The ransom note contains a demand for the victims to contact the cybercriminals via helpmanager@mail.ch and restoremanager@airmail.cc e-mails. The crooks then demand paying a ransom worth $490 or $980, depending on how fast the victim writes to them. NILE, OONN, USAM, VAWE, PYKW, and MOBA are other variants of this virus family that spread in a similar manner as this new cyber threat — they trick regular computer users into downloading the virus disguised as a fake Adobe Flash Player pop-up or as malicious software cracks on various peer-to-peer (P2P) file-sharing websites. Once installed, this highly dangerous crypto-malware targets to corrupt almost all data on the infected system. Usually, ransomware infections scan the computers for photographs, videos, voice memos, important documents, and other files used on a daily basis. Currently, this virus employs AES-256 encryption algorithm that can only be decrypted with a completely unique Zida decryption key. The ransomware decryptor consists of ransom variables that include symbols, numbers, letters and other characters. Unfortunately, only the attackers have it.

Attackers demand to pay a ransom for the decryptor

Likewise, they leave a _Readme.txt message for their victims where they explain what happened to their data and give instructions on how to restore the corrupted files. Cybercriminals demand to pay $490 within the first 72 hours of infection to get a decryption tool. Afterward, the price doubles to $980 that must be transferred in Bitcoins. This way the attackers can ensure their safety as cryptocurrency transactions are almost impossible to trace. The transcript of _Readme.txt ransom note delivered to the victims:ATTENTION!Don’t worry, you can return all your files!All your files like photos, databases, documents and other important are encrypted with strongest encryption and unique key.The only method of recovering files is to purchase decrypt tool and unique key for you.This software will decrypt all your encrypted files.What guarantees you have?You can send one of your encrypted file from your PC and we decrypt it for free.But we can decrypt only 1 file for free. File must not contain valuable information.You can get and look video overview decrypt tool:hxxps://we.tl/t-wywmvpID0OPrice of private key and decrypt software is $980.Discount 50% available if you contact us first 72 hours, that’s price for you is $490.Please note that you’ll never restore your data without payment.Check your e-mail “Spam” or “Junk” folder if you don’t get answer more than 6 hours.To get this software you need write on our e-mail:helpmanager@mail.chReserve e-mail address to contact us:restoremanager@airmail.ccYour personal ID:–

Cybercriminals often fail to deliver the decryption tool

Even though the attackers try to assure their victims that they can restore their files if they agree to pay up, our experience shows differently. We have received numerous messages where people infected with ransomware never received the valid decryption key after the transaction. They were either ignored or blackmailed to pay more after the initial payment. Likewise, our security experts do not recommend dealing with the attackers under any circumstances. The smartest decision would be to remove Zida ransomware and learn how to protect your system from crypto viruses in the future. Additionally, this dangerous malware drops AZORULT password-stealing malware during the encryption process. Thus, it is essential to clean your system from multiple viruses to make sure that your information is safe again. For that, start by installing a professional malware removal software. Our experts recommend using malware removal tools for Zida removal as it is exceptionally efficient with file-encrypting viruses and other dangerous cyber threats. Once you clean your system, you can continue to try restoring your data to the primary state. You can either use the latest backup from the Cloud or read more about alternative STOP/DJVU decryption methods. Additionally, scan with RESTORO to repair virus damage on operating system files.

Short edition: what you need to know about the infection

Learn how ransomware spreads and how to avoid it

The most common ransomware distribution technique remains trying to trick regular computer users into downloading the executable file of the virus on their own. Usually, it happens when people see a fake Adobe Flash Update pop-up or try downloading software cracks on peer-to-peer (P2P) networks. Description: ZIDA ransomware is currently the latest STOP/DJVU file-encrypting virus variant, which encrypts all personal files on a computer and marks them with .zida extension. Following a successful data corruption, the ransomware drops _readme.txt file demanding a ransom from the victim in exchange for a data decryption tool. Offer price: $490-$980 Currency: Bitcoin Operating System: Windows Application Category: Ransomware Author: STOP/DJVU malware developers If you often browse on suspicious sites that display a vast of promotional content, you might encounter a fake Adobe Update pop-up. Be aware that is looks highly similar to legitimate software notifications. Yet, it appears on a separate window on the browser as a redirect. If you are lured to believe in its legitimacy and click on the Update button, you will infect your computer with ransomware or other dangerous cyber threat. Another common mistake people do and expose their systems to malware is searching for software cracks on P2P websites or other unregulated and illegal pages. Usually, such networks are the epicenter of malware distribution as they are not regulated and easy to take advantage of. Ransomware type viruses can appear on such pages with legitimate software names and regular computer users cannot identify an attempt to infect their systems. Likewise, it is essential to follow these steps to avoid ransomware attacks:

Useful guidelines to start Zida ransomware virus removal

New file-encrypting viruses are highly advanced and programmed to block their victims from accessing cybersecurity websites and other tools. They modify hosts file on Windows systems to corrupt the network connection. Thus, Zida removal can be more difficult that any other regular cyber threat. First, you should boot your computer into Safe Mode and then use professional anti-malware to remove Zida ransomware from your system. To repair virus damage, consider scanning with RESTORO. However, the encrypted data restore process remains the same — use the latest backup or try alternative decryption methods linked at the beginning of this article. 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 ZIDA ransomware 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 ZIDA 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 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 ZIDA files

Fix and open large ZIDA 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. ZIDA ransomware 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 ZIDA files, follow the given tutorial.

Meanings of decryptor’s messages

The ZIDA 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 ZIDA 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 ZIDA ransomware 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.