Zixer2 ransomware / virus (Free Instructions) - Virus Removal Instructions
Zixer2 virus Removal Guide
What is Zixer2 ransomware virus?
Zixer2 ransomware traces lead to Xorist
There are many suspicions about Zixer2 virus capabilities. Unlike other emerged crypto-malware which seem to fade in the cyber space soon, this malware refers to one of the older virtual menaces – Xorist ransomware. The previous threat rummaged in the virtual arena. One of the latest infections – Team XRat[1]. Likewise, it would be futile to underestimate this cyber infection. Even if this menace has descended on the computer, there is no need to give into distress. Follow the below instructions to terminate the infection and decrypt files. Accelerate Zixer2 removal with FortectIntego or Malwarebytes.
This malware follows the lead of other recent appearances: NX ransomware, Gx40, Fluffy-TAR virus, etc. Unlike the majority, Zixer2 malware uses a different file encryption method – Tiny Encryption Algorithm[2]. Its main advantage lies in easy manual and usage. Mainly it relies on block ciphering. Though it uses 128-bit key and 64-bit data block schedule, it possesses a very simple structure. It results in appending files with .zixer2 file extension[3]. Guidelines and further information how to recover files are presented in the HOW TO DECRYPT FILES.TXT files. It is unlikely that the threat is related to the same gang which has been notorious for spreading dozens of crypto-malware and providing @india.com email address. Nonetheless, it provides datares@india.com email address for contacting the felons. Due to low activity, the malware is not suspected to become a big threat to netizens. Nonetheless, it hints that Xorist cyber gang or another group of cyber villains restlessly engages in ransomware generating activities. Fortunately, virus researchers have previously devised a key for this particular malware a while, so Xorist Decrypter might help decrypt the files, especially if they are encrypted by such simple method[4]. Only after you remove Zixer2, decode the files.
How did I get infected with this malware?
Most likely, you got accidentally activated Zixer2 hijack when you opened a malicious email attachment. Do not fall into the trap even if you see a spam email addressed personally to you. Hackers might use altered credential of existing and official institutions in order to earn your trust. In addition, the majority of file-encrypting threats also wander as trojans. Exploit kits, and malicious scripts serve as the catalysts of ransomware hijack[5]. That is why sole cautiousness and vigilance are not enough protection guarantee indicators. Update your security applications. Some of them, such as FortectIntego and Malwarebytes will help you get rid of the virtual infection as well.
Zixer2 termination steps
Despite how weak or elaborate crypto-malware may be, it is not recommended meddling with it manually. Updated anti-spyware applications will assist in performing Zixer2 removal. In case, your computer screen is locked, make use of the below-shown instructions. Below them, you will find alternative solutions for data recovery. Bear in mind that this procedure will only take effect if you have fully deleted the infection. Taking into account the fact that this malware is less elaborate, try terminating its processes via Task Manager. Launch it with ESC+CTRL+SHIF and look for unusual processes which take up large CPU capacity. Zixer2 ransomware might be disguised under update.exe or explorer.exe executable files.
Getting rid of Zixer2 virus. Follow these steps
Manual removal using Safe Mode
In case you cannot fully launch malware removal utility, restart the PC in Safe Mode and continue elimination process.
Important! →
Manual removal guide might be too complicated for regular computer users. It requires advanced IT knowledge to be performed correctly (if vital system files are removed or damaged, it might result in full Windows compromise), and it also might take hours to complete. Therefore, we highly advise using the automatic method provided above instead.
Step 1. Access Safe Mode with Networking
Manual malware removal should be best performed in the Safe Mode environment.
Windows 7 / Vista / XP
- Click Start > Shutdown > Restart > OK.
- When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 button (if that does not work, try F2, F12, Del, etc. – it all depends on your motherboard model) multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
- Select Safe Mode with Networking from the list.
Windows 10 / Windows 8
- Right-click on Start button and select Settings.
- Scroll down to pick Update & Security.
- On the left side of the window, pick Recovery.
- Now scroll down to find Advanced Startup section.
- Click Restart now.
- Select Troubleshoot.
- Go to Advanced options.
- Select Startup Settings.
- Press Restart.
- Now press 5 or click 5) Enable Safe Mode with Networking.
Step 2. Shut down suspicious processes
Windows Task Manager is a useful tool that shows all the processes running in the background. If malware is running a process, you need to shut it down:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
- Click on More details.
- Scroll down to Background processes section, and look for anything suspicious.
- Right-click and select Open file location.
- Go back to the process, right-click and pick End Task.
- Delete the contents of the malicious folder.
Step 3. Check program Startup
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
- Go to Startup tab.
- Right-click on the suspicious program and pick Disable.
Step 4. Delete virus files
Malware-related files can be found in various places within your computer. Here are instructions that could help you find them:
- Type in Disk Cleanup in Windows search and press Enter.
