On the part of cybercriminals, the basic reason they create and distribute ransomware viruses is to infect many computers while hoping to extort ransom fees from the victims. They encrypt files in other people’s computers, i.e., make them unreadable, and then ask them to pay money before they can retrieve them via decryption tools. While some victims may call their bluff because they have a backup device that can easily replace lost data, others without backup sometimes try to reach out to them, especially when they consider the encrypted files to be essential. However, it should be noted that reaching out to cybercriminals is a bad idea. Likewise, victims should never pay ransom to them.

The ransomware drops money-demanding notes (_readme.txt)

Once the virus encrypts all data, the next is the ransom note stage, whereby the cybercriminals inform the victim about the development via short messages contained in _readme.txt. The notifications are dropped in each of the affected folders. They also contain two email addresses i.e., support@fishmail.top and an alternative one: datarestorehelp@airmail.cc with suggestions for the victim to write to them so they could provide a solution to the problem. Victims that do so are usually told to pay a ransom fee of $980. But in trying to make the victim pay without hesitation, they may promise a 50% ransom fee slash, bringing it down to $490. However, it comes with the condition that payment must be made within 72 hours of being notified. Once the time given elapses and they don’t receive the ransom, only the full ransom fee becomes acceptable from now on. There are other conditions as well, such as the insistence that payment must be made via cryptocurrency. Therefore, the victim has to purchase cryptocurrency that is equivalent to the ransom fee and transfer it to a wallet address provided by the cybercriminals. The apparent reason why they choose this form of payment is that it gives them much-needed anonymity, unlike bank payment or money transfer, which could lead to their arrest. Yet, victims that go through all these challenges to make the payment are either sent an ineffective decryption tool or wholly ignored. In addition to that, we considered other factors before concluding that victims should never comply with their demands. Our advice is in line with the recommendations made by global cybersecurity organizations such as the FBI. Here are some of the reasons why payment of ransom is strongly advised against:

Payment of ransom is against existing laws in most countries. When victims pay a ransom, they unintentionally encourage criminality. Funds gotten from ransom payments help cybercriminals to expand their capacity, thereby putting many others at risk. Studies conducted by us revealed that when victims pay a ransom, they make themselves vulnerable to further extortions as we advance. If cybercriminals continue to enjoy the proceeds of crime, they will be encouraged to continue indulging in such criminality.

Victims of the described file-encrypting virus should read the tutorial provided below and remove ZATP ransomware without a delay. Our team recommends using trustworthy security software for an automatic removal of the threat, for example, INTEGO Antivirus. It has excellent malware detection engine and offers user-friendly interface, among other beneficial features.

Ransomware Summary

Below, you can see a screenshot of ransomware-affected data folder containing files with new extensions as well as the ransom note dropped. 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.

Various methods used by cybercriminals in spreading ransomware virus

Cybercriminals exploit certain deceptive practices to fool their victims and make them infect their computers. However, by being aware of their gimmicks, people can easily prevent such from happening. This section will expose such deceptive methods and how they can be avoided.

Emails and attachments

Online torrent platforms

Cybercriminals sometimes clone popular software copies and embed them with malware before uploading to online torrent platforms. Unsuspecting users may think it saves money to download them as freebies instead of buying the software via the official platform. This is not only morally wrong but also puts the person at serious risk of infecting their computer. We recommend that software should only be sourced legally. There are other risk factors associated with ransomware virus infection. Cybercriminals also use the opportunity to distribute Remote Access Trojans. These RATs are attached to the primary malware and are released same time too. Their mission is slightly different from the primary malware in the sense that cybercriminals use them in stealing sensitive personal information such as banking details, software login information, credit card details etc. Here is a list of some popular software copies usually pirated and used in distributing malware:

Adobe Illustrator; HP Printer Drivers; Cubase; Adobe Photoshop; VMware Workstation; FIFA 22; League of Legends; Microsoft Office; Internet Download Manager; Corel Draw; Tenorshare 4ukey.

Normally, people download torrents using various peer-2-peer file sharing software. We strongly advise against the use of P2P sharing networks, instead, software users should buy legally from the original producers. Considering how damaging this ransomware virus can be, it is crucial for computer users to take proactive measures to protect their PC and files. First of all, every computer should have genuine antivirus software installed and maintained consistently. In addition to that, online activities and the use of software content should be done responsibly. Considering the risk factors and the cost-benefit analysis of using cloned/pirated versions of software, we realized it isn’t worth it. The losses that could arise from ransomware virus infection far outweigh its possible benefits (that’s, if any at all).

Importance of removing ZATP ransomware virus

It is crucial to remove ZATP ransomware virus once it is detected in any computer. We recommend the use of INTEGO Antivirus software because it is genuine, strong and absolutely reliable. Before we conclude, also remember take the following steps:

You should change all existing passwords prior to the infection. Restore lost files using backup device. Consider whether it is necessary to report to relevant local authorities.

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 ZATP 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 ZATP 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 ZATP files

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

Meanings of decryptor’s messages

The ZATP 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 ZATP 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 ZATP 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.