How to remove Zxcvb ransomware

Zxcvb ransomware is a malicious program that can lock users' personal data

Zxcvb ransomware is a file-locking virus that uses encryption to lock users' personal files, like photos, videos, and documents. It belongs to the Dharma ransomware family that was detected in 2016. It can cause permanent data loss if users do not have backups. 

It appends the encrypted files with the .zxcvb extension, victim's ID, and cybercriminals' email address. So if a file was previously named picture.jpg, after encryption it would look like this – picture.jpg.victimID.paymoney@onionmail.org.zxcvb. The icons are also changed to white pages so thumbnails are unavailable.

The ransom note

The full Zxcvb's pop-up window ransom note reads as follows:

YOUR FILES ARE ENCRYPTED
Don't worry,you can return all your files!
If you want to restore them, follow this link:email paymoney@onionmail.org YOUR ID –
If you have not been answered via the link within 12 hours, write to us by e-mail:zxcvb@onionmail.com
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.

Text in FILES ENCRYPTED.txt:

all your data has been locked us
You want to return?
write email paymoney@onionmail.org or zxcvb@onionmail.com

Shortly after the encryption process is done, these two ransom notes, a pop-up window, and FILES ENCRYPTED.txt are generated on the machine. They are supposed to inform victims about what has happened and what is expected of them. Ransomware is created for the sole purpose of generating revenue.

There should be no surprise that cybercriminals want to be paid for a decryption key.^[1] And if victims want to get their files back, the only way they can is with the decryption key that cybercriminals hold. Threat actors most often want to be paid in cryptocurrencies because they provide anonymity.

We strongly advise against contacting cybercriminals or paying them because they cannot be trusted. Many previous ransomware victims have come forward and said that they never received the promised decryption tools after paying the ransom. Instead, we recommend following our guide to learn about third-party solutions.

Distribution methods

There are multiple different ways that ransomware infects regular users. Most of the time, malicious programs get into the system from Torrent websites, peer-to-peer file-sharing platforms, and other unsafe download sources. It is impossible to know if the files you are downloading when installing “cracked” software are safe.

It is best to use official web stores and developer websites whenever you want to install new programs. Apps that get listed on web stores have to go through an extensive review process. However, users should still always do their research, read the reviews, and look at the ratings and the number of users.

Another popular infection method threat actors use is email. Cybercriminals can create convincing messages that look like important and urgent messages from well-known companies. This way, the emails cause minimal suspicion. They add infected attachments or embed malicious links^[2] in the email.

Our recommendation would be never to open random email attachments. Download attachments only from someone you personally know. Last but not least, keep your operating system and software always updated. Hackers can use software vulnerabilities^[3] to deliver their malicious programs.

Use professional security tools to eliminate malicious files

The thing that you have to do immediately is to disconnect the affected machine from the local network. For home users, disconnecting the ethernet cable or disabling the Wi-Fi should do the job. If this happened at your workplace, doing that might be complicated, so we have separate instructions for you at the bottom of this post.

If you try to recover your data first, it can result in permanent loss. Malware can also encrypt your files the second time if it is not eliminated first. It will not stop until you remove the malicious files causing it. You should not attempt removing the malicious program yourself unless you have excellent IT skills.

Use anti-malware tools like SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes to scan your system. This security software should find all the related files and entries and remove them automatically for you. In some cases, malware can prevent you from using antivirus software, so you need to access Safe Mode and perform a full system scan from there:

Windows 7 / Vista / XP

1. Click Start > Shutdown > Restart > OK.
2. When your computer becomes active, start pressing the 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.
3. Select Safe Mode with Networking from the list.

Windows 10 / Windows 8

1. Right-click on the Start button and select Settings.
   
2. Scroll down to pick Update & Security.
3. On the left side of the window, pick Recovery.
4. Now scroll down to find the Advanced Startup section.
5. Click Restart now.
6. Select Troubleshoot.
7. Go to Advanced options.
8. Select Startup Settings.
9. Click Restart.
10. Press 5 or click 5) Enable Safe Mode with Networking.

Fix system errors to prevent Windows reinstallation

Performance, stability, and usability issues, to the point where a complete Windows reinstall is required, are expected after malware infection. These types of viruses can alter the Windows registry database, damage vital bootup, and other functions, delete or corrupt DLL files, etc. Once a system file is damaged by malware, antivirus software will not able to repair it.

This is why FortectIntego was developed. This powerful software can fix a lot of the damage caused by Zxcvb ransomware. Blue Screen errors,^[4] freezes, registry errors, damaged DLLs, etc., can make your computer completely unusable. By using this maintenance tool, you could avoid Windows reinstallation.

• Download the application by clicking on the link above
• Click on the ReimageRepair.exe
  
• If User Account Control (UAC) shows up, select Yes
• Press Install and wait till the program finishes the installation process
• The analysis of your machine will begin immediately
• Once complete, check the results – they will be listed in the Summary
• You can now click on each of the issues and fix them manually
• If you see many problems that you find difficult to fix, we recommend you purchase the license and fix them automatically.

File recovery options

Many people think that they can fix their files with anti-malware tools, but that is not what they are designed for. All the security tools can do is detect suspicious processes in your system and eliminate them. The truth is, the files can be restored only with a decryption key or software that only the cybercriminals have.

If you did not back up your data previously, it might be possible that you will never get them back. You can try using data recovery software, but we have to note that third-party programs cannot always decrypt the files. We suggest at least trying this method. Before proceeding, you have to copy the corrupted files and place them in a USB flash drive or another storage. And remember – only do this if you have already removed the Zxcvb ransomware.

Before you begin, several pointers are essential while dealing with this situation:

• Since the encrypted data on your computer might permanently be damaged by security or data recovery software, you should first make backups of it – use a USB flash drive or another storage.
• Only attempt to recover your files using this method after you perform a scan with anti-malware software.

Install data recovery software

1. Download Data Recovery Pro.
2. Double-click the installer to launch it.
3. Follow on-screen instructions to install the software.
4. As soon as you press Finish, you can use the app.
5. Select Everything or pick individual folders where you want the files to be recovered from.
6. Press Next.
7. At the bottom, enable Deep scan and pick which Disks you want to be scanned.
8. Press Scan and wait till it is complete.
9. You can now pick which folders/files to recover – don't forget you also have the option to search by the file name!
10. Press Recover to retrieve your files.