The Wzoq virus, also known as a ransomware infection, is part of the STOP/DJVU family. This malware is famous for file encryption and extortion. Once the Wzoq virus infects a system, it scans the system for files like videos, photos, documents, and more. It modifies the file structure and appends the “.wzoq” extension to each encrypted file, making them unusable without the decryption key.
Wzoq Virus Overview
Wzoq
🤔 Wzoq virus belongs to ransomware that originates from the DJVU/STOP ransomware family. Its main target is to cipher all of your files it can reach. After that ransomware virus asks its victims to pay the ransom – ($490 – $980) in Bitcoin.
The Wzoq virus is a type of malware that ciphers your files and forces you to pay for their restoration. This ransomware encrypts various file types. Encrypted files are identifiable by a distinct “.wzoq” extension. The files touched by ransomware become inaccessible and unusable.
After that, the ransomware demands a ransom payment in Bitcoin from its victims, ranging from $490 to $980. Usually, a text file with ransom payment guidances is named as “_readme.txt“.
Wzoq Ransomware operates by Salsa20 encryption algorithms to scramble the contents of the targeted files. Since Wzoq virus uses such a strong ciphering method, it becomes incredibly difficult, if not impossible, to find the decryption key without cooperating with the attackers.
Once the files are encrypted, the Wzoq virus displays a ransom note to the victim, demanding a ransom payment in exchange for the decryption key. The ransom note contains instructions on how to make the payment and often contains threats of permanent data loss or ransom amounts surge if the demands are not met within a specified timeframe.
I have compiled an all-encompassing list of the solutions, tips, and approaches to remove the Wzoq virus and recover access to your files. In some cases, it may be possible to restore your files, while sometimes, it may be impossible.
📌 Important Note!
It is important to say that paying off the ransom is not a guarantee of the successful recovery of your files. The rascals who stand behind the Wzoq 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.
Wzoq uses a unique key for each victim, with one exception:
- If Wzoq fails to connect the command and control server (C2) before starting the encryption process, it it uses offline keys as a fallback option. This key is not unique and is the same for all users, allowing for the decryption of files encrypted by the ransomware.
The Wzoq virus is similar to other DJVU ransomware variants such as Wzqw, Wztt, Jaqw, and Jasa. This virus encrypts a wide range of common file types and appends its distinct “.wzoq” extension to all files. For instance, a file named “1.jpg” would be altered to “1.jpg.wzoq” and “2.png” to “2.png.wzoq“.
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 this file to the desktop, so the user will not miss the attack even without opening folders.
The image below provides a visual representation of files with the “wzoq” extension:
Encrypted Files by STOP/DJVU Ransomware
| Name | Wzoq Virus |
| Ransomware family1 | DJVU/STOP2 ransomware |
| Extension | .wzoq |
| Ransomware note | _readme.txt |
| Ransom | From $490 to $980 (in Bitcoins) |
| Contact | support@fishmail.top, datarestorehelp@airmail.cc |
| Detection | Trojan.Dropper.CAB, Win32/TrojanDownloader.AutoHK.GS, Trojan:MSIL/AgentTesla.HU!MTB |
| 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:
_readme.txt (STOP/DJVU Ransomware) – The alarming warning demanding users to pay the ransom to unlock the encoded data contains these frustrating warnings.
The Wzoq ransomware operates by executing a series of procedures on a victim’s computer to carry out various activities. One of the initial steps involves launching winupdate.exe, a deceptive process that presents a fake Windows update pop-up to the victim during the attack. This tactic aims to deceive the victim into believing that their PC’s sluggishness is due to a Windows update.
Simultaneously, the ransomware initiates another process (often labeled with four random characters) responsible for scanning the victim’s PC for specific target files and encrypting them. Subsequently, the ransomware eliminates Volume Shadow Copies from the disk using the following CMD command:
vssadmin.exe Delete Shadows /All /Quiet
Once removed, the ability to restore the computer to its previous state becomes exceedingly challenging, as leveraging System Restore Points is no longer a viable option. Unfortunately, ransomware operators systematically dismantle any inherent Windows mechanisms that could assist victims in recovering their files without cost. Moreover, these hackers tamper with the Windows HOSTS file by appending a list of domains to it and rerouting them to the localhost IP address. Consequently, when attempting to access any of the blacklisted websites, the victim encounters a DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error.
