ZZZZZ Ransomware is a malicious encryption-based malware that cybercriminals use in financially driven attack campaigns. This ransomware is a variant of the SCARAB malware family and is capable of locking critical user and business files using an unbreakable encryption algorithm. Once it successfully infiltrates a device, it appends the .ZZZZZ extension to encrypted files, rendering them inaccessible.
What makes ZZZZZ Ransomware particularly dangerous is its threatening ransom note tactics. The ransomware displays a sense of urgency by claiming that it will delete 24 random files every 24 hours unless the victim contacts the attackers. Furthermore, the ransom amount increases by 30% every 24 hours, up to a fixed price after 72 hours.
Another notable characteristic of ZZZZZ Ransomware is its targeting of Russian-speaking users and businesses. The ransom note is written exclusively in Russian and is stored in a text file named “Инструкция.txt” (Instruction.txt). The attackers demand that victims contact them at secure4353@msgsafe.io and provide their personal Key Identifier along with two small files for “free decryption.”
ZZZZZ Ransomware Ransom Note
The full text of the ransom message left by ZZZZZ Ransomware is:
Ваши документы, базы данных и другие файлы были зашифрованы. Но не стоит переживать!
Мы все расшифруем и вернем на свои места.
Для расшифровки данных:
Напишите на почту - secure4353@msgsafe.io
*В письме указать Ваш личный идентификатор (Key Identifier)
*Прикрепите 2 файла до 2 мб для тестовой расшифровки.
мы их расшифруем, в качестве доказательства, что ТОЛЬКО МЫ можем расшифровать файлы.
-Чем быстрее вы сообщите нам свой идентификатор, тем быстрее мы выключим произвольное удаление файлов.
-Написав нам на почту вы получите дальнейшие инструкции по оплате.
В ответном письме Вы получите программу для расшифровки.
После запуска программы-дешифровщика все Ваши файлы будут восстановлены.
Мы гарантируем:
100% успешное восстановление всех ваших файлов
100% гарантию соответствия
100% безопасный и надежный сервис
Внимание!
Не пытайтесь удалить программу или запускать антивирусные средства
Попытки самостоятельной расшифровки файлов приведут к потере Ваших данных
Дешифраторы других пользователей несовместимы с Вашими данными, так как у каждого пользователя
уникальный ключ шифрования
Каждые 24 часа удаляются 24 файла, необходимо прислать свой идентификатор чтоб мы отключили эту функцию.
Каждые 24 часа стоимость расшифровки данных увеличивается на 30% (через 72 часа сумма фиксируется)
KEYID:
Summary of ZZZZZ Ransomware
The table below provides a summary of the key details of the ZZZZZ Ransomware threat:
Attribute | Details |
---|---|
Threat Type | Ransomware |
Malware Family | SCARAB |
Encrypted File Extension | .ZZZZZ |
Ransom Note File Name | Инструкция.txt (Instruction.txt) |
Associated Email Address | secure4353@msgsafe.io |
Detection Names | Varies by antivirus vendor (e.g., Trojan.Ransom.Scarab, Win32/Filecoder.Scarab) |
Symptoms of Infection | Inaccessible files, file extensions changed to .ZZZZZ, ransom note in Russian, increased CPU usage, suspicious network activity |
Damage | Loss of critical files, financial losses, data deletion every 24 hours, ransom payment demand |
Distribution Methods | Phishing emails, malicious attachments, cracked software downloads, exploit kits |
Danger Level | Severe |

