Z9 ransomware: what it is and how to remove it

From our report of Jan 2020 · not reviewed since

More from our earlier report on Z9 ransomware

• FILES ENCRYPTED.txt is the text file that contains contact information of criminals and the pop-up program window named with one of the contact emails, or Info.hta delivers payment instructions needed when you decide to buy the decryption key
• When the Z9 ransomware removal is in question, the most important thing is the selection of anti-malware tools.
• You need a good AV detection engine that could clean the traces of this threat
• Besides cleaning files associated with the virus, you should clean the direct virus damage that can occur in various parts of the system too.

From our report of Jan 2020 · not reviewed since

Z9 ransomware is the cryptovirus that uses RSA1024 algorithm for the file locking function and demands victims to pay up

Z9 ransomware is the threat focused on blackmailing people by claiming that this is the only option to get files recovered.

This is a cyber infection that occurs on the machine out of nowhere and delivers ransom demanding messages via program window and text file placed on the desktop. Important files like documents, photos, videos or archives, and databases get encrypted with the help of an army grade algorithm, so the original code of the data gets changed, and the user cannot access the information anymore.

This threat belongs to a family named Dharma ransomware that is known for powerful coding and non-decryptable functionality. The alleged solution for such files is not recommended by researchers or experts because cybercriminals are the ones that make and spread this vicious ransomware.

The name of the Z9 ransomware virus this program gets from the file marker that appears on encoded files after the original file format indicating extension. The file extension is needed to identify files affected by the malware from other safe ones.

Other features that can identify the particular infection include contact emails help.me24@protonmail.com, it24support@cock.li that come int he ransom note text file FILES ENCRYPTED.txt. The name of this file and the pop-up window with payment instructions are not changed for years, so the family is easily distinguished from other cryptocurrency-extortion based threats.

Z9 ransomware is not a simple malware because file encryption is only the first phase of the infection. The file-locking is more important because without having anything in their possession, criminals cannot demand payments and blackmail their victims.

The scary Z9 ransomware virus message about encoded data and the infected system appears pretty soon after the process, and people need to decide what to do because the pop-up claim that the unique key needed for the decryption is going to be stored on their server for seven days only.

However, there is no malware researcher that recommends paying for these people behind the malicious Z9 ransomware, especially when the threat belongs to this family that is known for targeting users worldwide. Even big companies decide not to pay up when ransomware hits their networks or systems.

Unfortunately, as we mentioned Z9 ransomware can access much more than your photos, documents, or videos that get encrypted. Virus developers encourage to pay for the decryption key that can possibly recover commonly used data, and then goes through other parts of the system. Z9 ransomware is not encrypting system files, data stored in more essential places can get directly affected by the virus since it can:

Such behavior significantly affects the initial Z9 ransomware removal process, because the threat becomes exceptionally persistent and not easily terminated when various files control the malicious processes. Many modules running in the background cause operations that keep blocking AV tools and recovery features. This is why anti-malware tools are recommended for this process of virus elimination by many researchers.

Z9 ransomware is not settling for less, and developers are not waiting for each victim, so unique keys for victims are stored for a certain time.

When that reaches the end, other victims get affected, and those keys replaced by new IDs of potential payers. This fact can possibly mean that the decryption tool for this threat may not even be released in the future since the database is continuously renewed.

Based on this fact, you shouldn't even consider the ransom paying as an option to save your files. You better remove Z9 ransomware using a powerful anti-malware program and then rely on the data backups stored on the external device or third-party programs that can restore affected files for you.

There are more valuable things that ransomware can access, and it means that Z9 ransomware may collect, steal, or track information about you. Things saved on the particular files, password manager information, other credentials can be used in later scam campaigns or similar attacks, so the ransomware attack is not the last one that you experience.

• manipulate system files and modify registry keys or remove them;
• delete backups and configuration files;
• change settings, so the virus is launched with every reboot;
• disable functions or programs;
• install additional applications, system files.

From our report of Jan 2020 · not reviewed since

Web methods employed for ransomware spreading

Hackers behind such threats deliver malicious codes during worldwide attack campaigns involving advanced modules and often other malware.

Criminals can directly use vulnerability exploits and penetrate the system directly with brute force attacks.

Phishing methods also are commonly used by such developers because most of the campaigns involve social engineering and aim to manipulate people into believing that they surf on a safe site. The email gest sent out looking like a legitimate notification from the company or service that contains an attachment or a link to the hacker-created site.

Email attachments get made using malicious code and other types of files that can either install the application directly on the system or launch malicious macros from the document or PDF file attached as a receipt or order confirmation. Do not trust any random senders and always think twice before extracting any data from the internet.

From our report of Jan 2020 · not reviewed since

Choose the best approach of Dharma - Z9 ransomware termination

Z9 ransomware virus is the threat that can modify and manipulate many functions of your device, so the thing that you need to remember is the possibility of disabling the threat itself. You should reboot the machine in a Safe Mode with Networking, so the program that you rely on can run freely and detect the intruder.

As for the selection of anti-malware tools needed for Z9 ransomware removal, you need to get the reliable AV engine that updates the database more frequently, so this version is included already. You may need to try a few until you found the best one. We can offer these security tools: and .

Nevertheless, do not forget to check for possible damage when you remove Z9 ransomware from the machine. Getting a system optimization tool or a cleaner like can provide the best PC repair process that your system files and settings need. Then data recovery is possible to achieve no matter which method you choose.

[GI=method-1]Make the system virus-free again by eliminating Z9 ransomware with the help of Safe Mode reboot

[GI=method-2]Terminate Z9 ransomware virus with System Restore feature

Windows Previous Versions feature provides the alternate method for data backups when you need that

If you already enabled System Restore, you can rely on Windows Previous Versions feature

ShadowExplorer for the Z9 ransomware file recovery

It is possible to use ShadowExplorer when Shadow Volume Copies are left untouched by the threat

Decryption tool for Z9 ransomware is not released yet