ZES ransomware: what it is and how to remove it

From our report of Aug 2020 · not reviewed since

More from our earlier report on ZES ransomware

• Malware infection might damage your Windows system files, which can cause significant damage to its performance once the infection is removed.
• If you are experiencing crashes, lag, errors, or other issues after you eliminate malware, use automated repair tools such as

From our report of Aug 2020 · not reviewed since

ZES ransomware is a dangerous computer infection that locks people out of their files until they pay ransom

ZES ransomware is a data-locking virus that belongs to the Makop malware family.

First spotted in early August in 2020, this computer infection targets users all over the world and encrypts pictures, videos, documents, databases, and other files with the help of a powerful encryption algorithms RSA and AES. Suchlike data becomes inaccessible to victims - they can clearly see that file icons are gone, and that a marker .[johncastle@msgsafe.io].zes is appended to each of the files.

Besides the locked files, victims can also find a ransom note readme-warning.txt, which is placed on their desktops. Inside the note, threat actors explain that all the personal files on the computer were encrypted and that a unique decryption key is needed to unlock them. Of course, cybercriminals are not willing to provide it for free, and asking for a ransom payment in bitcoin cryptocurrency.

[johncastle@msgsafe.io].zes virus authors can use several distribution techniques to deliver the malicious program to as many people as possible. For example, hackers can make use of malicious email attachments that are sent to thousands of users regularly - malspam remains one of the leading causes of malware infections to this day. Other ZES ransomware delivery methods include:

You could prevent malware infections by using precautionary measures - you should always ensure that your system and software is up to date, equip your machine with security software, avoid high-risk websites, and backup your most important files regularly. However, while there is nothing you can do to undo the infection currently, you should instead focus on ZES ransomware removal and ways to recover your data without paying cybercriminals.

Once inside the system, the ZES file virus performs the necessary Windows modifications in order to perform file encryption uninterrupted. For example, most malware of such type is programmed to delete Shadow Volume Copies and other built-in recovery solutions within the Windows environment. As a result, .[johncastle@msgsafe.io].zes file recovery becomes almost impossible without a decryption key that is in possession of cybercriminals.

To cause maximum damage and make the infected users pay the ransom, malware targets the most commonly used file types, such as PDF, MS Office documents, archives, and others. Once the .[johncastle@msgsafe.io].zes is appended, data can no longer be used, as it requires the key that only crooks have access to.

However, paying the ransom is not recommended, as you might never receive the decryption tool, so you might also lose your money (along with your files). Hence, you should seek alternative solutions for data recovery, although keep in mind that you have to remove ZES ransomware prior to that - you will need an anti-malware program from that.

• Exploits and software vulnerabilities;
• Fake updates for Flash, Java, Chrome, Firefox, etc.;
• Incorrectly protected Remote Desktop or WiFi connections;
• Software cracks/keygens/loaders or pirated program installers;
• Backdoors, etc.

From our report of Aug 2020 · not reviewed since

[johncastle@msgsafe.io].zes file decryption options are limited

Many users who never had to deal with ransomware are shocked when they realize that they can't open [johncastle@msgsafe.io].zes files.

Due to its file locking capability, ransomware is considered one of the most dangerous and destructive pieces of malware out there, although it might sometimes not work as intended - and that is where the opportunity to recover .zes files without paying ransom comes in.

Ransomware uses a combination of symmetric and asymmetric encryption, making data recovery without the key that cybercriminals have access to always impossible. However, if the data locking process is interrupted or something else goes wrong, ZES ransomware might fail to delete Shadow Volume Copies or erase System Restore.

Of course, cybercriminals claim that nothing can go wrong and that the only way to recover [johncastle@msgsafe.io].zes files is to pay the ransom:

If you are willing to pay the ransom, it is up to you, although most security researchers vouch against it. Not only might you lose your money, but it only boosts the profits of criminals, motivating them to create more malware and infect more people.

So, if you are not going to pay, what options to you have to recover [johncastle@msgsafe.io].zes without paying criminals? The answer to this question is a bit complicated, as it depends on many factors. Here are a few examples that sometimes might be helpful when trying to recover files after a ransomware attack:

However, each of these solutions has downfalls, and would only work if malware did not perform its tasks as it was intended. For more details on how to perform these steps when trying to retrieve ZES virus files.

• Use third-party solutions that could be able to recover at least some portion of your files from your hard drive;
• Utilize automated Windows backup systems such as Windows Previous Versions feature;
• Wait until security researchers find weaknesses within malware code and provide a free decryption tool (this might take a long time).

From our report of Aug 2020 · not reviewed since

Backup encrypted files, remove ZES ransomware and only then attempt to recover your data

There were cases when malicious actors asked for more money after the first payment was provided by victims - you simply never know what ZES virus developers might do.

However, you should not remove ZES ransomware right away, as you might permanently lose access to your files. Thus, you should first copy your data over to a flash drive or another medium - encrypted files do not have malicious code inside them, so you are safe to do so.

Once that is complete, you can proceed with ZES ransomware removal. For that, install powerful security software and perform a full system scan - access Safe Mode with Networking if needed. You can then refer to the alternative [johncastle@msgsafe.io].zes file recovery methods.

[GI=method-1]In case ZES files virus prevents its termination, access Safe Mode with Networking as explained below:

[GI=method-2]Use System Restore if the option is still available:

Data recovery software might sometimes be able to recover some copies of your files from the hard drive.

Make use of Windows Previous Versions feature

This solution will only work if malware did not delete Shadow Volume Copies.

ShadowExplorer might be the best solution

This method can recover Zes files automatically when Shadow Copies are available.

No decryption software is currently available