Remove BGZQ Ransomware Virus (DECRYPT .bgzq FILES)

remove BGZQ ransomware virus and learn how to decrypt or repair files with .bgzq extension (free guide)

BGZQ ransomware locks files, demands a payment

Contents

BGZQ ransomware locks files, demands a payment
- Unveiling the message behind _readme.txt
How ransomware operates
- Ransomware Summary
Distribution of file-encrypting malware, explained
Remove BGZQ ransomware virus from your computer
Decrypt BGZQ files
Frequently Asked Questions

BGZQ ransomware is a file-encrypting computer virus that locks all data on the system it infects. Our team has discovered that it is the 864th variant of the infamous STOP/DJVU ransomware. Once this malware runs on the system, it encrypts all files and makes them distinguishable by appending .bgzq file extension to each filename. Afterwards, each file appears to have a blank icon. In addition, victims may discover _readme.txt ransom notes dropped by the malware in each data folder.

See the given example of how this ransomware renames files: originally 1.jpg, 2.txt and 3.docx, file names will appear as 1.jpg.bgzq, 2.txt.bgzq and 3.docx.bgzq after encryption.

BGZQ ransomware operators seek to make victim’s personal files inaccessible and cause distress by taking away access to important work, study or personal data. They take files hostage and demand a payment to set them free. This is explained in the text notes dropped on the compromised system.

Unveiling the message behind _readme.txt

BGZQ ransomware operators provide the purpose of the cyber attack in a ransom note called _readme.txt. The message is simple: the virus has encrypted data in order to take files hostage, and now the victim is expected to pay a ransom in order to set the data free. The note shortly explains that there are no tools capable to decrypt .bgzq files other than the ones provided by the criminals.

The price of the said decryption tools is $999, as stated in the ransom note. The criminals may slash it to $499, as they offer a discount for victims who rush to contact the attackers within 72 hours (3 days). However, cybersecurity experts do not recommend communicating with the criminals, as paying them simply keeps their illegal business active, besides, there are no guarantees that promised decryption tools will be provided.

The ransomware operators typically demand purchasing cryptocurrency such as Bitcoin worth the ransom amount, and then they instruct victims to transfer the sum to their virtual wallet. Doing so prevents law enforcement agencies from tracking the criminals.

The ransom note provides two emails so that the computer user could contact them: support@freshingmail.top or datarestorehelpyou@airmail.cc. The criminals also suggest test decryption service on one small file that doesn’t contain valuable information.

At the end of the _readme.txt file, victims can find their personal ID, and the very first 4 digits of it indicate the variant of STOP/DJVU. In this case, it is the 864th variant using .bgzq extension.

How ransomware operates

Ransomware, a type of malicious software, gains access to target computer systems through a variety of distribution methods (you can learn more about them in the distribution section below). Once the ransomware payload is activated, it initiates malicious processes to encrypt all data stored on the computer.

STOP/DJVU ransomware is one of the most widespread file-locking viruses, known for its wide range of variants, each using a different extension to mark affected files. Some of the latest versions include KAAA, BGJS, and the discussed variant, BGZQ virus.

This ransomware strain is known to employ sophisticated encryption methods, including usage of online and offline encryption keys, to encrypt files on the compromised system despite having communication with its Command&Control server or not. In cases where offline encryption is applied to files, there is a slight possibility of data decryption in the future. Conversely, files encrypted using online encryption method typically leave data backups as the sole way of successful data recovery. You can read more about these encryption methods and how to understand which one was used on your files here.

According to our analysis of malware samples, BGZQ virus typically drags additional malware into the infected system. VIDAR, RedLine, and AZORULT are some of the examples of information-stealers that travel in tandem with STOP/DJVU variants. These listed threats are capable of stealing passwords, browsing-related information, cryptocurrency wallets and other sensitive data.

Ransomware is a complex computer threat and it creates a lot of damage to the computer system; it tends to drop various files, hijack legitimate processes, take control of user permissions and modify various files to gain persistence on the compromised system.

Therefore, in order to remove BGZQ ransomware virus and related threats from the system, we strongly recommend using a professional AV software. Our team recommends a trustworthy and powerful antivirus software for this task – INTEGO Antivirus. You can find complete removal instructions below this article. Additionally, victims should see these currently available STOP/DJVU ransomware decryption solutions.

