The aim of this ransomware is to make victim’s owned files inaccessible. Once the victim finds that out and becomes worried, one will find the text notes dropped by the virus that explain the attackers’ intentions. As it turns out, the criminals have ZOQW decryption tool and private decryption key, and demand a ransom in order to release these tools for the victim. In other words, the attackers are trying to extort the computer user financially.

Overview of the ransom note

The ransom note associated with all of recent STOP/DJVU versions, including ZOQW, is named _readme.txt and contains identical message. The only thing that changes overtime is email addresses provided in it. In this ransomware variant, the provided email addresses that belong to the cybercriminals are support@freshmail.top and datarestorehelp@airmail.cc. The note instructs the victim to write a message to it and include the Personal ID string listed in the _readme.txt file. In addition, the user can send one encrypted file for test decryption and expect its decrypted version in return. This way, the criminals are trying to convince the user to trust them and transfer the money to them sooner. The criminals briefly explain what has happened to the files on the computer system and suggest that the sole way out of this situation is paying the ransom. They initial demand is $980, but for those who rush to contact them within 72 hours a 50% discount will be applied, meaning the decryption tools would cost $490. The ransomware operators will later specify that the transaction can only be made via cryptocurrency, as this gives certain level of anonymity for them. Paying a ransom is not a recommended option due to several reasons. As FBI, NCSC, CyberReason and other reputable organizations point out, paying up doesn’t guarantee data recovery, besides, it gives power to the criminals to fund their operations and as a result, attack more computer users. In addition, samples of the malicious files that triggered this ransomware infection revealed additional malware hidden and launched during the attack. According to our research, several information-stealing Trojans are dropped, including Azorult, RedLine, and Vidar. These threats are capable of stealing browser-stored passwords, browsing history, cookies, offline cryptocurrency wallets, information about the computer and more. The criminals may use collected data for various illegal purposes, including blackmail. We strongly recommend that you remove ZOQW ransomware virus and additional threats using a powerful antivirus solution while in Safe Mode with Networking (see instructions provided below). Our team relies on INTEGO Antivirus for malware removal, while another great tool that you can download is RESTORO (secure download link) as it helps to repair virus-damaged Windows OS files.

Ransomware Summary

Ransomware distribution and ways to protect your PC

Ransomware-type threats are distributed using typical malware distribution methods, and the most popular of them are illegal online downloads and malicious email attachments. When it comes to STOP/DJVU variants such as ZOQW ransomware, the primary location that computer users find them available to download is deceptive websites advertising software cracks. Award-winning antivirus solution for your PC. Robust security software that provides robust 24/7 real-time protection, Web Shield that stops online threats/malicious downloads, and Prevention engine that wards off Zero-Day threats. Keep your PC safe and protected against ransomware, Trojans, viruses, spyware and other forms of dangerous programs. Computer users who are trying to cut costs of legitimate software license keys often seek to find free ways to install these programs. Therefore, they might browse rogue online websites promising full and free premium software packs available to download via direct link or torrent. We have recently overviewed a network of such websites that provide fake setup files hidden into password-protected archives to bypass AV detection. In order to avoid such unconfirmed downloads, users should only choose legitimate websites that provide genuine software versions. The chances of installing a pirated software versions without getting infected are extremely low, so it is simply not worth trying – besides, by paying for a software license, you support companies that produce useful software for computer users. It is a much better option than losing all of your files and having to debate whether to pay a ransom to cybercriminals. Another popular method to spread ransomware is email spam that contains malicious attachments. The attackers often make use of phishing techniques and impersonate well-known people or companies to trick the target into opening attached files or URLs. It is important to stay cautious when checking emails and avoid interacting with ones that seem unfamiliar or unexpected. Sometimes, cybercriminals also use malware-laced advertisements to spread ransomware. In such case, the user can get infected after clicking on a malicious advertisement that leads to a dangerous website or a download page. Overall, it is important to be cautious when browsing the Internet and avoid clicking on something that seems at least slightly suspicious. In addition, we strongly recommend keeping your computer protected with real-time AV protection at all times, and create data backups regularly.

Remove ZOQW ransomware virus and restore your files

Computer users who have unknowingly exposed their computers to the described file-encrypting malware should rush to delete its remains from the system. The software we recommend using to remove ZOQW ransomware virus and related threats is INTEGO Antivirus as it is a trustworthy and powerful AV. Once ZOQW virus removal is finalised, you can download RESTORO for repairing virus-damaged Windows OS files. Afterward, we also recommend changing your passwords (due to the activity of the additional information-stealing malware dropped alongside ransomware) and reporting cybercrime incident to your local authorities. 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.

Method 1. Enter Safe Mode with Networking

Before you try to remove ZOQW Ransomware Virus 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 ZOQW Ransomware Virus 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 ZOQW files

Fix and open large ZOQW 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. ZOQW Ransomware Virus 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 ZOQW files, follow the given tutorial.

Meanings of decryptor’s messages

The ZOQW 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 ZOQW 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.

Victims of ZOQW Ransomware Virus 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.