What is Zhen Ransomware
Zhen is a crypto-extortionist from the unknown ransomware family whose action founded in September of this year. This is a Ransomware that encrypts user data of different formats and types. By itself, Ransomware is one of the most dangerous threats, which carries a real danger, as this makes your files unusable. After encryption, Zhen changes the extension of your files to .zhen. Files are encrypted by AES+RSA algorithm, therefore self-supporting file recovery is an almost impossible task. The virus creates a special file-note Read For Decryption.ini with details of the redemption.
The note indicates the possibility of decryption of three files for free, but this is a trick. Ultimately, scammers request up to several thousand dollars for decryption. Of course, this is a huge amount of money, moreover, no one guarantees that your files will be restored. We strongly recommend that you read our recommendations to try and remove Zhen and decrypt your files.
In the vast majority of cases, Zhen comes through unprotected network settings, in the form of false updates for software installed on your PC or as an attachment to spam mailing. This is due to the lack of reliable anti-virus protection. Do not spare money to purchase a decent anti-virus program. If Zhen has already penetrated your PC, then use our guides to remove Zhen and restore your files.
Well, there are 2 options for solving this problem. The first is to use an automatic removal utility that will remove the threat and all instances related to it. Moreover, it will save you time. Or you can use the Manual Removal Guide, but you should know that it might be very difficult to remove Zhen ransomware manually without a specialist’s help.
If for any reason you need to recover deleted or lost files, then check out our article Top 5 Deleted File Recovery Software
Zhen Removal Guide
Remember that you need to remove Zhen Ransomware first and foremost to prevent further encryption of your files before the state of your data becomes totally useless. And only after that, you can start recovering your files. Removal must be performed according to the following steps:
- Download Zhen Removal Tool.
- Remove Zhen from Windows (7, 8, 8.1, Vista, XP, 10) or Mac OS (Run system in Safe Mode).
- Restore .Zhen files
- How to protect PC from future infections.
How to remove Zhen ransomware automatically:
Norton is a powerful antivirus that protects you against malware, spyware, ransomware and other types of Internet threats. Norton is available for Windows, macOS, iOS and Android devices. We recommend you to try it.
If you’re Mac user – use this.
Manual Zhen ransomware Removal Guide
Here are step-by-step instructions to remove Zhen from Windows and Mac computers. Follow these steps carefully and remove files and folders belonging to Zhen. First of all, you need to run the system in a Safe Mode. Then find and remove needed files and folders.
Uninstall Zhen from Windows or Mac
Here you may find the list of confirmed related to the ransomware files and registry keys. You should delete them in order to remove virus, however it would be easier to do it with our automatic removal tool. The list:
no information
Windows 7/Vista:
- Restart the computer;
- Press Settings button;
- Choose Safe Mode;
- Find programs or files potentially related to Zhen by using Removal Tool;
- Delete found files;
Windows 8/8.1:
- Restart the computer;
- Press Settings button;
- Choose Safe Mode;
- Find programs or files potentially related to Zhen by using Removal Tool;
- Delete found files;
Windows 10:
- Restart the computer;
- Press Settings button;
- Choose Safe Mode;
- Find programs or files potentially related to Zhen by using Removal Tool;
- Delete found files;
Windows XP:
- Restart the computer;
- Press Settings button;
- Choose Safe Mode;
- Find programs or files potentially related to Zhen by using Removal Tool;
- Delete found files;
Mac OS:
- Restart the computer;
- Press and Hold Shift button, before system will be loaded;
- Release Shift button, when Apple Zheno appears;
- Find programs or files potentially related to Zhen by using Removal Tool;
- Delete found files;
How to restore encrypted files
You can try to restore your files with special tools. You may find more detailed info on data recovery software in this article – recovery software. These programs may help you to restore files that were infected and encrypted by ransomware.
Restore data with Stellar Data Recovery
Stellar Data Recovery is able to find and restore different types of encrypted files, including removed emails.
- Download and install Stellar Data Recovery
- Choose drives and folders with your data, then press Scan.
- Select all the files in a folder, then click on Restore button.
- Manage export location. That’s it!
Restore encrypted files using Recuva
There is an alternative program, that may help you to recover files – Recuva.
- Run the Recuva;
- Follow instructions and wait until scan process ends;
- Find needed files, select them and Press Recover button;
How to prevent ransomware infection?
It is always rewarding to prevent ransomware infection because of the consequences it may bring. There are a lot of difficulties in resolving issues with encoders viruses, that’s why it is very vital to keep a proper and reliable anti-ransomware software on your computer. In case you don’t have any, here you may find some of the best offers in order to protect your PC from disastrous viruses.
Malwarebytes
SpyHunter is a reliable antimalware removal tool application, that is able to protect your PC and prevent the infection from the start. The program is designed to be user-friendly and multi-functional.