Ztax Ransomware: A Form of Dangerous Malware

Ransomware is a notorious type of malware that locks users out of their files or systems and demands a ransom for their release. This cyber threat has evolved into one of the most prominent dangers to individuals, businesses, and organizations worldwide. It typically infiltrates a system, encrypts the user’s files, and holds the data hostage until a payment (usually in cryptocurrency) is made. In this article, we’ll examine a specific ransomware threat, Ztax ransomware, its functionality, the symptoms it causes, and how to remove it from an infected system.

Ztax Ransomware: A Detailed Threat Analysis

Ztax ransomware is a harmful strain of ransomware, a new member of the Dharma ransomware family, that encrypts a wide range of file types on the victim’s system, rendering them inaccessible. After installation, Ztax modifies the original file extension, locking the user out of their documents, images, and other valuable files.

How Ztax Ransomware Operates

Ztax ransomware typically spreads via malicious attachments in phishing emails, compromised downloads from suspicious websites, or software vulnerabilities. Once it has gained access to a system, it initiates a sequence of activities that make recovery difficult without either paying the ransom or using specialized decryption tools (if available).

Upon installation, Ztax begins scanning for and encrypting files across a variety of directories, often targeting common file types such as documents, images, and archives. The ransomware appends a unique extension to every encrypted file, making them unusable. For instance, a file originally named “document.pdf” may become “document.pdf.[ztax]”.

After encryption, Ztax delivers a ransom note, typically named something like “README.txt” or “HOW_TO_RECOVER_FILES.txt”. This note provides instructions on how victims can supposedly restore their files by paying a ransom. The message often includes the ransom amount, the cryptocurrency wallet address for payment, and a deadline before the ransom increases or the files are permanently lost.

Ransom Note and Demands

The ransom note left by Ztax is designed to instill fear and urgency in its victims. It generally includes the following details:

• A message explaining that the victim’s files have been encrypted and can only be restored through a decryption tool, which is provided after the ransom payment is made.
• Instructions on how to make the payment, typically in Bitcoin or another cryptocurrency.
• Threats that if the ransom is not paid within a specified time, the price will increase, or the data will be deleted permanently.
• Contact information, often in the form of a Tor website or an email address, where victims can negotiate or confirm payment.

Text presented in the Ztax pop-up message:

All your files have been encrypted!

Don’t worry, you can return all your files!
If you want to restore them, write to the mail: taxz@cock.li YOUR ID –
If you have not answered by mail within 12 hours, write to us by another mail:taxz@cyberfear.com

Free decryption as guarantee
Before paying you can send us up to 3 files for free decryption. The total size of files must be less than 3Mb (non archived), and files should not contain valuable information. (databases,backups, large excel sheets, etc.)

How to obtain Bitcoins
Also you can find other places to buy Bitcoins and beginners guide here: 
hxxp://www.coindesk.com/information/how-can-i-buy-bitcoins/

Attention!
Do not rename encrypted files. 
Do not try to decrypt your data using third party software, it may cause permanent data loss. 
Decryption of your files with the help of third parties may cause increased price (they add their fee to our) or you can become a victim of a scam.

Text presented in the “manual.txt” file:

You want to return?

write email taxz@cock.li or taxz@cyberfear.com 

Ztax belongs to a broader family of file-encrypting ransomware, and its sole purpose is to extort money from the victim. Like many ransomware threats, it capitalizes on a user’s need to regain access to their files quickly, often forcing victims to pay large sums of money.

Symptoms of Ztax Ransomware Infection

Users infected by Ztax ransomware typically experience the following symptoms:

• File extensions changed to “.[ztax]” or similar suffixes, rendering files inaccessible.
• Inability to open previously functional files.
• A ransom note appearing on the desktop or in multiple folders, explaining the situation and demanding payment.
• System slowdown or malfunction as the ransomware executes background tasks.

Detection Names for Ztax Ransomware

Security vendors often use different names to classify ransomware. If you suspect you’ve been infected by Ztax, look for these detection names:

• Ransom:Win32/Ztax.A
• Trojan-Ransom.Win32.Ztax
• W32/Ztax-encrypt.A
• ZtaxCryptor

Similar Ransomware Threats

Other ransomware threats similar to Ztax include:

• LockBit: A notorious ransomware group that targets businesses.
• Ryuk: A high-profile ransomware that primarily targets organizations and demands substantial ransom payments.
• Dharma: A ransomware strain known for encrypting files and changing extensions, much like Ztax.

Comprehensive Ztax Ransomware Removal Guide

To effectively remove Ztax ransomware from your system, follow this step-by-step guide:

1. Disconnect from the Internet

• Immediately disconnect your computer from the internet to prevent further damage and communication between the ransomware and its command servers.

2. Reboot in Safe Mode

• Shut down your computer and restart it in Safe Mode. This prevents non-essential services, including malware processes, from running.
• Press F8 or Shift + Restart during boot-up and select Safe Mode from the boot menu.

3. Run an Anti-Malware Scan

• Use a trusted anti-malware tool like SpyHunter to detect and remove Ztax ransomware. SpyHunter is highly recommended for its ability to detect and remove ransomware and related threats.
• Download SpyHunter, install it, and perform a full system scan.

• After the scan, review the detected threats and remove Ztax ransomware along with any associated malware.

4. Restore Files from Backup (if available)

• If you have a backup of your files, restore them after successfully removing the ransomware. Be sure the backup is clean by scanning it with an anti-malware tool before transferring any files back to your system.

5. Consider Using Decryption Tools

• If available, use ransomware decryption tools provided by cybersecurity firms. However, not all ransomware can be decrypted for free, so this option may not always work.

Preventing Ztax Ransomware Infections

Prevention is key when it comes to ransomware. To protect your system from Ztax and similar threats, follow these recommendations:

• Install Reliable Anti-Malware Software: Always keep a trusted anti-malware tool like SpyHunter installed and up to date. It can detect ransomware before it causes harm.
• Enable a Firewall: A strong firewall can block unauthorized access and prevent ransomware from infiltrating your system.
• Avoid Suspicious Emails: Be wary of unsolicited emails, especially those with attachments or links. Only download files from trusted sources.
• Keep Software Updated: Regularly update your operating system and applications to patch vulnerabilities that ransomware can exploit.
• Create Regular Backups: Backup your important files regularly to an external drive or cloud storage, ensuring that you can recover your data in case of an attack.

SpyHunter offers a free scan feature, and it is highly recommended for protecting your system from Ztax ransomware and other malicious threats. Download SpyHunter today and ensure your system is safe.