Zida ransomware: what it is and how to remove it
Zida ransomware - cryptovirus that delivers the main ransom-demanding note in the _readme.txt file. This particular message notifies you about the encoding procedure and encourages you to pay $980 in Bitcoin for the criminals.
Facts checked October 6, 2026. Removal steps tested on Windows 11 (26H2) and checked against Microsoft's and the browser makers' current documentation. Sections marked as our earlier report are the original text: they describe the threat as it was then and have not been reviewed since. The 2026 status, the removal steps and the questions are current.
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Zida ransomware: summary
| Distribution | The malicious payload file gets loaded on the machine from pirated software packages or malicious email attachments and trigger the file-locking right away |
|---|---|
| Name | Zida ransomware |
| Type | Cryptovirus[3] |
| Family | Djvu ransomware family that comes from STOP virus |
| File marker | .zida is the indicational file extension that gets added to the end of your original file name, so you know that locked files are encrypted |
| Ransom note | _readme.txt – the file that contains all the details about encryption and the payment, contact information |
| Removal | Scan the PC with security software to find and remove the malware and anything installed with it. Fortect scans Windows for malware and repairs the system files and settings it damaged. Remove it nowTo use the full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Fortect. The scan is free. |
Show 13 more facts
| Issues | The ransomware can easily trigger other processes in the background, run malware that steals information and damage functions, disable programs, install other tools |
|---|---|
| Detection names | No Microsoft detection name is known |
| Contact | helpmanager@mail.ch, restoremanager@firemail.cc |
| Encrypted file extension | .zida |
| Decryptor | No free decryptor is known for this variant; check No More Ransom (nomoreransom.org) for updates |
| Damage | Not recorded in the old report |
| Symptoms | Files renamed with a new extension and a ransom note left in folders |
| Evidence | 7 write-ups by security sites; no sample analysed yet |
| Encrypted files | .zida |
| Attacker contacts | helpmanager@mail.ch |
| Free decryptor | No free decryptor is known (checked 6 October 2026) |
| First seen | 9 July 2020 |
| Facts checked | 6 October 2026 |
- File extension:
.zida - Note file:
_readme.txt - Contact:
helpmanager@mail.ch
From our report of Jul 2020 · not reviewed since
More from our earlier report on Zida ransomware
- Zida ransomware removal process requires users attention and professional anti-malware tools because other malicious files cannot be found manually
- You need to terminate the damage that this virus causes because any traces left in system folders and registry, for example, can still affect the machine and possibly trigger more damage.
- Run to find and repair affected data automatically
The Zida ransomware note
ATTENTION!
Don't worry, you can return all your files!
All your files like photos, databases, documents and other important are encrypted with strongest encryption and unique key.
The only method of recovering files is to purchase decrypt tool and unique key for you.
This software will decrypt all your encrypted files.
What guarantees you have?
You can send one of your encrypted file from your PC and we decrypt it for free.
But we can decrypt only 1 file for free. File must not contain valuable information.
You can get and look video overview decrypt tool:
https://we.tl/t-gSEEREZ5tS
Price of private key and decrypt software is $980.
Discount 50% available if you contact us first 72 hours, that's price for you is $490.
Please note that you'll never restore your data without payment.
Check your e-mail "Spam" or "Junk" folder if you don't get answer more than 6 hours.
To get this software you need write on our e-mail:
helpmanager@mail.ch
Reserve e-mail address to contact us:
restoremanager@firemail.cc
Your personal ID:
How to remove Zida ransomware
Tools you'll need
All of these are free except where noted. Download them on a clean device if the infected PC is offline.
- A USB stick: to keep the ransom note, two or three encrypted files and screenshots off the infected PC.
- Microsoft Defender Offline: built into Windows 11 and Windows 10; scans before Windows starts, so running malware cannot hide.
- Microsoft Safety Scanner: a second, portable scanner with current signatures; each download works for 10 days.
- ID Ransomware: identifies the family from the note and one encrypted file and says whether a decryptor exists.
- No More Ransom: the free decryptors from police and security companies; check it again every few months.
- Fortect (optional): scans Windows for malware and repairs the system files and settings it damaged. The free scan is in the box above.
How to remove Zida ransomware and get your files back
Work in this order.
Disconnecting comes first, removal comes before any restore, and nothing here asks you to contact the attackers.
