How to remove Zoqw ransomware, Decrypt .zoqw files.

What is Zoqw virus?

Zoqw virus is a ransomware that attacks the victim’s computer by encrypting files and demanding a ransom for decrypting them. The ransomware attack can lead to data loss and financial losses. Zoqw encrypts files, renames them by appending the .zoqw extension, and creates files named “_readme.txt” containing the ransom demand message. For example, a file named “document.docx” will be renamed to “document.docx.zoqw”, a “image.jpg” file to “image.jpg.zoqw”, “invoice.pdf” to “invoice.pdf.zoqw”, and so on.

QUICK LINKS

• What is Zoqw virus?
• Remove Zoqw virus (ransomware)
• Decrypt .zoqw files
• Restore .zoqw files
• Video Guide

Zoqw ransomware in detail

Zoqw ransomware is a new variant of STOP (djvu) ransomware. Like other variants, it encrypts all files on the computer and then demands a ransom for decryption. Zoqw encrypts files using a strong encryption method, which eliminates the possibility of finding a key in any way. For each victim, it uses a unique key with a small exception. If the ransomware cannot establish a connection with its command and control server (C&C) before starting the encryption process, then it uses an offline key. This key is the same for different victims, which allows, in some cases, to decrypt files that were encrypted during the ransomware attack.

Zoqw ransomware has the ability to encrypt files of any type, regardless of what is in them. But it skips files with the extension: .ini, .dll, .lnk, .bat, .sys and files named ‘_readme.txt’. Thus, the following common file types can be easily encrypted:

.icxs, .xlgc, .ltx, .itdb, .odc, .flv, .xlsm, .upk, .srf, .fos, .mlx, .t12, .nrw, .docx, .3fr, .wpe, .crt, .zip, .xlsx, .t13, .xwp, .1, .gdb, .xdl, .x3d, .crw, .avi, .wp5, .pptm, .p7c, .layout, .bar, .xls, .arw, .zi, .x3f, .wpw, .syncdb, .erf, .itl, .accdb, .dba, .ptx, .lbf, .0, .cas, .3ds, .odb, .esm, .wb2, .wmf, .rim, .eps, .rofl, .dwg, .wps, .dcr, .ws, .pem, .wpt, .hvpl, .jpe, .wpd, .kdc, .mcmeta, .menu, .srw, .wbk, .psk, .7z, .p12, .y, .ai, .vpp_pc, .arch00, .wdp, .litemod, .asset, .pptx, .doc, .3dm, .raw, .hkx, .fsh, .py, .lrf, .pdd, .wma, .rw2, .bay, .wmo, .dxg, .ysp, .snx, .sidd, .orf, .2bp, .zif, .wsc, .hplg, .xbplate, .xf, .png, .sis, .itm, .raf, .x, .wgz, wallet, .ntl, .css, .mov, .bkf, .xld, .xar, .p7b, .wsd, .wpd, .xmmap, .yml, .sav, .rwl, .blob, .m2, .wmv, .sie, .bkp, .qic, .pef, .dng, .svg, .jpeg, .csv, .wsh, .js, .docm, .wri, .xyp, .pdf, .mrwref, .zw, .bc6, .bsa, .z, .forge, .qdf, .zdb, .wmv, .sr2, .rb, .mdbackup, .mp4, .w3x, .rtf, .r3d, .vtf, .mdb, .wbd, .xlsx, .pst, .wire, .xll, .ncf, .wpb, .xmind, .m3u, .ff, .ppt, .xml, .wbm, .wp4, .das, .wbmp, .wp, .xlsm, .cer, .kf, .dbf, .pfx, .der, .xlsb, .map, .mddata, .lvl, .wpl, .jpg, .wpa, .ybk, .wot, .big, .hkdb, .bik, .odp, .1st, .desc, .wm, .sum, .sql, .webp, .xxx, .psd, .vdf, .wps, .xyw, .wcf, .pak, .xx, .mef, .re4, .wdb, .vcf, .yal, .zabw, .cr2, .xpm, .m4a

Each file that has been encrypted will be renamed. This means the following. If a file was called ‘document.docx’, then after encryption, it will be named ‘document.docx.zoqw’. Zoqw ransomware can encrypt files located on all drives connected to the computer. Therefore, files located in network attached storage and external devices can also be encrypted. It encrypts file by file, when all the files in the directory are encrypted, it drops a new file in the directory, which is called ‘_readme.txt’. Below is the contents of this file.

