How to remove Zimbra ransomware virus

Zimbra ransomware attacks Zimbra Mail Store

Written in Python programming language, Zimbra virus is a probably one of its kind, because this crypto-ransomware type program does not encrypt files on victim’s computer, but only those that are stored in Zimbra enterprise collaboration program. Zimbra ransomware finds and encrypts all data stored in opt/zimbra/store folder, and appends .crypto file extension to each infected record. It utilizes AES encryption algorithm to make files useless, and once all data is encrypted, Zimbra malware saves a ransom note called how.txt in /root folder. The virus then encrypts AES encryption code using RSA encryption and then sends both of these to the author of this ransomware, removing all traces that could help the victim decrypt his/hers files for free. Now, let’s see what the ransom note says:

Zimbra ransomware leaves this messageAs you can see from the picture, this virus leaves a short note, informing the user that if he wants to revert changes and get access to encrypted data, then he needs to pay. In other words, Zimbra virus demands a ransom. Authors of this virus want to get 3 Bitcoins, which is equal to 1971 USD. The worst thing is that you might not receive the decryption after paying the ransom, so we do not encourage you to do it. The ransom note tells the victim to transfer money to a provided Bitcoin address and then email them at mpritsken(@)priest.com.

If your computer has been infected with this virus, you should clean it from malicious virus components right away. You should not try to delete them manually as you can easily delete essential system files and corrupt your computer system. To remove Zimbra virus, you have to employ a strong anti-spyware application, for example, FortectIntego, and run a system scan with it. It will detect and quarantine Zimbra virus and other questionable files and programs, and at the end of the scan, you will be able to eliminate them for good with a single click.

How do viruses like Zimbra spread?

Ransomware-type viruses spread using several different techniques. Apparently, it enters victim’s computer in a deceitful way, usually with a help of a Trojan horse method. Crooks use various techniques to conceal the virus and make it look like a safe file. Here are some techniques they use to inject their harmful programs into computers:

• For example, they can create a .doc or .js file and add it to a malicious email, including an officially-looking message. Therefore, you should beware of suspicious emails, even if they look reliable. Bear in mind that frauds commonly send fake invoices, CVs, speeding tickets, reports, and similar documents, which are infectious. For your sake, avoid opening emails sent by unknown parties.
• Computer viruses also spread via malvertising. Attackers just love this technique as it is an easy way to trick the user into downloading malware, but in some cases, the computer can get affected only by loading a web page that has malicious ads on it. For this reason, the only thing that can protect your computer is a strong anti-malware application.
• Criminals who create viruses often exploit vulnerabilities left in outdated computer software. Hence, you should always keep all your programs up-to-date by enabling automatic updates.

How to eliminate Zimbra?

ZimbraCrypt removal is a complex process, and we definitely do not recommend you to do it manually. Speaking of ransomware, we have to say that creators of such threats really put a lot of work in making these programs hard-to-crack and also hard-to-remove. This and similar viruses place their components in several computer folders, and filenames of them usually do not come into user’s notice at all. Apparently, the threat does not name its files as virus.exe or similarly. All in all, ransomware threats should be removed using an automatic malware removal tool. If this virus blocks the anti-spyware program, then follow these Zimbra removal instructions: