Ransomware Data Recovery: Zepto Ransomware

Zepto is a variant of Locky ransomware. It can get to your data as you open infected files from phishing emails passing as bank reports, invoices, or shipping information. The ransomware adds the .zepto extension to encrypt your file. The good news is that even with such powerful ransomware, you still have hope to recover your data.

Be aware, though, that with emails and files you open and download. Known since 2016, Zepto ransomware has developed new techniques and tools, increasing its phishing efficiency. Their goal is to keep your data until you pay their demand.

Even with powerful security methods, your data can still be at risk. For this, you also need to know how to recover the data after the Zepto ransomware attack.

How does Zepto encrypt the files?

1. Zepto ransomware scans the entire disk. It then lists the file weight and path.
2. Next, Zepto reduces the weight of large files.
3. It organizes the created list from the largest weight file to the smaller.
4. Zepto ransomware then starts encrypting the files following the order on the list.

How to recover data after Zepto ransomware infection

If you have any computer skills, you may want to try a manual threat removal, which might help, if not recover, prevent the ransomware from keep spreading. 

But, the first action, even before trying to recover your files and contact authorities, is to disconnect your device from the internet and remove any storage devices connected to your computer. This can prevent the virus from infecting more devices and spreading.

Alert authorities about the ransomware

Since cyber-attacks are a type of crime, alerting the authorities can help you with data recovery. Not only that, but you’ll also provide law enforcement with information about the attacks, that can lead them to the attackers themselves.

In the US, you access the FBI website to report the crime. If you’re outside the United States, you can contact the higher law enforcement in your country, such as the national police.

Data recovery tools

You can try to use a data recovery program to see if you can recover any of your files. There are many programs available, and some may work better than others, depending on the type of encryption used by the Zepto Ransomware. If you can find a program that can decrypt your files, you may get your data back without paying the ransom.

SalvageData has data recovery software you can use for this task. But the best way is to have updated backups of your files. This is the best data loss prevention, and also the easiest and cheapest data recovery method.

Is there a public decryption tool for Zepto ransomware? 

No. Currently, there are no public decryption tools to recover files from the Zepto ransomware attack.

Decrypt the files on your own

Another option is to try to decrypt your files yourself. This can be a very difficult process, and there is no guarantee that you will decrypt all of your files. However, if you are familiar with cryptography, you may figure out how the Zepto Ransomware encrypted your data and then use that information to decrypt your files.

The No More Ransom project has decryption tools to help you with this task. All you need is to be sure of which ransomware infected your device and use the proper tool for it.

Contact data recovery services

One of the most effective ways to recover your data, except for backup, is to contact a data recovery service. With ransomware data recovery, experts will decrypt your file, making sure it is not corrupted or partially recovered. 

When you choose to pay the cybercriminals for the decryption of your data, it can get corrupted. The chances of the hacker’s decryptor working are only up to 60%.

Meanwhile, recovery services can not only increase your chances of fully restoring your data, but they also can negotiate with the hacker group on your behalf.

Keep in mind that by paying the ransom, you are supporting the people who created the Zepto Ransomware and their ability to create more ransomware in the future.

Summary: You have several possibilities to recover your data after a Zepto ransomware attack. Even though you can do it on your own, asking for professional help is the most secure path. And, most importantly, avoid contacting the hacker group yourself. You have people that can negotiate for you.

At any moment you can request SalvageData’s expert help to recover the data from the ransomware attack. If you feel more comfortable, you can also go to the nearest data recovery center and request assistance there.