How to remove Zenya ransomware

Zenya ransomware can result in personal data loss and operating system damage

Ransomware is one of the most damaging viruses. Security researchers recently discovered a new variant of the Xorist ransomware family – Zenya. It uses complicated encryption^[1] algorithms to lock users' personal files, like photos, videos, documents, databases, etc. A Zenya ransomware infection can result in permanent data loss.

The affected files are appended with the .ZeNyA extension. So if a file was previously named picture.jpg, after encryption it would look like this – picture.jpg.ZeNyA. The icons are also changes to white pages so thumbnails are unavailable. Shortly after the encryption process is complete, a pop-up window and HOW TO DECRYPT FILES.txt ransom notes are generated on the machine.

The ransom note

Zenya ransomware drops two ransom notes on the computer – a pop-up window, and a text file HOW TO DECRYPT FILES.txt. Generally, ransomware developers use ransom notes to explain all the instructions. They typically tell victims that they have to pay money in order to get their files back.

The most common choice of payment is cryptocurrencies, and more specifically – Bitcoin.^[2] Hackers choose this form of payment because it is anonymous. However, once you make a cryptocurrency transaction it is irreversible, and it is impossible to get the tokens or coins back once you send them to another wallet.

Cybercriminals cannot be trusted. Many previous ransomware attack victims have come forward and said that they never received the promised decryption tools after sending the payment. By paying the ransom, victims are also further encouraging this malicious and illegal activity.

Although it may be painful to lose personal files, it is a good opportunity to learn how to create backups. In this guide, you will find a third-party solution that helps in some cases. By contacting the threat actors or paying them, you are taking a huge risk.

Distribution methods

Even though many might not want to hear it, installing “cracked” software,^[3] using Torrent websites, and peer-to-peer file-sharing platforms is one of the most common malware infection methods. These platforms are unregulated, so they are the perfect breeding ground for all kinds of malware.

It is best to use official web stores and developer websites. Even though it might get costly, you may save in the long run by keeping your system running smoothly. Ransomware and other malware infections can result in operating system damage, so it is important to ensure its stability and security.

Another common channel that cybercriminals use is email. Usually, they use social engineering to manufacture urgent and important letters from well-known companies that ask them to click on links or open email attachments. It is best to never open attachments from unknown senders.

Hackers can also use software vulnerabilities to deliver their malicious programs. That is why it is so important to keep your operating system and software updated. Software developers regularly release security patches for this purpose so it is best to install them as soon as they come out.

Eliminate malicious files

The important thing to do is disconnect the affected machine from the local network. For home users, disconnecting the ethernet cable should do the job. If this happened at your workplace, doing that might be complicated, so we have instructions for corporate environments at the bottom of this post.

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

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 is not letting you use antivirus in normal mode, 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 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 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 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 the damaged operating system

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

This is why FortectIntego was developed. It can fix a lot of the damage caused by an infection like this. Blue Screen errors, 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.

Recover your files with third-party software

Only hackers hold the decryption key,^[4] which can unlock your files, so if you did not back them up previously, you possibly lost your files forever. You can try using data recovery software, but 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 Zenya ransomware.

Before you begin, several pointers are important 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.