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

The Nzoq virus, also known as a ransomware, is part of the STOP family. This malware is notorious for file encryption and extortion. Once the Nzoq virus infects a system, it targets various types of files, like photos, videos, documents, and more. It alters the file structure and appends the “.nzoq” extension to each encrypted file, making them inaccessible and unusable without the decryptor.

Nzoq Virus Overview

Nzoq

🤔 Nzoq virus is ransomware that originates from the DJVU/STOP family. Its main target is to cipher your files. Then, ransomware virus asks its victims for a ransom payment – ($490 – $980) in Bitcoin.

The Nzoq virus is a malware type that encrypts your files and coerces you into paying for their recovery. This ransomware ciphers a wide selection of file types. ciphered files can be identified by a distinct “.nzoq” extension. The files touched by ransomware become inaccessible and unusable.

Then, malware forces users to pay the ransom for getting files back. The sum that ranges between $490 to $980, depending on how much time passed after the attack. Typically, a text file with ransom payment guidances is named as “_readme.txt“.

Nzoq Ransomware uses Salsa20 encryption algorithms to scramble the contents of the targeted files. Since Nzoq virus uses such a strong ciphering method, it becomes particularly difficult, if even possible, to find the decryption key without the assistance of the attackers.

Once Nzoq malware finishes the encryption, it shows a ransom note to the user, demanding a ransom payment for the decryption key. The ransom note contains instructions on how to pay off the bill and also often contains threats of permanent data loss or increased ransom amounts if the demands are not met within a specified timeframe.

I have compiled an all-encompassing list of potential solutions, tips, and methods to remove the Nzoq ransomware and recover access to your files. In some cases, it may be feasible to restore your files, while sometimes, it may be impossible.

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📌 Important Note!

It is critical to say that paying off the ransom is not a guarantee of the successful recovery of your files. The rascals behind the Nzoq virus are known for their untrustworthiness. There have been instances where people have paid the ransom, only to be denied by the cybercriminals with the decryption key provision.

Nzoq uses a unique key for every victim, with one exception:

The Nzoq virus closely resembles other Djvu ransomware, such as Nztt, Wzer, Wzoq, and Wzqw. This malware searches for files of a wide array of extensions, encrypts them, and appends .nzoq extension to each. For instance, a file named “1.jpg” would be altered to “1.jpg.nzoq” and “2.png” to “2.png.nzoq“.

Once the encryption is over, malware creates a “_readme.txt” file, which is a ransom note. Malware places it in every folder that contains encrypted files. It as well adds the readme file to the desktop, so the victim will not miss its appearance even without opening folders.

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

Encrypted Files by STOP/DJVU Ransomware

Name	Nzoq Virus
Ransomware family¹	DJVU/STOP² ransomware
Extension	.nzoq
Ransomware note	_readme.txt
Ransom	From $490 to $980 (in Bitcoins)
Contact	[email protected], [email protected]
Detection	Win32/Filecoder.Conti.L, Win32:PWSX-gen [Trj], PWS:Win32/Fareit!MTB
Symptoms	Encrypted most of your files (photos, videos, documents) and adds a particular “.nzoq” extension; Can delete Volume Shadow copies to make victim’s attempts to restore data impossible; Adds a list of domains to HOSTS file to block access to certain security-related sites; Installs password-stealing Trojan on the system, like Vidar Stealer or RedLine Stealer; Manages to install a SmokeLoader backdoor;
Fix Tool	To remove possible malware infections, scan your PC: 6-day free trial available.

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

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

Nzoq ransomware arrives as a set of tasks that are meant to carry out certain tasks on a victim’s computer. One of the initial processes being launched is winupdate.exe, a sneaky process that displays a fraudulent Windows update pop-up during the attack. Such a trick helps to convince the victim that a sudden computer slowdown is caused by a Windows update.

At the same time, the ransomware runs another process (which name commonly consists of 4 random characters) which commences scanning the system for target files and ciphering them. Then the ransomware removes Volume Shadow Copies from the system disk using the following CMD command:

vssadmin.exe Delete Shadows /All /Quiet

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

We noticed that ransomware tries to block websites that publish various how-to guides for computer users. It is evident that by limiting specific domains, the malefactors are attempting to prevent the victim from reaching relevant and helpful ransomware-attack-related information online. The virus also saves two text files on the victim’s computer that present attack-related particulars – the victim’s public encryption key and personal ID. These two files are named bowsakkdestx.txt and PersonalID.txt.