Our observations reveal that the ransomware actively blocks websites offering diverse how-to guides for computer users. Evidently, by restricting access to specific domains, the malicious actors strive to hinder victims from accessing pertinent and valuable information related to ransomware attacks. The malware also deposits two text files on the victim’s computer, containing crucial details concerning the attack – the victim’s public key and personal ID. These files bear the names bowsakkdestx.txt and PersonalID.txt.
After all these alterations, the malware doesn’t cease. Variants of STOP/DJVU have a tendency to release Vidar password-stealing Trojan on compromised systems. This threat has an extensive 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 STOP/Djvu ransomware utilizes the AES-256 encryption algorithm. Consequently, once your data undergoes encryption using an exclusive online decryption key, the prospects of regaining access to your files without complying with the ransom demand are considerably slim. The critical factor here is the uniqueness of this decryption key for each victim, rendering the task of identifying a suitable key an exceedingly time-consuming endeavor.
Exploring alternate avenues to acquire the online decryption key proves to be nearly insurmountable. This decryption key resides on a remote server under the control of the hackers who are actively propagating the Wzoq infection. To procure the decryption key, a payment of $980 is required. For obtaining the necessary payment details, victims are directed to establish contact with the perpetrators through the provided email address: support@fishmail.top.
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: support@fishmail.top Reserve e-mail address to contact us: datarestorehelp@airmail.cc Your personal ID: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Do not pay the ransom!
Please, try to use the available backups, or Decrypter tool
The _readme.txt file also indicates that the system user must get in touch with the hackers’ representatives within 72 hours since the file encryption. On the condition of getting in touch within 72 hours, hackers grant a 50% discount. This decreases the ransom sum down to $490.
Yet, stay away from paying off the ransom! I strongly recommend that you to avoid contacting these fraudsters and do not pay. An efficient solution to recover the lost data is just using the backups you have, or using Decrypter tool from Emsisoft.
The peculiarity of such malware is the employment a similar set of actions for decryption key generation. Thus, unless the ransomware is still under the stage of development or exhibits some hard-to-track encryption, 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 crucial files.
Note that even if you do create such backups regularly, they ought to be located 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 substitute external hard drive storage. Alternatively, you may turn to the help of online (cloud) information storage.
Needless to say, when you store your backup data on your regular device, it may be ciphered together with other data. For this reason, placing the backup on your disk 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.
- Utilizing online free hosting resources to distribute the virus discreetly.
- Disguising the virus installer within other apps, particularly utilities offered as freeware or shareware.
- Propagation through spam emails containing dubious links leading to the virus installation.
- Downloading pirated software from illegal peer-to-peer (P2P) resources, which may include hidden malware.
Instances have been reported when the Wzoq virus was disguised as some legitimate procedure, 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 frauds aim to force you into installing the ransomware manually, by actually making you directly participate in this process.
Surely, the fake update alert will not tell that you are installing the threat. This process will be concealed under some alert stating that you should install an urgent security update or some suspicious program whatsoever.
Undoubtedly, the software cracks represent the threat too. Using P2P is illegal and may result in the introduction of severe malware, including the Wzoq ransomware.
To sum up, what can you do to evade the injection of the ransomware into your computer? Even though there is no 100% assurance to thwart your PC from getting damaged, there are some tips I want to give you to shield the Wzoq penetration. You must be vigilant while using free software today.
Verify you always read what the installer offers aside from the main free program. Keep away from launching dubious email attachments. Do not open files from the unknown senders. Of course, your current anti-malware software must always be updated.
The malware does not show itself openly. It will not be mentioned 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 start your computer.
How To Remove Ransomware?
