What is Zepto ransomware?
Zepto ransomware is a fraudulent malware that is also known as a successor of Locky encryption virus. As in cases with other ransomware, Zepto installs stealthily and then makes a fraud by hijacking users data and transforming it with an encryption code that needs a unique for every victim key. The files that Zepto virus affects gain .zepto extension and become inaccessible, and, since the ransomware devs understand that victims could lose important and valuable information, they organize the product so, that it would search and aim for the vast range of popular file formats. At the end of encryption, the ransomware displays a note with the demands as the desktop picture. The directives include installing TOR browser and transferring 4 Bitcoins, however we do not advise agreeing to these terms but instead try to remove Zepto ransomware and recover the files yourself.
Symptoms of Zepto ransomware infection
It’s difficult not to notice ransomware, since it often has one of the processes responsible for displaying a notification message. This window blocks the screen leaving the user minimum alternatives. Besides, some files will be inaccessible, as in many cases ransomware encrypts them to exasperate the scaring effect.
How Zepto ransomware got installed on your computer
Developers of this threat use fake email addresses to send trustworthy-looking letters with attachments which are usually text documents. These files include malicious code that activates via Word Macros function or after opening a JavaScript file. That’s why it’s important to make a habit of scanning all attachments with anti-virus and antimalware programs. In any case we recommend ignore spam or email letters that look suspicious, as they have strange layout or grammar and spelling mistakes.
What to do if your PC is infected with Zepto ransomware
As soon as you notice the presence of the ransomware on your system, you should turn your computer off. If it is possible try to create a backup or image of your hard drive info. This may let you to reserve the state of your drives in case a decryption method would be created afterwards.
How to remove Zepto ransomware?
To make sure that the adware won’t reappear, you need to delete Zepto ransomware completely. For this you need to remove the files and registry entries of the ransomware. We should warn you that performing some of the steps may require above-average skills, so if you don’t feel experienced enough, you may apply to automatic removal tool.
Performing an antimalware scan with Norton would automatically search out and delete all elements related to Zepto ransomware. It is not only the easiest way to eliminate Zepto ransomware, but also the safest and the most assuring one.
Steps of Zepto ransomware manual removal
Restart Windows in Safe Mode
For Windows XP:
- Restart the system
- While computer is rebooting press F8 several times
- In the appeared list of options choose Safe Mode
For Windows 7 and Vista:
- Restart the system
- While computer is rebooting press F8 several times
- In the appeared list of options choose Safe Mode
For Windows 8 and 8.1:
- Restart the system
- While computer is rebooting press F8 several times
- In the appeared list of options choose Safe Mode
For Windows 10:
- In the Start menu click on the power button
- Hold Shift and choose Restart
- Choose Troubleshoot
- In the Advanced Options choose Startup Settings
- Click Restart
- Select Enter Safe Mode
Use the decrypting tool
Unfortunately, currently a tool able to decrypt the files infected by Zepto ransomware is not released yet. You may try applying to the methods described below, however, they might not work with the latest versions of Zepto ransomware.
Restore the system
- Initiate the search for system restore
- Click on the result
- Choose the date before the infection appearance
- Follow the on-screen instructions
Roll the files back to the previous version
- Right-click the file and choose Properties
- Open the Previous Version tab
- Select the latest version and click Copy
- Click Restore
If the above-mentioned methods didn’t help in eliminating the threat, then it’s better to rely on an automatic way of deleting Zepto ransomware.
We also recommend to download and use Norton to scan the system after Zepto ransomware removal to make sure that it is completely gone. The antimalware application will detect any vicious components left among system files and registry entries that can recover Zepto ransomware.