Ransomware Summary

Name	BGZQ Ransomware Virus
Type	Ransomware; Crypto-malware; Virtual Extortion Virus
Family	STOP/DJVU
Encryption type	RSA 2048 + Salsa20
Previous versions	KAAA, BGJS, BGZQ (find full list here)
Version	864th
Extension	.bgzq
Cybercriminal emails	datarestorehelpyou@airmail.cc and support@freshingmail.top
Additional malware dropped	Azorult, RedLine or Vidar
Damage	The ransomware uses encryption to maliciously modify all files on the PC and marks their original names with .bgzq extension. Ransom notes called as _readme.txt will be dropped in every computer folder. This piece of malware usually drags VIDAR Stealer alongside it and also eliminates VSS from the system. On top of that, it tends to modify Windows HOSTS file to restrict computer user’s access to cybersecurity-related websites online.
Ransom note	_readme.txt
Ransom demand	$499-$999 in Bitcoin
Distribution	Victims often download this ransomware along illegal torrent downloads, cracked software, activators, key generators or tools like KMSPico.
Known software cracks to contain this malware	Corel Draw, Tenorshare 4ukey, Adobe Photoshop, Cubase, Adobe Illustrator, Internet Download Manager, Tally, HP/Epson printer drivers, League of Legends.
Detection names	Trojan:Win32/RiseProStealer.SPDG!MTB (Microsoft), Trojan.GenericKD.72216572 (B) (Emsisoft), HEUR:Trojan.Win32.Strab.pef (Kaspersky), Trojan.GenericKD.72216572 (BitDefender), Trojan.MalPack.GS (Malwarebytes), ML.Attribute.HighConfidence (Symantec) see all detection name variations on VirusTotal
Removal	Remove ransomware and related malware from your PC using trustworthy software like INTEGO Antivirus.

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Distribution of file-encrypting malware, explained

STOP/DJVU ransomware variants such as BGZQ virus and others are distributed via shady download websites, malicious email attachments, malicious ads promoting fake software updates, and other methods.

Malicious software cracks are used by cybercriminals to trick unsuspecting computer users into downloading STOP/DJVU ransomware and similar malware. These cracks are often disguised as legitimate software activation tools or key generators, promising users free access to paid software. Unfortunately, once such malicious download is opened by the user, the system gets infected with malware instantly.

Unfortunately, users should never opt for such illegal software activation tools. The financial damage caused by ransomware and other malware cannot be compared to prices of legitimate software license. Sadly, search engines display malicious websites in the results as soon as computer users enter a search query consisting of a software name and crack.

Malicious email spam is also a popular distribution technique among threat actors. The criminals often compose emails pretending to be representatives of well-known companies, banks or law-enforcement agencies. Such emails usually contain an attachment, named as outstanding invoice, parcel tracking details, or similar. If the victim falls for the bait and opens it, the malware infects the system.

Finally, ransomware is also known to spread via malicious online ads. Such ads can be found on untrustworthy websites, such as illegal movie streaming websites, gambling sites, adult-only websites and similar. Therefore, if you ever encounter a pop-up claiming you need to install a software update urgently, do not fall for it. Instead, check for software updates through legitimate and official websites only.

Remove BGZQ ransomware virus from your computer

Ransomware is a sophisticated malware, so we do not recommend choosing manual removal option. Instead, choose a trustworthy antivirus software like INTEGO Antivirus to remove BGZQ ransomware. This AV solution can remove detected threats and protect you from future attacks in real-time. Besides, it uses state-of-the-art technology to detect advanced threats.

You can find detailed BGZQ ransomware removal instructions below. Afterward, we recommend changing all of your passwords (due to activity of information-stealing malware that accompanies the described ransomware variant).

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BGZQ Ransomware Virus Removal Guidelines

Method 1. Enter Safe Mode with Networking

Step 1. Start Windows in Safe Mode with Networking

Before you try to remove BGZQ 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

First of all, turn off your PC. Then press the Power button to start it again and instantly start pressing F8 button on your keyboard repeatedly in 1-second intervals. This launches the Advanced Boot Options menu.
Use arrow keys on the keyboard to navigate down to Safe Mode with Networking option and press Enter.

Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10/11 users

Open Windows Start menu, then press down the Power button. On your keyboard, press down and hold the Shift key, and then select Restart option.
This will take you to Windows Troubleshoot screen. Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings > Restart. Tip: If you can't find Startup Settings, click See more recovery options.
In Startup Settings, press the right key between F1-F9 to enter Safe Mode with Networking. In this case, it is the F5 key.

Step 2. Remove files associated with the virus

Now, you can search for and remove BGZQ 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.

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Method 2. Use System Restore

In order to use System Restore, you must have a system restore point, created either manually or automatically.

