Once activated on the target Windows computer, OPQZ virus hides as a background process. First of all, it connects to its Command&Control (C&C or C2) server to obtain an individual encryption key for the victim. The virus also displays a fake Windows update installer on the screen in a form of a prompt. The fake installer runs as updatewin.exe process, asking not to turn off the computer. In the meantime, the ransomware scans the whole computer system, identifies target files and encrypts them. The process makes victim’s documents, photos, archives, spreadsheets, videos and other files impossible to open. To explain how the encryption can be reversed, the virus leaves notes on Desktop and other locations on the computer.
_readme.txt note demands money or else
OPQZ ransomware leaves _readme.txt ransom notes after the attack so that the victim could read the message from the cybercriminals who created the virus. The ransom note explains that the victim shouldn’t worry as files can be recovered; except there is one condition to meet. The victim has to contact the attackers and pay the specified ransom ($490 or $980). The lower price point applies if the victim contacts the attackers and pays within 3 days starting from the attack timestamp. Otherwise, the ransom price doubles. Creators of this virus suggest sending one small encrypted file to them via helpdatarestore@firemail.cc or helpmanager@mail.ch emails and test the DJVU decryption tool that they offer purchasing. The victim also needs to send the private ID included in the _readme.txt ransom note. If you have been affected by this ransomware and now you cannot open files with the specified extension, we encourage you not to pay the ransom. By doing so, you improve cybercriminals’s business and support their further operations. By paying them, you allow them to live the life they want by continuing to ruin computer users work, study life and personal memories. Besides, .opqz decryption for offline encryption variants is now AVAILABLE.
Threat Summary
The virus alters Windows HOSTS file to block access to specific websites
OPQZ virus is built with many additional features that other ransomware threats lack. The complex malware is also set to modify victim’s HOSTS file with admin’s rights. This file can be used to block access to specific hosts (IPs) on a computer. In other words, the file can be used to block a domain and responding IP so that the victim can no longer open it. Therefore, you might find that you can see some websites in Google search results, but cannot open them no matter what. Such technique is most likely used to frustrate the victim even more and scare one as much as possible. With all files gone and Internet not working properly, many victims might fall for the trap and rush to pay the ransom, hoping that it is the only fix. However, please do not worry – you can perform OPQZ virus removal and reverse damage caused to Windows registry using our recommended software – RESTORO.
Ways to recover data
OPQZ ransomware uses extremely strong encryption method. While some people swear by data recovery tools, it never hurts to give them a try. However, the most successful way of recovering encrypted data is using data backups. Sadly, not many people tend to create them regularly, which results in instant data loss. We strongly recommend checking the information provided in this STOP/DJVU decryption guide. It explains what is online and offline encryption, the differences between them, and prospects to recover data. You can decrypt OPQZ ransomware now as the tool is already supplemented with the required offline decryption key. Follow the guidelines given there or below the article to recover your files.
Software cracks are the primary STOP/DJVU distribution tools
Ransomware viruses like OPQZ or its previous versions belonging to DJVU family (JOPE, MADO, NPSK, REMK, FOOP, OOSS, TOPI, etc.) are hiding in online downloads that are, to say at least, illegal. They mostly await in a form of peer-to-peer illegal downloads, including, but not limited to:
Illegally copied and distributed movies;Cracked software or games;Various illegal software activation tools, such as KMSPico.
