ZEPPELIN ransomware virus - removal and decryption options

What kind of malware is ZEPPELIN?

Discovered by GrujaRS, ZEPPELIN is a malicious program and a variant of Buran ransomware. Systems infected with this malware have their data encrypted so that the cyber criminals behind the infection can demand payment for decryption tools/software.

During the encryption process, ZEPPELIN appends filenames with a randomized extension, using the hexadecimal numeral system (e.g. ".126-D7C-E67"). For example, "1.jpg" might appear as something similar to "1.jpg.126-D7C-E67", and so on for all affected files. Additionally, it adds filemarkers ("ZEPPELIN") to the encrypted files. After this process is finished, a text file called "!!! ALL YOUR FILES ARE ENCRYPTED !!!.TXT" is stored on the desktop.

Screenshot of files encrypted by ZEPPELIN (victim's ID as extension):

Ransom note overview

The text file contains the ransom message, which informs victims that their data has been encrypted. It states that all important data (such as documents, photos, databases and other files) has been encrypted. The message goes on to state that manual decryption is impossible, and the only way to decrypt files is to purchase a unique private key from the developers of ZEPPELIN. An email address is listed to establishing contact.

Furthermore, users are warned against renaming the encrypted files or attempting decryption with third party software, as this can lead to permanent data loss. Unfortunately, in most cases of ransomware infections, decryption without the involvement of those responsible for the encryption is impossible, unless the malware in question is still in development and/or has certain flaws/bugs.

More about ransomware

Regardless, you are strongly advised against communicating with and/or meeting the ransom demands of cyber criminals. Despite paying, victims often receive none of the necessary decryption tools. Therefore, their files remain encrypted and essentially useless.

To prevent ZEPPELIN from performing further encryption, it must be removed from the operating system, however, removal will not restore already compromised data. The only viable solution is to recover files from a backup, provided one was created prior to the infection and stored in a separate location.

Examples of other ransomware variants

Rooster865qqZ, Merl, MMDecrypt, and KesLan are some examples of other ransomware-type programs. Malicious software under this classification is designed to encrypt data and demand payment for decryption tools/software. Crucial differences between these infections are the cryptographic algorithm (symmetric or asymmetric) used for the encryption and ransom size.

The amounts typically vary between three and four digit sums (in USD). Cyber criminals usually demand ransoms to be paid with digital currencies (primarily, cryptocurrencies), since these transactions are difficult/impossible to trace. To ensure data safety, you are advised to keep backups on remote servers and/or unplugged storage devices. It is best to store multiple backup copies in several different locations.

How did ransomware infect my computer?

Ransomware and other malware mainly proliferates through spam campaigns, trojans, untrustworthy download sources, illegal activation ("cracking") tools and fake updaters. Large scale spam campaigns are used to send deceptive emails with infectious files attached (or containing links leading to them). The messages are often disguised as "official", "important", "urgent" and "priority" mail.

The attachments can be in various formats (e.g. archive and executable files, PDF and Microsoft Office documents, JavaScript). When opened, the infection is initiated and the dangerous files begin downloading/installing malware. Trojans are malicious programs capable of causing chain infections.

Unofficial and free file-hosting websites, P2P sharing networks (BitTorrent, Gnutella, eMule, etc.) and other third party downloaders are classed as untrustworthy and are more likely to offer malicious content for downloading (e.g. under the guise of normal software and/or bundled with it).

Rather than activating licensed products, "cracking" tools can download/install malware. Fake updaters infect systems by misusing weaknesses of outdated programs or they simply install malware rather than the updates.

How to protect yourself from ransomware infections

Do not open suspicious or irrelevant emails. All attached files (and links) found in dubious mail must never be opened, as doing so can trigger them to start downloading/installing malicious content. Use official and verified download channels. Software should be activated and updated with tools/functions provided by legitimate developers.

Using illegal activation ("cracking") tools and third party updaters can lead to an infection. You are advised to have a reputable anti-virus/anti-spyware suite installed and kept up-to-date. Use these programs to perform regular system scans and for the removal of detected threats/issues. If your computer is already infected with ZEPPELIN, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this ransomware.

Screenshot of a message encouraging users to pay a ransom to decrypt their compromised data:

Text presented in ZEPPELIN ransomware text file ("!!! ALL YOUR FILES ARE ENCRYPTED !!!.TXT"):

!!! ALL YOUR FILES ARE ENCRYPTED !!!