- Select the drive you want to clean (C: is your main drive by default and is likely to be the one that has malicious files in).
- Scroll through the Files to delete list and select the following:
Temporary Internet Files
Downloads
Recycle Bin
Temporary files - Pick Clean up system files.
- You can also look for other malicious files hidden in the following folders (type these entries in Windows Search and press Enter):
%AppData%
%LocalAppData%
%ProgramData%
%WinDir%
After you are finished, reboot the PC in normal mode.
Remove Zixer2 using System Restore
It is unlikely that Zicer2 virus might cause big elimination problems, but System Restore is another option to regain access
-
Step 1: Reboot your computer to Safe Mode with Command Prompt
Windows 7 / Vista / XP- Click Start → Shutdown → Restart → OK.
- When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
-
Select Command Prompt from the list
Windows 10 / Windows 8- Press the Power button at the Windows login screen. Now press and hold Shift, which is on your keyboard, and click Restart..
- Now select Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings and finally press Restart.
-
Once your computer becomes active, select Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt in Startup Settings window.
-
Step 2: Restore your system files and settings
-
Once the Command Prompt window shows up, enter cd restore and click Enter.
-
Now type rstrui.exe and press Enter again..
-
When a new window shows up, click Next and select your restore point that is prior the infiltration of Zixer2. After doing that, click Next.
-
Now click Yes to start system restore.
-
Once the Command Prompt window shows up, enter cd restore and click Enter.
Bonus: Recover your data
Guide which is presented above is supposed to help you remove Zixer2 from your computer. To recover your encrypted files, we recommend using a detailed guide prepared by 2-spyware.com security experts.If your files are encrypted by Zixer2, you can use several methods to restore them:
Data Recovery Pro method
Try recovering your files with this program. It also comes in handy retrieving lost and deleting emails.
- Download Data Recovery Pro;
- Follow the steps of Data Recovery Setup and install the program on your computer;
- Launch it and scan your computer for files encrypted by Zixer2 ransomware;
- Restore them.
How does ShadoeExplorer decrypt files affected by Zixer2 ransomware?
It uses shadow volume copies to restore encrypted documents.
- Download Shadow Explorer (http://shadowexplorer.com/);
- Follow a Shadow Explorer Setup Wizard and install this application on your computer;
- Launch the program and go through the drop down menu on the top left corner to select the disk of your encrypted data. Check what folders are there;
- Right-click on the folder you want to restore and select “Export”. You can also select where you want it to be stored.
Zixer2 Decrypter
Since it is identified as a version of Xorist, this decryption tool might be useful.
Finally, you should always think about the protection of crypto-ransomwares. In order to protect your computer from Zixer2 and other ransomwares, use a reputable anti-spyware, such as FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes
How to prevent from getting ransomware
Protect your privacy – employ a VPN
There are several ways how to make your online time more private – you can access an incognito tab. However, there is no secret that even in this mode, you are tracked for advertising purposes. There is a way to add an extra layer of protection and create a completely anonymous web browsing practice with the help of Private Internet Access VPN. This software reroutes traffic through different servers, thus leaving your IP address and geolocation in disguise. Besides, it is based on a strict no-log policy, meaning that no data will be recorded, leaked, and available for both first and third parties. The combination of a secure web browser and Private Internet Access VPN will let you browse the Internet without a feeling of being spied or targeted by criminals.
No backups? No problem. Use a data recovery tool
If you wonder how data loss can occur, you should not look any further for answers – human errors, malware attacks, hardware failures, power cuts, natural disasters, or even simple negligence. In some cases, lost files are extremely important, and many straight out panic when such an unfortunate course of events happen. Due to this, you should always ensure that you prepare proper data backups on a regular basis.
If you were caught by surprise and did not have any backups to restore your files from, not everything is lost. Data Recovery Pro is one of the leading file recovery solutions you can find on the market – it is likely to restore even lost emails or data located on an external device.
If this free guide helped you and you are satisfied with our service, please consider making a donation to keep this service alive. Even a smallest amount will be appreciated.
- ^ Bradley Barth. Downeks and Quasar malware combine in attack linked to Gaza Cybergang. SCMedia. The cybersecurity source.
- ^ Tiny Encryption Algorithm. Wikipedia. The free encyclopedia.
- ^ Yogesh Sapkale. How to Deal With Ransomware. Moneylife. News and views.
- ^ Andrej Ivanov. Zixer2 Ransomware. ID-ransowmare Blogspot.
- ^ Jai Vijayan. 04:12 PM Jai Vijayan Jai Vijayan News Connect Directly TwitterLinkedInRSSE-Mail 0 COMMENTS COMMENT NOW Login 50% 50% inShare 36 'Sundown' Rises as New Threat in Depleted Exploit Kit Landscape. Dark Reading. Protect the Business- Enable Access.