How to remove Ziggy ransomware

Ziggy ransomware – a cryptovirus that's ransom note is in an executable file

Ziggy ransomware is a type of malicious software that locks files on an infected computer in order to demand a ransom for unlocking them. This file-locking parasite encrypts all non-executable files, such as archives, documents, pictures, and so on, with a combination of AES and RSA military-grade coding algorithms.

Like any other ransomware-type infection, the Ziggy virus also renames all data while it's being encrypted. It appends .id=[unique victims ID], assailants contact info .email=[EnceryptedFiles@tutanota.com].ziggy extension. All files are rendered inaccessible until a certain decryption tool/key is used to unlock them. The victim cannot even check what data is stored on a particular file in question.

Once all the commonly used files get locked, the Ziggy ransomware virus creates a ransom note, titles ## HOW TO DECRYPT ##.exe, in a Windows executable file format, and places it on the desktop. With that note, cybercriminals seek to intimidate their victims into contacting and meeting their demands.

Most ransom notes of file-locking parasites, like Atek, WormLocker, Qlkm, and others, are either text files or pop-up windows. Ransom note of Ziggy ransomware is displayed in an executable file (.exe). Cybercriminals provide two emails to contact them (EnceryptedFiles@tutanota.com and ReturnEncerypted@tutanota.com) and a unique victim ID, which is also seen as one of the extensions in the encrypted files.

The ransom amount isn't specified, although it is clear that it would have to be paid with cryptocurrency Bitcoins. Before doing that, victims could send up to 5 files (not exceeding 4Mb) to the cybercriminals for free decryption. Hackers also warn not to rename the files or try decrypting them with third-party apps, or that could lead to permanent data loss. The whole message reads:

All your files have been encrypted!
Ziggy Ransomware
All your files have been encrypted due to a security problem with your PC. If you want to restore them, write us to the e-mail:
EnceryptedFiles@tutanota.com
Write this ID in the title of your message: *********
In case of no answer in 12 hours write us to this e-mail: ReturnEncerypted@tutanota.com
You have to pay for decryption in Bitcoins. The price depends on how fast you write to us. After payment we will send you the tool that will decrypt all your files.
Free decryption as guarantee
Before paying you can send us up to 5 files for free decryption. The total size of files must be less than 4Mb (non archived), and files should not contain valuable
information. (databases, backups, large excel sheets, etc.)
How to obtain Bitcoins
The easiest way to buy bitcoins is LocalBitcoins site. You have to register, click 'Buy bitcoins', and select the seller by payment method and price.
https://localbitcoins.com/buy_bitcoins
Also you can find other places to buy Bitcoins and beginners guide here:
http://www.coindesk.com/information/how-can-i-buy-bitcoins/
Attention!
# Do not rename encrypted files.
# Do not try to decrypt your data using third party software, it may cause permanent data loss.
# Decryption of your files with the help of third parties may cause increased price (they add their fee to our) or you can become a victim of a scam

Our stance on contacting or meeting the demands of the developers of this virus or any other ransomware is always the same – please don't do it. By reaching or paying the ransom, victims of cyberattacks could end up in any of these scenarios:

• Assailants disappear after the payment is made.
• More money is asked after the first payment is completed.
• Cybercriminals send additional malware instead of the decryption tool.
• The sent deciphering tool doesn't work.
• No decryption tool is sent, and so on.

Instead, victims should remove Ziggy ransomware as soon as they spot any infection indications – renamed files, ransom note, etc. To be certain that the computer infection is eliminated correctly, we recommend doing it with professional anti-malware applications such as SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes.

Due to the fact that ransomware makes alterations to Windows Registry, host files, and other core settings and files, after Ziggy ransomware removal, experts^[1] recommend performing a system repair that would fix these issues with a powerful system tune-up tool like the FortectIntego app.

Small tutorial to increase cybersecurity level

Report^[2] shows that ransomware is the fastest-growing cybercrime as, since 2015, profits from this venture increased 57 times. That's why we here at 2-spyware.com compiled a list of instructions that could help everyday computer users to evade any affairs with the cybercriminals:

• All software updates, most of all, for the operating system must be installed as soon as they come out.
• Professional, reliable anti-malware software must be purchased, constantly updated, and used to perform full system scans at least once a week.
• System repair tools must be used frequently to maintain the system registry and other key settings.
• Backups of essential data must be kept on at least two separate devices/locations, e.g., USB drive, cloud, etc.
• Learn how to identify phishing emails^[3] and other malware delivery techniques used by hackers.

Using anti-malware tools to remove Ziggy ransomware virus

As cybercrimes are increasing at an alarming rate, computer users should always have professional anti-malware software like SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes watching their backs. Apps like these will not only remove Ziggy ransomware but might also prevent such computer infections in the future.

File-locking viruses are known to make various changes in the infected computer system to establish persistence, block security-related applications or webpages, and so on. To revert these changes, users are advised to use the FortectIntego system repair tool right after they're finished with Ziggy ransomware removal.

If unattended, these changes might cause various device performance irregularities such as the blue screen of death, crashing, severe lag, and others. Only after all these steps are taken, and Ziggy virus is completely removed, the computer is a safe place to restore your data from backups.