Bgzq (.BGZQ) Ransomware Virus Removal & File Decryption

The Bgzq virus, known as a ransomware infection, belongs to the STOP family. This malware is known for malicious file ciphering. When the Bgzq virus infects a system, it scans the system for files such as videos, photos, documents, and more. It alters the file structure and appends the “.bgzq” extension to each encrypted file, making them unusable without the decryption.

Bgzq Virus Overview

The Bgzq virus is a malware type that encrypts your files and makes you pay for their recovery. This ransomware ciphers a wide selection of file types. Encrypted files are identifiable by a distinct “.bgzq” extension. As a result, the files touched by ransomware become inaccessible and unusable.

Then, the ransomware demands a file decryption payment in Bitcoin from the victims, which ranges from $499 to $999, depending on the time passed after the attack. In all cases, a ransom text file is named “_readme.txt“.

Bgzq Ransomware uses Salsa20 encryption algorithms to scramble the contents of the targeted files. Since the Bgzq virus utilizes such a robust encryption method, it becomes really hard, if not impossible, to pick the decryption key without cooperating with the attackers.

Once Bgzq malware finishes the encryption, it shows a ransom note to the user, demanding a ransom payment in exchange for the decryption key. The ransom note contains instructions on how to make the payment and also often contains threats of system wipeout or increased ransom amounts if the ransom is not paid within a specified timeframe.

I have compiled an all-encompassing list of potential solutions, advice, and approaches to disable the Bgzq ransomware and decrypt and recover your files. There are situations when you can recover the files, but sometimes, it may be impossible.

Bgzq uses a unique key for each victim, with one exception:

• If Bgzq fails to connect the command and control server (C2) before starting the encryption process, it uses offline keys. This key is not unique and is the same for all users, allowing for the decryption of files encrypted by the ransomware.

The Bgzq virus is highly similar to other DJVU ransomware samples such as Kaaa, Uajs, Uazq, and Vook. This virus encrypts a wide range of common file types and appends its distinct “.bgzq” extension to all files. For instance, a file named “1.jpg” would be altered to “1.jpg.bgzq” and “2.png” to “2.png.bgzq“.

After successful encryption, the malware creates a special text file named “_readme.txt” and places it in every folder containing the encrypted files. It also adds the readme file to the desktop, so the victim will not miss the attack even without opening folders.

The image below provides a visual representation of files with the “bgzq” extension:

Encrypted Files by STOP/DJVU Ransomware

This message asking for payment is for restoring files via decryption key:

_readme.txt (STOP/DJVU Ransomware) – The alarming notification insisting users to pay off the ransom to decrypt the encrypted data contains these annoying warnings.

Bgzq ransomware arrives as a set of procedures that are used to carry out different functions on a victim’s computer. One of the first processes being launched is winupdate.exe, a deceptive process that shows a false Windows update pop-up during the attack. That is needed to convince the victim that a sudden PC slowdown is caused by a Windows update.

Meanwhile, the ransomware runs another process (usually named by four random characters) which starts scanning the disk for target files and ciphering them. Next, the ransomware deletes Volume Shadow Copies from the system disk through the following CMD command:

vssadmin.exe Delete Shadows /All /Quiet

Once removed, it becomes impossible to retrieve the previous computer state using System Restore Points. The issue is, ransomware operators are eliminating any built-in Windows approaches that could help the victim to regain files for free. In addition, the rascals modify the Windows HOSTS file by adding a list of domains to it and linking them to the localhost IP. As a result, the victim will see a DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error when trying to open one of the blocked websites.

We noticed that ransomware attempts to block websites that publish various how-to guides for computer users. It is obvious that by restricting specific domains, the crooks are seeking to prevent the victim from accessing relevant and helpful ransomware-attack-related information online. The virus also saves two text files on the victim’s computer that offer information related to the attack – the victim’s public encryption key and personal ID. These two files are named bowsakkdestx.txt and PersonalID.txt.

After all these alterations, the malware doesn’t halt. Variants of STOP/DJVU tend to release Vidar password-stealing Trojans on compromised systems. This threat possesses a large list of capabilities, including:

• Manipulating and viewing files on the victim’s computer without their knowledge.
• Extracting sensitive information such as browser cookies, saved passwords, and browsing history.
• Obtaining unauthorized access to login credentials of Steam, Telegram, and Skype.
• Granting the hackers remote control over the victim’s computer for various malicious activities.
• Stealing cryptocurrency wallets from the victim’s system.
• Gathering sensitive data by running malicious software on the victim’s computer.

The cryptography algorithm in STOP/Djvu ransomware is AES-256. So, once your data is encrypted with an online decryption key, the chances to get your files back are quite low. Thing is, the key is unique for each victim, and picking it will take too much time.

Obtaining the online key in another way is also close to impossible. It is stored on a remote server controlled by the criminals who promote the Bgzq malware. For receiving unlocking key the payment should be $999. To see the payment details, the victims should contact the hackers by email ([email protected]).