All your files, documents, photos, databases and other important files are encrypted.
!!! YOUR FILES ARE ENCRYPTED !!!
All your files, documents, photos, databases and other important
files are encrypted.
You are not able to decrypt it by yourself! There is only one method
of recovering files it is purchase an unique private key.

Write to angry_war@protonmail.ch, puljaipopre1981@protonmail.com

Your personal ID: 126-D7C-E67

Attention!
 * Do not rename encrypted files.
 * Do not try to decrypt your data using third party software, it may cause permanent data loss.

Screenshot of an encrypted file with an added filemarker ("ZEPPELIN"):

Update 23 December 2019 - Cyber criminals have recently started a new malware campaign, which includes ZEPPELIN ransomware. These people hijack large company networks and inject them with the ScreenConnect (also known as ConnectWise Control) Remote Access Tool (RAT). The tool itself is legitimate and often used by IT experts to provide remote support, however, it is also an effective choice for cyber criminals who wish to perform malicious actions remotely.

Criminals inject entire networks of computers with this tool, and then use it to run a number of commands to steal data, download various malware (e.g., data-stealing trojans, ransomware, etc.) and perform other malicious actions. One of the payloads is ZEPPELIN ransomware. The malware is downloaded by executing Command Prompt (CMD) and PowerShell scripts.

Update 21 February 2020 - A new variant of ZEPPELIN ransomware has recently been discovered. Its behavior barely differs, with the main difference being the ransom message, which is completely different (although the title remains identical).

Screenshot of updated ZEPPELIN ransom message ("!!! ALL YOUR FILES ARE ENCRYPTED !!!.TXT"):

Text presented within this file:

!!! ALL YOUR FILES ARE ENCRYPTED !!!

All your files, documents, photos, databases and other important files are encrypted.

You are not able to decrypt it by yourself! The only method of recovering files is to purchase an unique private key.
Only we can give you this key and only we can recover your files.

To be sure we have the decryptor and it works you can send an email: msupport2019@protonmail.com and decrypt one file for free.
But this file should be of not valuable!

Do you really want to restore your files?
Write to email: msupport2019@protonmail.com
Reserved email: msupport@elude.in

Your personal ID: -

Attention!
 * Do not rename encrypted files.
 * Do not try to decrypt your data using third party software, it may cause permanent data loss.
 * Decryption of your files with the help of third parties may cause increased price (they add their fee to our) or you can become a victim of a scam.

Screenshot of updated ZEPPELIN process ("spoolsv.exe") in Windows Task Manager:

Update April 17, 2020 - Crooks have recently released yet another variant of ZEPPELIN ransomware. The appended extension is exactly the same. However, the dropped ransom note is different:

Update April 30, 2020 - Yet another variant of ZEPPELIN ransomware has recently been released. Again, the appended extension is exactly the same. However, the dropped ransom note is different:

Text presented within:

!!! ALL YOUR FILES ARE ENCRYPTED !!!

All your files, documents, photos, databases and other important files are encrypted.

You are not able to decrypt it by yourself! The only method of recovering files is to purchase an unique private key.
Only we can give you this key and only we can recover your files.

To be sure we have the decryptor and it works you can send an email: regina4hgoregler@gmx.com and decrypt one file for free.
But this file should be of not valuable!

Do you really want to restore your files?
Write to email: regina4hgoregler@gmx.com
Reserved email: pansymarquis@yahoo.com

Your personal ID: -

Attention!
 * Do not rename encrypted files.
 * Do not try to decrypt your data using third party software, it may cause permanent data loss.
 * Decryption of your files with the help of third parties may cause increased price (they add their fee to our) or you can become a victim of a scam.

Update July 17, 2020 - Example of a ransom note delivered by yet another variant of ZEPPELIN ransomware:

Text presented within:

!!! ALL YOUR FILES ARE  STOLEN and ENCRYPTED !!!

All your documents, private keys/passwords, sources, databases and other important files are STOLEN and/or ENCRYPTED.

You are not able to decrypt it by yourself! The only method of recovering files is to purchase an UNIQUE DECRYPTOR program.
Only we can give you this decryptor and only we can recover your files.

=----------------------------=
Your corp ID : -
Your network ID :  -
=----------------------------=

Do you really want to RESTORE your FILES?

Write to email:  alaahamid@protonmail.com
Subject: -

To be sure we have the decryptor and it works you can send 4 crypt file an email and we are decrypt one random file for free.
But this file should be of not valuable!

if there is no payment, in 30 DAYS all your information will be PUBLIC.

