The Taqw virus, known as a ransomware infection, belongs to the STOP family. This malware is famous for malicious file ciphering. When the Taqw virus infects a computer system, it scans the system for files like documents, videos, photos, and more. It changes the file structure and appends the “.taqw” extension to each encrypted file, making them unusable without the decryption key.
Taqw Virus Overview
Taqw
🤔 Taqw virus is ransomware that belongs to the DJVU/STOP ransomware family. Its primary purpose is to encrypt files that are important to you. After that ransomware virus asks for a ransom payment – ($490 – $980) in Bitcoin.
The Taqw virus is a malware type that ciphers your files and forces you to pay for their decryption. This malware encrypts various file types. Encrypted files become identifiable by a distinct “.taqw” extension. As a result, the affected files become inaccessible and unusable.
Subsequently, the ransomware demands a ransom payment in Bitcoin from its victims, that ranges from $490 to $980, depending on the time passed after the attack. In all cases, a ransom text file is named as “_readme.txt“.
Taqw Ransomware uses Salsa20 encryption algorithms to scramble the contents of the targeted files. Since Taqw virus applies such a robust encryption method, it becomes incredibly hard, if not impossible, to pick the decryption key without cooperating with the attackers.
Once Taqw malware finishes the encryption, it shows a ransom note to the victim, demanding a ransom payment in exchange for the decryption key. The ransom note provides instructions on how to pay off the bill and often includes threats of data loss or ransom amounts surge if the ransom is not paid within a specified timeframe.
I have compiled an all-encompassing list of potential solutions, tips, and methods to neutralize the Taqw virus and decrypt and recover your files. In some cases, you can recover the files, but sometimes, it may be impossible.
📌 Important Note!
It is crucial to voice that paying off the bill does not guarantee the successful files recovery. The rascals who stand behind the Taqw virus are not trustworthy. There have been instances where victims have paid the ransom, only to be denied by the cybercriminals with the decryption key provision.
Taqw employs a unique key for every victim, with one exception:
The Taqw virus is highly similar to other DJVU ransomware samples like Jaqw, Jasa, Jaoy, Tasa, Taoy, Yytw, and Yyza. This virus encrypts a wide range of common file types and appends its distinct “.taqw” extension to all files. For instance, a file named “1.jpg” would be altered to “1.jpg.taqw” and “2.png” to “2.png.taqw“.
Upon successful encryption, the virus 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 its appearance even without opening folders.
The image below provides a visual representation of files with the “taqw” extension:
Encrypted Files by STOP/DJVU Ransomware
| Name | Taqw Virus |
| Ransomware family1 | DJVU/STOP2 ransomware |
| Extension | .taqw |
| Ransomware note | _readme.txt |
| Ransom | From $490 to $980 (in Bitcoins) |
| Contact | [email protected], [email protected] |
| Detection | VirTool:Win32/CeeInject!KC, Trojan-Ransom.Win32.Blocker.ikgf, Win32/Filecoder.Spacecolon.A |
| Symptoms |
|
| 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:
The _readme.txt file (STOP/DJVU Ransomware) – The frightening alert demanding users to pay off the ransom to unlock the encrypted data contains these frustrating cautions.
Taqw ransomware arrives as a set of procedures that are meant to execute different activities on a victim’s computer. One of the primary processes being launched is winupdate.exe, a deceptive process that shows a false Windows update alert during the attack. Such a trick helps to convince the victim that their PC has become slow because of a Windows update.
Meanwhile, the ransomware runs another process (which name commonly consists of 4 random characters) which starts scanning the computer for target files and ciphering them. Then the ransomware deletes Volume Shadow Copies from the system disk using the following CMD command:
vssadmin.exe Delete Shadows /All /Quiet
Once deleted, it becomes nearly impossible to retrieve the previous computer state using System Restore Points. The problem is, ransomware operators are getting rid of any built-in Windows techniques that could aid the victim to recover files for free. In addition, the hackers modify the Windows HOSTS file by including a list of domains to it and directing them to the localhost IP. As a result, the victim will face a DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error when trying to open one of the listed websites.
It has come to our attention that ransomware endeavors to block websites that post various how-to guides for computer users. It is obvious that by limiting specific domains, the crooks are seeking to hinder the victim from reaching relevant and helpful ransomware-attack-related information online. This malware also keeps two .txt files on the victim’s computer that provide details related to the attack – the victim’s public key and personal ID. These two files are named bowsakkdestx.txt and PersonalID.txt.
After all these modifications, the malware doesn’t halt. Variants of STOP/DJVU are inclined to install Vidar password-stealing Trojan on compromised systems. This threat possesses an large list of capabilities, including:
- Stealing Steam, Telegram, Skype login / password;
- Stealing cryptocurrency wallets;
- Downloading other malware to the computer and running it;
- Stealing browser cookies, saved passwords, browsing history, and more;
- Viewing and manipulating files on victim’s computer;
- Allowing the hackers to perform other tasks on the victim’s computer remotely.
The cryptography algorithm in STOP/Djvu ransomware is AES-256. So, if your data got encrypted with an online decryption key, the chances to get your files back are quite low. Thing is, this key is unique for each victim, and picking it will take exceptionally big amount of time.
