The ransomware not only encrypts victim’s files, but also drops _readme.txt ransom notes in each affected data folder. These notes contain a message from the malware developers/operators who explain what actually happened to victim’s files. According to the note, there is only one way to recover encrypted files. The note suggests that the victim can purchase ZPPS file decryption test from the criminals and restore encrypted data. In other words, the cybercriminals try to extort the computer user after taking one’s data hostage with the help of encryption algorithms.

What’s included in the ransom note

The _readme.txt note briefly explains that all of victims files, including images, audio and video, documents, archives and other data types were encrypted. The note suggests that the criminals have access to tools that are capable of reversing damage inflicted on victim’s files. In order to get these tools, the victim has to pay a ransom to cybercriminals. The note suggests that the victim should rush to contact the threat actors within 72 hours in order to get a discount on the ZPPS ransomware decryption tool. If the victim does that, the criminals settle for $490 as the decryption price. Otherwise, the victim will be asked to pay the full amount, which is $980. In both scenarios, the only accepted currency will be Bitcoin since cybercriminals seek to remain anonymous when cashing out money collected through computer user extortion. The only way to contact the criminals, according to the note, is writing to them via email. For this matter, the crooks include two email addresses that the victim can use – admin@helpdata.top and supportsys@airmail.cc. The note also advises including victim’s personal ID (provided at the end of the ransom note) and a sample of encrypted file. The ransom note explains that the criminals can decrypt one file as a proof that they can decrypt the rest of the files. However, cybersecurity experts do not recommend to get your hopes too high because trusting the criminals is not something that you should do. According to official FBI recommendations for ransomware victims, one must always remember that paying the ransom doesn’t guarantee data recovery. Moreover, threat actors often tend to harass victims who already paid further. Finally, paying the ransom simply fuels the ransomware cycle and the criminals can create more malware, employ more developers or distributors and infect more computers worldwide.

Additional damage caused by the ransomware

STOP/DJVU ransomware versions like ZPPS virus rarely infect the computer alone. After analyzing a set of samples submitted to VirusTotal and other online malware submission platforms, we have discovered that these viruses tend to arrive in tandem with information-stealing Trojans such as VIDAR/AZORULT. These Trojans have capability to collect various sensitive details about the infected computer as well as information stored in web browsers, including saved passwords. Cybersecurity experts warn that the cybercriminals behind this malware might attempt to use collected data for blackmail. In addition, this ransomware will initiate additional tasks on the compromised computer, including deletion of Volume Shadow Copies (prevents easy data recovery) and modification of the Windows HOSTS file (adds a list of domains to block on the infected computer). It is extremely important to take action to remove ZPPS ransomware virus and related malware from your computer as soon as possible. Do not worry if you’re not an experienced computer user – for this matter, we have prepared a detailed guide on how to delete malware from your computer safely. Keep in mind that you should not skip the part of booting your PC in Safe Mode with Networking option. Next, run a chosen antivirus software to delete malicious components. Finally, consider downloading RESTORO to repair virus damage on Windows OS files. Your can find a full tool’s review here.

Ransomware Summary

REPAIR VIRUS DAMAGE The screenshot provided below shows how files encrypted by this ransomware virus appear in a regular data folder.

How ransomware-type viruses are distributed?

Ransomware-type viruses are often distributed through illegal online downloads (such as torrents), also phishing emails that contain malicious attachments, fake ads promoting infectious installers or software update tools and drive-by downloads. STOP/DJVU versions like ZPPS ransomware are mostly found in pirated software versions. Computer users might stumble upon them when looking for ways to activate premium software for free. Our research team has discovered that cybercriminals often rely on a wide range of similar-looking cracked software (warez) sites that publish articles allegedly including a download link for popular software cracks, for instance, Adobe Photoshop, League of Legends, or others. The provided links lead to websites where the download link gets generated. The download typically contains a password-protected archive with a malicious setup inside of it. Once the victim opens such file, the system gets immediately infected. We simply cannot stress this enough – you should only download software from reliable and official websites only and invest in software you like rather than trying to infringe copyrights of legitimate software developers and expose your computer to various cybersecurity risks. Another common ransomware distribution pattern relies on malicious email attachments. Cybercriminals use various phishing techniques when attacking potential victims and seek to spark victim’s curiosity or create a sense of urgency. Some examples of the subjects of such emails are listed below:

Payment declined – Update Required;Your email account will be closed;Important! Your password will expire in 1 day(s);Invoice number [random number];Problem with bank account.

