Zzz12 Ransomware Removal Guide

Do you know what Zzz12 Ransomware is?

Malware creators are not sleeping, and Zzz12 Ransomware is yet another file-encryptor that was found to corrupt the personal files stored on unprotected Windows operating systems. The infection might use spam emails, malicious downloaders, and fake installers to trick users into letting it in, and once that is done, it can successfully corrupt personal files using the AES-256 encryption algorithm. The encryption key is created along with the decryption key, but, of course, you will not find it on your own operating system. This key is somewhere where only cyber criminals can access it, and, unfortunately, there is nothing we can do to obtain it. The creator of the infection is hoping that you will pay money to get in, but we have to warn you that cyber criminals are not to be trusted. While we cannot recommend going along with the plan offered by criminals, we can help you delete Zzz12 Ransomware, and we can give you tips that will ensure that your operating system is malware-free in the future.

All files corrupted by Zzz12 Ransomware have the “.zzz1 file.exe.zzz1” extension attached to them. So, if you browse through the folders of your personal files, you should find the extension everywhere. The threat is most likely to corrupt personal photos, music files, videos, and documents. That is because system files and downloaded files (e.g., software .exe files) can be downloaded again; whereas, personal files might be unrecoverable. That, of course, is not the case if backups exist. That is if you use removable drives or online storage. If you rely on system backup, you might be disappointed because Zzz12 Ransomware uses “vssadmin delete shadows /all” command to delete Shadow Volume Copies. Basically, if you do not have valid backups to fall onto, you might see no other option but to follow the instructions that are delivered using the Notice.txt file. The first step, according to the message, is to send a special USERKEY to zzz12341@protonmail.com. Note that if you email cyber criminals, they will learn your address. They could send you more malware or expose you to scams in the future.Zzz12 Ransomware Removal GuideZzz12 Ransomware screenshot
Scroll down for full removal instructions

The second step towards the decryption of files – at least according to the Zzz12 Ransomware ransom message – is to pay a ransom for the alleged decryption key. We do not know what the exact sum is, or if it is the same in all cases, but, according to the ransom message, the sum would go up after five days had passed. Whether or not this is a real threat we do not know. In any case, we do not believe that paying the ransom is a good idea because you are not guaranteed a decryptor in return, and so if the sum is big, the risk is huge too. If you are willing to take it, remember that we warned you.

There is no time to waste when it comes to malicious infections, and so we strongly recommend that you remove Zzz12 Ransomware as soon as possible. You can follow the instructions below, but, as you can see, we cannot help you find the launcher file because we do not know its name or location. You could use a free malware scanner to find the threat if you wish to remove it manually. The best thing you can do for yourself and your virtual security is to install anti-malware software that would automatically delete Zzz12 Ransomware. Of course, it is most important that it would ensure full protection against malware.

Delete Zzz12 Ransomware

  1. Find and Delete the executable of the ransomware.
  2. Delete the file called Notice.txt.
  3. Empty Recycle Bin to complete the elimination.
  4. Perform a full system scan. If malware is found, delete it quickly.

In non-techie terms:

Whether or not you are experienced, you must remove Zzz12 Ransomware from your operating system, and you have several options you can choose from. If you decide to erase the threat manually, you will not be able to ensure that all backdoors are closed for malware. On the other hand, if you install anti-malware software, you will ensure that malicious infections cannot slither in again. When it comes to the files corrupted by the infection, unfortunately, if backups do not exist online or on external drives, there is not much you can do. You certainly should not obey cyber criminals and pay the ransom because you are most likely to be scammed as a decryptor is unlikely to be given in return.

Do you know what Zzz12 Ransomware is?

Malware creators are not sleeping, and Zzz12 Ransomware is yet another file-encryptor that was found to corrupt the personal files stored on unprotected Windows operating systems. The infection might use spam emails, malicious downloaders, and fake installers to trick users into letting it in, and once that is done, it can successfully corrupt personal files using the AES-256 encryption algorithm. The encryption key is created along with the decryption key, but, of course, you will not find it on your own operating system. This key is somewhere where only cyber criminals can access it, and, unfortunately, there is nothing we can do to obtain it. The creator of the infection is hoping that you will pay money to get in, but we have to warn you that cyber criminals are not to be trusted. While we cannot recommend going along with the plan offered by criminals, we can help you delete Zzz12 Ransomware, and we can give you tips that will ensure that your operating system is malware-free in the future.

All files corrupted by Zzz12 Ransomware have the “.zzz1 file.exe.zzz1” extension attached to them. So, if you browse through the folders of your personal files, you should find the extension everywhere. The threat is most likely to corrupt personal photos, music files, videos, and documents. That is because system files and downloaded files (e.g., software .exe files) can be downloaded again; whereas, personal files might be unrecoverable. That, of course, is not the case if backups exist. That is if you use removable drives or online storage. If you rely on system backup, you might be disappointed because Zzz12 Ransomware uses “vssadmin delete shadows /all” command to delete Shadow Volume Copies. Basically, if you do not have valid backups to fall onto, you might see no other option but to follow the instructions that are delivered using the Notice.txt file. The first step, according to the message, is to send a special USERKEY to zzz12341@protonmail.com. Note that if you email cyber criminals, they will learn your address. They could send you more malware or expose you to scams in the future.

The second step towards the decryption of files – at least according to the Zzz12 Ransomware ransom message – is to pay a ransom for the alleged decryption key. We do not know what the exact sum is, or if it is the same in all cases, but, according to the ransom message, the sum would go up after five days had passed. Whether or not this is a real threat we do not know. In any case, we do not believe that paying the ransom is a good idea because you are not guaranteed a decryptor in return, and so if the sum is big, the risk is huge too. If you are willing to take it, remember that we warned you.

There is no time to waste when it comes to malicious infections, and so we strongly recommend that you remove Zzz12 Ransomware as soon as possible. You can follow the instructions below, but, as you can see, we cannot help you find the launcher file because we do not know its name or location. You could use a free malware scanner to find the threat if you wish to remove it manually. The best thing you can do for yourself and your virtual security is to install anti-malware software that would automatically delete Zzz12 Ransomware. Of course, it is most important that it would ensure full protection against malware.

Delete Zzz12 Ransomware

Find and Delete the launcher executable of the ransomware.

Delete the file called Ransomnote Notice.txt.

Empty Recycle Bin to complete the elimination.

Perform a full system scan. If malware is found, delete it quickly.

In non-techie terms:

Whether or not you are experienced, you must remove Zzz12 Ransomware from your operating system, and you have several options you can choose from. If you decide to erase the threat manually, you will not be able to ensure that all backdoors are closed for malware. On the other hand, if you install anti-malware software, you will ensure that malicious infections cannot slither in again. When it comes to the files corrupted by the infection, unfortunately, if backups do not exist online or on external drives, there is not much you can do. You certainly should not obey cyber criminals and pay the ransom because you are most likely to be scammed as a decryptor is unlikely to be given in return.