Some of the data will be sold on the DarkWeb, and some will be publicly available for CyberCrime.
After payment this information is guaranteed to be DELETED!

Reserved email: srat@tutanota.com (only if master email does not work/not responding more than 72 hours)

Attention!
 * Do not rename encrypted files.
 * Do not try to decrypt your data using third party software, it may cause permanent data loss.
 * Decryption of your files with the help of third parties may cause increased price (they add their fee to our) or you can become a victim of a scam.

Appearance of a malicious MS Word document used to inject ZEPPELIN ransomware (as well as Buran ransomware) into the system:

A Turkish ransom note dropped by a variant of ZEPPELIN ransomware:

Text presented within:

!!! TUM DOSYALARINIZ SIFRELENMISTIR !!!

Tum dosyalariniz, belgeleriniz, fotograflariniz, veritabanlariniz ve diger onemli dosyalariniz sifrelenmistir.

Kendi basiniza sifresini cozemezsiniz! Dosyalarinizi kurtarmanin tek yolu, benzersiz bir ozel anahtar satin almaktir.
Size bu anahtari yalnizca biz verebiliriz ve dosyalarinizi yalnizca biz kurtarabiliriz.

Sifre cozucuye sahip oldugumuzdan ve calistigindan emin olmak icin bir e-posta gonderebilirsiniz: riscattu@gmail.com ve bir dosyanin sifresini ucretsiz olarak cozebiliriz.
Ancak bu dosya degerli olmamali!

Verilerinizi gercekten geri istiyorsaniz bize yazin anlasalim.
E-posta: riscattu@gmail.com
Yedek e-posta: riscattu@protonmail.com

Kisisel kimliginiz: -

Dikkat!
 * Sifrelenmis dosyalari yeniden adlandirmayin.
 * Verilerinizin sifresini ucuncu taraf yazilimlari kullanarak cozmeye calismayin, kalici veri kaybina neden olabilirsiniz.
 * Ucuncu sahislarin yardimi ile dosyalarinizin sifresinin cozulmesi fiyatlarin artmasina neden olabilir (ucretlerini bize eklerler) veya bir dolandiriciligin kurbani olabilirsiniz.

A Spanish ransom note of ZEPPELIN ransomware ("!!! TODOS SUS ARCHIVOS ESTÁN ENCRIPTADOS !!!.TXT"):

Text presented within:

!!! TODOS SUS ARCHIVOS ESTÁN ENCRIPTADOS !!!

Todos sus archivos, documentos, fotos, bases de datos y otros archivos importantes están encriptados.

¡No puede descifrarlo usted mismo! El único método para recuperar archivos es comprar una clave privada única.
Solo nosotros podemos darte esta clave y solo nosotros podemos recuperar tus archivos.

Para asegurarse de que tenemos el descifrador y funciona, puede enviar un correo electrónico: riscattu@gmail.com y descifrar un archivo de forma gratuita.
¡Pero este archivo no debería ser valioso!

¿Realmente desea restaurar sus archivos?
Escribir al correo electrónico: riscattu@gmail.com
Correo electrónico reservado: riscattu@protonmail.com

Su identificación personal: -

¡Atención!
 * No cambie el nombre de los archivos cifrados.
 * No intente descifrar sus datos utilizando software de terceros, puede causar una pérdida permanente de datos.
 * El descifrado de sus archivos con la ayuda de terceros puede causar un aumento de precio (ellos agregan su tarifa a la nuestra) o puede convertirse en víctima de una estafa.

Ransom note ("OKUBENI.TXT") dropped by another Turkish variant of ZEPPELIN ransomware:

Text presented within:

Verileriniz sifrelenmistir. Verilerinizi geri istiyorsaniz gelin anlasalim.

 

zaferalgoz672@gmail.com

ZEPPELIN ransomware removal:

Instant automatic malware removal:

Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced IT skills. Combo Cleaner is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of malware. Download it by clicking the button below:

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Removal and file recovery procedure

If your files are encrypted with a new extension and a ransom note has appeared, you've been hit by ransomware. Don't pay. The procedure below works in order: contain the infection, identify the variant, remove the ransomware itself (so anything you restore doesn't get re-encrypted), and try to recover files using free decryption tools, Windows Volume Shadow Copies, or backups. Run a full system scan with Combo Cleaner to remove the infection - then move on to file recovery.

