ZeroFucks ransomware (Free Instructions) - Decryption Steps Included

ZeroFucks virus Removal Guide

What is ZeroFucks ransomware?

ZeroFucks ransomware is the product from cybercriminals who put a price tag of 400 euro on your encrypted files

Zero-Fucks ransomwareZero-Fucks ransomware is the threat that promises to double the ransom amount if you don't pay in 48 hours. ZeroFucks ransomware is the cryptovirus that encrypts files found on the machine and demands to pay in Bitcoin for the alleged decryption, or your data get destroyed in 96 hours. Meantime after 48 hours the price doubles and gets even doubled again after 72 hours since the initial encryption process. However, paying is not the best solution when dealing with such malware that affects your valuable data. Emisoft team, on July 18th, released a free decryptor, so paying the ransom becomes even more pointless.[1]

Bitcoin_Address.txt file is the ransom note file that gets placed on the desktop and in various folders containing encrypted files. This file contains a message from virus developers who focus on money extortion and data encryption. All the encoded data gets the file marker after the original name of the file and the file extensions typical for a document, photo or audio, video file. Then your files from “Picture.jpg” or “Document.doc” become “Picture.jpg.zerofucks” and “Document.doc.zerofucks”. Due to this fact, you can say that the name of this Zero-Fucks ransomware virus came from the developers themselves.

Name ZeroFucks ransomware
Type Cryptovirus
File marker .zerofucks
Encryption method AES-256
Ransom note Bitcoin_Address.txt
Ransom amount 400€ in Bitcoin
Maximum given time to pay up 96 hours or data gets destroyed
Decryption Use Emisoft Decrypter for ZeroFucks virus
Distribution Macro-laced spam email attachments
Elimination Get anti-malware tool like FortectIntego for Zero-Fucks ransomware removal and system cleaning

Zero-Fucks ransomware encrypts files using AES algorithm and then makes all the selected data useless by changing the original file code. Your photos, documents, audio, or video files become useless, and once the .zerofucks marker gets placed on every one of them, you cannot open them.

ZeroFucks ransomware virus is s file-locker threat that selects users files for encryption to demand payment for alleged decryption. There is no need to trust these people and once you get the ransom note on the payment screen and find Bitcoin_Address.txt file placed on the desktop and in other folders, make sure to restrain from keeping any contact with these criminals.

If you try to reach the extortionists, they may send you more malware or infected files instead of the file decryption software and lead to permanently damaged files. And since the ransom amount of 400 euros is only the starting point and may double, react as soon as you get the message from criminals.

The Zero-Fucks ransomware ransom message on the payment system reads the following:

All your files are locked!
[Unlock]
All your important files have been encrypted.
If you want your files back, you need to pay €400 in Bitcoins.
After the payment is received, we will give you access to unlock your files.
Click on the Payment button to get more info.
If you don’t pay within 48 hours, the price will be doubled.
After another 24 hours, the price will be doubled again.
If you don’t pay within 96 hours your files will be destroyed.

User-ID: [REDACTED]
Important
Payment

If you close me or shutdown your pc without paying, you won’t be able to unlock your files again!
We guarantee that you will get your files back if you pay!
You can find more info about paying by clicking on the payment button.

ZeroFucks ransomware is designed to get Bitcoin amounts transferred from victims, but there are other changes that your system experiences when cryptovirus infiltrates the computer. Unfortunately, malware can automatically install and even disable applications to ensure the persistence of the virus.

ZeroFucks ransomware virusZero-Fucks ransomware is the threat that locks users data found on the system and makes their valuable files, documents, archives useless until the ransom is paid.

The performance gets significantly diminished due to ZeroFucks ransomware activity and other background processes. This threat is also set to delete some files from the system folders or directly from the registry, ensure that data recovery is not possible and add other programs that run in addition to the ransomware. Cryptovirus can install other malware and run processes like cryptocurrency mining to make more from the attack.

You need to remove ZeroFucks ransomware as soon as possible, so the damage is avoided as much as possible. However, you need to get professional anti-malware for the process to ensure the best results. We recommend anti-malware tools because those programs can detect malicious files and viruses.[2]

Additionally, experts[3] note that all the damage and associated files can get deleted when you remove Zero-Fucks ransomware using the automatic method. If you choose a tool like FortectIntego it can also repair needed Windows files and restore the speed of your PC.