Step 1: Disconnect the PC and unplug backup drives
Unplug the network cable or turn off Wi-Fi, and disconnect USB drives, external disks and network shares, so Zida ransomware cannot reach more files. Pause OneDrive, Google Drive or Dropbox sync, because synced folders upload the encrypted copies over the good ones.
Leave the PC on but offline while you read the next steps, since a restart can let the ransomware run again. This applies to Windows 11 and Windows 10 alike.
Windows 11: turn off Wi-Fi to take the PC offline. Full procedure with screenshots: Ransomware: first steps, finding a decryptor and recovering files
Step 2: Save the ransom note and confirm the family
Your files now end in
.zidaand the instructions are in_readme.txt. Save both to a USB stick, a copy of the note and two small encrypted files, before anything else.On another device, check them with ID Ransomware or Crypto Sheriff: the family name decides which decryptor, if any, can help. Keep the note's ID and contact line for your report.
Windows 11: the ransom note and encrypted files to copy for identification. Full procedure with screenshots: Ransomware: first steps, finding a decryptor and recovering files
Step 3: Check for a free decryptor
Our last check found that for Zida ransomware, no free decryptor is known (checked 6 October 2026). Look again yourself in the No More Ransom list and the free decryptor pages of Emsisoft, Avast and Kaspersky, which add new families every year.
A decryptor needs the ransomware gone first, or it encrypts the files again. Keep at least one copy of the encrypted files on an external drive, even if no tool works yet.
Full procedure with screenshots: Ransomware: first steps, finding a decryptor and recovering files
Step 4: Remove the ransomware before you restore or decrypt
Removing Zida ransomware does not bring the files back, but it has to come first. Start with Defender's Full scan, then the offline scan from the same Scan options page, which checks the disk before Windows loads.
If the scan cannot start, use Safe Mode with Networking. Delete the ransom notes only after you have saved a copy, because removal tools sometimes leave them behind on Windows 11 and Windows 10.
Windows 11: Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Scan options. Full procedure with screenshots: Run a Microsoft Defender Offline scan
Step 5: Look for shadow copies of the files
Windows keeps shadow copies for restore points and backups, and some ransomware fails to delete them.
vssadmin list shadowsin an administrator Command Prompt tells you at once whether any exist.If they do, right-click the folder that held your files, open Properties > Previous Versions, select a version from before the attack, and click Open to check it before you Restore or copy the files out. Windows 11 and Windows 10 both have the tab.
Windows 11: vssadmin list shadows shows whether shadow copies exist. Full procedure with screenshots: Ransomware: first steps, finding a decryptor and recovering files
Step 6: Restore the files from a backup or recover deleted originals
A backup made before the attack is the surest way back. Connect it only once the PC is clean, then restore from File History, Windows Backup, OneDrive's Restore your OneDrive or your own external copies.
Without a backup, try file recovery: the originals that Zida ransomware deleted may still be on the disk until something overwrites them. Install nothing new on the drive you want to recover from on the Windows 11 or Windows 10 PC.
Full procedure with screenshots: Recover deleted files (Recycle Bin, backups, OneDrive) On uGetFix
Instructions for each browser and system
The detailed steps for every browser and system this guide covers. Open the one you use.
Manual removal using Safe Mode
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
- Click Start > Shutdown > Restart > OK.
- 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.
- Select Safe Mode with Networking from the list.
Windows 10 / Windows 8
- Right-click on Start button and select Settings.
- Scroll down to pick Update & Security.
- On the left side of the window, pick Recovery.
- Now scroll down to find Advanced Startup section.
- Click Restart now.
- Select Troubleshoot.
- Go to Advanced options.
- Select Startup Settings.
- Press Restart.
- Now press 5 or click 5) Enable Safe Mode with Networking.
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:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
- Click on More details.
- Scroll down to Background processes section, and look for anything suspicious.
- Right-click and select Open file location.
- Go back to the process, right-click and pick End Task.
- Delete the contents of the malicious folder.
Step 3. Check program Startup
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
- Go to Startup tab.
- Right-click on the suspicious program and pick Disable.
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:
- Type in Disk Cleanup in Windows search and press Enter.
- 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).
- Scroll through the Files to delete list and select the following:
Temporary Internet Files
Downloads
Recycle Bin
Temporary files - Pick Clean up system files.
- 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.
From our report of Jul 2020 · not reviewed since
Zida ransomware – a threat that comes from a notorious file-locking malware family and cannot be decrypted, in most cases
Zida ransomware - cryptovirus that delivers the main ransom-demanding note in the _readme.txt file.