After all these changes, the malware doesn’t stop. Variants of STOP/DJVU tend to install Vidar password-stealing Trojan on compromised systems. This threat has an huge list of capabilities, including:

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

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, online key is unique for each victim, and brute forcing it will take too much time.

Retrieving the online decryption key in any other way is also nearly impossible. It is stored on a server owned by the criminals who spread the Nzoq infection. For receiving decryption key the payment should be $980. To see the payment details, the victims should contact the fraudsters 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 the ransom!

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

_readme.txt file also requests that the system user should contact the hackers during 72 hours starting from the moment of files were encrypted. If user contacts hackers during 72 hours, hackers grant a 50% discount. Thus the ransom amount will be minimized down to $490.

Yet, stay away from paying off the ransom! I highly recommend that you to avoid contacting these scammers and do not pay. One of the most real working solution to retrieve the lost data is just using the available backups, or using Decrypter tool from Emsisoft.

The uniqueness of such viruses is the utilization a similar set of actions for decryption key generation. Thus, unless the ransomware is still under the stage of development or has some hard-to-track encryption, manually recovering the ciphered data is a thing you can’t perform. The exclusive resolution to prevent the loss of your valuable data is to regularly make backups of your important files.

Note that even if you do create such backups regularly, they must be stored 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 turn to the help of online (cloud) information storage.

It goes without saying, when you keep your backup on your regular device, it may be ciphered together with other data. For this reason, storing the backup on your main computer is surely not a wise idea.

How I was infected?

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

Ransomware attack following a successful phishing attempt.

Nevertheless, these are the common leaks through which it may be injected into your PC:

Concealing the virus within seemingly legitimate apps, especially utilities provided as freeware or shareware.
Spreading the virus through spam emails containing suspicious links that lead to the virus installer.
Exploiting online free hosting resources to host and distribute the virus files discreetly.
Obtaining pirated software from illegal peer-to-peer (P2P) resources, which may unknowingly contain malware.

Some incidents occurred when the Nzoq virus hiding as a legit tool, for example, the messages demanding to start a browser update or a vastly needed codec for online media playback. This is usually the way how some online frauds aim to force you into deploying the ransomware manually, by actually making you directly participate in this process.

Surely, the bogus update alert will not indicate that you are going to actually inject the virus. This installation will be hidden under some alert stating that you should install an urgent security update or some questionable program whatsoever.

Undoubtedly, the cracked apps represent the harm too. Using P2P is both illegal and may result in the introduction of serious malware, including the Nzoq ransomware.

To sum up, what can you do to prevent the penetration of the ransomware into your computer? Even though there is no 100% guarantee to thwart your PC from getting infected, there are certain tips I want to give you to avert the Nzoq penetration. You must be vigilant while setting up free software today.

Ensure you always read what the installation window offers aside from the main free program. Keep away from opening questionable email attachments. Do not run files from the unknown addressees. Naturally, your current anti-malware program must always be updated.

The malware does not states openly about itself. It will not be mentioned in the list of your available programs. However, it will be masked under some malevolent process running consistently in the background, starting from the moment when you boot up your computer.

How To Remove Ransomware?

Video Guide

How To Decrypt .nzoq Files?

How to restore big files?

Try removing .nzoq extension on a few big files and opening them. This malware has issues with large files encryption. Either the virus read and did not encrypt the file, or it bugged and did not add the filemarker. If your files are very large (2GB+), such a situation is highly probable. Please, text me in the comments whether this helped you or not.

The newest extensions released around the end of August 2019 after the criminals made changes. This includes Nztt, Wzer, Wzoq etc.

As a outcome of the modifications made by the criminals, STOPDecrypter is no longer supported. 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.

Select folders for decryption.

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

Decryptors usually offer several options considering the specific malware family. The present possible options are displayed in the Options tab and can be turned on or deactivated there. You may discover a comprehensive list of the currently active Options below.

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

Your original files were encrypted with an online key. There is no one to share the decryption key with you. File recovery is only possible through paying the ransom. 🙁

✓ 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, but files could not be restored (the offline decryption key isn’t available yet). But, receiving this message is good news for you, because it might be 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

It’s an indication of a DNS issue on your PC. Consider resetting your HOSTS file to default.