For file recovery after ZeroFucks ransomware removal, rely on your files stored on external devices, cloud services or data recovery software. We have a few solutions below alongside step-by-step removal guide and decryption software from Emisoft that we mentioned.

ZeroFucks file-lockerZero-Fucks ransomware virus is the cryptocurrency-based virus that is original and cannot be linked with any other malware family.

The infection spreads with the help of malicious files

Ransomware hides its activity when it comes to the system, and it is achievable because the infiltration itself happens behind your back and without permission. However, the user is somewhat involved in the infection because there is a need for triggering malicious macros on the file.[4] The victim does that by downloading and opening an infected file on the computer directly.

Malicious macros get placed on commonly found files like documents, PDFs, executables, and directly in websites or hyperlinks that get attached to emails. Criminals deliver such emails with legitimate company or service names to trick people into the opening and downloading those attachments. Pay more attention to emails you receive and delete suspicious ones immediately when you get them.

Get rid of Zero-Fucks ransomware virus and clean the machine thoroughly

The authors of ZeroFucks ransomware virus focus on various alterations when the system gets infected, and file encryption is not the only process this threat is designed to run. You may encounter some changes in the performance and speed of the machine that indicates malware infiltration. However, these symptoms can be caused by additional changes to the system.

You need to remove ZeroFucks ransomware using automatic anti-malware tools for many reasons, but the main one is all the installed files, programs and deleted data or disabled programs. Some functions on the computer may not work and keep you from cleaning the device thoroughly because ransomware affected security features and third-party programs.

Get anti-malware tools like FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner, or Malwarebytes and run a system scan. This is how you can perform ZeroFucks ransomware removal and clean virus damage at the same time. Then you can rely on the decryption software and restore affected data or replace files with saved copies from backup devices.

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Compatible with Microsoft Windows Compatible with macOS
What to do if failed?
If you failed to fix virus damage using Fortect Intego, submit a question to our support team and provide as much details as possible.
Fortect Intego has a free limited scanner. Fortect Intego offers more through scan when you purchase its full version. When free scanner detects issues, you can fix them using free manual repairs or you can decide to purchase the full version in order to fix them automatically.
Alternative Software
Different software has a different purpose. If you didn’t succeed in fixing corrupted files with Fortect, try running SpyHunter 5.
Alternative Software
Different software has a different purpose. If you didn’t succeed in fixing corrupted files with Intego, try running Combo Cleaner.

Getting rid of ZeroFucks virus. Follow these steps

Manual removal using Safe Mode

Reboot the machine in Safe Mode with Networking and remove ZeroFucks ransomware completely

Important! →
Manual removal guide might be too complicated for regular computer users. It requires advanced IT knowledge to be performed correctly (if vital system files are removed or damaged, it might result in full Windows compromise), and it also might take hours to complete. Therefore, we highly advise using the automatic method provided above instead.

Step 1. Access Safe Mode with Networking

Manual malware removal should be best performed in the Safe Mode environment. 

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

Step 2. Shut down suspicious processes

Windows Task Manager is a useful tool that shows all the processes running in the background. If malware is running a process, you need to shut it down:

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
  2. Click on More details.
    Open task manager
  3. Scroll down to Background processes section, and look for anything suspicious.
  4. Right-click and select Open file location.
    Open file location
  5. Go back to the process, right-click and pick End Task.
    End task
  6. Delete the contents of the malicious folder.

Step 3. Check program Startup

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
  2. Go to Startup tab.
  3. Right-click on the suspicious program and pick Disable.
    Startup

Step 4. Delete virus files

Malware-related files can be found in various places within your computer. Here are instructions that could help you find them:

  1. Type in Disk Cleanup in Windows search and press Enter.
    Disk cleanup
  2. Select the drive you want to clean (C: is your main drive by default and is likely to be the one that has malicious files in).
  3. Scroll through the Files to delete list and select the following:

    Temporary Internet Files
    Downloads
    Recycle Bin
    Temporary files

  4. Pick Clean up system files.
    Delete temp files
  5. You can also look for other malicious files hidden in the following folders (type these entries in Windows Search and press Enter):

    %AppData%
    %LocalAppData%
    %ProgramData%
    %WinDir%

After you are finished, reboot the PC in normal mode.