Remove OPQZ ransomware and decrypt your files
To protect your computer and privacy, please use the guidelines given below for a safe OPQZ ransomware removal. These instructions are prepared by security professionals and ensure a thorough cleanse from malware. We also strongly suggest investing in a good computer security and maintenance software, which comes with data recovery tool – System Mechanic Ultimate Defense. Once you remove OPQZ ransomware virus, there is still a lot to do. The first thing you should to is change all the passwords for accounts saved in your browser. If you have saved your credit card details in web browser too, contact your bank and inform them about the situation immediately. Once you’re done with the removal, use the free download link for OPQZ decrypt tool from Emsisoft. OUR GEEKS RECOMMEND Our team recommends a two-step rescue plan to remove ransomware and other remaining malware from your computer, plus repair caused virus damage to the system: GeeksAdvice.com editors select recommended products based on their effectiveness. We may earn a commission from affiliate links, at no additional cost to you. Learn more. Get INTEGO ANTIVIRUS for Windows to remove ransomware, Trojans, adware and other spyware and malware variants and protect your PC and network drives 24/7. This VB100-certified security software uses state-of-art technology to provide protection against ransomware, Zero-Day attacks and advanced threats, Intego Web Shield blocks dangerous websites, phishing attacks, malicious downloads and installation of potentially unwanted programs. Use INTEGO Antivirus to remove detected threats from your computer. Read full review here. RESTORO provides a free scan that helps to identify hardware, security and stability issues and presents a comprehensive report which can help you to locate and fix detected issues manually. It is a great PC repair software to use after you remove malware with professional antivirus. The full version of software will fix detected issues and repair virus damage caused to your Windows OS files automatically. RESTORO uses AVIRA scanning engine to detect existing spyware and malware. If any are found, the software will eliminate them. Read full review here. OUR GEEKS RECOMMEND
Method 1. Enter Safe Mode with Networking
Before you try to remove OPQZ ransomware virus, you must start your computer in Safe Mode with Networking. Below, we provide the easiest ways to boot PC in the said mode, but you can find additional ones in this in-depth tutorial on our website – How to Start Windows in Safe Mode. Also, if you prefer a video version of the tutorial, check our guide How to Start Windows in Safe Mode on Youtube. Instructions for Windows XP/Vista/7 users Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10/11 users Now, you can search for and remove OPQZ ransomware files. It is very hard to identify files and registry keys that belong to the ransomware virus, Besides, malware creators tend to rename and change them repeatedly. Therefore, the easiest way to uninstall such type of a computer virus is to use a reliable security program such as INTEGO Antivirus. For virus damage repair, consider using RESTORO.
Method 2. Use System Restore
In order to use System Restore, you must have a system restore point, created either manually or automatically. Instructions for Windows XP/Vista/7 users Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10/11 users After restoring the system, we recommend scanning the system with antivirus or anti-malware software. In most cases, there won’t be any malware remains, but it never hurts to double-check. In addition, we highly recommend checking ransomware prevention guidelines provided by our experts in order to protect your PC against similar viruses in the future.
Alternative software recommendations
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Removing spyware and malware is one step towards cybersecurity. To protect yourself against ever-evolving threats, we strongly recommend purchasing a Premium version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware, which provides security based on artificial intelligence and machine learning. Includes ransomware protection. See pricing options and protect yourself now.
System Mechanic Ultimate Defense If you’re looking for an all-in-one system maintenance suite that has 7 core components providing powerful real-time protection, on-demand malware removal, system optimization, data recovery, password manager, online privacy protection and secure driver wiping technology. Therefore, due to its wide-range of capabilities, System Mechanic Ultimate Defense deserves Geek’s Advice approval. Get it now for 50% off. You may also be interested in its full review.
Disclaimer. This site includes affiliate links. We may earn a small commission by recommending certain products, at no additional cost for you. We only choose quality software and services to recommend.
Decrypt OPQZ files
Fix and open large OPQZ files easily:
It is reported that STOP/DJVU ransomware versions encrypt only the beginning 150 KB of each file to ensure that the virus manages to affect all files on the system. In some cases, the malicious program might skip some files at all. That said, we recommend testing this method on several big (>1GB) files first.
STOP/DJVU decryption tool usage guide
STOP/DJVU ransomware versions are grouped into old and new variants. OPQZ ransomware is considered the new STOP/DJVU variant, just like BPTO, ISWR, ISZA, BPSM, ZOUU, MBTF, ZNSM (find full list here). This means full data decryption is now possible only if you have been affected by offline encryption key. To decrypt your files, you will have to download Emsisoft Decryptor for STOP DJVU, a tool created and maintained by a genius security researcher Michael Gillespie. Note! Please do not spam the security researcher with questions whether he can recover your files encrypted with online key - it is not possible. In order to test the tool and see if it can decrypt OPQZ files, follow the given tutorial.
Meanings of decryptor’s messages
The OPQZ decryption tool might display several different messages after failed attempt to restore your files. You might receive one of the following messages: Error: Unable to decrypt file with ID: [example ID] This message typically means that there is no corresponding decryption key in the decryptor’s database. No key for New Variant online ID: [example ID]Notice: this ID appears to be an online ID, decryption is impossible This message informs that your files were encrypted with online key, meaning no one else has the same encryption/decryption key pair, therefore data recovery without paying the criminals is impossible. Result: No key for new variant offline ID: [example ID]This ID appears to be an offline ID. Decryption may be possible in the future. If you were informed that an offline key was used, but files could not be restored, it means that the offline decryption key isn’t available yet. However, receiving this message is extremely good news, meaning that it might be possible to restore your OPQZ extension files in the future. It can take a few months until the decryption key gets found and uploaded to the decryptor. We recommend you to follow updates regarding the decryptable DJVU versions here. We strongly recommend backing up your encrypted data and waiting.
