Zobm ransomware: what it is and how to remove it
Zobm ransomware is a variant of the Djvu virus family and was first spotted by security researcher Amigo-A at the end of November 2019. The malware is designed to lock all pictures, documents, videos, databases, and other files and then demand ransom to be paid for their recovery.
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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Zobm ransomware: summary
| Name | Zobm ransomware |
|---|---|
| Type | Cryptovirus, file locking malware |
| Malware family | Zobm ransomware is a variant of STOP/Djvu ransomware family |
| Infection means | Djvu malware versions are usually spread via torrent/warez sites and are disguised as software activators/cracks |
| Related files | setup.rar |
| Cipher used | All the data on the host machine is encrypted with the help of RSA encryption algorithm |
| 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 18 more facts
| File extension | Most personal files, such as .pdf, .doc, .mpg, .mp3, .html, and others, are appended with .zobm file extension and can no longer be accessed by the owners |
|---|---|
| Ransom note | _readme.txt is dropped into each of the affected files folders |
| Contact | Users are prompted to contact cybercriminals via datarestorehelp@firemail.cc or datahelp@iran.ir emails |
| Ransom size | $490 if contacted within 72 hours of the infection; later the price for Zobm doubles and users are asked $980 |
| File decryption options | Files can always be recovered safely via backups that were prepared prior to the system infection In case malware used an offline key to encrypt data, Emsisoft's decryption tool might work Data recovery software might work in some cases – check our instructions below Dr.Web provides decryption service (paid) that might be able to retrieve certain file types that were encrypted by Djvu (mainly MS Office and .pdf files) |
| Malware removal | Use powerful security software to eliminate ransomware from the machine |
| Detection names | No Microsoft detection name is known |
| Encrypted file extension | .zobm |
| Decryptor | No free decryptor is known for this variant; check No More Ransom (nomoreransom.org) for updates |
| Distribution | Not recorded in the old report |
| 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 | .zobm |
| Attacker contacts | datarestorehelp@firemail.cc |
| Free decryptor | No free decryptor is known (checked 6 October 2026) |
| First seen | 25 November 2019 |
| Facts checked | 6 October 2026 |
- File extension:
.zobm - Note file:
_readme.txt - Contact:
datarestorehelp@firemail.cc
From our report of Nov 2019 · not reviewed since
More from our earlier report on Zobm ransomware
- Malware might introduce multiple modules on the system or import additional payloads (Djvu is known to be bundled with AZORult banking trojan in the past), each one might affect the system differently, and modify various Windows files.
The Zobm 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:
hxxps://we.tl/t-4NWUGZxdHc
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:
datarestorehelp@firemail.cc
Reserve e-mail address to contact us:
datahelp@iran.ir
Your personal ID:
How to remove Zobm 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 Zobm 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 Zobm 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
.zobmand 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 Zobm 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 Zobm 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 Zobm 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 Nov 2019 · not reviewed since
Zobm ransomware is malicious software that locks all personal files on the host machine and then asks for a ransom for the decryption tool
Zobm ransomware is a variant of the Djvu virus family and was first spotted by security researcher Amigo-A at the end of November 2019.
The malware is designed to lock all pictures, documents, videos, databases, and other files and then demand ransom to be paid for their recovery. Nevertheless, even paying criminals might not result in a successful outcome from a difficult situation Zobm ransomware victims found themselves in.
Known for being distributed via software cracks and pirated program installers, Zobm ransomware launches the malicious executable immediately upon infiltration and begins the predetermined changes to the Windows system. The malware then locks all the data on the machine with the help of RSA and then appends .zobm marker to each of the files, restricting the access.
Additionally, the malware drops ransom note _readme.txt, which notifies users that they need to contact hackers via datarestorehelp@firemail.cc or datahelp@iran.ir and pay a ransom of $980/$490 in order to retrieve decryption software from the attackers.
While it is true that the Zobm virus belongs to the wave (more improved) of Djvu variants, there is a chance that malware used a hard coded key to lock the data, in case of which file recovery might be possible with the help of Emsisoft's decrypter.
While some ransomware viruses self-delete after they perform the encryption of the data, Zobm ransomware removal is necessary as it was not spotted exiting the system post-infection. For that, users can resort to various security software tools that can recognize the infection. In some cases, accessing Safe Mode with Networking might be mandatory - we provide the instructions in the recovery section below.
Various Djvu versions were previously spotted modifying the Windows "hosts" file, which prevents them from accessing security-related websites. Thus, after you remove Zobm ransomware from your machine, make sure you delete the "hosts" file located in C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\ in order to access the web without restrictions again.
