These files contain a message that will inform the victim about the attack, how successful it was, and why the victim must pay ransom fees to enable them to receive decryption tools. The note also threatens the victims to fulfil the demands of ransomware operators, or it will lead to a total and irreversible data loss. They will claim that paying a ransom fee enables the victim to receive decryption tools that will restore their files. The criminals also provided two email addresses (support@bestyourmail.ch and datarestorehelp@airmail.cc) for the victim so that one could contact them. Victims that reply to them typically receive an automated message informing them that even though the ransom fee is non-negotiable, they already have a 50% ransom fee slash for victims that can pay within 72 hours of being informed to pay. As a result, instead of the default $980 ransom fee, the victim that can pay within the stipulated three days now has to pay $490. However, only the maximum ransom fee becomes acceptable once the time elapses. For the victim, the challenge before them doesn’t end there because the cybercriminals do not accept direct money transfers or any other form of bank payment. Instead, the only form of payment they allow is cryptocurrency transfer. This is obviously a conscious effort by them to prevent possible arrest by law enforcement agents that may be informed about the ransomware attack. Those that are not making use of cryptocurrency before the attack now find themselves in a difficult position considering they would have to get a wallet address and also understand how crypto works. However, ransomware attack victims are generally advised not to pay a ransom fee to cybercriminals. Likewise, they’re advised not to communicate with them because such contact never yields any positive result. FBI and other recognized global security agencies also support this worldview. Here are some of the reasons why ransom should not be paid:

Existing laws prohibit the payment of a ransom in any form.When you pay a ransom, you’re encouraging cybercriminals to continue attacking their victims.Records have shown that cybercriminals hardly provide decryption tools even after receiving the ransom, so paying ransom is pointless.Ransom funds enable cybercriminals to expand their illegal activities.Those that pay the ransom are usually attacked again going forward.

Additional malware is involved

As can be seen already, OFOQ ransomware virus is destructive. Still, it’s not the only danger associated with it, considering that STOP/DJVU viruses are typically accompanied by RATs, otherwise known as Remote Access Trojans. Their objective is quite different from the primary virus because cybercriminals use them to steal sensitive personal data. What makes them even more dangerous is that they may be operating covertly without the victim knowing about them. That’s another important reason why affected computer users should remove OFOQ ransomware virus ASAP once detected in any computer. The best approach to the current situation is booting the computer in Safe Mode with Networking and running a trustworthy antivirus solution. Afterward, we strongly recommend trying RESTORO (download link) to repair virus damage caused to Windows OS files and remove existing malware remains.

Ransomware Summary

REPAIR VIRUS DAMAGE

How this ransomware reaches target computers: distribution explained

STOP/DJVU ransomware operators deploy diverse distribution methods to spread OFOQ ransomware virus far and wide. Worse still, they seem to be improving their deceptive gimmicks to take many computer owners unawares. However, their operational method remains essentially the same, i.e., infect computers, encrypt files contained in them and demand ransom fees from such victims while promising to make available decryption tools that would restore the files. Primarily, malicious online torrent platforms, P2P sharing of software, and emails with attachments have consistently been responsible for the most infections. In order to spread the malware to a limitless number of computers, the cybercriminals usually clone selected software contents that are highly sought after, embed them with malware, and afterward upload same to malicious online torrent platforms while hoping that unsuspecting users would download them. While the original versions require genuine license keys to be purchased, the pirated versions are made free and easy to download. Some computer users find it irresistible, especially those that don’t like paying the requisite fees for original software content. So they prefer cutting corners by using these cloned versions, but such illegal acts are risky and could lead to ransomware attacks.

The Importance of Protecting Your Computer

A ransomware attack can be frustrating and destabilizing; therefore, it is important to avoid factors that could give rise to it. Going to malicious online torrent platforms or sharing software content using P2P should be totally avoided. Also, emails and attachments that don’t seem to make sense should be avoided. Listed below are some of the popular software contents cybercriminals often clone and use in spreading malware. The reason why they often clone these software contents, and similar ones is likely because they’re in high demand:

Adobe Illustrator;Cubase;League of Legends;Microsoft Office;VMware Workstation;Fifa 22;Internet Download Manager;Corel Draw;AutoCad;Adobe Premiere Pro.

From what could be deducted so far, it is in the user’s best interest to ONLY download their software from the official pages of the copyright owners. By so doing, software users won’t be at risk of ransomware virus attack and the attendant undesirable consequences. It will also help the industry to grow when original content developers are encouraged through patronage of their software contents. Another important tip for those trying to avoid ransomware attacks is to be cautious when checking emails. Ideally, you should only communicate with trustworthy parties and avoid clicking on URLs and email attachments sent by suspicious parties. Do not fall for the common cybercriminals’ trick that relies on a scare tactic – if someone sends you an email claiming your subscription will be renewed, or that you have ordered something that you didn’t, avoid clicking on such emails altogether. It is nothing else but scammers trying to force you to proceed and open a malicious URL or attached file.