Remove Wzoq Virus with Gridinsoft Anti-Malware
We have also been using this software on our systems ever since, and it has always been successful in detecting viruses. It has blocked the most common Ransomware as shown from our tests with the software, and we assure you that it can remove Wzoq Virus as well as other malware hiding on your computer.
To use Gridinsoft for remove malicious threats, follow the steps below:
1. Begin by downloading Gridinsoft Anti-Malware, accessible via the blue button below or directly from the official website gridinsoft.com.
2.Once the Gridinsoft setup file (setup-gridinsoft-fix.exe) is downloaded, execute it by clicking on the file.
3.Follow the installation setup wizard's instructions diligently.
4. Access the "Scan Tab" on the application's start screen and launch a comprehensive "Full Scan" to examine your entire computer. This inclusive scan encompasses the memory, startup items, the registry, services, drivers, and all files, ensuring that it detects malware hidden in all possible locations.
Be patient, as the scan duration depends on the number of files and your computer's hardware capabilities. Use this time to relax or attend to other tasks.
5. Upon completion, Anti-Malware will present a detailed report containing all the detected malicious items and threats on your PC.
6. Select all the identified items from the report and confidently click the "Clean Now" button. This action will safely remove the malicious files from your computer, transferring them to the secure quarantine zone of the anti-malware program to prevent any further harmful actions.
8. If prompted, restart your computer to finalize the full system scan procedure. This step is crucial to ensure thorough removal of any remaining threats. After the restart, Gridinsoft Anti-Malware will open and display a message confirming the completion of the scan.
Remember Gridinsoft offers a 6-day free trial. This means you can take advantage of the trial period at no cost to experience the full benefits of the software and prevent any future malware infections on your system. Embrace this opportunity to fortify your computer's security without any financial commitment.
Trojan Killer for “Wzoq Virus” removal on locked PC
In situations where it becomes impossible to download antivirus applications directly onto the infected computer due to malware blocking access to websites, an alternative solution is to utilize the Trojan Killer application.
There is a really little number of security tools that are able to be set up on the USB drives, and antiviruses that can do so in most cases require to obtain quite an expensive license. For this instance, I can recommend you to use another solution of GridinSoft - Trojan Killer Portable. It has a 14-days cost-free trial mode that offers the entire features of the paid version. This term will definitely be 100% enough to wipe malware out.
Trojan Killer is a valuable tool in your cybersecurity arsenal, helping you to effectively remove malware from infected computers. Now, we will walk you through the process of using Trojan Killer from a USB flash drive to scan and remove malware on an infected PC. Remember, always obtain permission to scan and remove malware from a computer that you do not own.
Step 1: Download & Install Trojan Killer on a Clean Computer:
1. Go to the official GridinSoft website (gridinsoft.com) and download Trojan Killer to a computer that is not infected.
2. Insert a USB flash drive into this computer.
3. Install Trojan Killer to the "removable drive" following the on-screen instructions.
4. Once the installation is complete, launch Trojan Killer.
Step 2: Update Signature Databases:
5. After launching Trojan Killer, ensure that your computer is connected to the Internet.
6. Click "Update" icon to download the latest signature databases, which will ensure the tool can detect the most recent threats.
Step 3: Scan the Infected PC:
7. Safely eject the USB flash drive from the clean computer.
8. Boot the infected computer to the Safe Mode.
9. Insert the USB flash drive.
10. Run tk.exe
11. Once the program is open, click on "Full Scan" to begin the malware scanning process.
Step 4: Remove Found Threats:
12. After the scan is complete, Trojan Killer will display a list of detected threats.
13. Click on "Cure PC!" to remove the identified malware from the infected PC.
14. Follow any additional on-screen prompts to complete the removal process.
Step 5: Restart Your Computer:
15. Once the threats are removed, click on "Restart PC" to reboot your computer.
16. Remove the USB flash drive from the infected computer.
Congratulations on effectively removing Wzoq Virus and the concealed threats from your computer! You can now have peace of mind, knowing that they won't resurface again. Thanks to Gridinsoft's capabilities and commitment to cybersecurity, your system is now protected.