Note that Zobm ransomware virus might also drop additional modules on the machine - these can steal sensitive information from your computer, including banking credentials or other login details. Therefore, it is vital to scan the host machine with anti-malware software as soon as possible, although it is also important to prepare a backup of encrypted files.
From our report of Nov 2019 · not reviewed since
Zobm ransomware operation and ransom demands
Unlike most of the other deceptive malware, the goal of Zobm ransomware is not to remain hidden from the computer owner.
In fact, malware authors want to ensure that victims know what happened to their machines (some users are not aware of what ransomware is and how it works) - their only interest is to receive payments in Bitcoins.
However, before the obvious infection symptoms develop, Zobm ransomware starts from preparing the machine for the encoding process, which usually does not take that long (depending on the amount of data located on the device and its connected networks). The malware performs the following actions:
Once these and few other preparations are complete, the Zobm file virus scans the system for files to encrypt and usually launches a fake Windows update window to confuse victims and avoid any suspicious due to system lag during the process. After this, the malware drops the ransom note _readme.txt, which states:
Zobm ransomware authors are offering various perks to those who are willing to pay, including the 50% discount if contacted early, as well as test decryption service.
Regardless of this, you should remember that these people are cybercriminals and not your friends - they do not care whether you will get your data back or not. Therefore, it is possible that, even after paying the ransom, Zobm ransomware decryptor might never be obtained.
While contacting and paying hackers is not recommended by most security experts, some users might use it as a last resort. Nevertheless, we highly advise you to stay away from crooks and instead choose to recover files by using alternative methods we provide below.
- Zobm virus is launched from an executable which is usually randomly named and placed into %AppData%, %Temp%, %LocalAppData% or another folder;
- Shadow Volume Copies deleted with "vssadmin.exe Delete Shadows /All /Quiet" command to prevent automatic data recovery;
- Windows registry altered in order to retain persistence;
- Communication with Command and Control server established;
- Windows "hosts" file deleted to prevent users from seeking help online.
From our report of Nov 2019 · not reviewed since
Software cracks - the main reason of Zobm ransomware infection
Peer-to-peer file sharing has been a problem for multiple industries, as it allows anyone having a legitimate copy of software/music/movie or other copyrighted material to share it online with people around the globe. While this gave an opportunity to many to access entertainment that was unavailable in their country of residence, it also initiated a variety of copyright laws.
Therefore, in 2002, the file-sharing practices were banned when it comes to copyright material, although there are still thousands of websites offering illegal software, pirated videos, and similar content for free (despite major sites going down and owners put to jail).
Besides being an illegal activity, torrents are a hub for cybercriminals, as these sites are usually poorly regulated and allow malicious ads of being inserted directly into the sites, as well as hosting the malicious content in the first place.
While the goal of websites authors is not necessarily infecting users with malware, due to inadequate protection and regulations, malicious actors can upload malware payloads, which might seem just like another executable to crack a piece of software.
Therefore, cracks are extremely dangerous, as they will most certainly be detected by anti-malware software due to their operation principle (i.e., they are designed to alter the code of the software, which is considered a malicious activity).
Even after scanning the crack file, users will not be able to determine whether the tool is only designed to cheat the way into the legitimate software for free or also download and install a secondary payload of ransomware. Thus, keep that in mind, and never download pirated software installers or keygens/cracks.
Finally, you should also be aware that hackers might use various other methods for malware distribution, including:
Make sure you are running the most up-to-date security software and backup our files regularly if you want to avoid facing data loss due to ransomware infection in the future.
- Exploits
- Malicious ads
- Spam emails
- Poorly-protected RDP connections
- Fake updates. etc.
From our report of Nov 2019 · not reviewed since
Get rid of Zobm ransomware along with all its modules or secondary payloads
Zobm ransomware removal should not be difficult to accomplish, as long as you have a reliable tool to do that.
Because Djvu variants are being released in quick succession, however, be aware that not all security solutions might detect the payload in the first place. Therefore, we suggest scanning the machine with several anti-malware tools, such as and .
Nevertheless, it would be best to access Safe Mode with networking prior to that to enable security software to perform its actions without interruptions - we provide the details below. Note that you need to prepare backups of the encrypted files, as Zobm virus termination might render them useless permanently.
Once you remove Zobm ransomware from your machine, you can attempt to recover your data. As previously mentioned, there are several things you could do before giving up or deciding to pay the ransom - you can find all the instructions in our recovery section below.
[GI=method-1]In some cases, the Zobm file virus might render security software unusable. To avoid that, access Safe Mode with Networking as explained below:
[GI=method-2]You can also try to eliminate the virus by using System Restore:
Windows Previous Versions Feature might be successful
If you had System Restore function enabled before the ransomware attack, you could use Windows Previous Versions Feature to recover files one-by-one.