Common ransomware behaviors

VisibleEncrypts your files and renames them

The ransomware reads each file, encrypts the contents with the attacker's public key, and writes the encrypted bytes back to disk. Most variants also rename the file by appending a new extension - .net, .locked, .crypt, .lockbit, .djvu, etc. Without the matching private key, the encrypted files cannot be opened normally. Recovery depends on a free decryption tool, a recoverable Volume Shadow Copy, or a clean backup.

VisibleDrops a ransom note in every encrypted folder

A text or HTML file (usually named HOW_TO_DECRYPT.txt, README.txt, _readme.txt, or similar) is placed in every folder that contains encrypted files. The note explains the situation, lists a payment amount in cryptocurrency, gives a deadline, and provides a contact email or .onion site. Save the note - don't delete it. Its exact wording, the email address, and the bitcoin wallet are how you identify the variant in the next phase.

VisibleReplaces the desktop wallpaper

Many ransomware variants change the Windows wallpaper to a black or red image with the ransom message and instructions. The wallpaper is just a visual scare tactic - it doesn't add any actual capability and reverts to normal once the ransomware is removed. Photograph it before removal in case the contact details are useful for variant identification or for reporting to authorities.

HiddenDeletes Volume Shadow Copies

One of the first things modern ransomware does after launching is run vssadmin delete shadows /all /quiet to wipe Windows' built-in Volume Shadow Copies - the snapshots that Previous Versions and System Restore rely on. Some ransomware doesn't fully succeed (especially on systems where the user lacks full admin rights), leaving partial shadow copies recoverable. Phase 4 step 11 covers how to check what survived.

HiddenDisables Windows Defender and other security tools

Before encrypting, the ransomware tries to silence anything that could alert you or block it - Windows Defender real-time protection, third-party antivirus services, backup agents (Veeam, Acronis), and sometimes the Windows Event Log service. It often modifies Group Policy or registry keys to keep these off after reboot. Phase 3 step 9 explicitly turns Tamper Protection back on so the next ransomware attempt can't repeat the trick.

HiddenSpreads laterally to other PCs on the network

Network-aware ransomware (LockBit, Conti, BlackCat, Akira families) doesn't stop at the first machine. It scans for SMB shares, mapped drives, and other PCs on the same network, then encrypts whatever it can reach. On Windows domains, a single compromised user with admin rights can lead to all-domain encryption. This is why Phase 1 step 2 disconnects the network as the very first action - it stops the spread immediately.

HiddenSteals data before encrypting (double extortion)

Modern ransomware (LockBit, BlackCat / ALPHV, Akira, Cl0p, Royal) almost always exfiltrates data before encrypting. The attacker then runs a "double extortion" play: pay the ransom for decryption, plus pay again to prevent the stolen data from being leaked on the group's leak site. Paying the first ransom does not get the leaked data back - assume that anything the ransomware could read was uploaded. This is one more reason not to pay: the data is already out.

Tools you'll need

Combo Cleaner Antivirus 7-days free trial

Recommended primary scanner. VB100 certified. Removes the ransomware infection so file recovery doesn't get re-encrypted.

Microsoft Defender Offline Free · built-in

Built into Windows. Scans before Windows fully loads to catch persistence the running scanners miss.

Microsoft Safety Scanner (MSERT) Free

Microsoft's free on-demand scanner. Always-current signatures - the binary expires every 10 days.

ID Ransomware Free · web

Upload a ransom note and a sample encrypted file - identifies the variant family and tells you whether a free decryptor exists.

No More Ransom Project Free · web

Joint project of Europol, Dutch Police, and security vendors. Free decryption tools indexed by ransomware family.

Shadow Explorer Free

Browse Windows Volume Shadow Copies as a normal file tree - useful when ransomware partially failed to delete them.

Recuva Free

Deleted-file recovery. Long-shot for ransomware - only helps if the variant deleted unencrypted originals before encrypting copies.

Phase 1~ 5 min

Don't pay & contain

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1

Don't pay the ransom

1 min · read⚠ Do not skip

Paying the ransom does not guarantee you'll get your files back. Major ransomware response studies consistently show that a meaningful percentage of paying victims either receive a non-working decryptor, only partial decryption, or no decryptor at all. Beyond that:

• Paying confirms you as a willing target - re-attack rates within 12 months are high
• Several ransomware groups have been sanctioned (US OFAC, UK OFSI). Paying these groups may be illegal under sanctions law in your country
• The ransom funds the next attack - on you or someone else
• Modern ransomware almost always exfiltrates data first, so paying doesn't get the leaked data back. Assume anything the malware could read was uploaded
• Decryptors, even when they work, often leave files corrupted because the encryption itself was buggy or rushed

The path below tries every legal, free recovery option first. Pay only as an absolute last resort, after consulting a lawyer and your country's cyber crime authority.