Video Guide
How To Decrypt .wzoq Files?
How to restore big files?
Try removing .wzoq extension on a few big files and opening them. This malware has issues with large files encryption. Either the virus scanned and did not lock the file, or it failed 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 Wzqw, Wztt, Jaqw etc.
As a outcome of the modifications 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.
Download and run decryption tool.
Start downloading the decryption tool.
Make sure to launch the decryption utility as an administrator. You need to agree with the license terms that will come up. For this purpose, click on the “Yes” button:
As soon as you accept the license terms, the main decryptor user interface comes up:
Select folders for decryption.
Based on the default configurations, the decryptor will automatically choose the reachable directories in order to decode the currently accessible drives (the connected ones), including the network drives. You can select extra locations with the “Add” button.
Decryptors typically offer several options depending on the specific malware family. The present possible options are shown in the Options tab and can be enabled or deactivated there. You may discover a detailed 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]
✓ 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 .wzoq Files?
In some case ransomware is not doom for your files…
The Wzoq ransomware encryption mechanism sequence is next: it ciphers every file byte-by-byte, then saves a duplicate, deleting (not overriding!) the original file. Thus, the information of the file placement on the disk drive is lost, but the original file is not removed from the drive. The cell, or the sector where this file was stored, can still hold this file, but it is not listed by the file system and can be overwritten by data that has been loaded to this drive after the removal. 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 free 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 adopted the ability to retrieve the files of 400 different formats. Hence, it can be used for data recovery after the Wzoq attack.
First, you need to download this app. It is 100% free, but the developer notifies that there is no guarantee that the files will be recovered. PhotoRec is spread in a pack 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, find and open “qphotorec_win.exe” file. No setup is needed – this 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 Wzoq ransomware.
Upon the launch, you will see the screen showing you the full list of your disk spaces. However, this details are probably irrelevand, because the required menu is placed a bit higher. Click this bar, then choose the disk which was attacked by ransomware.
After choosing the disk, you need to pick the destination folder for the recovered 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 define the file formats. This option is located at the bottom, too. As it was mentioned, PhotoRec can recover the files of about 400 different formats.
Finally, you can start files retrieval by pressing the “Search” button. You will view the screen where the results of the scan and recovery are shown.
Wzoq files recovery Video Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
No way. These files are encrypted by ransomware. The contents of encrypted files are not available until they are decrypted.
If your data remained in the .wzoq 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.
Of course not. Your encrypted files do not pose a threat to the computer. What happened has already happened.
You need GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove active system infections. The virus that encrypted your files is most likely still active and periodically runs a test for the ability to encrypt even more files. Also, these viruses install keyloggers and backdoors for further malicious actions (for example, theft of passwords, credit cards) often.
In this situation, you need to prepare the memory stick with a pre-installed Trojan Killer.
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.
The Wzoq 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.
- Pictures that you shared with family and friends that they can just send back to you.
- Photos that you uploaded on social media or cloud services like Carbonite, OneDrive, iDrive, Google Drive, etc
- Attachments in emails you sent or received and saved.
- Files on an older computer, flash drive, external drive, camera memory card, or iPhone where you transferred data to the infected computer.
If the guide doesn’t help you to remove infection, please download the GridinSoft Anti-Malware that I recommended. Do not forget to share your experience in solving the problem. Please leave a comment here! This can help other victims to understand they are not alone. And together we will find ways to deal with this issue.
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Brendan SmithHow To Restore & Decrypt .WZOQ Files?
Name: WZOQ Ransomware
Description: The WZOQ Virus belongs to the STOP/DJVU family of ransomware infections. This malicious software encrypts various file types, including videos, photos, and documents, which become identifiable by a distinct wzoq extension. As a result, the affected files become inaccessible and unusable. Subsequently, the WZOQ ransomware demands a ransom payment in Bitcoin from its victims, ranging from $490 to $980.
Operating System: Windows
Application Category: Virus
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