ShadowExplorer method might retrieve all your data
If the virus failed to delete Shadow Volume Copies, you should use ShadowExplorer to recover all your files.
Make use of Emsisoft's decrypter
Emsisoft recently released a decryption service that helps victims who were affected by Djvu variants released before August 2019. Zobm ransomware belongs to the undecrytable versions of the virus. However, if the data was encrypted with a hard-coded key, there might be a chance of recovering files with Emsisoft's decrypter.
You can also ask Dr.Web for help if you are willing to pay for the service (only works for certain file types).
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 Zobm 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 .zobm and no longer open.
Setting it up step by step: 3-2-1 backups on Windows 11 and 10.
Choose a proper web browser and improve your safety with a VPN tool
Online spying has got momentum in recent years and people are getting more and more interested in how to protect their privacy online.
One of the basic means to add a layer of security - choose the most private and secure web browser. Although web browsers can't grant full privacy protection and security, some of them are much better at sandboxing, HTTPS upgrading, active content blocking, tracking blocking, phishing protection, and similar privacy-oriented features.
However, if you want true anonymity, we suggest you employ a powerful VPN - it can encrypt all the traffic that comes and goes out of your computer, preventing tracking completely.
Lost your files? Use data recovery software
While some files located on any computer are replaceable or useless, others can be extremely valuable.
Family photos, work documents, school projects - these are types of files that we don't want to lose. Unfortunately, there are many ways how unexpected data loss can occur:
- power cuts
- Blue Screen of Death errors
- hardware failures
- crypto-malware attack
- even accidental deletion
To ensure that all the files remain intact, you should prepare regular data backups. You can choose cloud-based or physical copies you could restore from later in case of a disaster. If your backups were lost as well or you never bothered to prepare any, can be your only hope to retrieve your invaluable files.
Questions about Zobm ransomware
Is there a decryptor for .zobm files?
That depends on the family behind the .zobm extension, which this guide cannot confirm yet from the reports alone. Check No More Ransom and ID Ransomware with your ransom note and one encrypted file; they list families with free tools.
If none exists today, keep the encrypted files and a copy of the note on a separate drive, because decryptors are sometimes published months later after flaws are found or servers are seized. Never buy a decryptor from a website that is not the security company that made it.
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.
How do I open .zobm files?
You cannot open them by renaming or by choosing another program. The .zobm ending shows that Zobm ransomware encrypted the content, and only the matching key can reverse it. Renaming a file back to .docx or .jpg changes nothing except the icon, and it can confuse a future decryptor, so leave the names as they are.
To get the content back, use a backup, an unencrypted copy elsewhere, or a decryptor listed on No More Ransom if one exists for Zobm ransomware. Store the encrypted files on an external disk until then.
Are ransomware recovery services legitimate?
Some are, but read the offer carefully. Genuine data-recovery firms recover deleted originals from disks or rebuild damaged files, and they say so. Others promise to "decrypt any ransomware" for a fixed price, which is impossible without the key; they quietly pay the attackers and keep a margin, sometimes without telling the victim.
Be especially careful with services that contact you after you post about the attack online. Ask for references, a written method and a no-result-no-fee clause, and check the free tools on No More Ransom first.
How did Zobm ransomware get on my computer?
The way Zobm 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 .zobm 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.
Did Zobm ransomware steal my files or passwords?
We do not know yet. Nothing published so far shows data theft by Zobm ransomware, but the only confirmed sign is files that end in .zobm 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.
Is Zobm 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.
What does _readme.txt tell me about the ransomware?
Quite a lot. The file name _readme.txt, the wording, the contact addresses and the format of the personal ID are typical for each family. Uploading the note together with one encrypted file to ID Ransomware or No More Ransom's Crypto Sheriff usually names the family within seconds.
That name decides your options: some families have free decryptors, some can be partially recovered, and some cannot be decrypted at all. The note's claims about stolen data should be taken seriously but not at face value.
Will .zobm 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 .zobm. 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 Zobm 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 Zobm 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
- Twitter: New variant of #STOP #Ransomware (read October 6, 2026)
- Emsisoft: Ransomware statistics for 2019: Q2 to Q3 report (read October 6, 2026)
- Wikipedia: Hard coding (read October 6, 2026)
- The Guardian: Oversharing: how Napster nearly killed the music industry (read October 6, 2026)
- Tech Crunch: Police Finally Arrest The Third And Final Founder Of The Pirate Bay (read October 6, 2026)