The Zpww virus, also known as a ransomware, is part of the STOP family. This malware is famous for file encryption and extortion. When the Zpww virus gets into a computer, it scans the system for files like videos, photos, documents, and more. It changes the file structure and adds the “.zpww” extension to each encrypted file, making them unusable without the decryption key.
Zpww Virus Overview
Zpww
🤔 Zpww virus belongs to ransomware that belongs to the DJVU/STOP family. Its primary purpose is to encrypt your files. Then, this ransomware asks its victims for a ransom payment – ($490 – $980) in Bitcoin.
The Zpww virus is a malware type that ciphers your files and forces you to pay for their recovery. This ransomware encrypts different file types. ciphered files can be identified by a distinct “.zpww” extension. The affected files become impossible to access and use.
After that, the ransomware asks for a ransom payment in Bitcoin from its victims, ranging from $490 to $980. Usually, a text file with ransom payment guidances is named as “_readme.txt“.
Zpww Ransomware works with Salsa20 encryption algorithms to cipher the files. Since Zpww virus utilizes such a robust encryption method, it becomes pretty difficult, if not impossible, to pick the decryption key without the assistance of the attackers.
Once the files are encrypted, the Zpww virus displays a ransom note to the user, demanding a ransom payment for the decryption key. The ransom note contains instructions on the ways of making the payment and also often contains threats of system wipeout or ransom amounts surge if the ransom is not paid within a specified timeframe.
I have compiled an all-encompassing list of potential solutions, advice, and approaches to neutralize the Zpww ransomware and decrypt your files. In some cases, you can regain access to the files, while sometimes, it may be impossible.
📌 Important Reminder!
It is important to note that paying off the bill is not a guarantee of the successful files recovery. The individuals who stand behind the Zpww virus are known for their untrustworthiness. There have been instances where people have paid the ransom, only to be denied by the cybercriminals with the decryption key provision.
Zpww employs a unique key for every victim, with one exception:
The Zpww virus bears resemblance to other DJVU ransomware samples such as Itqw, Ithh, Itrz, and Ptrz. This virus encrypts a wide range of common file types and appends its distinct “.zpww” extension to all files. For instance, a file named “1.jpg” would be altered to “1.jpg.zpww” and “2.png” to “2.png.zpww“.
After successful encryption, malware spawns 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 its appearance even without opening folders.
The image below provides a visual representation of files with the “zpww” extension:
Encrypted Files by STOP/DJVU Ransomware
| Name | Zpww Virus |
| Ransomware family1 | DJVU/STOP2 ransomware |
| Extension | .zpww |
| 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 frightening warning requesting users to pay off the ransom to decrypt the encoded data contains these annoying admonitions.
Zpww ransomware arrives as a set of operations that are needed to execute different activities on a victim’s computer. One of the primary processes being launched is winupdate.exe, a sneaky process that displays a fake Windows update alert during the attack. That is needed to convince the victim that a sudden computer slowdown is caused by a Windows update.
Meanwhile, the ransomware runs another process (named as 4 random chars) which initiates scanning the system 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 concern is, ransomware operators are getting rid of any built-in Windows approaches that could assist the victim to recover files for free. In addition, the crooks 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 witness a DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error when trying to open one of the blocked websites.
We’ve observed that ransomware tries to restrict websites that post various how-to guides for computer users. It is obvious that by restricting specific domains, the crooks are attempting to hinder the victim from connecting to relevant and helpful ransomware-attack-related information online. Malware also saves two .txt files on the victim’s computer that offer 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 changes, the malware doesn’t stop. Variants of STOP/DJVU are inclined to install Vidar password-stealing Trojan on compromised systems. This threat possesses 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 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.
Getting the online decryption key in any other way is also nearly impossible. It is stored on a command server controlled by the criminals who spread the Zpww malware. For receiving decrypting code the payment should be $980. To see 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
How To Remove STOP/Djvu Ransomware?
Video Guide
How To Decrypt .zpww Files?
How to restore big files?
Try deleting .zpww 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 you have files that are very large (2GB+), such a situation is highly probable. Please, text me in the comments whether this helped you or not.
The newest extensions released around the end of August 2019 after the criminals made changes. This includes Itqw, Ithh, Itrz etc.
As a outcome of the modifications made by the criminals, STOPDecrypter is no longer assisted. 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 by default choose the accessible directories in order to unlock the currently available drives (the connected ones), including the network drives. Additional (optional) locations can be selected with the help of the “Add” button.
Decryptors generally propose several options depending on the specific malware family. The present possible options are presented in the Options tab and can be turned on or disabled there. You may find 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 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
Your original files were encrypted with an online key. So no one else has the same encryption/decryption key pair. 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.
An offline key was used, but files could not be restored (the offline decryption key isn’t available yet). But, receiving this message is 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
It’s an indication of a DNS issue on your PC. Our first recommendation is to reset your HOSTS file back to default.
How to Restore .zpww Files?
In some case ransomware is not doom for your files…
The Zpww ransomware encryption mechanism is next: it encrypts every file byte-by-byte, then saves a duplicate, deleting (not overriding!) the original file. Hence, the information of the file placement on the disk drive is lost, but the original file is not deleted from the physical disk. The cell, or the sector where this file was stored, can still hold this file, but it is not listed by the file system and can be overwritten 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 open-source program, which is originally created for data recovery from damaged disks, or for file retrieval in case if they are unintentionally deleted. However, with time flow, this program adopted the ability to recover the files of 400 different formats. Hence, it can be used for data recovery after the Zpww attack.
First, you need to download this app. It is 100% free, but the developer notifies that there is no assurance that the files will be restored. PhotoRec is distributed in a pack with another tool of the same developer – TestDisk. The downloaded archive will bear TestDisk name, but don’t worry. PhotoRec files are right inside.
To open PhotoRec, find and open “qphotorec_win.exe” file. No installation process is needed – this program has all the files it need inside of the archive, hence, you can fit it on your USB drive, and try to help your friends/parents/anyone who has been attacked by Zpww ransomware.
Upon the launch, you will observe the screen showing you the entire list of your disk spaces. However, this data is probably unhelpful, 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 pick the destination folder for the retrieved files. This menu is located at the lower part of the PhotoRec window. The best option is to export them on USB drive or any other type of removable disk.
Then, you need to specify the file formats. This setting is located at the bottom, too. As it was mentioned, PhotoRec can restore the files of about 400 different formats.
Finally, you can start files restoration by pressing the “Search” button. You will observe the screen where the results of the scan and recovery are shown.
Zpww files recovery Video Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
I need your help to share this article.
It is your turn to help other people. I have written this guide to help people like you. You can use buttons below to share this on your favorite social media Facebook, Twitter, or Reddit.
Brendan SmithReferences
German 
Japanese 
Spanish 
Portuguese (Brazil) 
French 
Turkish 
Chinese (Traditional) 
Korean 
Indonesian 
Hindi 
Italian
Leave a Comment