MZQW Virus (.mzqw File) Ransomware 🔐 Fix & Decrypt Data

The Mzqw virus belongs to the STOP/DJVU family of ransomware infections. It actively encrypts your files (including videos, photos, and documents) and adds the “.mzqw” extension to them. The encryption method utilized by this virus is extremely strong, rendering it virtually impossible to calculate the decryption key.

I have compiled an extensive collection of potential solutions, tips, and practices for neutralizing the Mzqw virus and decrypting your files. In certain cases, file recovery is relatively straightforward, while in others, it may be exceedingly challenging.

Below, I will present several universal methods for recovering encrypted files with the “.mzqw” extension. It is crucial that you carefully read and comprehend the entire set of instructions, ensuring that you do not skip any steps. Each step is of utmost importance and must be completed by you.

Mzqw utilizes a unique key for each victim, with one exception:

• If the Mzqw virus fails to establish a connection with its command and control server (C&C Server) prior to initiating the encryption process, it resorts to using an offline key. This key remains the same for all victims, thereby enabling the decryption of files encrypted during a ransomware attack.

Mzqw virus?

☝️ Mzqw can be correctly identified as a STOP/DJVU ransomware-type infection.

The Mzqw ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts your files and demands payment for their restoration. This ransomware belongs to the Djvu/STOP ransomware family, which was first discovered by virus analyst Michael Gillespie.

The Mzqw virus shares similarities with other ransomware variants in the same Djvu family, such as Sato, Fofd, and Saba. It encrypts various common file types and adds its distinct “.mzqw” extension to all affected files. For example, a file named “1.jpg” would be changed to “1.jpg.mzqw“. Once the encryption process is complete, the virus creates a specific text file called “_readme.txt” and places it in all folders containing the encrypted files.

The image below provides a visual representation of how the files appear with the “.mzqw” extension:

Mzqw File (STOP/DJVU Ransomware)

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

_readme.txt (STOP/DJVU Ransomware) – The scary alert demanding from users to pay the ransom to decrypt the encoded files contains these frustrating warnings

Mzqw ransomware arrives as a set of processes that perform different tasks on a victim’s computer. One of the first tasks it launches is winupdate.exe, a tricky process that displays a fake Windows update prompt during the attack. This process aims to convince the victim that a sudden system slowdown is caused by a Windows update. At the same time, the ransomware executes another process (usually named after four random characters) that scans the system for target files and encrypts them. Furthermore, the ransomware deletes Volume Shadow Copies from the system using the following CMD command:

vssadmin.exe Delete Shadows /All /Quiet

Once deleted, restoring the previous computer state becomes impossible using System Restore Points. The ransomware operators deliberately eliminate any Windows OS-based methods that could assist the victim in file restoration without charge. Additionally, the criminals modify the Windows HOSTS file by adding a list of domains and mapping them to the localhost IP. Consequently, when accessing one of the blocked websites, the victim encounters a DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error.

We have observed that the ransomware attempts to block websites that publish various how-to guides for computer users. By restricting specific domains, the criminals endeavor to prevent the victim from accessing relevant and helpful information related to ransomware attacks online. The virus also saves two text files on the victim’s computer, containing attack-related details – the victim’s public encryption key and personal ID. These two files are named bowsakkdestx.txt and PersonalID.txt.

After all these modifications, the malware does not cease its activities. Variants of STOP/DJVU ransomware often deploy the Vidar password-stealing Trojan on compromised systems. This threat possesses a wide range of capabilities, including:

• Stealing Steam, Telegram, Skype login/password
• Stealing cryptocurrency wallets
• Downloading malware to the computer and executing it
• Stealing browser cookies, saved passwords, browsing history, and more
• Viewing and manipulating files on the victim’s computer
• Enabling hackers to remotely perform various tasks on the victim’s computer

The cryptography algorithm used by DJVU/STOP ransomware is AES-256. So, if your data got encrypted with an online decryption key, which is totally distinct. The sad reality is that it is impossible to decrypt the files without a unique key.

In case Mzqw worked in online mode, it is impossible for you to gain access to the AES-256 key. It is stored on a remote server owned by the frauds who promote the Mzqw infection.

For receiving the decryption key, the payment should be $980. To obtain the payment details, the victims are encouraged by the message to contact the frauds 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 photos, 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-WJa63R98Ku

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:

[email protected]

Reserve e-mail address to contact us:

[email protected]

Your personal ID:
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Do not pay for Mzqw!

Please, try to use the available backups, or Decrypter tool

_readme.txt file also indicates that the computer owners must contact the Mzqw representatives within 72 hours starting from the moment files were encrypted. On the condition of getting in touch within 72 hours, users will be granted a 50% rebate. Thus the ransom amount will be minimized to $490). However, stay away from paying the ransom!

I strongly advise that you do not contact these crooks and do not pay. One of the most real working solutions to recover lost data – just using the available backups or use Decrypter tool.

The peculiarity of all such viruses apply a similar set of actions for generating the unique decryption key to recover the ciphered data.

Thus, unless the ransomware is still in the stage of development or possesses some hard-to-track flaws, manually recovering the ciphered data is a thing you can’t perform. The only solution to prevent the loss of your valuable data is to regularly make backups of your crucial files.

Note that even if you do maintain such backups regularly, they ought to be put into a specific location without loitering, not being connected to your main workstation.

For instance, the backup may be kept on the USB flash drive or some alternative external hard drive storage. Optionally, you may refer to the help of online (cloud) information storage.

Needless to mention, when you maintain your backup data on your common device, it may be similarly ciphered as well as other data.

For this reason, locating the backup on your main PC is surely not a wise idea.

How I was infected?

Ransomware has various methods to build into your system. But it doesn’t matter what concrete way was used in your case.

Mzqw attack following a successful phishing attempt.

How To Remove Mzqw Virus?

In addition to encoding a victim’s files, the Mzqw infection has also started to install the Vidar Stealer on PC to steal account credentials, cryptocurrency wallets, desktop files, and more.³

Reasons why I would recommend GridinSoft⁴

1. Run the setup file.

   
   

2. Press the “Install” button.

   

3. Once installed, Anti-Malware will automatically run.

   

4. Wait for complete.

   

5. Click on “Clean Now”.