All directories with encrypted files have this file. But the contents of this file are the same everywhere. This file contains a message from Zoqw creators. In this message, the criminals report that all the files were encrypted and the only way to decrypt them is to buy a decryptor and key. Attackers demand a ransom of $490, if the victim does not pay the ransom within 72 hours, then the ransom will double to $980. Zoqw authors left two email addresses that the victim must use to contact them. To confirm the possibility of decryption, criminals offer to decrypt one file that does not contain important information for free. But it’s obvious that there is no guarantee that even by paying the ransom, the victim will be able to decrypt all files that have been encrypted.

Text presented in the Zoqw ransom note:

ATTENTION!

Don’t worry, you can return all your files!
All your files like pictures, databases, documents and other important are encrypted with strongest encryption and unique key.
The only method of recovering files is to purchase decrypt tool and unique key for you.
This software will decrypt all your encrypted files.
What guarantees you have?
You can send one of your encrypted file from your PC and we decrypt it for free.
But we can decrypt only 1 file for free. File must not contain valuable information.
You can get and look video overview decrypt tool:
https://we.tl/t-N3pXlaPXFm
Price of private key and decrypt software is $980.
Discount 50% available if you contact us first 72 hours, that’s price for you is $490.
Please note that you’ll never restore your data without payment.
Check your e-mail “Spam” or “Junk” folder if you don’t get answer more than 6 hours.

To get this software you need write on our e-mail:
support@freshmail.top

Reserve e-mail address to contact us:
datarestorehelp@airmail.cc

Your personal ID:
0629xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Zoqw authors claim that it is impossible to decrypt files that have been encrypted. Unfortunately, this is true. Security researchers confirm that a key and a decryptor are required to decrypt files. As we said above, in some cases, the Zoqw ransomware encrypts files with an offline key that can be determined by security researchers. Files encrypted with this key can be decrypted using a free Zoqw File Decrypt Tool. In all remaining cases, decryption is not yet possible. But there are several alternative ways that can allow everyone to recover the contents of encrypted files.

Threat Summary

Name	Zoqw ransomware, Zoqw File Virus
Type	Filecoder, Crypto virus, Crypto malware, Ransomware, File locker
File extension	.zoqw
Ransom note	_readme.txt
Contact	support@freshmail.top, datarestorehelp@airmail.cc
Ransom amount	$490 or $980 in Bitcoins
Detection Names	Dropper/Win.Generic.R548894, Trojan.Ransom.Stop, Trojan.Mint.Zard.52, Win.Ransomware.Zard-9982094-0, Trojan.MulDrop21.30822, A Variant Of Win32/Kryptik.HSET, Ransom.Win32.STOP.bot, Trojan-Ransom.StopCrypt, Trojan/Win32.Sabsik, Trojan:Win32/SmokeLoader.fb4c526d
Symptoms	Cannot open files stored on the computer. Your documents, photos and music have new extension appended at the end of the file name. Your file directories contain a ‘ransom note’ file that is usually a .html, .jpg or .txt file. Desktop wallpaper is changed to the ransom note.
Distribution methods	Phishing emails that look like they come from a reliable source. Drive-by downloading (when a user unknowingly visits an infected web site and then malware is installed without the user’s knowledge). Social media posts (they can be used to entice users to download malicious software with a built-in ransomware downloader or click a misleading link). Suspicious web-pages.
Removal	Zoqw ransomware removal guide
Decryption	Zoqw File Decrypt Tool

How to remove Zoqw ransomware virus

Before you start decrypting or recovering .zoqw files, you need to remove Zoqw ransomware and its autostart entries. This must be done since otherwise the ransomware may re-encrypt the restored files. You can stop the ransomware from working, as it is not difficult to do. Another option is to perform a full system scan using free malware removal tools capable of detecting and removing ransomware infection. Read this entire manual, then open it on your smartphone or print it. So it will be more convenient for you to carry out all the necessary actions.

It is very important to scan the computer for malware, as security researchers found that spyware could be installed on the infected computer along with the Zoqw ransomware. Spyware is a very dangerous security threat as it is designed to steal the user’s personal information such as passwords, logins, contact details, etc. If you have any difficulty removing the Zoqw virus, then let us know in the comments, we will try to help you.