Safely Remove OFOQ Ransomware Virus

An infected computer should be set up via Safe Mode with Networking in addition to making use of strong antivirus software to remove OFOQ ransomware virus. Also ensure that the antivirus is always up-to-date and schedule regular computer scans. After deleting OFOQ virus, here are other things that should be done:

Old passwords that were used prior to the attack should be changed without further delay.Your backup should come handy now to help restore lost files.If the option above is not available, you may consider checking online for possible solution but ought to be done with caution.Inform relevant government agencies about the situation.

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.

Method 1. Enter Safe Mode with Networking

Before you try to remove OFOQ Ransomware Virus 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, if you prefer a video version of the tutorial, check our guide How to Start Windows in Safe Mode on Youtube. Instructions for Windows XP/Vista/7 users Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10/11 users Now, you can search for and remove OFOQ 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 security program such as INTEGO Antivirus. For virus damage repair, consider using RESTORO.

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 8/8.1/10/11 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.

Alternative software recommendations

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware 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.

System Mechanic Ultimate Defense If you’re looking for an all-in-one system maintenance suite that has 7 core components providing powerful real-time protection, on-demand malware removal, system optimization, data recovery, password manager, online privacy protection and secure driver wiping technology. Therefore, due to its wide-range of capabilities, System Mechanic Ultimate Defense deserves Geek’s Advice approval. Get it now for 50% off. You may also be interested in its full review.

Disclaimer. This site includes affiliate links. We may earn a small commission by recommending certain products, at no additional cost for you. We only choose quality software and services to recommend.

Decrypt OFOQ files

Fix and open large OFOQ files easily:

It is reported that STOP/DJVU ransomware versions encrypt only the beginning 150 KB of each file to ensure that the virus manages to affect all files on the system. In some cases, the malicious program might skip some files at all. That said, we recommend testing this method on several big (>1GB) files first.

STOP/DJVU decryption tool usage guide

STOP/DJVU ransomware versions are grouped into old and new variants. OFOQ Ransomware Virus is considered the new STOP/DJVU variant, just like BPTO, ISWR, ISZA, BPSM, ZOUU, MBTF, ZNSM (find full list here). This means full data decryption is now possible only if you have been affected by offline encryption key. To decrypt your files, you will have to download Emsisoft Decryptor for STOP DJVU, a tool created and maintained by a genius security researcher Michael Gillespie. Note! Please do not spam the security researcher with questions whether he can recover your files encrypted with online key - it is not possible. In order to test the tool and see if it can decrypt OFOQ files, follow the given tutorial.

Meanings of decryptor’s messages

The OFOQ decryption tool might display several different messages after failed attempt to restore your files. You might receive one of the following messages: Error: Unable to decrypt file with ID: [example ID] This message typically means that there is no corresponding decryption key in the decryptor’s database. No key for New Variant online ID: [example ID]Notice: this ID appears to be an online ID, decryption is impossible This message informs that your files were encrypted with online key, meaning no one else has the same encryption/decryption key pair, therefore data recovery without paying the criminals is impossible. Result: No key for new variant offline ID: [example ID]This ID appears to be an offline ID. Decryption may be possible in the future. If you were informed that an offline key was used, but files could not be restored, it means that the offline decryption key isn’t available yet. However, receiving this message is extremely good news, meaning that it might be possible to restore your OFOQ extension files in the future. It can take a few months until the decryption key gets found and uploaded to the decryptor. We recommend you to follow updates regarding the decryptable DJVU versions here. We strongly recommend backing up your encrypted data and waiting.

Victims of OFOQ Ransomware Virus should report the Internet crime incident to the official government fraud and scam website according to their country:

In the United States, go to the On Guard Online website.In Australia, go to the SCAMwatch website.In Germany, go to the Bundesamt für Sicherheit in der Informationstechnik website.In Ireland, go to the An Garda Síochána website.In New Zealand, go to the Consumer Affairs Scams website.In the United Kingdom, go to the Action Fraud website.In Canada, go to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.In India, go to Indian National Cybercrime Reporting Portal.In France, go to the Agence nationale de la sécurité des systèmes d’information.

If you can’t find an authority corresponding to your location on this list, we recommend using any search engine to look up “[your country name] report cyber crime”. This should lead you to the right authority website. We also recommend staying away from third-party crime report services that are often paid. It costs nothing to report Internet crime to official authorities. Another recommendation is to contact your country’s or region’s federal police or communications authority.