Remove ZeroFucks using System Restore

When ZeroFucks ransomware encrypts the valuable files on the system, you should try System Restore to recover the machine in a previous state

  • Step 1: Reboot your computer to Safe Mode with Command Prompt
    Windows 7 / Vista / XP
    1. Click Start Shutdown Restart OK.
    2. When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
    3. Select Command Prompt from the list Select 'Safe Mode with Command Prompt'

    Windows 10 / Windows 8
    1. Press the Power button at the Windows login screen. Now press and hold Shift, which is on your keyboard, and click Restart..
    2. Now select Troubleshoot Advanced options Startup Settings and finally press Restart.
    3. Once your computer becomes active, select Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt in Startup Settings window. Select 'Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt'
  • Step 2: Restore your system files and settings
    1. Once the Command Prompt window shows up, enter cd restore and click Enter. Enter 'cd restore' without quotes and press 'Enter'
    2. Now type rstrui.exe and press Enter again.. Enter 'rstrui.exe' without quotes and press 'Enter'
    3. When a new window shows up, click Next and select your restore point that is prior the infiltration of ZeroFucks. After doing that, click Next. When 'System Restore' window shows up, select 'Next' Select your restore point and click 'Next'
    4. Now click Yes to start system restore. Click 'Yes' and start system restore
    Once you restore your system to a previous date, download and scan your computer with FortectIntego and make sure that ZeroFucks removal is performed successfully.

Bonus: Recover your data

Guide which is presented above is supposed to help you remove ZeroFucks from your computer. To recover your encrypted files, we recommend using a detailed guide prepared by 2-spyware.com security experts.

If your files are encrypted by ZeroFucks, you can use several methods to restore them:

Data Recovery Pro should be a great alternative for file backups when the user cannot access them

Data Recovery Pro can recover files encrypted by ZeroFucks ransomware or accidentally deleted by the user himself

  • Download Data Recovery Pro;
  • Follow the steps of Data Recovery Setup and install the program on your computer;
  • Launch it and scan your computer for files encrypted by ZeroFucks ransomware;
  • Restore them.

Windows Previous Versions can recover files after a ransomware attack

You should enable the System restore feature first if you want to rely on Windows Previous Versions

  • Find an encrypted file you need to restore and right-click on it;
  • Select “Properties” and go to “Previous versions” tab;
  • Here, check each of available copies of the file in “Folder versions”. You should select the version you want to recover and click “Restore”.

ShadowExplorer is the Windows feature capable of recovering files

When ZeroFucks ransomware leaves Shadow Volume Copies, ShadowExplorer can restore data affected by the threat

  • Download Shadow Explorer (http://shadowexplorer.com/);
  • Follow a Shadow Explorer Setup Wizard and install this application on your computer;
  • Launch the program and go through the drop down menu on the top left corner to select the disk of your encrypted data. Check what folders are there;
  • Right-click on the folder you want to restore and select “Export”. You can also select where you want it to be stored.

Decryption is possible

Try Emisoft Decrypter for ZeroFucks ransomware virus

Finally, you should always think about the protection of crypto-ransomwares. In order to protect your computer from ZeroFucks and other ransomwares, use a reputable anti-spyware, such as FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes

How to prevent from getting ransomware

Stream videos without limitations, no matter where you are

There are multiple parties that could find out almost anything about you by checking your online activity. While this is highly unlikely, advertisers and tech companies are constantly tracking you online. The first step to privacy should be a secure browser that focuses on tracker reduction to a minimum.

Even if you employ a secure browser, you will not be able to access websites that are restricted due to local government laws or other reasons. In other words, you may not be able to stream Disney+ or US-based Netflix in some countries. To bypass these restrictions, you can employ a powerful Private Internet Access VPN, which provides dedicated servers for torrenting and streaming, not slowing you down in the process.

Data backups are important – recover your lost files

Ransomware is one of the biggest threats to personal data. Once it is executed on a machine, it launches a sophisticated encryption algorithm that locks all your files, although it does not destroy them. The most common misconception is that anti-malware software can return files to their previous states. This is not true, however, and data remains locked after the malicious payload is deleted.

While regular data backups are the only secure method to recover your files after a ransomware attack, tools such as Data Recovery Pro can also be effective and restore at least some of your lost data.

About the author
Jake Doevan
Jake Doevan - Computer technology expert

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