Exercise caution when opening emails, especially ones that you did not wait for. Look out for urgent subject lines, suspicious greeting lines, typo mistakes, and unknown attachment data types. Finally, if you’re someone who has already been struck by STOP/DJVU ransomware version, be careful when looking for available recovery tools online. Cybercriminals often prey for ransomware victims by offering fake decryption tools that are filled with malware. In other situations, you might run into scammers claiming they can recommend a “hacker” who can restore your files. Do not be tricked – their only intention is to scam you financially.

Remove ZPPS Ransomware Virus and Recover Your Files

The instructions provided below will help you to remove ZPPS ransomware virus. Make sure you read the provided instructions carefully and not hop over the steps in rush. You will need to boot your computer in Safe Mode with Networking and then run a scan using an antivirus software. Once ZPPS virus removal is complete, please consider the option of downloading RESTORO (see its review). You can use it for repairing Windows OS files damaged during the malware attack. 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.

Method 1. Enter Safe Mode with Networking

Before you try to remove ZPPS Ransomware Virus 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, if you prefer a video version of the tutorial, check our guide How to Start Windows in Safe Mode on Youtube. Instructions for Windows XP/Vista/7 users Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10/11 users Now, you can search for and remove ZPPS Ransomware Virus 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 security program such as INTEGO Antivirus. For virus damage repair, consider using RESTORO.

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 8/8.1/10/11 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.

Alternative software recommendations

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware 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.

System Mechanic Ultimate Defense If you’re looking for an all-in-one system maintenance suite that has 7 core components providing powerful real-time protection, on-demand malware removal, system optimization, data recovery, password manager, online privacy protection and secure driver wiping technology. Therefore, due to its wide-range of capabilities, System Mechanic Ultimate Defense deserves Geek’s Advice approval. Get it now for 50% off. You may also be interested in its full review.

Disclaimer. This site includes affiliate links. We may earn a small commission by recommending certain products, at no additional cost for you. We only choose quality software and services to recommend.

Decrypt ZPPS files

Fix and open large ZPPS files easily:

It is reported that STOP/DJVU ransomware versions encrypt only the beginning 150 KB of each file to ensure that the virus manages to affect all files on the system. In some cases, the malicious program might skip some files at all. That said, we recommend testing this method on several big (>1GB) files first.

STOP/DJVU decryption tool usage guide

STOP/DJVU ransomware versions are grouped into old and new variants. ZPPS Ransomware Virus is considered the new STOP/DJVU variant, just like BPTO, ISWR, ISZA, BPSM, ZOUU, MBTF, ZNSM (find full list here). This means full data decryption is now possible only if you have been affected by offline encryption key. To decrypt your files, you will have to download Emsisoft Decryptor for STOP DJVU, a tool created and maintained by a genius security researcher Michael Gillespie. Note! Please do not spam the security researcher with questions whether he can recover your files encrypted with online key - it is not possible. In order to test the tool and see if it can decrypt ZPPS files, follow the given tutorial.

Meanings of decryptor’s messages

The ZPPS decryption tool might display several different messages after failed attempt to restore your files. You might receive one of the following messages: Error: Unable to decrypt file with ID: [example ID] This message typically means that there is no corresponding decryption key in the decryptor’s database. No key for New Variant online ID: [example ID]Notice: this ID appears to be an online ID, decryption is impossible This message informs that your files were encrypted with online key, meaning no one else has the same encryption/decryption key pair, therefore data recovery without paying the criminals is impossible. Result: No key for new variant offline ID: [example ID]This ID appears to be an offline ID. Decryption may be possible in the future. If you were informed that an offline key was used, but files could not be restored, it means that the offline decryption key isn’t available yet. However, receiving this message is extremely good news, meaning that it might be possible to restore your ZPPS extension files in the future. It can take a few months until the decryption key gets found and uploaded to the decryptor. We recommend you to follow updates regarding the decryptable DJVU versions here. We strongly recommend backing up your encrypted data and waiting.

Victims of ZPPS Ransomware Virus should report the Internet crime incident to the official government fraud and scam website according to their country:

In the United States, go to the On Guard Online website.In Australia, go to the SCAMwatch website.In Germany, go to the Bundesamt für Sicherheit in der Informationstechnik website.In Ireland, go to the An Garda Síochána website.In New Zealand, go to the Consumer Affairs Scams website.In the United Kingdom, go to the Action Fraud website.In Canada, go to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.In India, go to Indian National Cybercrime Reporting Portal.In France, go to the Agence nationale de la sécurité des systèmes d’information.

If you can’t find an authority corresponding to your location on this list, we recommend using any search engine to look up “[your country name] report cyber crime”. This should lead you to the right authority website. We also recommend staying away from third-party crime report services that are often paid. It costs nothing to report Internet crime to official authorities. Another recommendation is to contact your country’s or region’s federal police or communications authority.