The primary purpose of this REQG ransomware virus is to pressure the owners of the infected system by keeping their important files as hostages. The type of encryption this virus uses is considered to be of military grade, which is why the the attackers expect the ransom to be paid. An abstract of the whole process of virus attacking is explained. Only the first 150KB of each file is encrypted, which allows the virus to not slow down and to make all the files inaccessible. Fortunately, this also allows restoring of the certain specific format files as explained here in this guide. As mentioned earlier, the price of the ransom depends upon how fast the victim gets in touch with the attacker, if he manages to write them within 72 hours of the attack and can settle an agreement between him and them, a special discount of 50% off is given by the attackers. This means that the tools and the decryption key associated with the attack will cost them $490, otherwise, it will cost the victim $980 if one doesn’t manage to meet the attackers demands in the given period. The attackers want to stay off the radar and want to be untraceable, which is why they demand this ransom in the form of cryptocurrency. Victims are required to buy a specific amount of cryptocurrency which they have to transfer to the attacker’s crypto wallet. To make sure that the victim meets the demand of attackers, test decryption on one small file is always offered by the attacker.  Many law enforcement agencies like the FBI as well as cybersecurity experts advise not to pay the ransom. Here are some reasons they have mention why this is wrongful:

Ransomware modus operandi

The main procedure behind the attack includes a deceptive process called winupdate.exe, where a fake window update prompts on the screen of the user. This makes the user believe that their system is working slowly due to pending updates and not because of a malicious virus. The malware also makes sure to delete all the volume shadow copies from the computer using the CMD command: Vssadmin.exe Delete Shadows /All /Quiet This part of the virus’ algorithm prevents the users from restoring their system’s files using the built-in system restore points if these were available in the computer before the cyberattack. The next step in the algorithm causes the Windows HOSTS file to prevent its users from accessing a list of domains. This file is used to map domains to the victim’s localhost IP, this will further prevent the user from reaching some specific websites. The DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error will be shown in the web browser every time the user tries to reach any of these sites.  The virus makes sure that all the websites related to cybersecurity and cyberattacks remain inaccessible to the user. The developers of the virus make sure that the user remains away from reaching the self-help information websites, and lastly, the REQG ransomware drops a bowsakkdestx.txt  which contains all the information related to the victim’s encryption key and their ID along with PersonalID.txt which contains the identification string of victim in their computer. A screenshot of the said files is given down below. The said ransomware also compromises victim’s computer by dropping a silent information stealer, namely AZORULT. It’s functionalities are flexible as criminals can use it to perform various actions on victim’s computer remotely. Some of the possible acts are listed below: The damage that could be done by this malware is not measurable and it’s advised to remove REQG ransomware virus from your computer as quickly as possible. Some of the ways that you can use to eliminate or reduce the impact of the cyberattack on your computer are as followed. First, we recommend reading the instructions given below and run robust antivirus solution such as INTEGO Antivirus. Additionally, scanning your computer with the RESTORO can be beneficial to repair virus damage on Windows OS files.

Ransomware Summary

REPAIR VIRUS DAMAGE

Ransomware distribution techniques

Every STOP/DJVU malware variant, including REQG ransomware, tends to travel along variety of illegal downloads. Typically, such viruses come in a form of malicious software cracks or other copyright-protected torrents. Most of the victims have associated Adobe Photoshop and Corel Draw to be two of the most infectious applications while they were trying to obtain them illegally. Other applications that have drawn attention to themselves while obtaining them illegally includes:

CubaseAdobe illustrator Windows activation tools such as KMSPico

It’s the nature of the human to get things for free, therefore, many computer users try to get these expensive software versions for free, and cybercriminals take advantage of this situation. They set traps for computer users by uploading various infectious downloads on untrustworthy file sharing sites. Unfortunately, users usually ignore all the potential malware warnings given by their computer security software when opening these kinds of sites. It is advised that to avoid getting infectious files on your computer it’s better to download applications only from a legitimate sources. It’s a better practice to support the software developers by visiting their official websites and buying a unique working version of the program that you need rather than paying a lot more to these greedy cybercriminals.  Ransomware viruses are not limited to just websites, they are also distributed in the form of the email attachment. The attackers inject the infectious code in the following document formats: PDF, DOCS, XLS, and the attackers name their invoice, pending approvals, parcel, delivery, or tracking details. Criminals get their list of potential targets to form various online data leaks and it’s advised to look for potential malicious email when using the steps explained below. Our team suggests that it’s better to ignore these kinds of emails even if you have the slightest suspicion. If you start questioning yourself ”why am I getting this email” or “was I supposed to receive it?” it is better to delete it. Do ot bother yourself by opening such kinds of emails as there’s a high chance of them being infectious. If unfortunately, you have fallen victim to REQG ransomware or any other version of STOP/DJVU, it is better to choose reputable information sources online rather than inspecting every website that suggests fake STOP/DJVU software tools. They can impact your system a lot and can compromise it with other ransomware strains, for instance, ZORAB. In short, the cybercriminal will try to double-encrypt a system whose owner is already trying to find ways to escape current situation and recover piles of encrypted personal files. 

Remove REQG ransomware virus and decrypt your files

To fully secure your computer it is advised to eliminate all malware remains. Therefore, we strongly recommend you to remove REQG ransomware virus according to given instructions. In addition, appropriate steps should be taken to ensure that this kind of malware doesn’t affect your system again. For the removal of the virus, we advise using INTEGO Antivirus which also helps to ensure the safety of your computer by providing robust real-time protection. Additionally, we recommend you to download RESTORO to repair virus damage on Windows OS files. Following appropriate actions are required after you have successfully completed REQG virus removal from your system. 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 REQG 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 REQG 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 REQG files

Fix and open large REQG 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. REQG 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 REQG files, follow the given tutorial.

Meanings of decryptor’s messages

The REQG 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 REQG 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 REQG 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.