To remove Zoqw ransomware, follow the steps below:

1. Kill Zoqw virus
2. Disable Zoqw start-up
3. Delete Zoqw task
4. Remove Zoqw virus

Kill Zoqw virus

Press CTRL, ALT, DEL keys together.

Click Task Manager. Select the “Processes” tab, look for something suspicious that is the Zoqw virus then right-click it and select “End Task” or “End Process” option. If your Task Manager does not open or the Windows reports “Task manager has been disabled by your administrator”, then follow the guide: How to Fix Task manager has been disabled by your administrator.

It is not difficult to detect a process related to the Zoqw ransomware. When looking for a malicious process, pay attention to the process icon and its name. Most often, this ransomware has a process name in the following format: 4-characters.tmp.exe or 4-characters.exe. For example: 7533.tmp.exe, A4b1.exe, CD15.tmp.exe, 19b2.exe. The process name can also contain “(32 bit)”. If you do not find a process with a similar name in the list of processes, then most likely the Zoqw ransomware has finished working. But keep in mind, if you do not remove the ransomware autostart entries, as demonstrated below, and do not delete its file, then after a while it may start again, and if it finds unencrypted files, immediately encrypt them.

Disable Zoqw start-up

Select the “Start-Up” tab, look for something similar to the one shown in the example below, right click to it and select Disable.

Close Task Manager.

Delete Zoqw task

Type “Task Scheduler” in the search bar. Click Task Scheduler app in the search results. Click “Task Scheduler Library” in the left panel. On the right panel, right-click to “Time Trigger Task” and select Delete.

Close Task Scheduler.

Remove Zoqw virus

Run Task Manager and select the “Start-Up” tab. Right click to the Zoqw Start-Up entry and select Open File Location as shown below.

A directory containing one file will open in front of you, this file is the Zoqw virus. It needs to be removed. If you try to delete it immediately, then you will not succeed, since this file is protected from deletion.

To delete this file, you need to do the following. Right-click on the file, select Properties. In the window that opens, select Security tab. Next, click the Advanced button below. A window will open as shown in the following example.

Click Disable inheritance. In the Block inheritance dialog box that opens, select the first item (Convert inherited permissions…) as shown below.

In the Permission entries list, select “Deny Everyone”, click Remove button and then OK. Close the file properties window. You should now be able to remove the Zoqw virus. Right-click on the file and select Delete.

Scan computer for malware

MalwareBytes Anti-Malware (MBAM) is an antimalware software that can help you remove Zoqw ransomware. Despite so many features, it does not reduce the performance of your PC. MalwareBytes can be used to remove almost all the forms of security threats including ransomware, trojans, worms, adware, browser hijackers, potentially unwanted software and other malicious software. MalwareBytes has real-time protection that can defeat most malicious software and ransomware virus. You can use MalwareBytes Anti-Malware with any other anti-virus without any conflicts.

First, please go to the link below, then click the ‘Download’ button in order to download the latest version of MalwareBytes AntiMalware.

When the downloading process is done, close all windows on your computer. Further, launch the file named MBSetup. If the “User Account Control” dialog box pops up like below, click the “Yes” button.

It will show the Setup wizard which will assist you install MalwareBytes on the computer. Follow the prompts and do not make any changes to default settings.

After the setup is complete successfully, press “Get Started” button. Then MalwareBytes AntiMalware will automatically run and you can see its main window such as the one below.

Next, click the “Scan” button for scanning your computer for the Zoqw ransomware and other security threats. A system scan can take anywhere from 5 to 30 minutes, depending on your computer. While the MalwareBytes program is scanning, you can see how many objects it has identified as threat.

When the scanning is done, the results are displayed in the scan report. In order to remove all threats, simply press “Quarantine” button.

The MalwareBytes Anti-Malware will remove Zoqw virus related folders,files and registry keys and move the selected threats to the program’s quarantine. Once that process is done, you can be prompted to reboot your computer.

In order to be 100% sure that the computer no longer has the Zoqw ransomware, we recommend using the Kaspersky virus removal tool (KVRT). It is free and easy to use. It can detect and uninstall ransomware, spyware, PUPs, worms, trojans, adware and other malicious software. KVRT is powerful enough to find and uninstall malicious registry entries and files that are hidden on the personal computer.

Download Kaspersky virus removal tool on your Windows Desktop from the following link.

Once the downloading process is complete, double-click on the KVRT icon. Once initialization procedure is complete, you will see the Kaspersky virus removal tool screen as shown in the figure below.

