Zipe ransomware (Virus Removal Instructions) - Decryption Steps Included

What is Zipe ransomware?

Zipe ransomware is an encryption-based cyber infection that belongs to Djvu family

Zipe ransomware virus locks personal files and seriously compromises Windows system

Zipe ransomware is a file-encrypting virus that was first exposed publicly at the beginning of June 2020 by cybersecurity experts who were quick to analyze its core components and accredited it to the Djvu ransomware family. Looking to its core components, payload, ransom note, and encryption model, it because clear that the crypto-malware derived from this old ransomware family, which uses RSA Salsa20^[1] encryption algorithm to restrict user's access to personal files.

When the payload of this ransomware is downloaded, it unravels itself in phases – infiltration to gain prevalence, the launch of the cipher, manifestation. Just like any of the Djvu variants, it targets over 200 file types to lock, which subsequently get the .zipe file extension. Besides, a ransom note that the Zipe ransomware virus (_readme.txt) is yet another distinctive feature of the Djvu.

The danger level of the Zipe crypto-ransomware is highly dangerous as it may cause permanent loss of personal files. The encryption model that it uses cannot be brute-forced, meaning that it cannot be decrypted using the official Emsisoft's STOP/Djvu decrypter^[2]. At the moment of writing, the only way to recover files is to pay the criminals $490 or $980 in Bitcoins (the price depends on how fast the victim responds).

The malware may skip some of the personal files that it is not compatible with. Unfortunately, it's most likely that the following file extension will get the .zipe file virus extension:

.aif, .cda, .mid, .midi, .mp3, .mpa, .ogg, .wav, .wma, .wpl, .7z, .arj, .deb, .pkg, .rar, .rpm, .zip, .bin, .dmg, .iso, .toast, .vcd, .csv, .dat, .dbf, .log, .sav, .tar, .xml, .ai, .bmp, .gif, .ico, .jpeg, .jpg, .png, .svg, .asp, .css, .part, .rss, .xhtml., .docs, .docx, etc.

Each locked file gets a .zipe extension and the design of the file (regardless of its type) is changed to a simple white design without logos. The owner of the PC is restricted from opening, renaming, or moving any of the locked files. Unfortunately, the owner will not be allowed to do anything before he or she pays a redemption.

The size of the ransomware is stable with all Djvu variants. Just like Sqpc, Mzlq, or Koti, Zipe ransomware virus managers urge victims to pay the ransom in Bitcoins within 72 hours. If the victim does not fall for negotiations and resists paying the size doubles and reaches $980. All details about the payment are provided in the _readme.txt file, which is dropped by default in every folder that contains locked files. The ransom note says:

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:
*** Email address is removed for privacy ***

Reserve e-mail address to contact us:
*** Email address is removed for privacy ***

Your personal ID:

The ransomware targets the most popular file types with an intention to cause the highest losses and, thus, push the victim into paying the ransom. That's what Zipe ransomware virus does. Several minutes upon infiltration it adds a suffix to photos, documents, videos, file archives, etc. and leaves the victim helpless. Nevertheless, it's not advisable to pay the ransom due to a high risk of PII (Personally Identifiable Information) leakage.

Do not pay the ransom to protect your privacy. Instead, remove Zipe ransomware from the system asap. Before that, copy and paste the encrypted files into the USB flash drive to prevent its permanent loss. After that, launch the scanner of SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner, Malwarebytes, or another professional AV tool while the system is in Safe Mode.

Zipe ransomware attacks random systems via infected email attachments

Experts from losvirus.es^[3] recommend people to scan the system with FortectIntego utility upon Ziper removal to recover the performance of the system. Such malicious software places rogue files into the %Temp% folder alters Windows registries at directories like \SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run, changes the boot sequence, and etc. Eventually, Windows runs slower, software gets unresponsive and vulnerable.

Malware authors keep exploiting vulnerabilities and flaws to inject malicious payloads

The best part of ransomware viruses is spread via obfuscated email attachments (.zip, .pdf, or Microsoft Office documents). Such attachments mimic order confirmations, invoices, tax-refunds, shipment tracking details, etc. Such emails contain malicious scripts that once activated drops the payloads and the ransomware engines start.

Alternatively, ransomware viruses travel via software cracks and keygens that, despite being widely used, are pirated and spread on peer-to-peer networks by unknown actors. Thus, downloading cracks^[4] like Synapse, Deepfake, Outbyte, Adobe Acrobat, Adobe Photoshop, etc. pose a high-risk of a ransomware attack.

Last, but not least, these viruses can infiltrate PCs via infected pop-ups, hyperlinks, and other online content if the system is outdated, especially if it lacks updates for patching security loopholes or flaws. Thus, we strongly recommend people to update Windows OS regularly. This can be done automatically by accessing Windows settings and Checking for updates automatically.

Nevertheless, it does not mean that bad parties cannot use alternative distribution techniques. Thus, individual users and business administrators should take precautionary measures and render the most powerful anti-virus solution pack to protect their servers and machines from losses. It's advisable to enable Firefall protection, render a professional ad-blocker, and act carefully with downloadable content.

Remove Zipe ransomware from the machine and protect your PC with the powerful antivirus suite

Zipe crypto-ransomware belongs to the group of Djvu ransomware

Ransomware victims usually get a shock once they understand that each .zipe file extension virus-infected document can no longer be opened. It's not surprising having in mind that people are required to pay nearly $1000 to regain their property. However, experts stress the fact that paying the ransom is not the best solution.

Even if you pay the ransom and the criminals send you the offline Zipe decryption key, the virus itself remains on the system along with its pack of malicious entries. The ransomware has to be eliminated separately using professional security software that is up-to-date with the latest virus definitions.

Our technicians recommend people to use SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner and Malwarebytes tools to remove Zipe ransomware. However, you can use any tool that you prefer the most. However, do not forget to update it before the scan and restart Windows into Safe Mode.