'.zXz File Extension' Ransomware
Threat Scorecard
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Ranking: The ranking of a particular threat in EnigmaSoft’s Threat Database.
Severity Level: The determined severity level of an object, represented numerically, based on our risk modeling process and research, as explained in our Threat Assessment Criteria.
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| Threat Level: | 80 % (High) |
| Infected Computers: | 2 |
| First Seen: | January 31, 2017 |
| Last Seen: | December 14, 2019 |
| OS(es) Affected: | Windows |
The '.zXz File Extension' Ransomware is a ransomware Trojan that was first observed on January 24, 2017. However, it is clear that the '.zXz File Extension' Ransomware is a variant of a ransomware Trojan that has been around for a long time. The '.zXz File Extension' Ransomware does seem to be a ransomware Trojan created independently, rather than being part of a RaaS (Ransomware as a Service) provider or a variant on an existing open source ransomware engine such as Hidden Tear. However, there is little to differentiate the '.zXz File Extension' Ransomware from most ransomware Trojans active today, and the '.zXz File Extension' Ransomware uses a simple implementation that carries out a direct, stripped-down ransomware attack. The '.zXz File Extension' Ransomware does not use up too many resources and is an effective infection that does what it is intended to do: encrypt the victim's files to demand the payment of a ransom in exchange for the decryption key.
It is not Easy to Detect the '.zXz File Extension' Ransomware's Activities on a Computer
The '.zXz File Extension' Ransomware may be delivered to the victim's computer as a corrupted email attachment. Email attachments associated with the '.zXz File Extension' Ransomware may be delivered through spam emails and use corrupted macros to download and install threatening software on the victim's computer. The '.zXz File Extension' Ransomware's files will be dropped in the Temp directory after the corrupted spam email attachment is opened. The '.zXz File Extension' Ransomware' executable file will use a name associated with a Windows service or popular program as a way to make it more difficult for computer users to detect that the '.zXz File Extension' Ransomware is running in the Windows Task Manager.
During its attack, the '.zXz File Extension' Ransomware will search for numerous file types and then use a strong encryption algorithm to encrypt them. Some of the file types that the '.zXz File Extension' Ransomware targets include files that would be associated with programs such as SQLite, Microsoft Office, FoxitPDF Reader, Libre Office, WPS Office, Fieldbook, MongoDB and the Apache Server. The files encrypted by the '.zXz File Extension' Ransomware can be recognized easily because of the '.zXz File Extension' Ransomware will append the file extension '.zXz' to the end of the affected file's name. Unfortunately, once a file has been encrypted by the '.zXz File Extension' Ransomware it is no longer accessible and will show up in the Windows Explorer as a blank icon since it will not be able to be opened by its associated software and will no longer be recognized.
Dealing with the '.zXz File Extension' Ransomware
Unfortunately, the files encrypted by the '.zXz File Extension' Ransomware cannot be decrypted. However, PC security researchers strongly advise computer users against paying the hundreds of dollars that are demanded by these people in exchange for the decryption program. Paying the '.zXz File Extension' Ransomware ransom will not guarantee a return of the affected files and, even if the con artists do keep their word, paying the '.zXz File Extension' Ransomware ransom finances their harmful activities, allowing them to create even more ransomware Trojans to continue carrying out attacks on innocent computer users. Because of this, protect your computer from attacks like the '.zXz File Extension' Ransomware.
You can take preventive measures to limit the damage from attacks like the '.zXz File Extension' Ransomware on your computer. The best preventive measure you can take is to backup all of your files using the cloud or an external memory device. If you have updated backups, then the recovery from a '.zXz File Extension' Ransomware attack is a simple matter of restoring the encrypted files from the backup copies, after the '.zXz File Extension' Ransomware infection itself is wiped out with a reliable security program. A good anti-virus program also is recommended, since it will be capable of intercepting and removing the '.zXz File Extension' Ransomware before your files become compromised in the attack.
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