This particular message notifies you about the encoding procedure and encourages you to pay $980 in Bitcoin for the criminals. This is typically a procedure that follows the file locking - the main purpose if the infection like this. Unfortunately, ransom payments get you nowhere, and files, in most cases, remain locked even when the victim sends the amount of cryptocurrency to attackers.
The family that this threat belongs to previously was decryptable, but this is the latest version that cannot be decrypted using a tool because researchers haven't released a proper software for that and cryptovirus developers still use the powerful code, online IDs that are unique for each new device encrypted during the attack.
Many people claim that the threat appeared out of nowhere and that Zida files virus is extremely persistent and cannot be removed easily.
The first thing that we should note and warn about is that .Zida file virus is not decryptable. Also, pay attention to the fact that those encrypted files cannot be easily recovered during the malware elimination. Data restoring, malware elimination, system repair are all separate processes. Even when you hear about the shady Zorab ransomware that is disguised as a decryption tool.
Due to the usage of online keys, victims of Zida ransomware virus need to wait for the tool that can be developed later on or stop thinking about the decryption entirely. Online IDs mean that malware connects to the command and control server while encrypting those files, so they are unique and not easy to identity.
If the ID in the ransom note file and with t1, you might be the lucky one that suffered encryption with the usage of offline keys. If so, you may have other options.
If not, the only solution for these locked files is your data backed up in external databases, on cloud services. You need to terminate .zida virus when you notice these file alterations, receive the _readme.txt file, and find your device not useable.
You need to make sure that the virus is fully removed when you rely on third-party options, so the machine is virus-clean before you replace affected files with safe copies.
You can remove Zida ransomware with an anti-malware tool that is designed to detect and indicate, clear off those malicious files, programs, and leave the machine free of threats. You need to base the selection of a particular AV engine on the detection rate that shows which tools have the database where this blackmail-based threat is included.
When you find the program that is trustworthy and decide to eliminate Zida ransomware, you need to run the full system scan and follow the steps. You can always rely on Safe Mode with Networking to allow the AV engine to fully work to all its capacities.
Remember that this is not the method to unlock files encrypted during the malware attack. For that, you need to follow to the end for the decryption and file recovery options.
From our report of Jul 2020 · not reviewed since
First steps when dealing with ransomware like .zida files virus
You need to take the fact that Zida ransomware is not a new threat into consideration.
This feature means that there are various code lines and issues that malware creators have already thought about and may run processes that disable some security functions and file recovery programs, so you have fewer options.
The file that demands ransom appears after the locking, so you may already see .zida at the end of your images, documents or archives when the following note appears on the desktop:
When you receive the ransom note file with a money-demanding message, you should consider the options for the termination of this threat, instead of the paying. It is not recommended to even consider paying these criminals behind the Zida ransomware virus because hackers and extortionists only care for your money.
The issue with all these ransomware-type intruders, that scares people the most is file-locking. The encryption process allows the malware to lock files, change the original code, lock those images, document, and so on, so the victim cannot open those files and decides to pay up.
You shouldn't delete Zida ransomware files right away if you want to decrypt files later on. Such a process may require executables and other files.
Even though you can rely on the tool that allows you to recover some formats of these files. The best option is to replace files from your backup or use the third-party software.
We mentioned that Zida ransomware removal is the best when you use security tools, AV programs, but these applications NOT gonna recover your encrypted files. Security software is designed to find malicious files, programs and clear them, not to replace affected documents or images with new ones.
It is important to delete these malicious files from quarantine to remove them fully right away. Also, clearing the Zida virus damage in the system is important when you rely on system functions for file recovery is crucial, so run after the virus removal.
From our report of Jul 2020 · not reviewed since
Encryption starts right away
The payload file of the ransomware gets dropped when the user initiates the download, in most cases, unknowingly.
This process gets triggered during the shady update installation or pirated software install. It is known that malicious files get added in packages of video game cheats, licensed versions of some tools, programs.
Also, malware gets injected on Microsoft documents attached to spam emails often marked as financial information notifications from some companies, services, providers, or popular platforms. You need to pay attention to any suspicious details if you want to avoid such infiltration because you cannot control the infections and the encryption that happens quickly and right after the infiltration.
When the malicious macro or additional technique releases the malware and ransomware payload encryption is triggered, so your data gets affected and unopenable. If you delete any suspicious emails without hesitation, you can avoid serious infections.
