Znsm Virus Ransomware (.znsm File) Removal

What is Znsm ransomware?

Znsm ransomware dispels the myth that viruses only come from explicitly dubious activities. It stealthily infiltrates your system, encrypts your files, and demands a ransom for their return, all while rendering your security tools useless.

The encryption employed by this malware is notably robust, further compounded by the fact that the necessary decryption key is stored on a remote server controlled by the fraudsters. The usual ransom demand hovers around $1000, and while alternative decryption methods exist, their success rates are dishearteningly low according to statistics.

In addition to encrypting files, Znsm ransomware inflicts damage on other system components. Although not catastrophic, these modifications significantly hinder computer usability, from blocking access to certain websites to obstructing the installation of antivirus software and potentially damaging network functionalities within various applications. Promptly reversing these changes is crucial.

The spread of Znsm ransomware typically occurs through third-party sites offering paid software for free. Such platforms also host an array of hacking tools, like cheat engines and keygens, which are manipulated to alter software behavior. For hackers, embedding malware into these programs is a simple task, given their comprehensive access to the software’s executable code. The insertion of the virus becomes a matter of financial incentive.

Encryption process

The Znsm ransomware 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 - ".znsm". Then, ransomware creates a _readme.txt file in the folder where the encrypted file is located, and goes to the next folder.

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 Znsm 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.

Ransom note: _readme.txt

Ransom note is the same for the whole ransomware 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:

External Links:

🔗 HowToFix.Guide: How To Decrypt .znsm Files?

Indicators of Compromise(IOC)

File Name	MD5	File Size
📜 SAMPLE.EXE	38c965a5afbfe062083e5a8ca0a83a1d	1150976
📜 SAMPLE.EXE	18f6c01dbb19b6c667c816500daaf28e	830976
📜 SAMPLE.EXE	bf17b27b38ad84aa02847ebbe353cc3b	831488
📜 SAMPLE.EXE	db917cf3f2058aed93a33b830579551e	831488
📜 SAMPLE.EXE	33a6878d4fea702369d0f6a30135b584	826880
📜 SAMPLE.EXE	50da2529025604e6a78c06a73a43e1ac	826880
📜 SAMPLE.EXE	b0cbfa94ca0eb6f5034f63003f27463c	718148
📜 SAMPLE.EXE	805feda205a3edde16adc76a255dc21b	832512
📜 SAMPLE.EXE	b3d6b843f2e2dae8248484a3d4477411	719819
📜 SAMPLE.EXE	b40b30a66330648dee83bb95656ce623	718148