What is Zorgo Ransomware?
Zorgo Ransomware is a poorly designed file-encrypting threat that is based on the Hidden-Tear Ransomware, a malicious open-source ransomware that was created for educational purposes. Our researchers have not seen new threats based on the mentioned application for a while, but this new variant proves that hackers still find the Hidden-Tear Ransomware useful. If you want to know how this new variant might be spread and what to expect from it if it enters your system, we encourage you to read our full article. Also, we can offer our removal instructions available at the end of this text. They show how to delete Zorgo Ransomware manually. If the process looks too complicated, we advise using a legitimate antimalware tool instead.
Where does Zorgo Ransomware come from?
The sample encountered by our researchers masqueraded as a PDF file. To be more precise, our tested Zorgo Ransomware’s launcher had the icon of a PDF file. Consequently, we believe that targeted users could receive emails or other types of messages urging to open an attached PDF document. For example, the hackers’ message could say that the document contains sensitive information that you need to see right away, or that the message contains something that you would be curious to see. Therefore, we advise you to never let your guard down. No matter how a file might look like or how badly you want to see its contents, you should never open data from unknown senders or if something does not seem right. Also, if you do not want to let hackers trick you into opening malicious files, we highly recommend scanning all data no matter where it comes from with a legitimate antimalware tool before opening it.
How does Zorgo Ransomware work?
Like most threats based on the Hidden-Tear Ransomware, the malicious application encrypts files, marks them by placing a specific second extension to their names, and then drops a text document containing a ransom note on the victim’s Desktop. Our researchers at Anti-spyware-101.com say that Zorgo Ransomware was supposed to change victim’s background picture too, but our encountered sample did not do this, which is why we believe it was poorly written.
The malware ought to encrypt personal files, which means data belonging to the operating system should not get affected. The second extension that the threat ads ought to be called .zorgo, for example, roses.jpg.zorgo. As for the Zorgo Ransomware’s ransom note, it should be called READ_IT.txt. Victims who open it should see a short message saying that they must contact the malware’s creators via Discord and pay ransom via PayPal.
We do not recommend putting up with the hacker’s demands because there are no guarantees that you will get your files back. In other words, victims could get scammed and lose their money in vain.
How to erase Zorgo Ransomware?
It is possible to delete Zorgo Ransomware manually, but the process may not be easy. Still, if you feel up to the task, you could follow the instructions available below that shows how to remove data belonging to the malware step by step. The other way to eliminate Zorgo Ransomware is to get a legitimate antimalware tool that would take care of the malicious application for you.
Eliminate Zorgo Ransomware
- Tap Ctrl+Alt+Delete.
- Open Task Manager and click on Processes.
- Find a process belonging to the malware.
- Select it and click End Task.
- Close Task Manager.
- Press Windows key+E.
- Search these directories:
%USERPROFILE%\Desktop
%USERPROFILE%\Downloads
%TEMP% - Look for the malware’s installer (e.g., a recently downloaded PDF document), right-click the malicious file, and press Delete.
- Go to: C:\{your username}\Rand123
- Find a malicious .exe file it could be called local.exe, right-click it, and press Delete.
- Navigate to: C:\{your username}\Rand123
- Find a picture called ransom.jpg, right-click it, and press Delete.
- Exit File Explorer.
- Empty Recycle Bin.
- Restart the computer.
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