The message by the ransomware states the following information:

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.
Do not ask assistants from youtube and recovery data sites for help in recovering your data.
They can use your free decryption quota and scam you.
Our contact is emails in this text document only.
You can get and look video overview decrypt tool:
https://we.tl/t-hPAqznkJKD
Price of private key and decrypt software is $999.
Discount 50% available if you contact us first 72 hours, that's price for you is $499.
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:
[email protected]

Reserve e-mail address to contact us:
[email protected]

Your personal ID:
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

How To Remove STOP/Djvu Ransomware?

Video Guide

How To Decrypt .bgzq Files?

The newest extensions released around the end of August 2019 after the criminals made changes. This includes Kaaa, Uajs, Uazq etc.

As a consequence of the changes made by the criminals, STOPDecrypter is no longer backed. It has been replaced with the Emsisoft Decryptor for STOP Djvu Ransomware developed by Emsisoft.

You can download free decryption tool here: Decryptor for STOP Djvu.

1. Select folders for decryption.

   Based on the default configurations, the decryptor will automatically choose the available directories in order to unlock the currently reachable drives (the connected ones), including the network drives. Additional (optional) locations can be selected with the help of the “Add” button.

   Decryptors typically propose several options considering the specific malware family. The existing possible options are presented in the Options tab and can be turned on or disabled there. You may find a detailed list of the currently active Options below.

2. Click on the “Decrypt” button.

   As soon as you add all the desired locations for decryption into the list, click on the “Decrypt” button in order to initiate the decryption procedure.

   Note that the main screen may turn you to a status view, letting you know of the active process and the decryption statistics of your data:

   

   The decryptor will notify you as soon as the decryption procedure is completed. If you need the report for your personal papers, you can save it by choosing the “Save log” button. Note that it is also possible to copy it directly to your clipboard and to paste it into emails or messages here if you need to do so.

The Emsisoft Decryptor might display different messages after a failed attempt to restore your files:

✓ Error: Unable to decrypt file with ID: [your ID]

Emsisoft failed to find a correspondnig decryption key in their database.

✓ No key for New Variant online ID: [your ID]

Notice: this ID appears to be an online ID, decryption is impossible

Malware used an online key to cipher your files. There is no one to share the decryption key with you. Recovery of files without paying the criminals is impossible. 🙁

✓ Result: No key for new variant offline ID: [example ID]

This ID appears be an offline ID. Decryption may be possible in the future.

Malware used an offline key, though the file recovery operation failed (the offline decryption key isn’t available yet). Nonetheless, this message is a good news for you, because it is possible to restore your files in the future. 🙂

It can take a few weeks or months until the decryption key gets found and uploaded to the decryptor. Please follow updates regarding the decryptable DJVU versions here.

✓ Remote name could not be resolved

This stands for a DNS issues. Consider resetting your HOSTS file to default.

How to Restore .bgzq Files?

In some case ransomware is not doom for your files…

The Bgzq ransomware encryption algorithm is next: it encrypts every file byte-by-byte, then saves a file copy, removing (not overriding!) the initial file. Hence, the data of the file placement on the disk drive is lost, but the original file is not deleted from the physical disk. The cell, or the sector where this file was kept, can still hold this file, but it is absent in the file system and can be overwritten by data that has been loaded to this drive after the deletion. Hence, it is possible to restore your files using special software.

Recovering your files with PhotoRec

PhotoRec is an free program, which is initially created for files recovery from damaged disks, or for files recovery in case if they are unintentionally deleted. However, with time flow, this program received the ability to restore the files of 400 different file types. Hence, it can be used for file restoration after the Bgzq attack.

First, you need to download this app. It is 100% free, but the developer notifies that there is no warranty that the files will be restored. PhotoRec is distributed together with another tool of the same developer – TestDisk. The resulting archive will bear TestDisk name, but don’t worry. PhotoRec files are right inside.

To launch PhotoRec, you need to find and open “qphotorec_win.exe” file. No setup is required – the program has all the files it need within the archive, hence, you can fit it on your USB drive, and try to help your friends/parents/anyone who has been attacked by Bgzq ransomware.

Upon the start, you will observe the screen showing you the entire list of your drives. However, this information is likely irrelevand, because the required menu is placed a bit higher. Click this tab, then choose the disk which was attacked by ransomware.

After opting for the disk, you need to opt for the destination folder for the restored files. This menu is located at the lower part of the PhotoRec window. The best decision is to export them on USB drive or any other type of removable disk.

Then, you need to indicate the file formats. This feature is located at the bottom, too. As it was mentioned, PhotoRec can restore the files of about 400 different formats.

Finally, you can initiate files restoration by pressing the “Search” button. You will see the screen where the results of the scan and recovery are shown.

Bgzq files recovery Video Guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. My files are encrypted by ransomware, what should I do now?
2. About DJVU (STOP) Ransomware.

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