From our report of Jul 2020 · not reviewed since
Zida ransomware virus removal guide including anti-malware tool scan
When you encounter the infection like this file-locking Zida ransomware virus, you need to clear the damage, get rid of the threat, and then fully clear all the traces because ransomware can spread further quickly. If that happens the renewal of encryption functions and malware processes can run again.
Zida ransomware removal procedures come in stages, depending on the recovery method you may like to use. If you still expect to get your data decrypted after some time, you need to store malicious data, encoded files on the external device and then run the tool like or to clear the infection.
When you want to fully remove Zida ransomware and proceed with data recovery using other methods like data backups or third-party software, you need to make sure that all the traces that possibly can affect the performance are repaired. You can do so with that is designed to repair some functions. Before launching the AV engine, reboot machine in Safe Mode with networking.
[GI=method-1]Reboot the PC in Safe Mode and then run the anti-malware tool that can remove Zida ransomware fully for you
[GI=method-2]System Restore feature is the functions that can help with malware termination
You may need to use this program to restore files after the malware infection or accidental deletion
Windows Previous Versions is the function that OS provides for file recovery
When System Restore is enabled before, you can rely on Windows Previous Versions and recover encoded files yourself
ShadowExplorer - the method for file restoring
When shadow Volume Copies are not damaged by Zida ransomware, you can recover those files using the ShadowExplorer
The possible decryption option for old versions
Zida is not decryptable but you can try the Djvu decryption tool that will tell you if your file is decryptable or not
Report it and recover your files
Report it
Report the attack even if you do not expect the files back: insurers and banks ask for the report number, and police use the contacts in the note to link cases.
- United States
- FBI IC3 · FTC ReportFraud
- United Kingdom
- Report Fraud (formerly Action Fraud) · NCSC
- Australia
- ReportCyber (ASD)
- EU countries
- Europol: national reporting sites
Give the victim ID, the note and the date the files were encrypted. A business that holds personal data may also have to notify its data protection authority, in the EU within 72 hours.
Backups: the 3-2-1 rule
Keep three copies of files that matter, on two kinds of storage, with one copy offline or off-site.
A disk that stays plugged in is reached by malware like Zida ransomware together with the PC; one you connect only for the backup is not.
On Windows 11, File History keeps versions on an external drive, and OneDrive keeps earlier versions of synced files. Before restoring anything, make sure the PC no longer shows files that end in .zida and no longer open.
Setting it up step by step: 3-2-1 backups on Windows 11 and 10.
Do not let government spy on you
The government has many issues in regards to tracking users' data and spying on citizens, so you should take this into consideration and learn more about shady information gathering practices.
Avoid any unwanted government tracking or spying by going totally anonymous on the internet.
You can choose a different location when you go online and access any material you want without particular content restrictions. You can easily enjoy internet connection without any risks of being hacked by using VPN.
Control the information that can be accessed by government any other unwanted party and surf online without being spied on. Even if you are not involved in illegal activities or trust your selection of services, platforms, be suspicious for your own security and take precautionary measures by using the VPN service.
Backup files for the later use, in case of the malware attack
Computer users can suffer from data losses due to cyber infections or their own faulty doings.
Ransomware can encrypt and hold files hostage, while unforeseen power cuts might cause a loss of important documents. If you have proper up-to-date backups, you can easily recover after such an incident and get back to work. It is also equally important to update backups on a regular basis so that the newest information remains intact - you can set this process to be performed automatically.
When you have the previous version of every important document or project you can avoid frustration and breakdowns. It comes in handy when malware strikes out of nowhere. Use for the data restoration process.
Questions about Zida ransomware
How do I open .zida files?
You cannot open them by renaming or with another program, because the content of files ending in .zida has been encrypted. The only ways back are a working decryptor for the family, or clean copies from elsewhere:
- OneDrive versions
- File History
- an offline backup drive
- Previous Versions if the ransomware did not delete them
Identify the family first by uploading the ransom note and one encrypted file to ID Ransomware or No More Ransom. Avoid websites and programs that promise to open any encrypted file; they do not work and some are scams.
Should I pay the ransom in _readme.txt?
Not before you have tried everything else. Identify the family from _readme.txt and one encrypted file, check No More Ransom for a free decryptor, and look for clean copies in OneDrive, backups and Previous Versions.