Getting the online decryption key in another way is also close to impossible. It is stored on a remote server owned by the crooks who promote the Taqw infection. For receiving decryption key the payment should be $980. To obtain 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 demands that the computer owners must get in touch with the hackers’ representatives within 72 hours starting from the moment of files were encrypted. If user contacts hackers during 72 hours, hackers grant a 50% discount. This decreases the ransom sum down to $490.
Yet, stay away from paying the ransom! I strongly recommend that you do not contact these swindlers and do not pay. A highly effective solution to retrieve the lost data is just using the backups you have, or using Decrypter tool from Emsisoft.
The peculiarity of all such viruses is the utilization a similar set of actions for decryption key generation. Thus, unless the ransomware is still in development or has some hard-to-track flaws, manual data recovery is a thing you can’t perform. The exclusive resolution to prevent the data loss is to regularly make backups of your important files.
Keep in mind that even if you do maintain such backups regularly, they ought to 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. Alternatively, you may rely to the help of online (cloud) information storage.
Needless to say, when you maintain your backup data on your regular device, it may be encrypted together with your files. 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.
- Using online free hosting resources as a means to distribute the virus undetected.
- Disguising the virus installer alongside various apps, particularly those offered as freeware or shareware.
- Spreading the virus through spam emails containing deceptive links that lead to its installation.
- Obtaining pirated software from illegal peer-to-peer (P2P) resources, exposing users to potential malware threats.
Some incidents occurred when the Taqw virus was disguised as some legitimate tool, for example, the messages asking to install a browser update or a vastly needed codec for online media playback. This is typically the way how some online scams aim to force you into installing the ransomware manually, by actually making you directly involve in this process.
Surely, the bogus update alert will not indicate that you are installing the threat. This installation will be disguised under some alert stating that you must install an urgent security update or some questionable program whatsoever.
Of course, the cracked apps represent the damage as well. Using P2P is illegal and may end up with the introduction of serious malware, including the Taqw ransomware.
To sum up, what can you do to prevent the injection of the ransomware into your PC? Even though there is no 100% assurance to thwart your PC from getting compromised, there are certain tips I want to give you to shield the Taqw penetration. You must be cautious while installing free software today.
Make sure you always read what the installation window offers aside from the main free program. Stay away from launching questionable email attachments. Do not run files from the unknown recipients. Of course, your current security program must always be updated.
The malware does not show itself openly. It will not appear in the list of your available programs. Instead, it will be masked under some malicious process running consistently in the background, that starts at the moment when you launch your computer.
How To Remove Ransomware?
Video Guide
How To Decrypt .taqw Files?
How to restore big files?
Try removing .taqw extension on a few big files and opening them. This malware has issues with large files encryption. Either the virus accessed and did not encode the file, or it failed and did not add the filemarker. If you have files that are very large (2GB+), the latter is most likely. Please, let me know in comments if that will work for you.
The newest extensions released around the end of August 2019 after the criminals made changes. This includes Tasa, Taoy, Yytw etc.
As a result of the alterations made by the criminals, STOPDecrypter is no longer assisted. 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.
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Select folders for decryption.
Based on the default configurations, the decryptor will by default choose the available directories in order to decrypt the currently reachable drives (the connected ones), including the network drives. Additional (optional) locations can be selected with the aid of the “Add” button.
Decryptors generally offer several options depending on the specific malware family. The existing possible options are displayed in the Options tab and can be activated or deactivated there. You may find a detailed list of the currently active Options below.
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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]
✓ No key for New Variant online ID: [your ID]
Notice: this ID appears to be an online ID, decryption 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.
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
How to Restore .taqw Files?
In some case ransomware is not doom for your files…
The Taqw ransomware encryption mechanism algoritm is next: it encodes every file byte-by-byte, then saves a duplicate, deleting (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 physical 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 rewritten by data that has been loaded to this drive after the deletion. Hence, it is possible to recover your files using special software.
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 NewlandRecovering your files with PhotoRec
PhotoRec is an open-source program, which is initially created for file retrieval from damaged disks, or for file retrieval in case if they are unintentionally deleted. However, as time has gone by, this program received the ability to retrieve the files of 400 different formats. Hence, it can be used for file restoration after the Taqw attack.
First, you need to download this app. It is 100% free, but the developer states that there is no warranty that the files will be retrieved. PhotoRec is spread together with another tool of the same developer – TestDisk. The downloaded archive will bear TestDisk name, but don’t worry. PhotoRec files are right inside.
To open PhotoRec, you need to find and open “qphotorec_win.exe” file. No installation process is required – the program has all the files it need inside of the archive, hence, you can mount it on your USB drive, and help your friends/parents/anyone who has been attacked by Taqw ransomware.
After the launch, you will observe the screen showing you the full list of your disk spaces. However, this information is likely irrelevand, because the required menu is placed a bit higher. Click this bar, then choose the disk which was attacked by ransomware.
After picking the disk, you need to pick the destination folder for the restored 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 define the file formats. This choice is located at the bottom, too. As it was mentioned, PhotoRec can retrieve the files of about 400 different formats.
Finally, you can initiate files retrieval by pressing the “Search” button. You will see the screen where the outcomes of the scan and recovery are shown.
Taqw files recovery Video Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
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