2

Disconnect from the network and log out of cloud storage

2 minNo tool needed

Pull the Ethernet cable and turn off Wi-Fi on the affected PC. If multiple computers share the network, do the same on every machine you suspect could be affected, including any servers and NAS units.

Then sign out of cloud storage clients (OneDrive, Dropbox, Google Drive, iCloud) from their app settings. If you can, pause the sync. Some ransomware uses the running sync client to push encrypted versions over your clean cloud copies.

Why this matters

Modern ransomware spreads laterally across SMB shares, mapped drives, RDP, and reachable network neighbors. Disconnecting stops the spread the moment you do it. Logging out of cloud sync clients prevents the ransomware from encrypting the cloud copies of your files via the sync API.

3

Unplug external drives and USB storage

1 minNo tool needed

Safely eject any external drives, USB sticks, SD cards, and network-attached storage shares - then unplug them. If a drive was connected when the ransomware ran, the files on it may already be encrypted, but unplugging stops further damage.

Critically: don't reconnect any drive (including your most recent backup) to this PC until the ransomware is removed in Phase 3. Reconnecting an external backup to an actively-infected PC is the most common way that backup gets encrypted too.

Phase 2~ 5 min

Identify the variant

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4

Save the ransom note and a sample encrypted file

2 min

Copy the ransom note and one small encrypted file (under 1 MB) to a USB stick, or photograph the note with your phone. You'll need both for the variant identification step.

The ransom note is usually one of:

• A .txt file in every encrypted folder (typically HOW_TO_DECRYPT.txt, README.txt, or _readme.txt)
• An .html file with the same purpose
• A changed desktop wallpaper - photograph it
• A lock-screen interrupt that runs at startup - rarer

Important

Don't delete the note. Variant identification depends on its exact wording, the contact email, and the bitcoin wallet address. The note is also evidence if you report to authorities.

5

Identify the variant with ID Ransomware

Tool: ID Ransomware3 min

From a clean device (your phone is fine, or another PC that wasn't on the affected network), visit id-ransomware.malwarehunterteam.com. Upload the ransom note and the sample encrypted file. The site identifies the variant family and tells you whether a free decryptor exists.

Pro tip

ID Ransomware is run by the Malware Hunter Team. Files you upload are kept private - they're used for analysis, not published. If you're concerned about uploading data anyway, you can paste the contact email and bitcoin wallet from the note - those are often enough for identification.

Phase 3~ 30-45 min

Remove the ransomware

---

The ransomware itself must be removed before any file recovery. If it's still active, anything you restore in Phase 4 gets re-encrypted within minutes.

6

Boot to Safe Mode with Networking and download the scanners

5 min

Safe Mode loads only the minimal Windows drivers, which prevents most ransomware from auto-running while you set up the scanners.

Windows 11: open Settings → System → Recovery, click Restart now next to Advanced startup. After the restart, click Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings → Restart, then press 5 or F5.

Windows 10: click the Windows logo, hold Shift, click the Power icon and choose Restart. From the Choose-an-option screen, click Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings → Restart, then press F5.

Once Safe Mode has loaded, turn Wi-Fi back on and download Combo Cleaner (used in step 8) and Microsoft Safety Scanner (used in step 9). Save both installers to your Desktop, then disconnect Wi-Fi again before scanning.

7

Run Microsoft Defender Offline

Tool: Built into Windows15 min

Reboot to normal Windows. Open Windows Security → Virus & threat protection → Scan options. Select Microsoft Defender Antivirus (offline scan) and click Scan now. The PC restarts into a stripped-down environment and scans the disk before Windows fully loads.

Why this comes first

Some ransomware variants drop bootkit components or kernel hooks that hide from any scanner running on the same Windows session that's already infected. A pre-boot offline scan sees the disk before the malware can load itself.

Recommended antivirus

Combo Cleaner

VB100 certified. Includes anti-trojan, registry/persistence scanning, and anti-spyware in one pass. The 7-day free trial is available.