Paying funds further attacks, may be illegal if the group is sanctioned, and is no promise of a working key: many victims get partial or broken decryption. If you consider paying for business-critical data, involve the police and a professional incident responder first, and never pay through intermediaries who promise their own decryption.
Is there a free Zida ransomware decryptor?
We last checked on 6 October 2026, and for Zida ransomware no free decryptor is known. We check No More Ransom, which collects free tools from police and security companies, and the decryptor pages of the major antivirus vendors. A working decryptor exists only when the encryption has a flaw or the keys were leaked or seized.
Ignore sites and videos that offer a "Zida ransomware decryptor" for download or for a fee: these are usually scams or malware. Real decryptors are free and come from known security companies or law enforcement. Keep the encrypted files in case a tool appears later.
Did Zida ransomware steal my files or passwords?
We do not know yet. Nothing published so far shows data theft by Zida ransomware, but the only confirmed sign is files that end in .zida and no longer open, which says nothing about what happened before. Many current ransomware attacks copy files or run a password stealer first, so it is wise to act as if they did.
From a clean device, change the passwords that were saved in the browsers on this PC, starting with e-mail and banking, sign out of all sessions and turn on two-step verification. Watch bank statements and account activity for the next few weeks.
Can a data-recovery company decrypt my files for a fee?
Only if a decryptor already exists or the company pays the attackers for you. Some "ransomware recovery" services advertise that they can decrypt families with no known flaw; in practice they negotiate with the attackers and add their own fee. Others use the same free tools listed on No More Ransom.
Before you hire anyone, ask in writing how they will recover the files, whether they will contact the attackers and what happens if they fail. A legitimate service answers clearly. If a free decryptor exists for your family, you can run it yourself.
How did Zida ransomware get on my computer?
The way Zida ransomware spreads has not been documented yet, so look at your own recent activity. On home PCs, ransomware most often comes with cracked programs, game cheats, key generators and fake updates, or with an e-mail attachment that was opened. On business networks, attackers usually log in through Remote Desktop with a stolen or guessed password.
Think back to what was downloaded or installed in the days before files that end in .zida and no longer open, and check the Downloads folder and Installed apps sorted by date. Keep anything suspicious for your report, but do not run it again.
Is Zida ransomware the same as other ransomware with a similar name?
Not necessarily. Ransomware names come from the file extension, the note or a word in the code, so unrelated families often end up with similar names, and one family can appear under several names. The difference matters: a decryptor or advice for one family does not fit another and can damage files.
Compare the ending added to your files and the exact name of the note with the summary table at the top of this guide, then upload the note and one encrypted file to ID Ransomware from a clean device. If the result names another family, follow the guide for that family instead.
Can I delete _readme.txt?
Yes, the note itself is harmless text and deleting it does not affect your files. Keep at least one copy first, outside the infected PC. _readme.txt contains your personal ID and the attackers' contact details, which identification services use to tell which family encrypted your files, and which a decryptor may need later.
Police reports also ask for it. Once you have saved a copy, you can remove the notes from every folder after the ransomware program has been removed and your files are restored or backed up.
Will .zida spread to my other drives?
It can. Ransomware encrypts every drive and network share it can reach while it runs, so external disks, USB sticks and shared folders connected during the attack may also have files ending in .zida. Disconnect everything now, then check each device from a clean computer.
Do not plug a backup drive into the infected PC until the ransomware has been removed with an offline scan. Cloud folders such as OneDrive sync the encrypted versions, but they keep earlier versions you can usually restore.
Will Fortect remove Zida ransomware?
Fortect scans Windows for malware and unwanted programs and repairs the system files and settings they change, and its free scan shows what it finds on your PC before you decide anything.
For Zida ransomware, follow the plan above as well: the browser steps take back permissions and settings that no scanner treats as a threat, and uninstalling the program that brought it removes the source.
Run Microsoft Defender's full scan and, if anything was found, its offline scan as a second opinion. If the symptoms are gone after the plan and both scans are clean, there is nothing more to do.
Sources
- Reddit: ZIDA RANSOMWARE (read October 6, 2026)
- Wikipedia: Cryptovirology (read October 6, 2026)
- VirusTotal: zida detection rate (read October 6, 2026)
- Disktuna: Media-Repair. Small repair tool for MP3 and WAV files affected by STOP/DJVU (read October 6, 2026)
- Virusai: Virusai (read October 6, 2026)