Click Change Parameters and set a check near all your drives. Press OK to close the Parameters window. Next press Start scan button to perform a system scan with this utility for the Zoqw virus and other known infections. A system scan can take anywhere from 5 to 30 minutes, depending on your PC. While the utility is scanning, you can see number of objects and files has already scanned.

When KVRT has completed scanning, it will show a screen that contains a list of malicious software that has been found like below.

Make sure to check mark the items which are unsafe and then press on Continue to start a cleaning procedure.

How to decrypt .zoqw files

All files with the ‘.zoqw’ extension are encrypted. Their contents cannot be unlocked simply by removing this extension or completely changing the filename. To decrypt .zoqw files, you need a Zoqw File Decrypt Tool. Fortunately, Emsisoft has created a free decryptor called STOP Djvu decryptor.

To decrypt .zoqw files, use free Zoqw File Decrypt Tool

• Download Zoqw File Decrypt Tool from the following link.
  STOP Djvu decryptor
• Scroll down to ‘New Djvu ransomware’ section.
• Click the download link and save the ‘decrypt_STOPDjvu.exe’ file to your desktop.
• Run decrypt_STOPDjvu.exe, read the license terms and instructions.
• On the ‘Decryptor’ tab, using the ‘Add a folder’ button, add the directory or disk where the encrypted files are located.
• Click the ‘Decrypt’ button.

Zoqw File Decrypt Tool is a free tool that allows everyone to decrypt .zoqw files for free. At the moment, the decryptor can only decrypt files that have been encrypted with an offline key. Unfortunately, if the files were encrypted with an online key, then the free decryptor is completely useless. The online key is unique to each infected computer, and at the moment there is no way to find this key. Of course, criminals have this key, but we do not think that paying a ransom is a way to decrypt .zoqw files. In the case when the files are encrypted with an online key, there is a chance to restore the encrypted files using alternative methods, which are described below.

How to find out which key was used to encrypt files

Since Zoqw File Decrypt Tool only decrypts files encrypted with the offline key, each Zoqw’s victim needs to find out which key was used to encrypt the files. Determining the type of key used is not difficult. Below we give two ways. Use any of them. We recommend using the second method, as it is more accurate.

Find out the type of key using ‘_readme.txt’ file

• Open the ransom demand message (‘_readme.txt’ file).
• Scroll down to the end of the file.
• There you will see a line with the text ‘Your personal ID’.
• Below is a line of characters that starts with ‘0629’ – this is your personal id.

Find out the type of key using ‘PersonalID.txt’ file

• Open disk C.
• Open directory ‘SystemID’.
• Open file named ‘PersonalID.txt’. This file lists ‘Personal ID’s that match the keys that the Zoqw ransomware used to encrypt files.

The ‘Personal ID’ is not a key, it is an identifier related to a key that was used to encrypt files. If the ID ends with ‘t1’, then the files are encrypted with an offline key. If the ID does not end with ‘t1’, the Zoqw ransomware used an online key. If you could not figure out how to determine which key was used to encrypt files, then we can help. Just write a request here or in the comments below.

Zoqw File Decrypt Tool : “No key for New Variant online ID”

If, when you try to decrypt .zoqw files, Zoqw File Decrypt Tool reports:

No key for New Variant online ID: *
Notice: this ID appears to be an online ID, decryption is impossible

It means that your files are encrypted with an ‘online key’ and their decryption is impossible, since only the zoqw authors have the key necessary for decryption. In this case, you need to use alternative methods listed below to restore the contents of encrypted files.

Zoqw File Decrypt Tool : “No key for New Variant offline ID”

If, during decryption of .zoqw files, Zoqw File Decrypt Tool reports:

No key for New Variant offline ID: *t1
Notice: this ID appears be an offline ID, decryption MAY be possible in the future.

It means the following: your files are encrypted with an ‘offline key’, but the key itself has not yet been obtained by security researchers, in this case, you need to be patient and wait a while, in addition, you can also use alternative ways for recovering encrypted data.

If for some reason you were unable to decrypt the encrypted files, then We recommend to follow the news on our Facebook or YouTube channels. So you ‘ll know right away that it ‘s possible to decrypt .zoqw files.

This video step-by-step guide will demonstrate How to use STOP Djvu decryptor to Decrypt encrypted files.

