ZAPS Ransomware (.zaps File Extension)

ZAPS a strain within the STOP/Djvu Ransomware family, employing the Salsa20 encryption algorithm to encrypt files on compromised systems. Victims are coerced into paying a ransom ranging from $490 to $980 in Bitcoins for the decryption key.

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» Zaps Ransomware

About Zaps:

NameZaps Virus
Version0341
File Extension.zaps
Contact[email protected], [email protected]
FamilySTOP/Djvu Ransomware
Note_readme.txt
Offline IDxcdIdDNFh62dy3iJsba1COhcfDENsbjPHQQ2Eht1
Last seenJuly 07, 2022
AlgorithmSalsa20 encryption. If Zaps cannot establish a connection to crooks server before starting the encryption process, it uses the offline key. This key is the same for all victims(!), making it possible to decrypt .zaps files in the future.
RansomFrom $490 to $980 (in Bitcoins)
Damage
  1. ⮞ Can delete Volume Shadow copies to make victim’s attempts to restore data impossible;
  2. ⮞ Adds a list of domains to HOSTS file to block access to certain security-related sites;
  3. ⮞ Installs password-stealing trojan virus, like Redline Stealer, Vidar Stealer, Smokeloader, Azorult and others;
DistributionThird-party downloaders, installers, peer-to-peer networks, RDP exploits, etc.,
RSA Public Key-----BEGIN PUBLIC KEY----- MIIBIjANBgkqhkiG9w0BAQEFAAOCAQ8AMIIBCgKCAQEA3x9afKqVB3MGdbU3tojr av+B6jpNlG4QamSpP6SB8PsevLrgtrjExQL8rG0rW2FJ3ie0+2AKBgyAk/fi68Jd IHIJq3ZP8DW2FzEWakmSlzic2lcfWGMsn5q10wI63Ry0XAsrIBSwBzJZiBuY3cUr 1kXX8zGV2muZJ1lyR4ww1y9jOdi3vE74J0YmZYiY8irknucN7PJrrDuzkjN5Hxx1 G7Hg5nsKOpylgzouvgYM6sKsPcUJt8th9eWyypwhLlgUAlQeYNEQtPq3i9+xBjWr x50pDqxlokPuO9SIvUmBc4jmfObL6w9JUHvQRilOdwgGFpn4cWZbzxWrih136xX1 5wIDAQAB -----END PUBLIC KEY-----
Other variants
  • Maql Ransomware (.maql encrypted files)
  • Vtua Ransomware (.vtua encrypted files)
  • Irjg Ransomware (.irjg encrypted files)

    • ZAPS Virus Removal Tool

    What is Zaps?

    Discovering files with the .zaps extension on your computer is a clear indicator that you've been targeted by the Zaps ransomware. This malware aims directly at your finances—it encrypts your files and demands a ransom for their decryption. Before encrypting your files, it performs various modifications to your system settings to deactivate security defenses and block the execution of antivirus programs.

    The Zaps ransomware utilizes the Salsa20 encryption algorithm. Although this cipher is not the most robust form of encryption, decrypting it through conventional means remains impractical.

    The security modifications made by the Zaps virus are extensive. It deactivates Microsoft Defender and tweaks system configurations to prevent the installation of most antivirus software. Furthermore, it modifies the HOSTS file, obstructing access to websites that offer ransomware removal and file decryption advice.

    Zaps Encryption process

    The Zaps uses the Salsa20 encryption algorithm. That is not the strongest method, but it still provides an overwhelming amount of possible decryption keys. To brute force the 78-digit number of keys, you need 3.5 unvigintillion years (1*10^65), even if you use the most powerful regular PC. Quantum computers can show a bit better results, but it is still too slow to get your files back while you are alive.

    The exact algorithm of encryption is next: malware scans each folder for the files it is able to encrypt. Then, when it finds the target, it makes a copy of your file, removes the original one, encrypts the copy and leaves it instead of the removed original. Such a procedure is done to prevent the situation when you have already opened the file, so ransomware is not able to read it because of the Windows restrictions. To each encrypted copy, the virus adds the specific extension - ".zaps". Then, ransomware creates a _readme.txt file in the folder where the encrypted file is located, and goes to the next folder.

    .ZAPS Files

    Such an encryption method can be exploited for file recovery. Since the original file is deleted, you may try to recover it using the file recovery tools. The less time is passed - the bigger the chance to get your files back, so hurry up!

    Another specific moment that can help you to use the files even after the encryption is the fact that Zaps ransomware encrypts only the first 150KB of each file. Hence, you can try to run a big file, such as video or music, without the encryption. Similar feature also works with other ransomware families - Dharma, Conti and Makop encrypt the same 150KB.

    Zaps note:

    Ransom note is the same for the whole STOP/DJVU family. In fact, it is one of the main signs of to which family the certain ransomware belongs. Here is the typical note for STOP/Djvu family:

    ATTENTION!

    Don't worry, you can return all your files!
    All your files like pictures, databases, documents and other important are encrypted with strongest encryption and unique key.
    The only method of recovering files is to purchase decrypt tool and unique key for you.
    This software will decrypt all your encrypted files.
    What guarantees you have?
    You can send one of your encrypted file from your PC and we decrypt it for free.
    But we can decrypt only 1 file for free. File must not contain valuable information.
    You can get and look video overview decrypt tool:
    https://we.tl/t-pk3SGFlmek
    Price of private key and decrypt software is $980.
    Discount 50% available if you contact us first 72 hours, that's price for you is $490.
    Please note that you'll never restore your data without payment.
    Check your e-mail "Spam" or "Junk" folder if you don't get answer more than 6 hours.


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    [email protected]

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    Indicators of Compromise(IOC)

    File NameMD5File Size
    📜 SAMPLE.EXE538e38ce60aee1f3f48279740f289954876032