How to remove FindZip Ransomware and decrypt .crypt files (Mac)

What is FindZip Ransomware

A long time back in 2017, the world of Mac experienced a new threat – FindZip Ransomware. It was found disguised as cracks for Adobe Premiere Pro and Microsoft Office promoted on piracy websites. When you open the downloaded file, you will be presented with a transparent window. FindZip does not infect users by force. To launch the encryption, you have to click on the “Start” button. Then, the client starts imitating the cracking process, which will turn your desktop into an encrypted mess. All files are getting ciphered using the zip folders to contain files with the .crypt extension. Amazingly, the encryption keys created by FindZip are not stored on the hacker’s server. This simply proves that ransom details, given by ransomware developers, in a generated note (README, DECRYPT, and HOW_TO_DECRYPT) are foolish.

Even after sending 0.25 BTC to purchase the decryption key, you will not receive any promised tools to recover the data. Interestingly, the virus acts uncertainly, it does not touch Time Machine backups and external devices as well. Even though FindZip used strong algorithms at that time, experts from Malwarebytes laboratory found a way to decrypt files without permanent loss. Follow our guide below to learn more about protectionary tips and removal instructions to get rid of ransomware infections.

How FindZip Ransomware infected your computer

As mentioned, FindZip has only been spotted being distributed via cracks for Adobe and Microsoft products on shady resources. Despite this, there is plenty of other infamous ways that could open the door for ransomware to settle into your system. Such methods include e-mail spam with malicious attachments, trojans, keyloggers, backdoors, unprotected RDP configuration, and others that exploit users’ trust and naiveness. For example, spam messages that contain ransomware executables, get masqueraded under MS Office documents, PDFs, and JavaScript files. Whatever is claimed in the spam message, you should not be opening the attached files to prevent inadvertent infections. Infections like ransomware are extremely cunning and trying to poke the holes form multiple angles. Be careful and protect yourself using only licensed and trusted content.

1. Download FindZip Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .crypt files
3. Recover encrypted files with Stellar Data Recovery Professional
4. Restore encrypted files with Windows Previous Versions
5. Restore files with Shadow Explorer
6. How to protect from threats like FindZip Ransomware

FindZip Ransomware files:

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FindZip Ransomware registry keys:

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How to decrypt and restore .crypt files

Use automated decryptors

1. Download Avast Decryption Tool for FindZip

Use following tool from Avast called Avast Decryption Tool for FindZip, that can decrypt .crypt files. Download it here:

Download Decryption Tool for FindZip

2. Download Trend Micro Ransomware Decryptor for macOS

Use following tool from Trend Micro called Ransomware Decryptor for macOS, that can decrypt .crypt files. Download it here:

Download Decryptor for macOS

There is no purpose to pay the ransom because there is no guarantee you will receive the key, but you will put your bank credentials at risk.

Dr.Web Rescue Pack

Famous antivirus vendor Dr. Web provides free decryption service for the owners of its products: Dr.Web Security Space or Dr.Web Enterprise Security Suite. Other users can ask for help in the decryption of .crypt files by uploading samples to Dr. Web Ransomware Decryption Service. Analyzing of files will be performed free of charge and if files are decryptable, all you need to do is purchase a 2-year license of Dr.Web Security Space worth $120 or less. Otherwise, you don’t have to pay.

If you are infected with FindZip Ransomware and removed it from your computer you can try to decrypt your files. Antivirus vendors and individuals create free decryptors for some crypto-lockers. To attempt to decrypt them manually you can do the following:

Use Stellar Data Recovery Professional to restore .crypt files

1. Download Stellar Data Recovery Professional for Mac.
2. Click Recover Data button.
3. Select type of files you want to restore and click Next button.
4. Choose location where you would like to restore files from and click Scan button.
5. Preview found files, choose ones you will restore and click Recover.

Download Stellar Data Recovery Professional

Using Time Machine:

If the Time Machine on your Mac is set up and running, do the following to restore your files.

1. Open Launchpad go to Other folder and choose Time Machine.
2. Scroll through the history of backups on the right until you find lost files.
3. Choose files you want to restore and click Restore button.

Using Terminal:

1. Open Applications > Utilities > Terminal.app.
2. In opened window type cd .Trash command and press Enter (Return).
3. Type mv {filename} ../ and press Enter. Please note, {filename} stands for the name of the file you want to restore.

If you are using Dropbox:

1. Login to the DropBox website and go to the folder that contains encrypted files.
2. Right-click on the encrypted file and select Previous Versions.
3. Select the version of the file you wish to restore and click on the Restore button.

How to protect computer from viruses, like FindZip Ransomware, in future

1. Get special anti-ransomware software

Use RansomWhere? App

RansomWhere? is a small free utility for MacOS, that runs in the background and constantly monitors your system for the presence of processes that may encrypt your files. In case ransomware is detected, it shows you related alert and allows you to stop or block the malicious process immediately. RansomWhere?, if used properly, will save a major part of the data on your Mac. Download it below:

Download RansomWhere? App

2. Back up your files

As an additional way to save your files, we recommend online backup. Local storages, such as hard drives, SSDs, flash drives, or remote network storages can be instantly infected by the virus once plugged in or connected to. FindZip Ransomware uses some techniques to exploit this. One of the best services and programs for easy automatic online backup is iDrive. It has the most profitable terms and a simple interface. You can read more about iDrive cloud backup and storage here.

3. Do not open spam e-mails and protect your mailbox

Malicious attachments to spam or phishing e-mails are the most popular method of ransomware distribution. Using spam filters and creating anti-spam rules is good practice. One of the world leaders in anti-spam protection for Mac is SpamSieve. It works with Apple Mail and various third-party applications and provides a very high level of anti-spam protection. Download it here:

Download SpamSieve

Summary

As statistics shows, Mac users are getting attacked by ransomware much more rarely in comparison to Windows. This is true evidence that Mac is well-protected from such infiltrations even without appendant anti-malware software. Although users downloaded FindZip Ransomware unwillingly since it is a fault lying on Transmission developer’s shoulders, we still recommend being cautious of clicking on dubious ads and downloading unfamiliar software disguised under legitimate. This will ensure that your data is safe and not spied by third-parties remotely.