To illustrate this, files that the user has previously saved in the computer with names such as 1.jpg, 2.png, or 3.jpeg will become 1.jpg.znsm, 2.png.znsm and 3.jpeg.znsm. There will be no way to open or edit these files, no matter what software the user attempts to use. On top of that, this ransomware travels together with information-stealing Trojans known as Vidar, Azorult or RedLine.

Ransom note demands money for data decryption

What _readme.txt notification does is to call the victim’s attention to what has happened and why it has become necessary for the victim to cooperate with those behind the attack. The note will suggest that solution could be available if the victim can reach out via these emails; support@freshmail.top, datarestorehelp@airmail.cc. The ransom note doesn’t contain information on how the victim should pay the ransom – the criminals only reveal this information for those who contact them via email. After doing so, the victim will receive a response demanding a fee of $980 that must be paid in Bitcoin or another cryptocurrency. To make the victim pay without delay, they may promise to slash the ransom fee by 50%, thus bringing it down to $490. But with the condition that it must be paid within 72 hours. If the victim fails to meet the strict deadline, the offer becomes nullified. In other words, the perpetrators will only accept the full ransom fee once 3 days pass. The reason why the criminals only accept cryptocurrency is based on the fact that such money transfer is nearly untraceable and cannot be used to reveal the attackers’ identities. Unfortunately for victims, there is no guarantee that encrypted files will be restored even after complying with their demands. Cybercriminals usually cut off communication with the victim once they receive ransom payment or might decide to forward ineffective decryption tools. Hence, we arrived at the conclusion that victims should never pay a ransom. The same idea is expressed by law enforcement agencies like FBI. Other factors we considered are listed below:

Most existing laws are against ransom payments. Cybercriminals are encouraged when they receive ransom payments. Victims that pay ransom are further attacked in the future. When huge sums of money are paid to cybercriminals, it enables them to expand their illegal activities, thereby putting others at risk. If all victims refused to pay the ransom, cybercriminals will be forced to stop further attacks since it’s no longer lucrative.

If you have found yourself in an unfortunate situation where all of your files were encrypted, we advise you to read this article carefully and then follow instructions provided below it. These instructions will help you to remove ZNSM ransomware virus from your computer. If you’re undecided on which antivirus software to go for, we highly recommend INTEGO Antivirus that we have recently reviewed on our website. On top of that, downloading RESTORO might be an option, since this tool is capable of reversing malware damage on Windows OS files.

Ransomware Summary

How cybercriminals spread malware

Cybercriminals behind this notorious ransomware strain apparently use the same methods to spread ZNSM virus as for previous STOP/DJVU versions. The primary method is to upload fake software installation files to websites claiming to provide software cracks, and the secondary method is based on malicious email spam. We have overviewed these methods below. Award-winning antivirus solution for your PC. Robust security software that provides robust 24/7 real-time protection, Web Shield that stops online threats/malicious downloads, and Prevention engine that wards off Zero-Day threats. Keep your PC safe and protected against ransomware, Trojans, viruses, spyware and other forms of dangerous programs. Another common method used for ransomware distribution is based on illegal downloads. All that cybercriminals have to do is set up rogue websites that advertise unlawful downloads, such as software cracks or other copyright-protected content such as movies or desktop wallpapers. Then they simply wait for users to download these malicious files. To avoid detection, such files may come in password-protected archives. To be on the safe side, users should only download software copies and other content legitimately. Also ransomware viruses can also trigger installation of RATs, otherwise known as remote access Trojans. RATs are used by cybercriminals to steal sensitive personal information like passwords, software login details or credit card information, etc. Such information can later be used to blackmail victim. STOP/DJVU variants are often spotted spreading in tandem with Vidar and Azorult Trojans.

General information on avoiding ransomware attacks

It should be noted that these cybercriminals are only seeking ways they can exploit to fleece their victims. Therefore, they cunningly spread ransomware viruses to many unsuspecting computer owners. The idea is to encrypt their victims’ files and hope it will be significant enough to warrant them seeking reversal, especially when they do not have backups. However, we recommend installing strong antivirus software on every computer and keeping it active through regular system scanning. Installing a legitimate antivirus with real-time protection is a crucial step toward protecting your computer. Others include buying or downloading only original software contents legitimately and exercising caution when opening emails with attachments (emails/attachments that appear dubious should never be opened). Cybercriminals know that some people in need of software do not like paying the fees requested by their copyright owners, so they clone the ones in high demand and make them available for download at little or no cost. So they upload such cloned versions to online torrent platforms or enable them to be distributed through P2P sharing networks. The users may assume they’ve saved money, but unbeknownst to them, they’re only exposing their computers to ransomware virus attacks.

Remove ZNSM ransomware virus and decrypt files

You should remove ZNSM ransomware virus as threats like it should never be allowed to linger in any computer for long. So, you’re advised to delete its components using a robust security software and also make use of computer’s Safe Mode with Networking option. For optimal results, you might want to use INTEGO Antivirus because it is tested and trusted by our team. Once ZNSM virus removal is finalized, here are other things you should do:

Try downloading RESTORO to repair virus-damaged Windows OS files. Change all existing passwords immediately. Make use of available backups in restoring lost files. Report the incident to relevant local authorities if necessary.

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 ZNSM 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 ZNSM 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 ZNSM files

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

Meanings of decryptor’s messages

The ZNSM 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 ZNSM 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 ZNSM 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.