Zinocrypt Ransomware

How did Zinocrypt Ransomware enter your operating system? That is the first question you need to ask yourself when you find that this malicious threat has encrypted your personal files. If the files were corrupted soon after you opened a suspicious file attached to a spam email, you have your answer. It is also possible to unleash the threat by interacting with a fake or malicious installer. If you have no idea where this threat has come from, you have to consider the possibility of a malware downloader being active on your PC. Unfortunately, once your files are encrypted, there is little you can, and it is possible that your files will remain locked permanently. Of course, if you manage to remove Zinocrypt Ransomware from your operating system before it initiates the encryption of your files, you might evade the mess that this threat can bring upon you. Unfortunately, this threat is stealthy, and it is unlikely that its victims will delete its launcher in time.

Have you found the “.ZINO” extension appended to your personal files? That is the best indication that the malicious Zinocrypt Ransomware has slithered into your operating system. The threat appends the extension only to help you identify the corrupted files, and it does not have any other hidden purpose. As you might have found out yourself, you cannot decrypt your files by removing this extension. In fact, the process of file decryption is extremely complex, and it is unlikely that software that could help you decode your files exists either. Despite this, if you have no other option, you should look into legitimate file decryptors. Maybe, by the time you are reading this, a tool capable of decrypting your files was created. Unfortunately, it is most likely that the only option you have is the one offered by the creator of Zinocrypt Ransomware. Have you found the “ZINO_NOTE.TXT” file on your Desktop (or the folders with encrypted files)? This file, of course, was created by the ransomware, and you do not need to be afraid of opening it because it is not malicious. Needless to say, when you are removing the ransomware, you need to delete this file (and all copies) as well.

The ransom note represented by Zinocrypt Ransomware informs that you have to pay a ransom to get your files back. You are asked to pay a ransom in Bitcoins, but the sum is not specified, and those thinking about paying it are likely to use the email address – ZinoCrypt@protonmail.com – to contact cyber crooks. Needless to say, that is extremely dangerous. In the best case scenario, they will provide you with the so-called decryption software, as well as the personal key that you allegedly need to decrypt your files. In the worst case scenario, your money will be taken for nothing in return, and your email address will be recorded for other scams. In case you have communicated with the developer of Zinocrypt Ransomware already, make sure you are vigilant about the emails you receive and open. Do NOT open unfamiliar emails and those sent by unknown senders. Even if you manage to get your files decrypted, you have to delete the ransomware, and you have to do it fast. Hopefully, you will be able to do that yourself.

As we discussed at the beginning of this article, it is very important to know where Zinocrypt Ransomware comes from. If you know exactly where this threat stems from, you should be able to delete the file responsible for it. If you do not know where the ransomware comes from, manual removal might not be the best idea for you. In this case, you might go in blind, hoping to find and remove the right components, or you can employ an anti-malware tool to have Zinocrypt Ransomware deleted automatically. If other infections are active on your PC, this tool will get rid of them as well, which can unburden you greatly. The best part about anti-malware software is that it protects your operating system, which means that you do not need to fear facing other infections again. If you have questions for us, add them in the comments section.

Zinocrypt Ransomware Removal

1. Right-click and Delete the {unknown name}.exe file responsible for the ransomware (check Temp, Desktop, and Downloads folders for this malicious files).
2. Also, right-click and Delete the ZINO_NOTE.TXT file (including all copies).
3. Right-click the recycle bin and then choose Empty Recycle Bin.
4. Install a trustworthy malware scanner to inspect your operating system for leftovers.