NEQP Virus (.NEQP File) 🔐 Decrypt & Removal Guide

We recently identified a new member of the Djvu ransomware family called Neqp. Neqp, which is a malicious software commonly known as ransomware, encrypts files, rendering them inaccessible to victims. During our analysis of samples on the VirusTotal website, we made the discovery of Neqp.

It’s important to note that Neqp can be distributed alongside other types of malware, including information stealers like RedLine or Vidar. Once Neqp infects a system, it modifies the filenames of encrypted files by adding the “.neqp” extension. For instance, “1.jpg” becomes “1.jpg.neqp” and “2.png” becomes “2.png.neqp“, and so on. Additionally, it leaves behind a ransom note titled “_readme.txt“.

I have compiled a comprehensive list of all possible solutions, tips, and techniques to neutralize the Neqp virus and decrypt your data. In certain situations, file recovery can be relatively easy, while it may be extremely challenging or even impossible in other cases.

Neqp generates a unique key for each victim, with one exception:

• If Neqp fails to connect with the command and control server (C&C Server) before commencing the encryption process, it utilizes offline keys. This key remains the same for all victims, enabling the decryption of files encrypted in a ransomware attack.

Is Neqp virus?

☝️ Neqp can be correctly identified as a Djvu ransomware.

The Neqp ransomware, a type of malware, encrypts your files and demands payment to restore them. The following image visually represents files with the “.neqp” extension:

Neqp File (STOP/DJVU Ransomware)

This text asking payment is for restore 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

The Neqp ransomware carries out a series of processes on the victim’s computer to perform various tasks. One of the initial processes it launches is winupdate.exe, a deceptive program that displays a fake Windows update prompt during the attack. This program aims to mislead the victim into thinking that sudden system slowdowns are caused by a legitimate Windows update. At the same time, the ransomware executes another process, usually named with four random characters, which scans the system for targeted files and encrypts them. Additionally, the ransomware uses the following CMD command to delete Volume Shadow Copies from the system:

vssadmin.exe Delete Shadows /All /Quiet

Once these copies are deleted, it becomes impossible to restore the computer to its previous state using System Restore Points. The ransomware operators intentionally eliminate Windows OS-based methods that could facilitate free file restoration. Moreover, the perpetrators modify the Windows HOSTS file by adding a list of domains and mapping them to the localhost IP. As a result, victims encounter a DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error when they try to access any of the blocked websites.

Our observations indicate that the ransomware specifically targets websites that provide how-to guides for computer users. By restricting access to these domains, the criminals aim to prevent victims from accessing relevant and helpful information about ransomware attacks. Additionally, the virus creates two text files on the victim’s computer containing critical details about the attack: the victim’s public encryption key and personal ID. These files are named bowsakkdestx.txt and PersonalID.txt, respectively.

After making all these modifications, the malware doesn’t stop. Variants of STOP/DJVU tend to drop the Vidar password-stealing Trojan on compromised systems. This threat has a lengthy list of capabilities, including:

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

The DJVU/STOP virus uses the AES-256 cryptography algorithm. Therefore, if your documents get encrypted with an online decryption key, it is completely unique. The unfortunate reality is that it is impossible to decrypt the files without the unique key.

If Neqp operates in online mode, it is impossible for you to gain access to the AES-256 key. The key is stored on a remote server owned by the criminals who distribute the Neqp ransomware.

To receive the decryption key, the payment required is $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 Neqp!

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

_readme.txt file also indicates that the computer owners must get in touch with the Neqp representatives during 72 hours starting from the moment of 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 down to $490). However, stay away from paying the ransom!

I definitely recommend that you do not contact these crooks and do not pay. The one of the most real working solution to recover the 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 under the stage of development or possesses with 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 good idea.

How I was infected?

Ransomware has a various methods to built into your system. But it doesn’t really matter what concrete way had place in your case.

Neqp ransomware attack following a successful phishing attempt.

How To Remove Neqp Virus?

In addition to encode a victim’s files, the Neqp infection has also started to install the Vidar Stealer on system to steal account credentials, cryptocurrency wallets, desktop files, and more.

Reasons why I would recommend GridinSoft³

1. Run the setup file.

   
   

2. Press “Install” button.

   

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

   

4. Wait for complete.

   

5. Click on “Clean Now”.