✓ No key for New Variant online ID: [your ID]
Notice: this ID appears to be an online ID, decryption is impossible
Malware used an online key to cipher your files. Your key is unique and is kept on the command server, controlled by criminals. Recovery of files without paying the criminals is impossible. 🙁
✓ Result: No key for new variant offline ID: [example ID]
This ID appears be an offline ID. Decryption may be possible in the future.
Malware used an offline key, though the file recovery operation failed (the offline decryption key isn’t available yet). But, receiving this message is good news for you, since 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 issue present in your system. Our first recommendation is to reset your HOSTS file back to default.
How to Restore .zpas Files?
In some case ransomware is not doom for your files…
The Zpas ransomware encryption mechanism is next: it ciphers every file byte-by-byte, then saves a duplicate, deleting (not overriding!) the initial file. Hence, the information of the file location on the physical disk is lost, but the original file is not erased from the disk. The cell, or the sector where this file was kept, can still contain this file, but it is not present in the file system and can be replaced by data that has been loaded to this drive after the removal. Hence, it is possible to retrieve your files using special software.
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 NewlandRecovering your files with PhotoRec
PhotoRec is an free program, which is originally created for files recovery from damaged disks, or for files recovery in case if they are unintentionally deleted. However, with time flow, this program adopted the ability to restore the files of 400 different formats. Hence, it can be used for file recovery after the Zpas 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 distributed in a pack with another utility of the same developer – TestDisk. The program archive will have TestDisk name, but don’t worry. PhotoRec files are right inside.
To open PhotoRec, you need to find and open “qphotorec_win.exe” file. No setup is required – this program has all the files it need inside of the archive, hence, you can mount it on your USB drive, and try to help your friends/parents/anyone who has been attacked by Zpas ransomware.
Upon the start, you will witness the screen showing you the full list of your drives. However, this details are likely unhelpful, because the required menu is placed a bit higher. Click this menu, then choose the disk which was attacked by ransomware.
After opting for the disk, you need to pick the destination folder for the reclaimed files. This menu is located at the lower part of the PhotoRec window. The best decision is to export them on USB drive or any other type of removable disk.
Then, you need to define the file formats. This choice is located at the bottom, too. As it was mentioned, PhotoRec can recover the files of about 400 different formats.
Finally, you can start files retrieval by pressing the “Search” button. You will see the screen where the results of the scan and recovery are shown.
Zpas files recovery Video Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
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