Remove ZZZZZ Ransomware
With SpyHunter
Manual Ransomware Removal Process
Important: Manual removal is recommended only for experienced users, as incorrect actions can lead to data loss or incomplete removal of the ransomware. If unsure, consider the SpyHunter Removal Method for a guided, automated solution.
Step 1: Disconnect from the Internet
- Immediately disable Wi-Fi or unplug the Ethernet cable to prevent the ransomware from communicating with remote servers.
- This can prevent additional encryption or further infections.
Step 2: Boot into Safe Mode
For Windows Users
- Windows 10/11:
- Press Windows + R, type
msconfig
, and press Enter. - Under the Boot tab, select Safe boot and check Network.
- Click Apply, then OK, and restart your PC.
- Press Windows + R, type
- Windows 7/8:
- Restart your PC and press F8 repeatedly before Windows starts.
- Select Safe Mode with Networking and press Enter.
For Mac Users
- Restart your Mac and hold the Shift key immediately after the startup chime.
- Release the key when the Apple logo appears.
- Your Mac will boot in Safe Mode.
Step 3: Identify and Terminate Malicious Processes
Windows
- Open Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
- Look for unusual processes consuming high CPU or memory.
- Right-click on the suspicious process and select End Task.
Mac
- Open Activity Monitor (Finder > Applications > Utilities > Activity Monitor).
- Look for unknown or high-resource-consuming processes.
- Select the suspicious process and click Force Quit.
Step 4: Delete Ransomware Files
Windows
- Open File Explorer and navigate to:
C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Local
C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Roaming
C:\Windows\System32
- Identify and delete suspicious files (randomly named or recently modified items).
- Clear temporary files:
- Press Windows + R, type
%temp%
, and hit Enter. - Delete all files in the Temp folder.
- Press Windows + R, type
Mac
- Open Finder and select Go > Go to Folder.
- Type
~/Library/Application Support
and check for unfamiliar files or folders. - Remove unknown
.plist
files from~/Library/LaunchAgents
.
Step 5: Remove Ransomware Entries from Registry or System Settings
Windows
- Press Windows + R, type
regedit
, and hit Enter. - Navigate to:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software
- Identify and delete ransomware-related registry entries.
Mac
- Open System Preferences > Users & Groups.
- Select the Login Items tab and remove any unknown startup programs.
- Check
~/Library/Preferences
for malicious settings.
Step 6: Restore System Using a Backup or Restore Point
Windows
- Press Windows + R, type
rstrui
, and press Enter. - Choose a restore point from before the infection and proceed.
Mac
- Restart your Mac and enter macOS Utilities by holding Command + R.
- Select Restore from Time Machine Backup and restore a safe backup.
Step 7: Attempt to Decrypt Files
- Check No More Ransom (www.nomoreransom.org) for available decryption tools.
- If unavailable, restore files from backups.
Automated Ransomware Removal with SpyHunter

Remove ZZZZZ Ransomware
With SpyHunter
If manual removal is too complex or risky, SpyHunter offers a safer, automated method for detecting and removing ransomware.
Step 1: Download SpyHunter
- Get SpyHunter from the official Enigma Software website.
Step 2: Install SpyHunter
- Open the downloaded file (
SpyHunter-Installer.exe
or.dmg
for Mac users). - Follow the installation prompts.
- Launch SpyHunter upon completion.
Step 3: Run a Full System Scan
- Click Start Scan Now to detect malware and ransomware.
- Wait for the scan to complete and review detected threats.
Step 4: Remove Detected Ransomware
- Click Fix Threats to remove identified ransomware components.
- SpyHunter will clean your system automatically.
Step 5: SpyHunter’s Custom Malware HelpDesk
- If ransomware persists, use SpyHunter’s Malware HelpDesk for custom malware fixes.
Step 6: Restore Files
- Use backups stored on external drives or cloud storage.
- If no backup is available, check No More Ransom for decryption tools.
Preventing Future Ransomware Attacks
- Keep backups: Use cloud storage or an external hard drive.
- Install a reliable security tool: SpyHunter offers real-time protection against malware.
- Enable Windows Defender or Mac security features for additional protection.
- Avoid phishing emails and unknown attachments.
- Regularly update Windows, macOS, and installed applications.
Conclusion
ZZZZZ Ransomware is a highly dangerous malware variant from the SCARAB ransomware family, targeting Russian-speaking individuals and businesses. Its aggressive tactics, including file deletion and increasing ransom demands, make it a serious threat to victims. Those affected should avoid contacting the attackers or paying the ransom, as it does not guarantee file recovery. Instead, cybersecurity experts recommend using backup solutions and robust anti-malware tools to mitigate the risks of such infections.

Remove ZZZZZ Ransomware
With SpyHunter