How to Restore .nzoq Files?

In some case ransomware is not doom for your files…

The Nzoq ransomware encryption mechanism sequence is next: it encrypts every file byte-by-byte, then saves a file copy, erasing (not overriding!) the initial file. Hence, the information of the file location on the disk drive is lost, but the original file is not deleted from the disk. The cell, or the sector where this file was stored, can still contain this file, but it is not present in the file system and can be replaced by data that has been loaded to this disk after the removal. Hence, it is possible to retrieve your files using special software.

I recently had my pc infected by the this virus. It managed to bypass 2 Antivirus software and 2 malware fighters.

Anyway, after realizing it was an online algorithm, it is impossible to retrieve my encrypted files. I also had my backup drive plugged in at the time of the virus, and this was also infected, or so I thought. Every folder within my backup drive had been infected and was encrypted. However, despite losing some important files, I retrieved almost 80% of my 2TB storage.

When I started going through the folders, I noticed the readme.txt ransom note in every folder. I opened some of the folders and found that all files that were not in a subfolder within that folder had been encrypted. However, I found a flaw and glimmer of hope when I went into the subfolders in other folders and found that these files had not been encrypted. Every folder within my c and d drives, including subfolders, had been encrypted, but this was not the case with the backup drive. Having subfolders created within a folder has saved 80% of my data.

As I said, I believe this to be only a small loophole on a backup drive. I’ve since found a further 10 % of my data on another hard drive on a different pc. So my advice is if you use a backup drive, create subfolders. I was lucky, I guess. But I was also unlucky that the virus hit as I was transferring some files from my backup.

Hopefully, this can help some other people in my situation.

Jamie Newland

Some pointers for recovery repair of Nzoq files (true for all STOP/DJVU variants):

I have seen Stop/Djvu variants fail to encrypt deeper nested folders, so that you can check that. You may find those are not encrypted.

This ransomware saves encrypted data to a new file, deletes the original. So there’s a slight chance part of that deleted file can be recovered using file recovery software. It’s unlikely the folder structure can be restored, so a free tool like PhotoRec may be as good as any.

This ransomware only partially encrypts (about the first 150 KB), so depending on file size and type of data, the not encrypted part may be recoverable.

Joep

Recovering your files with PhotoRec

PhotoRec is an free open-source 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 got the ability to retrieve the files of 400 different extensions. Hence, it can be used for file recovery after the Nzoq attack.

First, you need to download this app. It is 100% free, but the developer notifies that there is no assurance that the files will be recovered. PhotoRec is distributed together with another utility of the same developer – TestDisk. The program 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 installation is required – the program has all the files it need inside of the archive, hence, you can fit it on your USB drive, and try to help your friends/parents/anyone who has been attacked by Nzoq ransomware.

Upon the start, you will witness the screen showing you the entire list of your disk spaces. However, this details are presumably unhelpful, 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 choose the destination folder for the retrieved files. This menu is located at the lower part of the PhotoRec window. The best selection is to export them on USB drive or any other type of removable disk.

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

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

Nzoq files recovery Video Guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

🤔 How can I open “.nzoq” files?

No way. These files are encrypted by ransomware. The contents of encrypted files are not available until they are decrypted.

🤔 Encrypted files contain important information. How can I decrypt them urgently?

If your data remained in the .nzoq files are very valuable, then most likely you made a backup copy. If not, then you can try to restore them through the system function – Restore Point. All other methods will require patience.

🤔 You have advised using GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove Nzoq. Does this mean that the program will delete my encrypted files?

Of course not. Your encrypted files do not pose a threat to the computer. What happened has already happened.

🤔 This virus has blocked infected PC: I can’t get the activation code.

In this situation, you need to prepare the memory stick with a pre-installed

🤔 Decryptor did not decrypt all my files, or not all of them were decrypted. What should I do?

Have patience. You are infected with the new version of STOP/DJVU ransomware, and decryption keys have not yet been released. Follow the news on our website. We will keep you posted on when new keys or new decryption programs appear.

🤔 What can I do right now?

The Nzoq ransomware encrypts only the first 150KB of files. So MP3 files are rather large, some media players (Winamp for example) may be able to play the files, but – the first 3-5 seconds (the encrypted portion) will be missing. You can try to find a copy of an original file that was encrypted: Files you downloaded from the Internet that were encrypted and you can download again to get the original.