How to remove ZORN Ransomware and decrypt .ZORN files

What is ZORN Ransomware

Ransomware is a type of malicious software used to encrypt system-stored data and aid developers in extorting money from victims. ZORN Ransomware does the same trick and locks down all valuable data using the .ZORN extension. This extension is added to all files that ended up being affected by ransomware. For instance, a file named 1.pdf will change to 1.pdf.ZORN and lose its original icon. The virus also creates a text note (RESTORE_FILES_INFO.txt) and displays a black screen with text before logging into the Windows system. After spending some time on investigation, it turned out ZORN shares almost the same traits as MATILAN – another ransomware variant discussed on our website. Thus, it is reasonable to conclude that ZORN is its successor.

Based on content written inside of the note, it is reasonable to assume that cybercriminals tend to target business organizations that operate large volumes of potentially valuable data. This is why swindlers upload it to their servers and threaten victims to publish the data should they refute paying the monetary ransom. To pay for the decryption of files and avoid publication of them, cybercriminals guide users to contact them using qTOX – anonymous messenger. After this contact is reached, further instructions will be provided. It is asked to mention what extension (.ZORN) was added to files. Unfortunately, at the moment it is almost impossible to decrypt files using software alien to the original decryptor created by swindlers. Cybercriminals are the only figures able to guarantee full data decryption on a technical level. Although this may change in the future if a free decryptor appears, files can now be only recovered (not decrypted) through backups of data. The third-party decryptors you will see in our guide are generally good but do not guarantee the decryption of all types of data. Whether to trust frauds paying the ransom is up to your own choice. Some reported cases (not specifically this ransomware) show the tendencies of cybercriminals to fool their victims and not give any promised tools even after the payment. Note that recovering data without cybercriminals will motivate them to sell all the valuable data. This is the main problem of ransomware. Properly developed file encryptors make it impossible to decrypt data and put victims at a dead end of no universal solutions. If you do not have any reputation to lose, then using backups would be a perfect solution for you. Note that prior to trying any third-party recovery methods, it is important to get rid of the ransomware infection first. Do it in our guide below and explore ways of returning your data for free.

How ZORN Ransomware infected your computer

Ransomware infections may use several ways of penetrating unprotected victims – e-mail spam messages, trojans, phishing pages, fake software updates/installers, unprotected RDP configuration, NAS (Network Attached Storage) vulnerabilities, and other channels as well. E-mail spam letters are designed to convince users into downloading malicious attachments or following links meant to do the same. MS Office documents, PDFs, JavaScript, Archive, and Executable files can be modified and attached to such letters to carry infections. Ransomware targeting business organizations can also be subject to abusing various vulnerabilities or cracks within network security. For instance, NAS (Network Attached Storage), which is used to store large volumes of data, can be penetrated for unforeseen reasons. We have had several reports from other ransomware attacks stating this infiltration method. In general, to minimize the risk of being infected with malware, it is important to be careful and not interact with suspicious content. Many regular users get caught on download pirated or cracked installers, which, in fact, contain malicious infections. Follow our guide below to raise more awareness of the system and file protection against such threats in the future.

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

ZORN Ransomware files:


RESTORE_FILES_INFO.txt
{randomname}.exe


ZORN Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .ZORN files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

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