How to restore .zoqw files

As we already said, Zoqw File Decypt Tool can only decrypt files encrypted using the so called ‘offline key’. What to do when files were encrypted with an online key? Even in this case, everyone has a chance to recover the contents of encrypted files. This is possible due to the existence of several alternative ways to restore files. Each of these methods does not require a decryptor and a unique key, which is in the hands of criminals. The only thing we strongly recommend that you perform (if you have not already done so) is to perform a full scan of the computer. You must be 100% sure that Zoqw virus has been removed. To find and remove ransomware, use the free malware removal tools.

Restore .zoqw files using Shadow Explorer

The Windows OS (10, 8, 7 , Vista) has one very useful feature, it makes copies of all files that have been modified or deleted. This is done so that the user can recover, if necessary, the previous version of accidentally deleted or damaged files. These copies of the files are called ‘Shadow copies’. One tool that can help you recover files from the Shadow copies is ShadowExplorer. It is very small tool and easy to use. Unfortunately, ransomware often delete Shadow copies, thus blocking this method of recovering encrypted files. Nevertheless, be sure to try this method.

ShadowExplorer can be downloaded from the following link. Save it to your Desktop.

When the downloading process is finished, open a directory in which you saved it. Right click to ShadowExplorer-0.9-portable and select Extract all. Follow the prompts. Next please open the ShadowExplorerPortable folder as shown in the figure below.

Double click ShadowExplorerPortable to launch it. You will see the a window as displayed on the image below.

In top left corner, select a Drive where encrypted documents, photos and music are stored and a latest restore point as shown on the screen below (1 – drive, 2 – restore point).

On right panel look for a file that you wish to recover, right click to it and select Export as shown in the following example.

This video step-by-step guide will demonstrate How to recover encrypted files using Shadow Explorer.

Use PhotoRec to restore .zoqw files

Another alternative way to recover encrypted files is to use data recovery tools. We recommend using a program called PhotoRec. This tool is free and does not require installation. Below we will show in detail how to use it to restore encrypted files.

Download PhotoRec on your Windows Desktop from the link below.

After the downloading process is complete, open a directory in which you saved it. Right click to testdisk-7.0.win and choose Extract all. Follow the prompts. Next please open the testdisk-7.0 folder as shown below.

Double click on qphotorec_win to run PhotoRec for Microsoft Windows. It will display a screen as displayed in the figure below.

Select a drive to recover like the one below.

You will see a list of available partitions. Select a partition that holds encrypted documents, photos and music as shown below.

Click File Formats button and choose file types to recover. You can to enable or disable the recovery of certain file types. When this is complete, click OK button.

Next, press Browse button to choose where restored photos, documents and music should be written, then press Search. We strongly recommend that you save the recovered files to an external drive.

Count of recovered files is updated in real time. All restored personal files are written in a folder that you have chosen on the previous step. You can to access the files even if the restore process is not finished.

When the recovery is complete, click on Quit button. Next, open the directory where restored personal files are stored. You will see a contents as shown in the following example.

All restored files are written in recup_dir.1, recup_dir.2 … sub-directories. If you’re searching for a specific file, then you can to sort your restored files by extension and/or date/time.

This video step-by-step guide will demonstrate How to recover encrypted files using PhotoRec.

How to protect your computer from Zoqw ransomware

Most antivirus programs already have built-in protection system against the ransomware. Therefore, if your personal computer does not have an antivirus application, make sure you install it. As an extra protection, use the HitmanPro.Alert. All-in-all, HitmanPro.Alert is a fantastic tool to protect your machine from any ransomware. If ransomware is detected, then HitmanPro.Alert automatically neutralizes malware and restores the encrypted files. HitmanPro.Alert is compatible with all versions of MS Windows OS from MS Windows XP to Windows 10.

Download HitmanPro.Alert on your Desktop by clicking on the following link.

Once the download is finished, open the file location. You will see an icon like below.

Double click the HitmanPro Alert desktop icon. After the tool is started, you’ll be shown a window where you can select a level of protection, as displayed on the image below.

Now press the Install button to activate the protection.

Finish words

This guide was created to help all victims of the Zoqw ransomware virus. We tried to give answers to the following questions: how to remove Zoqw ransomware; how to decrypt .zoqw files; how to recover encrypted files; what is an online key and what is an offline key. We hope that the information presented in this manual has helped you.

If you have questions, then write to us, leaving a comment below. If you need more help with Zoqw virus related issues, go to here.