How to remove Zxc Ransomware and decrypt .zxc files

What is Zxc Ransomware

Zxc Ransomware is a notorious type of malicious software belonging to the VoidCrypt ransomware family known for encrypting files on infected computers, rendering them inaccessible to the users. Upon infection, it appends a unique file extension denoted as .zxc to the original filenames, alongside a unique ID and a contact email address of the cybercriminals, replacing their original extensions. The encryption mechanism employed by this ransomware typically involves complex cryptographic algorithms, either symmetric or asymmetric, with the exact nature often making it difficult if not impossible for victims to recover their data without the decryption key held hostage by the attackers. Victims are prompted with a ransom note that appears both as a pop-up window and a text file named Decryption-Guide.txt, which informs them of the file encryption and provides instructions on how to contact the attackers for decryption in exchange for a ransom payment, commonly demanded in cryptocurrency such as Bitcoin to obscure the transaction trail.

Despite the myriad challenges Zxc Ransomware poses, no publicly available decryption tools currently exist that can safely restore files encrypted by this threat without the cybercriminals’ intervention. Attempts to develop universal decryption solutions are stymied by the effective implementation of encryption algorithms combined with unique keys. This means that decrypting .zxc files outside of paying the ransom or having a valid backup is not possible in most cases. While paying the ransom might seem like a quick fix, it is strongly discouraged since it does not guarantee that the attackers will provide the necessary decryption key or tool, and it also fuels the ongoing ransomware criminal activities. Infected users should focus on securely removing the malware using robust antivirus solutions and restoring their data from backups if available. It’s crucial to regularly update backups and store them in multiple locations, including offline or remote servers, to minimize the impact of potential ransomware attacks in the future.

How Zxc Ransomware infects computers

Zxc Ransomware infiltrates computers primarily through deceptive methods that exploit user vulnerabilities. One common tactic involves phishing emails, where victims receive messages containing malicious attachments or links disguised as legitimate files or URLs. When these attachments are opened or links clicked, the ransomware is executed, initiating the encryption process. Additionally, Zxc Ransomware can spread through compromised websites, which host malicious scripts that download the ransomware when unsuspecting users visit these sites. The malware also proliferates via software bundling, where it is hidden within seemingly benign software downloaded from untrustworthy sources, such as third-party websites or peer-to-peer networks. Users who engage in risky online behaviors, such as using pirated software or ignoring security updates, are particularly susceptible to such infections.

1. Download Zxc Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .zxc 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 Zxc Ransomware

Zxc Ransomware files:


Decryption-Guide.txt
{randomname}.exe


Zxc Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .zxc files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

Use the following tool from Kaspersky called Rakhni Decryptor, that can decrypt .zxc 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 .zxc 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 Zxc 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 .zxc 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 Zxc 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. Zxc 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