How to remove zbw virus file

Zbw file virus is a reference name of a Makop ransomware virus – one of the Oled virus successors

Zbw file virus is a dangerous cryptovirus that infiltrates machines via software cracks and immediately locks all pictures, videos, Microsoft Office documents, and all non-system files. This virus is also known as Makop ransomware – the names can be used interchangeably. 

Makop ransomware genealogically belongs to the Oled virus family, which has emerged in 2017 and remained silent up till now. The latest Zbw ransomware virus, however, is progressively evolving and has already infected thousands of machines. The victims recognized the file-encryptor as it appends an eye-catching extension, i.e. victims ID + criminals' email address, and .makop file extension. In some rare cases, it may use .zbw file extension, though these cases are very rare. 

This virus family consists of over 20 family members, most of which share the same .makop market at the end of the extension. However, each of the variants shows a diverse e-mail address, including makop@airmail.cc, KILLYOUASS@protonmail.com.makop, buydecryptor@aol.com.makop, xaodecrypt@protonmail.co.makop, and many others. For finding more about the conditions, victims should open the readme-warning.txt ransom note, which contains all crucial information, except the size of the expected ransom. 

Zbw ransomware or Makop, call it as you like, is a highly dangerous virus because installing it on the system usually means big losses. People either lose their nerves, personal files, or money. The virus has been developed by, let us say, sophisticated criminals who know a lot about difficult mathematical structures and know how to apply them to locking people's files. 

In fact, zwb ransomware is mainly spread via obfuscated files that carry payload dropper. Such files can be attached to fake software updates, email spam attachments, pirated software, or injected via RDPs. The virus uses a combination of encryption algorithms (RSA, AES, SHA, or others). 

In fact, it's not possible to find out when this virus infects the machine. The malicious files cannot be noticed without specified software. Users may initially notice a slowed down PC's performance or too high CPU usage. The malware manifests its presence only when the system is fully infected and all data encrypted. The virus then appends .zbw file extension and displays the following notification in the form of txt file:

::: Greetings :::

Little FAQ:
.1.
Q: Whats Happen?
A: Your files have been encrypted and now have the “makop” extension. The file structure was not damaged, we did everything possible so that this could not happen.

.2.
Q: How to recover files?
A: If you wish to decrypt your files you will need to pay in bitcoins.

.3.
Q: What about guarantees?
A: Its just a business. We absolutely do not care about you and your deals, except getting benefits. If we do not do our work and liabilities – nobody will cooperate with us. Its not in our interests.
To check the ability of returning files, you can send to us any 2 files with SIMPLE extensions(jpg,xls,doc, etc… not databases!) and low sizes(max 1 mb), we will decrypt them and send back to you. That is our guarantee.

.4.
Q: How to contact with you?
A: You can write us to our mailbox: makop@airmail.cc

.5.
Q: How will the decryption process proceed after payment?
A: After payment we will send to you our scanner-decoder program and detailed instructions for use. With this program you will be able to decrypt all your encrypted files.

.6.
Q: If I donít want to pay bad people like you?
A: If you will not cooperate with our service – for us, its does not matter. But you will lose your time and data, cause only we have the private key. In practice – time is much more valuable than money.

:::BEWARE:::
DON'T try to change encrypted files by yourself!
If you will try to use any third party software for restoring your data or antivirus solutions – please make a backup for all encrypted files!
Any changes in encrypted files may entail damage of the private key and, as result, the loss all data.

 

Do not fall for the hackers trick to scare people into thinking that their personal files will be lost permanently. Although there's no zbw ransomware decryption tool, paying the ransomware does not ensure that you will regain access to the data. If you have backups, then there's nothing to worry about. 

The main thing that you should think of is a full zbw removal. Makop ransomware variants, just like other file-encrypting viruses, cannot be removed without specialized security software. It's important to stress the fact that crypto-malware is often capable of blocking AV-scanner, so you may need to restart the machine into Safe Mode with Networking. 

As we have already pointed out, there's no decryption tool except the one that criminals store. However, paying is not recommended. Instead, perform full Makop virus removal and try to recover .zbw files using alternative methods, such as backups, third-party data recovery tools, or in-built Windows features. 

Ransomware viruses take advantage or pirating and fake online content

File-encrypting viruses take advantage of people who keep browsing web unconsciously. Malware payload dropper – that is the name used to describe a file, which once clicked downloads the virus onto the target machine. The dropper file is usually heavily obfuscated, which is why AV engines can fail to recognize it. These files are typically attached to the following content:

• Spam email attachments. People can get a misleading email message, saying that the user should open the attached file (Word, Excel, PDF file) as it contains information about your finances, order confirmation, and similar.
• Shared files on P2P networks. Criminals can become members of P2P and spread infected software downloads, e.g. Adobe Acrobat^[2]. 
• Infected social media links. Trojan infected machines can automatically generate malicious links on social media networks making people click them accidentally;
• Unprotected RDPs. Remote desktop service that is not protected by a password pose a high-risk of experiencing brute force attacks when attackers inject malicious codes by connecting to the remote computer.

Eliminate Zbw virus files and recover your PC to the previous state

You will not be able to recover zbw files as long as Makop ransomware removal hasn't been accomplished. The virus will block any data decryption software and will immediately re-encrypt unlocked or newly saved files. That's why it's important to delete the ransomware before taking any measures to restore the files. 

In order to fully remove Zbw ransomware from the system, it's a must to use a professional anti-virus that has an updated virus database. We recommend using SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes tools. These programs show a high ransomware detection rate, so a full scan would ensure the removal of all malicious entries. Thus, experts from Virusai.lt^[3] highly recommend using it. 

To ensure that Zbw removal has been successfully initiated, scan the system twice, or use alternative security tool. After that, use FortectIntego repair tool to address system issues that the ransomware might have initiated. This program will provide you with the list of detected Windows issues, such as missing/corrupted Registry entries, compromised Temp files, cache, and similar.