Download Combo Cleaner

8

Run a full Combo Cleaner scan

Tool: Combo Cleaner20-40 min

Run the installer you downloaded in step 6 and start a full system scan (not the quick scan). Let it complete, review what it detected, and apply the recommended actions. Combo Cleaner quarantines the ransomware executable and the registry / scheduled-task entries that re-launch it on reboot.

9

Run Microsoft Safety Scanner and re-enable Defender

Tool: MSERT15 min

Run Microsoft Safety Scanner (MSERT.exe) as a second-opinion full scan. The binary expires every 10 days so the copy you downloaded has the latest signatures.

Once it finishes, open Windows Security → Virus & threat protection → Manage settings and confirm Real-time protection, Cloud-delivered protection, and Tamper Protection are all on. Many ransomware variants disable Defender during the attack - this is where you switch it back on so the next attempt can't repeat the trick.

Why a second scan

Different scanning engines catch different threats. Running an additional Microsoft scan after Combo Cleaner is the most underused verification step in malware removal - and free.

Phase 4~ 30-60 min · results vary

Try to recover files

---

Try the steps in order. The first decryptor that works ends the recovery process - no need to do all four.

10

Check the No More Ransom Project for a free decryptor

Tool: nomoreransom.org★ Cleanest path if listed5 min

Visit nomoreransom.org and search the Decryption Tools list for the variant name returned by ID Ransomware. The project is run by Europol, the Dutch Police, and security vendors - everything listed is legitimate and free.

If a decryptor exists, download it onto a clean PC, copy it across, and follow its instructions exactly. Decryptors usually want you to point them at a sample encrypted file plus its known unencrypted version (sometimes any image you previously had a backup of works).

Free decryptors exist for parts of the STOP/Djvu, GandCrab, REvil, Avaddon, Conti and Hive families, among others. Most modern variants don't have public decryptors - if yours isn't listed, that's expected; move to the next step.

11

Try Windows Volume Shadow Copies

Tool: Shadow Explorer / vssadmin15 min

Windows automatically creates Volume Shadow Copies of files when System Restore points are made or scheduled backups run. Most ransomware tries to wipe these (vssadmin delete shadows /all /quiet), but the deletion sometimes fails partially - especially if the running user doesn't have full admin rights. When it does fail, snapshots survive that contain pre-encryption versions of your files.

First, check what's there. Open Command Prompt as Administrator and run:

vssadmin list shadows

If you see entries listed, shadow copies survived. To restore from them:

• Built-in: right-click any folder → Properties → Previous Versions tab. Pick a snapshot dated before the infection and restore.
• Better tool for browsing: install Shadow Explorer (free). It shows all snapshots as a normal file tree and lets you copy out only the files you want.

Why check this even when there's a decryptor

Shadow Copies recover the original files exactly, with no risk of decryption errors. If they survived, this is faster and cleaner than running a decryptor on the encrypted set.

12

Restore from cloud or external backup

Tool: your backup software30 min

If you have a backup that pre-dates the infection, this is the cleanest recovery available. Important precautions:

• Don't reconnect a backup drive until Phase 3 is complete. If the ransomware is still active, plugging in the backup encrypts it too.
• For cloud backups (OneDrive, Dropbox, Google Drive, iCloud), use the Version History feature to roll individual files back to pre-encryption versions.
• OneDrive specifically has a "Restore your OneDrive" feature: if it detected mass file changes, you can roll back the entire account up to 30 days. Sign in at OneDrive on the web, click the Settings gear, and choose Restore your OneDrive. Microsoft 365 subscribers also get ransomware detection alerts; non-subscribers get one free recovery.
• Verify the restored files open correctly before you delete the encrypted set. Test a few documents, photos, and any database / project files.

13

Try Recuva as a last-resort recovery

Tool: Recuva30 min

Recuva is a long shot, not a primary recovery tool. Most modern ransomware encrypts files in place - it reads the original, encrypts the data, and writes the encrypted bytes back to the same disk location. In that case, the original isn't deleted, just rewritten - and Recuva has nothing to find.

But for older or simpler variants that deleted originals before creating encrypted copies (rather than encrypting in place), Recuva can sometimes pull the originals from unallocated disk space. Worth trying as a last resort, especially before you use the disk much further.

