How to remove Zen Ransomware and decrypt .zen files

What is Zen Ransomware

Zen Ransomware is a sophisticated file-encrypting malware belonging to the notorious Dharma ransomware family, infamous for targeting both individual users and organizations. Once infiltrated into a Windows system, Zen Ransomware swiftly encrypts valuable files throughout local drives and network shares, using strong cryptographic algorithms that may combine symmetric and asymmetric encryption techniques—typically rendering targeted files irrecoverable without the specific decryption key held by the attackers. As part of its operation, this ransomware appends a distinct extension to locked files: each filename gains a unique string comprised of a victim-specific ID, an attacker’s email address, and the extension .zen, resulting in names like photo.jpg.id-9ECFA84E.[zen_crypt@tuta.io].zen. Critical system files are spared to keep the device operational, but user documents, images, and databases are rendered inaccessible. Following the encryption process, Zen Ransomware generates a ransom note, typically called info.txt, and also triggers a prominent pop-up window, both of which detail the ransom demand and provide instructions for contacting the threat actors. Attackers commonly direct victims to send an email for decryption instructions and offer to decrypt up to three small files as proof of recovery—but warn against renaming files or using third-party tools, threatening permanent data loss if those instructions are ignored.

Despite extensive analysis by cybersecurity experts, there are currently no publicly available decryption tools capable of restoring data encrypted by Zen Ransomware. The robust encryption methodology used by this variant, coupled with the use of unique keys stored remotely on attacker-controlled infrastructure, makes unauthorized decryption practically impossible in most cases. Victims searching for solutions may come across many purported decryptors online, but these are frequently scams or ineffective offers by intermediary actors who ultimately engage with the original criminals, sometimes at a higher cost. Trusted sites like the No More Ransom Project do not list a dedicated Zen decryptor, reaffirming that legitimate recovery options are exceedingly limited if backups are unavailable. In practice, the only reliable method to regain access to .zen files is restoring them from secure, unaffected backups. Attempts at brute force or algorithmic guessing are futile due to the strength of the applied encryption. Therefore, security experts universally caution against paying the ransom, as it offers no guarantee of data recovery and financially supports criminal activity. Prevention—through diligent backup practices and robust cybersecurity hygiene—remains the most effective defense against this ransomware strain.

How Zen Ransomware infects computers

Zen Ransomware, a variant of the notorious Dharma ransomware family, primarily infiltrates computers through vulnerable Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) services, which are often left exposed due to weak credential management. Cybercriminals exploit these vulnerabilities using brute-force and dictionary attacks to gain unauthorized access to systems. Additionally, Zen spreads via phishing and social engineering tactics, where malicious software is disguised as legitimate files or bundled with other software. Users might inadvertently download ransomware from deceptive websites, malicious ads, or through attachments and links in spam emails. Once inside a system, Zen encrypts files and demands a ransom in Bitcoin, leveraging sophisticated encryption algorithms that make data recovery without the attackers’ decryption key nearly impossible. Prevention involves strengthening RDP security, maintaining robust antivirus solutions, and avoiding suspicious emails and downloads, thereby reducing the risk of infection.

1. Download Zen Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .zen files
3. Recover encrypted files with Stellar Data Recovery Professional
4. Restore encrypted files with Windows Previous Versions
5. Restore files with Shadow Explorer
6. How to protect from threats like Zen Ransomware

Zen Ransomware files:


info.txt
{randomname}.exe


Zen Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .zen files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

Use the following tool from Kaspersky called Rakhni Decryptor, that can decrypt .zen files. Download it here:

Download RakhniDecryptor

There is no purpose to pay the ransom because there is no guarantee you will receive the key, but you will put your bank credentials at risk.

Dr.Web Rescue Pack

Famous antivirus vendor Dr. Web provides free decryption service for the owners of its products: Dr.Web Security Space or Dr.Web Enterprise Security Suite. Other users can ask for help in the decryption of .zen files by uploading samples to Dr. Web Ransomware Decryption Service. Analyzing files will be performed free of charge and if files are decryptable, all you need to do is purchase a 2-year license of Dr.Web Security Space worth $120 or less. Otherwise, you don’t have to pay.

If you are infected with Zen Ransomware and removed from your computer, you can try to decrypt your files. Antivirus vendors and individuals create free decryptors for some crypto-lockers. To attempt to decrypt them manually, you can do the following:

Use Stellar Data Recovery Professional to restore .zen files

1. Download Stellar Data Recovery Professional.
2. Click Recover Data button.
3. Select the type of files you want to restore and click Next button.
4. Choose the location where you would like to restore files from and click Scan button.
5. Preview found files, choose ones you will restore and click Recover.

Download Stellar Data Recovery Professional

Using Windows Previous Versions option:

1. Right-click on infected file and choose Properties.
2. Select Previous Versions tab.
3. Choose a particular version of the file and click Copy.
4. To restore the selected file and replace the existing one, click on the Restore button.
5. In case there are no items in the list, choose an alternative method.

Using Shadow Explorer:

1. Download Shadow Explorer program.
2. Run it, and you will see a screen listing of all the drives and the dates that shadow copy was created.
3. Select the drive and date that you want to restore from.
4. Right-click on a folder name and select Export.
5. In case there are no other dates in the list, choose an alternative method.

If you are using Dropbox:

1. Login to the Dropbox website and go to the folder that contains encrypted files.
2. Right-click on the encrypted file and select Previous Versions.
3. Select the version of the file you wish to restore and click on the Restore button.

How to protect computer from viruses, like Zen Ransomware, in future

1. Get special anti-ransomware software

Use ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware

Famous antivirus brand ZoneAlarm by Check Point released a comprehensive tool, that will help you with active anti-ransomware protection, as an additional shield to your current protection. The tool provides Zero-Day protection against ransomware and allows you to recover files. ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware is compatible with all other antiviruses, firewalls, and security software except ZoneAlarm Extreme (already shipped with ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware) or Check Point Endpoint products. The killer features of this application are: automatic file recovery, overwrite protection that instantly and automatically recovers any encrypted files, file protection that detects and blocks even unknown encryptors.

Download ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware

2. Back up your files

As an additional way to save your files, we recommend online backup. Local storage, such as hard drives, SSDs, flash drives, or remote network storage can be instantly infected by the virus once plugged in or connected to. Zen Ransomware uses some techniques to exploit this. One of the best services and programs for easy automatic online backup is iDrive. It has the most profitable terms and a simple interface. You can read more about iDrive cloud backup and storage here.

3. Do not open spam e-mails and protect your mailbox

Malicious attachments to spam or phishing e-mails are the most popular method of ransomware distribution. Using spam filters and creating anti-spam rules is good practice. One of the world leaders in anti-spam protection is MailWasher Pro. It works with various desktop applications and provides a very high level of anti-spam protection.

Download MailWasher Pro