How to remove ZAKI ESCOVINDA Ransomware and decrypt .escovinda files

What is ZAKI ESCOVINDA Ransomware

ZAKI ESCOVINDA Ransomware is a malicious program belonging to the Chaos ransomware family, designed to encrypt files on a victim’s computer and demand a ransom for their release. This ransomware appends a distinctive file extension to the affected files, changing their original names to include .escovinda. For instance, a file named photo.jpg would be renamed to photo.jpg.escovinda. Once the encryption process is complete, the ransomware leaves a ransom note, typically named read_it.txt, on the infected machine. This ransom note informs the victim that their files have been encrypted and instructs them to pay 70 USD in Bitcoin (BTC) for the decryption software. Notably, the note mentions an incorrect conversion of 0.1473766 BTC, a sum that has fluctuated significantly in value at the time of writing.

Currently, no free decryption tools are available for ZAKI ESCOVINDA Ransomware, making the recovery of encrypted files particularly challenging without the attackers' decryption key. Although it's critical not to pay the ransom, as this does not guarantee the return of the decryption keys and can encourage cybercriminal behavior, some data recovery strategies might still be employed. One method involves using third-party data recovery tools that can sometimes retrieve shadow copies or previous system states. Another approach is to restore files from backups, if available. Regular, secure, and distributed backups can prevent permanent data loss and mitigate the risk of ransomware attacks. In the absence of free decryption solutions, vigilance and preventive measures, such as keeping antivirus software up to date and adhering to online safety practices, are essential to guard against threats like ZAKI ESCOVINDA Ransomware.

How ZAKI ESCOVINDA Ransomware infects computers

ZAKI ESCOVINDA Ransomware primarily infects computers through phishing and social engineering tactics, often disguised as legitimate files or bundled with seemingly harmless content. Common distribution methods include malicious email attachments, which may come in formats like ZIP, RAR, or executable files, as well as infected links embedded in spam emails, SMS, or direct messages. Drive-by downloads, which occur when users visit compromised websites, and malvertising, where malicious ads deliver the ransomware payload, are also prevalent methods. Additionally, the ransomware can spread via peer-to-peer (P2P) networks, freeware download sites, and illegal software activation tools ("cracks"). Once the ransomware is executed, it initiates the encryption process, appending a unique extension to the affected files and displaying a ransom note demanding payment for decryption. To mitigate such risks, it is crucial to maintain updated antivirus software, exercise caution with unsolicited emails, and avoid downloading software from untrustworthy sources.

1. Download ZAKI ESCOVINDA Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .escovinda 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 ZAKI ESCOVINDA Ransomware

ZAKI ESCOVINDA Ransomware files:


read_it.txt
{randomname}.exe


ZAKI ESCOVINDA Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .escovinda files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

Use the following tool from Kaspersky called Rakhni Decryptor, that can decrypt .escovinda files. Download it here:

Download RakhniDecryptor

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 .escovinda files by uploading samples to Dr. Web Ransomware Decryption Service. Analyzing 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 ZAKI ESCOVINDA Ransomware and removed 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 .escovinda files

1. Download Stellar Data Recovery Professional.
2. Click Recover Data button.
3. Select the type of files you want to restore and click Next button.
4. Choose the 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 Windows Previous Versions option:

1. Right-click on infected file and choose Properties.
2. Select Previous Versions tab.
3. Choose a particular version of the file and click Copy.
4. To restore the selected file and replace the existing one, click on the Restore button.
5. In case there are no items in the list, choose an alternative method.

Using Shadow Explorer:

1. Download Shadow Explorer program.
2. Run it, and you will see a screen listing of all the drives and the dates that shadow copy was created.
3. Select the drive and date that you want to restore from.
4. Right-click on a folder name and select Export.
5. In case there are no other dates in the list, choose an alternative method.

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 ZAKI ESCOVINDA Ransomware, in future

1. Get special anti-ransomware software

Use ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware

Famous antivirus brand ZoneAlarm by Check Point released a comprehensive tool, that will help you with active anti-ransomware protection, as an additional shield to your current protection. The tool provides Zero-Day protection against ransomware and allows you to recover files. ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware is compatible with all other antiviruses, firewalls, and security software except ZoneAlarm Extreme (already shipped with ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware) or Check Point Endpoint products. The killer features of this application are: automatic file recovery, overwrite protection that instantly and automatically recovers any encrypted files, file protection that detects and blocks even unknown encryptors.

Download ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware

2. Back up your files

As an additional way to save your files, we recommend online backup. Local storage, such as hard drives, SSDs, flash drives, or remote network storage can be instantly infected by the virus once plugged in or connected to. ZAKI ESCOVINDA 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 is MailWasher Pro. It works with various desktop applications and provides a very high level of anti-spam protection.

Download MailWasher Pro