ZOBM ransomware is yet another DJVU ransomware updateThreat SummaryThings to know if your files were encrypted by this ransomwareDetailed explanation on how you got infected with STOP ransomware variantRemove ZOBM ransomware and protect your computer
If you have found out that all your files were affected by .zobm file virus and you can’t open them now, it means that you have recently downloaded a malicious file. Typically, all STOP/DJVU versions such as ROTE, TOEC, MBED, KODG, COOT or others spread via infectious software cracks or keygens (tools used to activate paid software for free). Once installed, the ransomware disables security software and corrupts all files on the system using RSA cryptography, then deletes Volume Shadow Copies and installs Azorult Trojan on the system. In parallel, ZOBM ransomware creates ransom notes and drops them in all scanned folders. The ransom note contains a message from the cyber criminals, which suggests paying a ransom to recover all data. To convince the victim to pay, the attackers suggest a 50% discount ($490) if the victim rushes to pay up within 72 hours. Otherwise, the ransom price remains the same – $980. In addition, the ransom note suggests sending one file to the attackers via one of provided emails and receive a decrypted version back. The attackers want to prove that it is worth paying the ransom to them. However, remember that they can vanish immediately right after receiving your money and forget about you. Of course, another reason not to pay up is the fact that paying funds their malicious operations.
Threat Summary
Things to know if your files were encrypted by this ransomware
The most searched question about this ransomware is “how to decrypt files locked by ZOBM virus”. Unfortunately, currently there are no ways to recover files encrypted by ZOBM ransomware. However, please pay attention to the fact that this malicious program uses either offline or online key to lock victim’s files. If you are victim of the offline key attack, you might be able to restore your files in the future. If your personal ID ends with t1 (the virus used offline key for your files), you will be able to recover .zobm data in the future. Check this guide on how to decrypt files locked by STOP ransomware here. Currently, there are no solutions for victims affected by the online key. If your computer was affected by this virus, we suggest you to remove ZOBM ransomware as soon as you can along with Azorult virus it installed on your system. Please use instructions provided below the article. Next, change all your passwords, primarily those saved in your web browser.
Detailed explanation on how you got infected with STOP ransomware variant
ZOBM ransomware spreads via malicious peer-to-peer downloads, or, to be precise, files that help to crack licensed software so that you could use premium features for free. Widely known tools to achieve this are various cracks and keygens or tools like KMSPico. Please stay away from such downloads as they are well-known distributors of various malware. Despite that, such downloads are still extremely popular, which explains why STOP ransomware has infected so many PCs around the world. Besides, it doesn’t seem that the ransomware developers are willing to switch to any other ransomware distribution method anytime soon. If you want to learn more about file-encrypting malware distribution tricks and practices to avoid installing such viruses, check this guide.
Remove ZOBM ransomware and protect your computer
The easiest way to remobe ZOBM file virus is to update your antivirus and let it scan your computer system from Safe Mode. If this is your first time dealing with such dangerous virus, we recommend reading the instructions given down below. Once you succeed in ZOBM ransomware removal, please backup your encrypted data and wait for the best. If your personal ID ends with t1, expect the offline key to appear within the following months and wait for updates on the STOP Decrypter. OUR GEEKS RECOMMEND Our team recommends a two-step rescue plan to remove ransomware and other remaining malware from your computer, plus repair caused virus damage to the system: GeeksAdvice.com editors select recommended products based on their effectiveness. We may earn a commission from affiliate links, at no additional cost to you. Learn more. Get INTEGO ANTIVIRUS for Windows to remove ransomware, Trojans, adware and other spyware and malware variants and protect your PC and network drives 24/7. This VB100-certified security software uses state-of-art technology to provide protection against ransomware, Zero-Day attacks and advanced threats, Intego Web Shield blocks dangerous websites, phishing attacks, malicious downloads and installation of potentially unwanted programs. Use INTEGO Antivirus to remove detected threats from your computer. Read full review here. RESTORO provides a free scan that helps to identify hardware, security and stability issues and presents a comprehensive report which can help you to locate and fix detected issues manually. It is a great PC repair software to use after you remove malware with professional antivirus. The full version of software will fix detected issues and repair virus damage caused to your Windows OS files automatically. RESTORO uses AVIRA scanning engine to detect existing spyware and malware. If any are found, the software will eliminate them. Read full review here.
Alternative software recommendations
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware
Method 1. Enter Safe Mode with Networking
Before you try to remove the virus, you must start your computer in Safe Mode with Networking. Below, we provide the easiest ways to boot PC in the said mode, but you can find additional ones in this in-depth tutorial on our website – How to Start Windows in Safe Mode. Also, see a video tutorial on how to do it: Instructions for Windows XP/Vista/7 users Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10 users Now, you can search for and remove ZOBM Ransomware files. It is very hard to identify files and registry keys that belong to the ransomware virus, Besides, malware creators tend to rename and change them repeatedly. Therefore, the easiest way to uninstall such type of a computer virus is to use a reliable malware removal program. In addition, we suggest trying a combination of INTEGO Antivirus (removes malware and protects your PC in real-time) and RESTORO (repairs virus damage to Windows OS files).
Method 2. Use System Restore
In order to use System Restore, you must have a system restore point, created either manually or automatically. Instructions for Windows XP/Vista/7 users Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10 users After restoring the system, we recommend scanning the system with antivirus or anti-malware software. In most cases, there won’t be any malware remains, but it never hurts to double-check. In addition, we highly recommend checking ransomware prevention guidelines provided by our experts in order to protect your PC against similar viruses in the future. Removing spyware and malware is one step towards cybersecurity. To protect yourself against ever-evolving threats, we strongly recommend purchasing a Premium version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware, which provides security based on artificial intelligence and machine learning. Includes ransomware protection. See pricing options and protect yourself now.
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