How to remove ZareuS Ransomware and decrypt .ZareuS files

What is ZareuS Ransomware

ZareuS is the name of a ransomware infection that encrypts files and extorts an amount in crypto from victims. During encryption, the virus alters file appearance using the .ZareuS extension. In other words, if a file like 1.pdf ends up affected by the infection, it will be changed to 1.pdf.ZareuS and reset its original icon as well. Thereafter, to guide victims through the decryption process, cybercriminals create a text file called HELP_DECRYPT_YOUR_FILES.txt to each folder with no longer accessible data.

It says the encryption occurred with the use of strong RSA algorithms. Victims are therefore instructed to buy a special decryption key, which costs 980$ and the amount has to be sent to the cybercriminals’ crypto address. After doing so, victims have to notify about the completed payment by writing to lock-ransom@protonmail.com (e-mail address provided by the attackers). As an additional measure to incentivize victims into paying the ransom, extortionists propose to decrypt 1 file for free. Victims can do it and receive one file fully unlocked to confirm that decryption actually works. It is unfortunate to say this, but files encrypted by ZareuS Ransomware are almost impossible to decrypt without the help of cybercriminals. It may be only if ransomware is bugged, contains flaws, or other drawbacks alleviating third-party decryption. A better and guaranteed method to get back your data is to recover it using backup copies. If such are available on some non-infected external storage, you can easily substitute your encrypted files with them. Note that prior to getting your hands on any manual recovery process, it is mandatory to delete the virus first. While removal itself will not get your files back to their functioning, it will ensure no virus activity is able to run encryption of data again. Do it in our guide below and explore third-party tools, which you can try unless there is a backup in store.

How ZareuS Ransomware infected your computer

Threat actors often engage a number of channels including e-mail spam letters, trojans, fake software cracking tools, bogus updates/program installers, various network vulnerabilities, pirated or free software, and other similar vectors as well. Many inexperienced users get caught mistakenly identifying phishing content as something legitimate. It is very popular with e-mail spam letters, which may be disguised as something popular and legal but at the same time contain malicious files or links designed to execute malware. The list of files that cybercriminals trick users into the opening within such messages consists of MS Office documents (.DOCX, .XLSX), PDFs, JavaScript files, Archives (.ZIP, .RAR), and Executables (.EXE). Think twice before opening them, especially if a message seems suspicious and unreasonably random. It is always better to go to the official website and verify some information independently without following links in suspicious messages. Users also end up infected with malware when relying on unofficial downloads from the web. Some unwanted pages may also be opened through ads, which claim your software is outdated and has to be replaced with a newer version. In most cases, such websites are scams trying to deceive users into installing some kinds of malware. If you feel yourself not experienced enough to feel secure on the web, we advise you to read our guide and explore some practical tips on how to establish protection against such threats in the future.

1. Download ZareuS Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .ZareuS 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 ZareuS Ransomware

ZareuS Ransomware files:


HELP_DECRYPT_YOUR_FILES.txt
{randomname}.exe


ZareuS Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .ZareuS files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

Use following tool from Kaspersky called Rakhni Decryptor, that can decrypt .ZareuS 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 .ZareuS 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 ZareuS 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 .ZareuS files

1. Download Stellar Data Recovery Professional.
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 Windows Previous Versions option:

1. Right-click on infected file and choose Properties.
2. Select Previous Versions tab.
3. Choose 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 is no items in the list choose alternative method.

Using Shadow Explorer:

1. Download Shadow Explorer program.
2. Run it and you will see 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 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 ZareuS 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. ZareuS 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