Contained in the ransom note are instructions from the ransomware operators. The crooks reassure that the victim can still recover all data, however, this can only be done with the help of ZFDV decryption tool and key. The criminals offer to sell it to the victim for a specific price. In simple terms, the ransomware operators make sure that the victim won’t be able to access his own files and then offer a solution for money. Attempting to obtain money by means of a threat is extortion.

_readme.txt note delivers a message from cybercriminals

The ransom note named as _readme.txt explains that all of victim’s files were encrypted and that there is only solution leading to data recovery. The note asks the victim to write to provided email addresses belonging to the cybercriminals – admin@helpdata.top and supportsys@airmail.cc, include the personal ID (provided at the end of the ransom note) and attach one sample of encrypted file to the message. The criminals promise to respond with a decrypted file version to show a proof that they can recover the rest of victim’s files. On top of that, the attackers will explain how the victim can pay the ransom. They will only accept payments made via cryptocurrency to remain anonymous. Speaking of the ransom amount, the crooks were noticed to ask $490 or $980. According to the ransom note, the lower price point applies if the victim contacts the attackers within 72 hours from the infection timestamp. Cybersecurity experts from our team do not recommend paying the ransom. Moreover, we strongly recommend all those who were affected to read the official FBI recommendations. Remember that there are no guarantees that criminals will help you to decrypt the data, besides, money will simply motivate them to continue their activities. Finally, if you pay up, you might end up being blackmailed repeatedly.

Additional malware dropped

STOP/DJVU variants such as ZFDV ransomware often arrive into the target system along with Remote Access Trojans (RATs) known under the names of AZORULT and VIDAR. Both of these threats are known to help cybercriminals to steal the following kinds of information from compromised systems:

System and hardware information;Active processes and installed software list;Browser data, saved login credentials, browsing history, cookies and more;App login information;Banking information.

With their hands on such information, the criminals may attempt to log into your accounts and steal them, or try to blackmail you. For this reason, we recommend taking action immediately to stop the threat actors from blackmailing and extorting you further. Remove ZFDV ransomware virus using a robust antivirus solution while in Safe Mode in Networking – remember that there is no other easy way to eliminate malware unless you’re a malware expert. Attempts to delete malicious remains manually can result in a failure, and presence of dangerous files can leave the system vulnerable to further attacks. Once you’re done with the removal, consider downloading RESTORO to repair virus damage on Windows OS files.

Ransomware Summary

REPAIR VIRUS DAMAGE Files encrypted by this ransomware usually have blank icons and additional file extensions. The folder containing the files will also contain a copy of the ransom note. You can see a screenshot of such compromised data folder down below.

Ways through which ransomware is distributed

Cybercriminals usually distribute ransomware via phishing emails containing malicious attachments, fake downloads strategically named as pirated software versions, drive-by downloads, fake ads offering software update tools and similar. The most widely used method for STOP/DJVU and other malware distribution is illegal downloads that computer users often search for when trying to avoid paying fees for legitimate license keys. Malware like ZFDV virus can be found in deceptive sites offering Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, AutoCAD, Virtual DJ Pro, Cubase and other popular computer software cracks. We recommend computer users to drop this shady habit because it can only cause you problems. You can find legitimate software versions in their official websites. Another technique that’s extremely prevalent is malicious email spam. Cybercriminals try to deceive potential targets by pretending to be someone from a well-known company or a governmental institution. Normally, they try to create a sense of urgency, for example, by claiming that the user’s email account or a website will be closed; stating that one’s activity is monitored; suggesting that there’s a pending payment that needs to be reviewed and similar Users are advised to practice caution when checking emails and stay from suspicious ones altogether. Another great idea is to inspect the greeting line (scammers often do not know your full name and instead address the victim with a line similar to ‘Dear customer’) and also check for typo mistakes or spoofed email address. Finally, STOP/DJVU victims, or victims of any ransomware in general, should be careful when looking for available data decryption solutions online. Bear in mind that scammers often try to trick ransomware victims by offering malware in disguise of a decryption solution, or try to recommend a “hacker” who can allegedly restore encrypted data. Please visit reputable websites only and avoid suspicious sources that claim to provide miracle tools.

Remove ZFDV Ransomware Virus and Decrypt Your Files

Please follow the guidelines provided below that explain how to remove ZFDV ransomware virus safely. Make sure you do not skip any of the steps. You can use any antivirus you like, but make sure it is a robust and powerful one. Afterward, we recommend downloading this tool – RESTORO to identify virus damage and repair it (full version required). Our team also advises reporting the ransomware attack incident to local law enforcement agency and changing all of the passwords used on the compromised computer. In addition, read tips on how to decrypt or repair files damaged by STOP/DJVU ransomware versions. 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 ZFDV 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 ZFDV 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 ZFDV files

Fix and open large ZFDV 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. ZFDV 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 ZFDV files, follow the given tutorial.

Meanings of decryptor’s messages

The ZFDV 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 ZFDV 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 ZFDV 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.