QEWE ransomware virus attacks personal files to demand ransom in BitcoinContents of the ransom note _readme.txtDetails regarding the encryption procedure and file recoveryThreat SummaryRansomware distribution: avoid installing virus that breaks your filesRemove QEWE ransomware virus for good
Once installed on the target system, the ransomware disables security software and deletes volume shadow copies, preventing the victim from using these default Windows backups to restore data. During the attack, the malware showcases a fake Windows update screen to trick the victim into thinking that there is nothing suspicious, and that a simple OS update is making the system function slower. In addition, QEWE virus modifies Windows hosts file and adds various computer and Information Technology related websites to an exclusion list, making them inaccessible to the victim. Meanwhile, QEWE file virus uses complex cryptography algorithms to render files on victim’s computer useless. In other words, once the malicious program encrypts them, the only tool that can revert them back to normal is the private decryption key held by criminals in their servers. To obtain this key, the victim must pay the ransom, as explained in the _readme.txt ransom note. If you have been affected by this virus, we strongly encourage you to remove it using instructions provided below. To identify virus damage to your computer system and files, also to identify security, stability and hardware issues, we recommend scanning system with RESTORO.
Contents of the ransom note _readme.txt
QEWE ransomware seeks to force victims pay the ransom, and explains such demand in the text file it drops on every folder containing modified data. The ransom note is named _readme.txt and starts with a promising message “ATTENTION! Don’t worry, you can return all your files!“, which is then followed by a requirement to purchase a decryption tool along with unique key. The note explains that the criminals can decrypt one file for free if the victim contacts them via helpdatarestore@firemail.cc or helpmanager@mail.ch, supplying the Personal ID specified in the ransom note. Conditions for the ransom price are as follows: if the victim contacts criminals via 72 hours (3 full days) starting from the infection timestamp, the criminals lower the ransom price to $490, but if the victim contacts and pays them later, the ransom price skyrockets to $980 in Bitcoin.
Details regarding the encryption procedure and file recovery
QEWE ransomware virus is extremely dangerous as the way it encrypts the files are hardly reversible. However, you can always try tools like RESTORO to reverse virus damage on Windows operating system files. When it comes to personal files encryption, the virus uses either online or offline encryption type. The difference is that with online encryption the malware obtains the individual encryption key from its remote server. When it comes to offline encryption, the virus uses an in-built key to corrupt files. To recover your files, you should be using data backups created prior to the ransomware attack. You can also go to STOP Decryption guide and see if you can restore your files using the said tool.
Threat Summary
Ransomware distribution: avoid installing virus that breaks your files
QEWE ransomware virus comes from DJVU ransomware family, and it means that its main distribution channel is illegal downloads. To be precise, these ransom-demanding and file-encrypting programs (such as LEZP, JOPE, OPQZ) spread via software cracks, keygens, illegal software license activation tools, such as KMSPico. If you cannot resist the urge to download illegal files from the Internet, remember that you risk downloading a malicious payload alongside them, and without exceptional cybersecurity skills, most likely you won’t notice silent malware processes that wreak havoc on the system. The result will be loads of inaccessible files, such as work documents or precious memories, gone for good. However, although STOP/DJVU ransomware variants are currently widely widespread infections, there are other ransomware variants, such as NEMTY, PHOBOS, or SODINOKIBI. In general, in order to avoid ransomware attacks, you should:
Never download suspicious files from the Internet.Avoid clicking on email attachments or links without double-checking if they come from trustworthy sources.Keep a real-time protection on (if you’re using a security software).Backup your files regularly.Keep all your software up-to-date.
Remove QEWE ransomware virus for good
Remove QEWE ransomware virus to cleanse your system from malicious software remains, and protect the system from future attacks. Please use the guide given below. In addition, we recommend checking your system’s security status or repair virus damage on Windows OS files using RESTORO. Once the QEWE ransomware removal is complete, you can continue using your computer safely. In addition, we recommend changing all of your passwords, including those saved in your browser, to protect your accounts from possible attacks. As mentioned before, the malware that comes along the described ransomware was capable to steal private login data, and that it is why we recommend changing the credentials now. OUR GEEKS RECOMMEND Our team recommends a two-step rescue plan to remove ransomware and other remaining malware from your computer, plus repair caused virus damage to the system: GeeksAdvice.com editors select recommended products based on their effectiveness. We may earn a commission from affiliate links, at no additional cost to you. Learn more. Get INTEGO ANTIVIRUS for Windows to remove ransomware, Trojans, adware and other spyware and malware variants and protect your PC and network drives 24/7. This VB100-certified security software uses state-of-art technology to provide protection against ransomware, Zero-Day attacks and advanced threats, Intego Web Shield blocks dangerous websites, phishing attacks, malicious downloads and installation of potentially unwanted programs. Use INTEGO Antivirus to remove detected threats from your computer. Read full review here. RESTORO provides a free scan that helps to identify hardware, security and stability issues and presents a comprehensive report which can help you to locate and fix detected issues manually. It is a great PC repair software to use after you remove malware with professional antivirus. The full version of software will fix detected issues and repair virus damage caused to your Windows OS files automatically. RESTORO uses AVIRA scanning engine to detect existing spyware and malware. If any are found, the software will eliminate them. Read full review here.
Alternative software recommendations
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware
Method 1. Enter Safe Mode with Networking
Before you try to remove the virus, you must start your computer in Safe Mode with Networking. Below, we provide the easiest ways to boot PC in the said mode, but you can find additional ones in this in-depth tutorial on our website – How to Start Windows in Safe Mode. Also, see a video tutorial on how to do it: Instructions for Windows XP/Vista/7 users Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10 users Now, you can search for and remove QEWE Ransomware Virus files. It is very hard to identify files and registry keys that belong to the ransomware virus, Besides, malware creators tend to rename and change them repeatedly. Therefore, the easiest way to uninstall such type of a computer virus is to use a reliable malware removal program. In addition, we suggest trying a combination of INTEGO Antivirus (removes malware and protects your PC in real-time) and RESTORO (repairs virus damage to Windows OS files).
Method 2. Use System Restore
In order to use System Restore, you must have a system restore point, created either manually or automatically. Instructions for Windows XP/Vista/7 users Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10 users After restoring the system, we recommend scanning the system with antivirus or anti-malware software. In most cases, there won’t be any malware remains, but it never hurts to double-check. In addition, we highly recommend checking ransomware prevention guidelines provided by our experts in order to protect your PC against similar viruses in the future. Removing spyware and malware is one step towards cybersecurity. To protect yourself against ever-evolving threats, we strongly recommend purchasing a Premium version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware, which provides security based on artificial intelligence and machine learning. Includes ransomware protection. See pricing options and protect yourself now.
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