The WinUpdatesDisabler ransomware is newly discovered virus that encrypts data that is renamed with the .zbt extension, read our removal guide to learn more.
Manual Removal Guide
Recover WinUpdatesDisabler Ransomware Files
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How Does WinUpdatesDisabler Ransomware Infiltrate the System?
We suspect that the WinUpdatesDisabler ransomware will probably utilize the same distribution strategies as most other Hidden Tear viruses.
This includes email spam messages that rely on social engineering tricks. The computer criminals use templates that make the emails appear as being sent by legitimate companies or institutions. The WinUpdatesDisabler virus is usually attached directly or linked in the contents.
As the WinUpdatesDisabler ransomware is distributed in a single file it can also be hosted on different hacked or hacker-controlled download portals. Web scripts such as malicious ad networks and browser hijacker code can lead to a WinUpdatesDisabler Ransomware infection.
Related: CryForMe, Cryptospider Virus
Infection Flow of WinUpdatesDisabler Ransomware
Security researchers discovered a new virus threat called the WinUpdatesDisabler ransomware. The core engine is based on the Hidden Tear open-source malware. The WinUpdatesDisabler ransomware has been found to follow a few preliminary checks before encrypting the user files. It gathers sensitive information about the system such as the active computer name and the unique machine ID. To evade some anti-virus products the virus delays the malicious actions for several minutes. In addition it is able to harvest language settings, this option can be used to display the ransomware note in different languages if this option is configured by the hackers.
The WinUpdatesDisabler virus engine can also query local volume information – this allows removable storage devices and connected network shares to be encrypted as well. The basic encryption engine processes system and user data based on a predefined list of target file type extensions. After this process is complete a ransomware note is crafted in “Payment information for decryption.txt” file. It contains the following message:
Ej sestriće, moraš da gi platiš.
Ako gi ne platiš, zaključani fajlovi nema da gi vratiš.
It is written in Bosnian and a machine-translated version of it reads the following:
Hey sister, you have to pay them.
If you do not pay them, you will not get your files back.
All WinUpdatesDisabler ransomware affected files are renamed with the .zbt extension. The message does not indicate a ransomware sum. Several malware samples of the WinUpdatesDisabler ransomware have been found to feature a slightly modified note that requests the sum of 0.5 Bitcoins, this is the equivalent of about 1200 US Dollars.
Victims can only use a quality anti-spyware solution to remove existing infections and a data recovery software to recover the files.
Remove WinUpdatesDisabler Ransomware and Restore Data
WARNING! Manual removal of WinUpdatesDisabler Ransomware requires being familiar with system files and registries. Removing important data accidentally can lead to permanent system damage. If you don’t feel comfortable with manual instructions, download a powerful anti-malware tool that will scan your system for malware and clean it safely for you.
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WinUpdatesDisabler Ransomware – Manual Removal Steps
Start the PC in Safe Mode with Network
This will isolate all files and objects created by the ransomware so they will be removed efficiently. The steps bellow are applicable to all Windows versions.
1. Hit the WIN Key + R
2. A Run window will appear. In it, write msconfig and then press Enter
3. A Configuration box shall appear. In it Choose the tab named Boot
4. Mark Safe Boot option and then go to Network under it to tick it too
5. Apply -> OK
Show Hidden Files
Some ransomware threats are designed to hide their malicious files in the Windows so all files stored on the system should be visible.
1. Open My Computer/This PC
2. Windows 7
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– Click on Organize button
– Select Folder and search options
– Select the View tab
– Go under Hidden files and folders and mark Show hidden files and folders option
3. Windows 8/ 10
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– Open View tab
– Mark Hidden items option
4. Click Apply and then OK button
Enter Windows Task Manager and Stop Malicious Processes
1. Hit the following key combination: CTRL+SHIFT+ESC
2. Get over to Processes
3. When you find suspicious process right click on it and select Open File Location
4. Go back to Task Manager and end the malicious process. Right click on it again and choose End Process
5. Next, you should go folder where the malicious file is located and delete it
Repair Windows Registry
1. Again type simultaneously the WIN Key + R key combination
2. In the box, write regedit and hit Enter
3. Type the CTRL+ F and then write the malicious name in the search type field to locate the malicious executable
4. In case you have discovered registry keys and values related to the name, you should delete them, but be careful not to delete legitimate keys
Click for more information about Windows Registry and further repair help
Recover WinUpdatesDisabler Ransomware Files
WARNING! All files and objects associated with WinUpdatesDisabler Ransomware should be removed from the infected PC before any data recovery attempts. Otherwise the virus may encrypt restored files. Furthermore, a backup of all encrypted files stored on external media is highly recommendable.
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1. Use present backups
2. Use professional data recovery software
Stellar Phoenix Data Recovery – a specialist tool that can restore partitions, data, documents, photos, and 300 more file types lost during various types of incidents and corruption.
3. Using System Restore Point
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– Hit WIN Key
– Select “Open System Restore” and follow the steps
4. Restore your personal files using File History
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– Hit WIN Key
– Type restore your files in the search box
– Select Restore your files with File History
– Choose a folder or type the name of the file in the search bar
– Hit the “Restore” button
