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

The Zput virus, known as a ransomware infection, is part of the STOP/DJVU family. This malware family is famous for file encryption and extortion. When the Zput virus gets into a computer, it targets various types of files, like videos, photos, documents, and more. It alters the file structure and appends the “.zput” extension to each file, making them inaccessible and unusable without the decryption.

Zput Virus Overview

The Zput virus is a malware type that ciphers your files and coerces you into paying for their decryption. This ransomware ciphers different file types. ciphered files can be identified by a distinct “.zput” extension. As a result, the files touched by ransomware become impossible to access and use.

Subsequently, the ransomware asks for a file decryption payment in Bitcoin from its victims, that ranges from $490 to $980, depending on the time passed after the attack. Typically, a text file with ransom payment guidances is named as “_readme.txt“.

Zput Ransomware works with Salsa20 encryption algorithms to scramble the contents of the targeted files. Since Zput virus applies such a robust ciphering method, it becomes quite difficult, if not impossible, to pick the decryption key without cooperating with the attackers.

Once the files are encrypted, the Zput virus displays a ransom note to the victim, demanding a ransom payment for the decryption key. The ransom note contains instructions on how to make the payment and often includes threats of permanent data loss or ransom amounts surge if the demands are not met within a specified timeframe.

I have made an all-encompassing list of the solutions, advice, and methods to remove the Zput virus and decrypt and recover your files. In some cases, you can regain access to the files, while sometimes, it may be impossible.

Zput uses a unique key for every victim, with one exception:

The Zput virus is highly similar to other DJVU ransomware variants like Zpas, Zpww, Itqw, and Ithh. This virus encrypts a wide range of common file types and appends its distinct “.zput” extension to all files. For instance, a file named “1.jpg” would be altered to “1.jpg.zput” and “2.png” to “2.png.zput“.

Upon successful encryption, malware creates a special text file named “_readme.txt” and places it in every folder containing the encrypted files. It also adds this file to the desktop, so the victim will not miss the attack even without opening folders.

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

Encrypted Files by STOP/DJVU Ransomware

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

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

Zput ransomware arrives as a set of procedures that are meant to perform certain activities on a victim’s computer. One of the primary processes being launched is winupdate.exe, a deceptive process that shows a fraudulent Windows update pop-up during the attack. This is meant to convince the victim that a sudden PC slowdown is caused by a Windows update.

At the same time, the ransomware runs another process (named as 4 random chars) which starts scanning the computer 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 restore the previous computer state using System Restore Points. The problem is, ransomware operators are getting rid of any built-in Windows techniques that could help the victim to regain files for free. In addition, the rascals modify the Windows HOSTS file by including a list of domains to it and linking them to the localhost IP. As a result, the victim will encounter a DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error when trying to open one of the blacklisted websites.

We noticed that ransomware attempts to block websites that publish various how-to guides for computer users. It is obvious that by restricting specific domains, the perpetrators are seeking to prevent the victim from connecting to relevant and helpful ransomware-attack-related information online. The virus also saves two text files on the victim’s computer that provide details related to the attack – the victim’s public encryption key 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 are inclined to deploy Vidar password-stealing Trojan on compromised systems. This threat has 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 cryptography algorithm used by DJVU/STOP virus is AES-256. So, once your data is encrypted with an online decryption key, the chances to get your files back without paying the ransom are quite low. Thing is, this key is unique for each victim, and picking it will take exceptionally big amount of time.

Getting the online key in any other way is also nearly impossible. It is stored on a command server owned by the criminals who promote the Zput malware. For receiving decrypting code 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 .zput Files?

The newest extensions released around the end of August 2019 after the criminals made changes. This includes Zpas, Zpww, Itqw etc.

As a result of the alterations made by the criminals, STOPDecrypter is no longer backed. 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.

1. Select folders for decryption.

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

   Decryptors typically offer several options considering the specific malware family. The existing possible options are presented in the Options tab and can be enabled or disabled there. You may locate a detailed list of the currently active Options below.

2. 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. So no one else has the same encryption/decryption key pair. File recovery without paying the ransom 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, but files could not be restored (the offline decryption key isn’t available yet). But, receiving this message is good news for you, since it is 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 .zput Files?

In some case ransomware is not doom for your files…

The Zput ransomware encryption algorithm is next: it encodes every file byte-by-byte, then saves a file copy, deleting (not overriding!) the original file. Hence, the data of the file placement on the disk drive is lost, but the original file is not erased from the physical disk. The cell, or the sector where this file was stored, can still hold this file, but it is not present in the file system and can be replaced by data that has been loaded to this disk after the removal. Hence, it is possible to retrieve your files using special software.

Recovering your files with PhotoRec

PhotoRec is an free program, which is initially created for data recovery from damaged disks, or for file retrieval in case if they are unintentionally deleted. However, as time has gone by, this program received the ability to recover the files of 400 different formats. Hence, it can be used for data recovery after the Zput attack.

First, you need to download this app. It is 100% free, but the developer notifies that there is no guarantee that your files will be retrieved. PhotoRec is spread together with other program of the same developer – TestDisk. The downloaded 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 installation process is needed – the program has all the files it need within the archive, hence, you can mount it on your USB drive, and help your friends/parents/anyone who has been attacked by Zput ransomware.

After the start, you will witness the screen showing you the entire list of your disks. However, this information is presumably useless, because the required menu is placed a bit higher. Click this menu, then choose the disk which was attacked by ransomware.

After selecting the disk, you need to opt for the destination folder for the reclaimed files. This menu is located at the lower part of the PhotoRec window. The best selection 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 retrieve the files of about 400 different formats.

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

Zput files recovery Video Guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. My files are encrypted by ransomware, what should I do now?
2. About DJVU (STOP) Ransomware.

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