If you try it:

• Stop using the disk as much as possible - every disk write reduces recovery odds
• Run Recuva from a USB stick, not from the affected disk
• Use Deep Scan mode (slower but the only mode worth running for this scenario)

Don't skip the steps above expecting Recuva to bail you out. It works in maybe 5-20% of cases, depending on the variant and how soon you try.

Phase 5~ 20 min + ongoing

Report & prevent re-infection

---

14

Report the attack to authorities

10-20 min

Even if your files aren't recovered, your report helps authorities track variants, attribute groups, and warn future victims. In some jurisdictions (especially the US and UK) early reporting can sometimes help recall a wired ransom payment via banking partners.

United States: ic3.gov (FBI) + stopransomware.gov (CISA)

United Kingdom: reportfraud.police.uk (Report Fraud, the successor to Action Fraud) + NCSC

Canada: antifraudcentre.ca

Australia: ReportCyber

Spain: Policía Nacional (Oficina Virtual de Denuncias)

France: cybermalveillance.gouv.fr

Germany: BKA

Italy: Polizia Postale

Netherlands: Politie

Poland: CERT Polska

Portugal: CNCS

EU (other): your national CERT

Save the report number - banks, insurers, and credit bureaus will ask for it. If you operate a business, you may also have legal disclosure obligations (GDPR in the EU, state breach laws in the US) that run on a 72-hour clock.

15

Plan 3-2-1 backups going forward

30 min initial

The single best defense against ransomware is a tested backup. Use the 3-2-1 rule:

• 3 copies of your data
• 2 different storage media (e.g., internal drive + external drive)
• 1 offline / air-gapped copy (an external drive that isn't always connected)

Recommended cadence:

• Daily: cloud sync (OneDrive, Dropbox, Google Drive) - convenient, but vulnerable if the ransomware reaches the sync folder. The Version History feature is what saves you
• Weekly: external drive that you connect briefly, then disconnect - the air-gap is what protects against ransomware
• Monthly: a second external drive stored off-site (different physical location) - protects against fire, theft, flood

Important

Test the backup at least once. Open a few files from it, check sizes match, restore one to a different folder. An untested backup isn't a backup - it's a hope.

16

Patch the entry point and monitor for 30 days

5 min/day · 30 days

Most reinfections happen via the same vector that worked the first time. Until you've patched the entry point, watch for:

• Unusual disk activity, unexpected file modifications, or unfamiliar processes in Task Manager
• Unexpected reboots or new accounts you didn't create
• Defender or your antivirus turning itself off again

Common entry vectors and what to do about each:

• Phishing email with a malicious attachment - review email filters and train yourself / staff to recognise the patterns - see pcrisk's Phishing/Scam reference
• Exposed RDP with weak passwords - disable Remote Desktop from Settings → System → Remote Desktop if you don't need it. If you do, put it behind a VPN and require a long password plus MFA
• Unpatched VPN appliances or public-facing apps - check the vendor's advisories page and apply the latest firmware
• Cracked / pirated software - was the most common vector for STOP/Djvu in particular. Don't run software from torrent sites

Run a Combo Cleaner scan weekly for the first month. Update Windows, browsers, and applications aggressively.

Important: Removing a ransomware infection requires a full system scan, not a manual file delete. If you're not confident with the manual procedure, run an automated scan with Combo Cleaner and Windows Defender and stop there - that combination removes the vast majority of consumer ransomware variants. Then move to Phase 4 for file recovery, or to Phase 5 if your files are unrecoverable and you need to start fresh from a clean Windows install.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How was my computer hacked and how did hackers encrypt my files?

It is known that ZEPPELIN ransomware is distributed via emails containing malicious attachments and remote administration tools. Also, ransomware is often distributed via pages hosting pirated software, P2P networks, third-party downloaders, free file hosting sites, and similar channels.

How to open files encrypted by ZEPPELIN ransomware?

It is impossible to open these files until they are decrypted with the right decryption tool.

Where should I look for free decryption tools for ZEPPELIN ransomware?

In case of a ransomware attack you should check the No More Ransom project website (more information above).

I can pay you a lot of money, can you decrypt files for me?

We do not provide a decryption service and advise against paying third parties for data decryption. Usually, victims who pay third parties end up paying man-in-the-middle or being scammed. Files encrypted by ransomware cannot be decrypted without the interference of cybercriminals (unless ransomware is flawed).

Will Combo Cleaner help me remove ZEPPELIN ransomware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner will run a system scan and remove detected ransomware. Antivirus software does not decrypt files. It helps victims to avoid further encryptions.