Report Internet crime to legal departments
Victims of OPQZ ransomware should report the Internet crime incident to the official government fraud and scam website according to their country:
In the United States, go to the On Guard Online website.In Australia, go to the SCAMwatch website.In Germany, go to the Bundesamt für Sicherheit in der Informationstechnik website.In Ireland, go to the An Garda Síochána website.In New Zealand, go to the Consumer Affairs Scams website.In the United Kingdom, go to the Action Fraud website.In Canada, go to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.In India, go to Indian National Cybercrime Reporting Portal.In France, go to the Agence nationale de la sécurité des systèmes d’information.
If you can’t find an authority corresponding to your location on this list, we recommend using any search engine to look up “[your country name] report cyber crime”. This should lead you to the right authority website. We also recommend staying away from third-party crime report services that are often paid. It costs nothing to report Internet crime to official authorities. Another recommendation is to contact your country’s or region’s federal police or communications authority.
Our team recommends a two-step rescue plan to remove ransomware and other remaining malware from your computer, plus repair caused virus damage to the system: GeeksAdvice.com editors select recommended products based on their effectiveness. We may earn a commission from affiliate links, at no additional cost to you. Learn more. Get INTEGO ANTIVIRUS for Windows to remove ransomware, Trojans, adware and other spyware and malware variants and protect your PC and network drives 24/7. This VB100-certified security software uses state-of-art technology to provide protection against ransomware, Zero-Day attacks and advanced threats, Intego Web Shield blocks dangerous websites, phishing attacks, malicious downloads and installation of potentially unwanted programs. Use INTEGO Antivirus to remove detected threats from your computer. Read full review here. RESTORO provides a free scan that helps to identify hardware, security and stability issues and presents a comprehensive report which can help you to locate and fix detected issues manually. It is a great PC repair software to use after you remove malware with professional antivirus. The full version of software will fix detected issues and repair virus damage caused to your Windows OS files automatically. RESTORO uses AVIRA scanning engine to detect existing spyware and malware. If any are found, the software will eliminate them. Read full review here.
Alternative software recommendations
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware
Method 1. Enter Safe Mode with Networking
Before you try to remove the virus, you must start your computer in Safe Mode with Networking. Below, we provide the easiest ways to boot PC in the said mode, but you can find additional ones in this in-depth tutorial on our website – How to Start Windows in Safe Mode. Also, see a video tutorial on how to do it: Instructions for Windows XP/Vista/7 users Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10 users Now, you can search for and remove OPQZ ransomware files. It is very hard to identify files and registry keys that belong to the ransomware virus, Besides, malware creators tend to rename and change them repeatedly. Therefore, the easiest way to uninstall such type of a computer virus is to use a reliable malware removal program. In addition, we suggest trying a combination of INTEGO Antivirus (removes malware and protects your PC in real-time) and RESTORO (repairs virus damage to Windows OS files).
Method 2. Use System Restore
In order to use System Restore, you must have a system restore point, created either manually or automatically. Instructions for Windows XP/Vista/7 users Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10 users After restoring the system, we recommend scanning the system with antivirus or anti-malware software. In most cases, there won’t be any malware remains, but it never hurts to double-check. In addition, we highly recommend checking ransomware prevention guidelines provided by our experts in order to protect your PC against similar viruses in the future. Removing spyware and malware is one step towards cybersecurity. To protect yourself against ever-evolving threats, we strongly recommend purchasing a Premium version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware, which provides security based on artificial intelligence and machine learning. Includes ransomware protection. See pricing options and protect yourself now.
System Mechanic Ultimate Defense If you’re looking for an all-in-one system maintenance suite that has 7 core components providing powerful real-time protection, on-demand malware removal, system optimization, data recovery, password manager, online privacy protection and secure driver wiping technology. Therefore, due to its wide-range of capabilities, System Mechanic Ultimate Defense deserves Geek’s Advice approval. Get it now for 50% off. You may also be interested in its full review.
Disclaimer. This site includes affiliate links. We may earn a small commission by recommending certain products, at no additional cost for you. We only choose quality software and services to recommend.
