How to remove aZaZeL ransomware virus

aZaZeL ransomware is a crypt-virus that demands small-ish ransom

aZaZeL is a ransomware^[1] virus which is known to require a relatively small ransom – 0.1 BTC. However, that shouldn't encourage you to pay this ransom fee to cyber criminals. As soon as it infiltrates the system, it encrypts your files with a powerful encryption algorithm and makes them inaccessible.

Among the signature features of aZaZeL virus, there are the .Encrypted extension which is used to mark locked files and the “File_Encryption_Notice.txt” file which explains the whole file recovery procedure. Typically, the extortionists drop this file on the computer's desktop. It contains such information as the azazel-bot@india.com email which should be used to reach hackers after they infect victim's computer.

The hijack of the system is carried out in a few simple steps of aZaZeL ransomware. First of all, the malicious virus drops its executable on the target computer. The file will typically be obfuscated and looks like some legitimate system process or running application.

The second stage requires downloading ransomware's executable and the rest virus components to the system and establishing a connection with the command and control (C&C) server^[2]. From this point, virus receives the following commands from its owners. One of the first commands is to download the latest updates of its code to the system. These updates implement improvements to the program’s functionalities or make adjustments to complicate aZaZeL removal.

Finally, the most destructive part of the attack may begin. We are talking about data encryption, in particular. The malware will start scanning the computer for different types of documents, archives, gaming files, video/audio/visual material, etc.

The AES algorithm will be applied to render the contents of these files unreadable, similarly like the military encodes messages for secret communication. The victims will have virtually no chance decrypting the files themselves. Even the professionals do not always manage to find ways to work around the encryption, so the victims’ files remain locked indefinitely.

Even if your files remain encrypted by aZaZeL, that does not mean you will not be able to use your PC because of that. You can backup the encrypted files for a potential future decryption and remove aZaZeL from your computer, leaving it clean and suitable for storing new data.

A full PC cleanup can be performed using professional antivirus tools such as FortectIntego, or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes. Typically, ransomware spread faster in countries with high Internet utilization rate, such as Germany, so the computer users in these regions should be more concerned about their computer safety. ^[3]

Ways of ransomware settling on your computer

There are numerous illegal ways aZaZeL ransomware can be deployed on the computers. Usually, the hackers will use drive-by downloads, malware-laden software updates or malicious spam email attachments to place the malicious executable on the system. You might also quickly fall victim of the encryption virus attack if you have outdated software on your computer and you end up on some malicious website hosting exploit kits.

You may not foresee aZaZeL virus attack, but you sure can reduce the extent of its consequences. We recommend keeping backup copies of your files stored in some safe locations so that in case the virus hits, you would be able to recover them easily.

aZaZeL ransomware removal approaches

In case your device and the containing files have been compromised by ransomware, it is important that you remove aZaZeL virus from the system as soon as possible. We recommend using professional anti-malware programs to ensure the elimination goes smooth. You should also remember that it might be helpful to boot your PC in Safe Mode before launching the system scan.

When you perform aZaZeL removal, you may start thinking about data recovery. Unfortunately, there are currently no free or paid tools that could restore your system to the state it was prior to the ransomware attack. Nevertheless, you can check out alternative recovery solutions at the end of the article and try to win back at least some of your files.