How to remove Zhong Ransomware and decrypt .zhong files

What is Zhong Ransomware

Zhong is the name of a ransomware infection that runs encryption of system-stored data and then urges victims to pay money for decryption. While restricting access to data, the virus also assigns its own .zhong extension to highlight the encrypted data. Note that this change is purely visual and does not have anything direct with encryption. Unfortunately, simply removing the added extension will not return access to data. In order to do it, victims are encouraged to follow instructions within the Restore.txt text note that gets created after successful encryption.

The message from the text note clarifies that victims have 48 hours to contact threat actors via e-mail and pay for decryption. Otherwise, the affected data will be made public on various resources (supposedly darkweb ones). By saying this, cybercriminals attempt to intimidate users and basically force them into paying the ransom. While the decryption cost is unknown, various ransomware extortionists can require from hundreds to even thousands of dollars for complete file decryption. Regrettably, decrypting data without the involvement of the original attackers is usually considered impossible. Threat actors are usually the only figures who possess the necessary decryption keys to perform proper and riskless decryption. Though, note that trusting extortionists is always a risk since some of them fool their victims and do not send any decryption tools/keys in return. At the moment, the best way to recover encrypted data is from available file backups. Backups are copies of files stored externally, for example on a USB flash drive or cloud storage. There are also reputable third-party decryption/recovery tools that can be given a try, however, they are less likely to be effective unless ransomware has bugs or vulnerabilities that would allow third-party tools to crack through the ciphers. Despite this, it may be worth trying them as a last-resort option. Before attempting any data recovery methods, it is crucial to remove the ransomware from the infected computer to prevent its further malicious activity. Following our guidelines below can help you remove ransomware and protect yourself against future attacks.

How Zhong Ransomware infected your computer

Numerous distribution vectors can be employed for spreading ransomware and other infections. Such vectors include phishing emails, deceptive downloads from untrustworthy sources, fake software updates, backdoors, keyloggers, botnets, system exploits, and somesuch as well. To safeguard oneself against attacks through such channels, it is vital to avoid trusting suspicious content and downloading software from unverified and unofficial sources. For instance, pages that host pirated software or claim you need to download some “important” system update can promote malware inside of their installers. Many inexperienced users get tricked in this way and become victims of malicious software. Also, many people are deceived into downloading malicious attachments that contain trojans or ransomware through phishing email letters. Such letters are usually disguised as legitimate entities, such as banks, delivery companies, governmental authorities, and so forth to forge their trustworthiness and make users fall into the trap. Cybercriminals often misuse file formats such as .DOCX, .XLSX, .PDF, .EXE, .ZIP, .RAR, and .JS files and bundle them with malware or link redirecting to some malicious resources. As a result, opening attachments from suspicious and potential phishing messages without having adequate anti-malware software can lead to the installation of hidden infections on the targeted system. Thus, download software/files only from trusted resources and senders. For extra protection, you can read our guide below where we discuss helpful software that can protect you against malicious presence in the future.

1. Download Zhong Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .zhong 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 Zhong Ransomware

Zhong Ransomware files:


Restore.txt
{randomname}.exe


Zhong Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .zhong files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

Use following tool from Kaspersky called Rakhni Decryptor, that can decrypt .zhong 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 .zhong 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 Zhong 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 .zhong 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 Zhong 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. Zhong 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