Viruses

Developed by the Djvu family, Goaq Ransomware is a malicious program that runs extensive encryption of personal data. It uses popular, yet strong algorithms to put the stored files under severe lock. This, therefore, prevents users from succeeding in manual decryption. Knowing that users will not be able to recover files on their own, cybercriminals offer to decrypt data using their tools for a certain amount of money. The details that are presented inside a text note called _readme.txt, which is created after Goaq assigns new extensions to data. Specifically, it adds the .goaq extension so that encrypted files would look something like this 1.pdf.goaq. As soon as such changes are done, users will be no longer eligible to access their data.

This article contains information about Gosw Ransomware version of STOP Ransomware that adds .gosw extensions to encrypted files, and creates ransom note files on the desktop and in the folders with affected files. Unfortunately, the encryption algorithm of this ransomware is currently unbreakable, but there are small chances to restore your files, that we describe in this text. Gosw Ransomware is actively distributed in the following countries: USA, Canada, Spain, Mexico, Turkey, Egypt, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, Venezuela, Germany, Poland, Hungary, Indonesia, Thailand. This variation first appeared in the beginning of March 2023 and is almost identical to the previous dozens of variations. Ransomware virus still uses AES encryption algorithm and still demands a ransom in Bitcoin for decryption.

Alice Ransomware is a malicious program designed to encrypt users' personal data and demand money for its decryption. While enciphering access to files with the help of secure algorithms, the file-encryptor also assigns the .alice extension to encrypted data. For instance, a file like 1.pdf will likely change to 1.pdf.alice and reset its original icon. Many ransomware infections assign their custom extension in order to distinguish encrypted files and make users notice the change. Instructions on how to return the files are presented within the How To Restore Your Files.txt text file, which gets created after successful encryption. This text note features guidelines written in Russian, which indicates this encryptor aims mainly at Russian-speaking users. It is worth noting that Alice has been seen distributed in two variants with slightly varying ransom note text.

STOP Ransomware is a plague of 2017-2023, tenacious virus based on encryption technology, Qotr Ransomware is a recent version of it. Ransomware uses the AES encryption algorithm to encode important files and extorts a ransom in Bitcoins for decryption. This malware aims at western countries mostly, but there've been thousands of infections detected in other parts of the world. Qotr Ransomware uses the same patterns but adds different extensions to modify the files. The version that we observe today appends .qotr extension. The crypto-virus affects the user's valuable data: photos, videos, and documents, it takes hostage potentially critical files. At the same time, it keeps Windows system files intact. All recent versions used a ransom note file called _readme.txt, and this variation is not an exception. All samples belong to the same authors, as they use the same contact details: support@freshmail.top and datarestorehelp@airmail.cc.

Qoqa Ransomware (that is a part of a large family of STOP/Djvu Ransomware) is an obnoxious virus, that encrypts files on computers using the AES encryption algorithm, makes them unavailable, and demands money in exchange for so-called "decryptor". Files processed by the latest version of STOP Ransomware, in particular, can be distinguished by .qoqa extensions. The analysis showed that the cryptographic installer loaded with the "crack" or adware is installed under an arbitrary name in the %LocalAppData%\ folder. When executed, it loads four executable files there: 1.exe, 2.exe, 3.exe and updatewin.exe. The first of them is responsible for neutralizing Windows Defender, the second is for blocking access to information security sites. After the malware is launched, a fake message appears on the screen that says about installing the update for Windows. In fact, at this moment, almost all user files on the computer are encrypted. In each folder containing encrypted documents, a text file (_readme.txt) appears, in which attackers explain the operation of the virus. They offer to pay them a ransom for decryption, urging them not to use third-party programs, as this can lead to the deletion of all documents.

Roghe is a ransomware virus targeting personal data of victims. After the malware infects a targeted system, it starts encryption of potentially important files making them inaccessible until a decryption key is retrieved. During the encryption process, Roghe Ransomware assigns the .enc extension to infected files. For instance, a file like 1.pdf will turn to 1.pdf.enc and so forth with other affected files. Once all files become enciphered, the virus changes the desktop wallpapers and force-opens a pop-up window that features decryption guidelines. The text featured on newly-assigned wallpapers lets users know they have been infected and encourages them to follow instructions from the opened pop-up window. In addition, it also features a QR code leading to more information about the malware. The "Roghe Decryptor" window says victims have 15 minutes to retrieve the key and paste it for unlocking access to files - otherwise, the encrypted files will be deleted forever. It also says that within 20 minutes operating system will be inaccessible, essentially becoming locked.

New wave of STOP Ransomware infection continues with Qowd Ransomware, that appends .qowd extensions. STOP Ransomware was first detected in 2018 and has since evolved into one of the most prevalent types of ransomware. Those ".qowd" extensions are added to encrypted files in the end of February 2023. This tricky virus uses the AES encryption algorithm to encode users' important information. As a rule, Qowd Ransomware attacks photos, videos, and documents - data, that people value. The malware developers extort ransom and promise to provide a decryption key in return. Full decryption of lost data is possible in a minority of cases, if an offline encryption key was used, otherwise, use instructions on the page to recover enciphered files. The ransomware also creates a ransom note (_readme.txt) that informs the victim about the attack and demands payment in Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies in exchange for the decryption key.

Iotr Ransomware (sometimes called STOP Ransomware or DjVu Ransomware) is a wide-spread encryption virus, that first appeared in December 2017. Since then, lots of technical and design changes took place, and a few generations of malware changed. Ransomware uses the AES-256 (CFB-mode) encryption algorithm to encode user's files, and after this last version (appeared in the end of February 2023) appends .iotr extensions. After encryption, virus creates a text file _readme.txt, which is called "ransom note", where hackers disclose ransom amount, contact information, and instructions to pay it. STOP Ransomware with .iotr file extensions use following e-mails: support@freshmail.top and datarestorehelp@airmail.cc, just like dozens of its predecessors.