How to remove Zeoticus Ransomware and decrypt .zeoticus files

What is Zeoticus Ransomware

Zeoticus is file-encrypting ransomware that restricts access to your personal data (images, videos, textfiles, audio files, etc.) by encrypting files with .zeoticus@tutanota.com.zeoticus extension. Trying to flush out the money of victims in a so-called ransom format, it is followed by the message below afterward:

The above message is cited from ransom note file called READ_ME.html. The message is also duplicated as a desktop background. It covers all versions of Windows involving Windows 7, Windows 8.1 and Windows 10. And once it is initiated on your computer it will rapidly go through your computer folders scanning a certain group of files to encrypt. It primarily focuses on scouting files solely with extensions like .doc, .docx, .pdf, and others. When these files get detected they instantly change their extension name to .zeoticus@tutanota.com.zeoticus concurrently shattering all of the Shadow Volume Copies that were generated on your PC so that you can no longer open them. The only possible way seems to be making a ransom that often varies from 500-1000 dollars and that is just more than a lot. So do not fall into this trap! Even if you pay this amount of money, there is no guarantee that fraud will give you access back. It is just a matter of guessing. Usually, it is almost impossible to break the encryption unless there are initially some bugs in the program, however, we have prepared a couple of ways you can remove Zeoticus Ransomware from your computer in the article below.

How Zeoticus Ransomware infected your PC

The Zeoticus Ransomware infection is spread via pervasive e-mail spam that ostensibly warns you about some important actions. For example, there is a well-accepted banking scheme that is followed with some kind of message like this: “We spotted some suspicious activity in your bank account and want you to go through this link in order to validate that your account is safe” or download the attached file. There are so many other working schemes like shipping companies claiming that your package delivery failed despite you did not offer anything last month. This way by highlighting the forged header they are trying to trick you into clicking on the attached file or either a link just by convincing that it is indispensable to implement right off the bat. Most people do it advertently due to curiosity, but not without consequences. And by doing so, your computer gets attacked by zeoticus@tutanota.com.zeoticus ransomware putting you in a literal file meltdown. Also, this ransomware was noticed invading open Remote Desktop Services (RDP) ports. The attackers scan for the systems running RDP (TCP port 3389) and then attempt to brute force the password for the systems.

1. Download Zeoticus Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .zeoticus 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 Zeoticus Ransomware

Zeoticus Ransomware files:


{randomfilename}.exe
READ_ME.html
vxx.exe

Zeoticus Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .zeoticus files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

Use following tool from Kaspersky called Rakhni Decryptor, that can decrypt .zeoticus 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 .zeoticus files by uploading samples to Dr. Web Ransomware Decryption Service. Analyzing of 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 Zeoticus Ransomware and removed it 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 .zeoticus files

1. Download Stellar Data Recovery Professional.
2. Click Recover Data button.
3. Select type of files you want to restore and click Next button.
4. Choose 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 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 is no items in the list choose alternative method.

Using Shadow Explorer:

1. Download Shadow Explorer program.
2. Run it and you will see 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 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 Zeoticus 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 storages, such as hard drives, SSDs, flash drives or remote network storages can be instantly infected by the virus once plugged in or connected to. Zeoticus 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 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 is 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 very high level of anti-spam protection.

Download MailWasher Pro