How to remove ZFX ransomware

ZFX ransomware infection can result in permanent data loss if victims do not have backups

The Makop ransomware family includes ZFX ransomware, a new strain discovered by security vendors. The file was flagged as malicious by 54 security vendors and two sandboxes. When the virus infects the victims' devices, it immediately begins the encryption process by employing complex algorithms.

The .ZFX extension, a string of random characters, and the email address cryptedData@tfwno.gf are appended to the affected files. For example, if a file was previously named picture.jpg, it would look like this after encryption – picture.jpg. [4GH54CR1]. [CryptedData@tfwno.gf].ZFX. Even in preview mode, the icons change to blank pages, making it impossible to see the content. When you try to open the damaged files, you get an error message saying that Windows is unable to open the file.

A ransom note +README-WARNING+.txt is generated on the user's PC shortly after to inform them of what has happened and what they should do if they want to recover the files. The developers of this ransomware do not specify how much they want for a decryption key^[1] or software. The malicious program also modifies the desktop wallpaper that reads  “Your files were encrypted! Please contact us for decryption.”

The ransom note

+README-WARNING+.txt reads as follows:

::: Hey :::

Small FAQ:

.1.
Q: What's going on?
A: Your files have been encrypted. The file structure was not affected, we did our best to prevent this from happening.

.2.
Q: How to recover files?
A: If you want to decrypt your files, you will need to pay us.

.3.
Q: What about guarantees?
A: It's just business. We are absolutely not interested in you and your transactions, except for profit. If we do not fulfill our work and obligations, no one will cooperate with us. It's not in our interest.
To check the possibility of returning files, you can send us any 2 files with SIMPLE extensions (jpg, xls, doc, etc… not databases!) and small sizes (max 1 mb), we will decrypt them and send them back to you. This is our guarantee.

.4.
Q: How to contact you?
A: You can write to us at our mailboxes: CryptedData@tfwno.gf

.5.
Q: How will the decryption process take place after payment?
A: After payment, we will send 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 don't want to pay bad people like you?
A: If you do not cooperate with our service – it does not matter to us. But you will lose your time and data because only we have the private key. In practice, time is much more valuable than money.

:::BEWARE:::
DO NOT try to modify encrypted files yourself!
If you try to use third party software to recover your data or antivirus solutions – back up all encrypted files!
Any changes to the encrypted files may result in damage to the private key and, as a result, the loss of all data.

Note:
::::::IF WE HAVE NOT RESPONSE YOU BY MAIL WITHIN 24 HOURS::::::
Spare contact for communication:
If we have not answered your email within 24 hours, you can contact us via the free messenger qTox
Download from the link hxxps://tox.chat/download.html
Next go qTox 64-bit
after downloading the program, install it and go through a short registration.
Our Tox ID
–

The above text is a ransom note from a group of cybercriminals claiming to have encrypted the victim's files and demanding payment for their decryption. The note includes a FAQ section with basic information about the attack, including how to contact the attackers and how the decryption process will take place.

The attackers warn the victims not to attempt to modify the encrypted files or use third-party software, as this may result in further damage. The ransom note also provides a secondary contact method in case the attackers do not respond within 24 hours.

Victims should not pay the ransom demand as there is no guarantee that the attackers will actually provide the decryption key or software. Furthermore, paying the ransom may encourage the attackers to continue their criminal activities and target other victims. Instead, victims should consult with a cybersecurity professional for assistance in recovering their data.

Distribution methods

Phishing^[2] emails are one of the most common methods used to spread ransomware. These emails often appear to be from legitimate sources and contain a malicious attachment or a link to a malicious website. When the attachment or link is opened, the malware infects the system and encrypts the user's files, demanding a ransom for their recovery.

Exploit kits^[3] are another common method for spreading ransomware. These kits automate the process of identifying and exploiting vulnerabilities in software, often by using malicious ads on websites. Once the vulnerability is exploited, the malware is installed on the system, leading to a ransomware attack.

Ransomware can also spread through unsecured networks, such as those in public Wi-Fi hotspots or connected devices in the Internet. In these cases, the malware can spread rapidly, infecting all connected devices and potentially causing widespread damage.

It is important to be cautious when opening attachments and links from unknown sources, and to keep software and operating systems up-to-date to prevent exploitation of vulnerabilities. Additionally, having a reliable backup of important data can help minimize the damage in case of a ransomware attack.

Start the removal process

The most important thing to do is to disconnect the affected machine from the local network. Disconnecting the ethernet cable should suffice for home users. If this occurred at your workplace, doing so may be difficult; therefore, we have instructions for corporate environments at the bottom of this post.

Attempting to recover your data first may result in permanent loss. It also has the ability to encrypt your files a second time. It will not stop until you remove the malicious files that are causing it. Unless you have prior experience, you should not attempt to remove the malicious program yourself. Manual removal of ransomware is extremely difficult and should only be attempted by people with advanced IT skills.

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 does not let you use antivirus in normal mode, so you need to access Safe Mode^[4] 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.

Repair corrupted system files

Performance, stability, and usability issues that necessitate a full Windows reinstall are not uncommon after malware infection. These viruses can change the Windows registry database, harm vital bootup and other sections, delete or corrupt DLL files, and so on. When malware corrupts a system file, antivirus software cannot repair it.

Manual troubleshooting of such damage is also difficult and time-consuming. That is why FortectIntego was created. It can repair a significant portion of the damage caused by an infection like this. Blue screen errors, freezes, registry errors, damaged DLLs, and other issues can render your computer completely inoperable. You could avoid having to reinstall Windows entirely by using this maintenance tool.

• 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.

Try recovering data with third-party software

Only hackers hold the decryption key, which can unlock your files, so if you did not back them up previously, there is a good chance that you will never get them back. You can try using data recovery software, but keep in mind that third-party programs cannot always decrypt files. Whatever the situation may be, we suggest at least trying this method. Before you proceed, copy the corrupted files and place them in a USB flash drive or another external storage device. And remember – only do this if you have already removed the ZFX 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.