Step 1. Boot Windows in Safe Mode with Command Prompt

Instructions for Windows XP/Vista/7 users

Shut down your PC. Start it again by pressing the Power button and instantly start pressing F8 button on your keyboard repeatedly in 1-second intervals. You will see Advanced Boot Options menu.
Using arrow keys on the keyboard, navigate down to Safe Mode with Command Prompt option and press Enter.

Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10/11 users

Launch Windows Start menu, then click the Power button. On your keyboard, press down and hold the Shift key, and then choose Restart option with the mouse cursor.
This will take you to Windows Troubleshoot screen. Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings > Restart. Tip: If you can't find Startup Settings, click See more recovery options.
In Startup Settings, press the right key between F1-F9 to enter Safe Mode with Command Prompt. In this case, press F6 key.

Step 2. Start System Restore process

Wait until system loads and command prompt shows up.
Type cd restore and press Enter, then type rstrui.exe and press Enter. Or you can just type %systemroot%system32restorerstrui.exe in command prompt and hit Enter.
This launches System Restore window. Click Next and then choose a System Restore point created in the past. Choose one that was created before ransomware infection.
Click Yes to begin the system restoration process.

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.

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Decrypt BGZQ files

Fix and open large BGZQ 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.

Create a copy of encrypted file to a separate folder using Copy > Paste commands.
Now, right-click the created copy and choose Rename. Select the BGZQ extension and delete it. Press Enter to save changes.
In the prompt asking whether you want to make the changes as file might become unusable, click OK.
Try opening the file.

STOP/DJVU decryption tool usage guide

STOP/DJVU ransomware versions are grouped into old and new variants. BGZQ Ransomware Virus is considered the new STOP/DJVU variant, just like KAAA, BGJS, BGZQ (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 BGZQ files, follow the given tutorial.

Download the decryption tool from Emsisoft.
Click the little arrow next to your download and choose Show in Folder.
Now, right-click the file and choose Run as Administrator. If asked, enter administrator's password.
In UAC window, click Yes.
Click Yes to agree to software terms in both windows.
The tool will automatically include C:// disk as a location to decrypt. The file recovery tool will prepopulate the locations to scan, including connected data storage drives or network drives. Click Add folder if you wish to add additional locations.
In Options tab, you can choose to keep encrypted file copies. We recommend leaving this option selected, especially if you do not know if the decryption tool will work.
Click Decrypt to start restoring BGZQ files. You will see the progress in the Results tab. Here, you can see messages from the tool, such as whether the decryption procedure is successful, or you need to wait for an update.
You might also be informed that online key was used to encrypt your files. In such case, the decryption tool won't work for you, and the only way to recover your files is to use a data backup.

Meanings of decryptor's messages

The BGZQ 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 BGZQ 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.

Report Internet crime to legal departments

Victims of BGZQ 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

✓ How can I open .BGZQ files?

You can only open BGZQ files if you have the decryption key, or if you were affected by offline encryption type.

✓ How do I know if my files were encrypted with offline or online encryption?

To figure out whether you were affected by offline encryption, please go to C:/SystemID/PersonalID.txt and see if the string inside of it ends in t1. You can also try using Emsisoft Decryptor for STOP/DJVU.

✓ My files contain very important information (family memories). Every tool I used says it is impossible to decrypt. What should I do?

Please follow the guidances provided by the official BGZQ decryption tools and believe what they say. If they say it is impossible to decrypt, it really is so. There is no magic tool or human capable of decrypting your files hiding somewhere. Encryption is a technique created to be nearly impossible to decrypt without a special private key (held by the criminals).

✓ I am afraid virus is still in my computer system. What should I do?

We advise scanning with anti-virus, anti-malware, malware removal tools or software like RESTORO to eliminate virus damage on the system. If you do not trust using a single tool, try running one after another. However, we do not recommend keeping several security programs on a computer at once as they can interfere with each other's work.

✓ I saw several Youtube videos suggesting secret decryption tools. Can I trust them?

Beware of fake BGZQ decryption tools circulating around the web. Cyber criminals are uploading them to various shady websites, also might be promoting them via suspicious Youtube videos. These programs can infect your computer even more heavily (Trojans, miners, etc.). We suggest being extremely cautious around the web. If there will be an official STOP/DJVU decryption tool available, it will be widely discussed in public media.

Norbert Webb

Norbert Webb is the head of Geek’s Advice team. He is the chief editor of the website who controls the quality of content published. The man also loves reading cybersecurity news, testing new software and sharing his insights on them. Norbert says that following his passion for information technology was one of the best decisions he has ever made. “I don’t feel like working while I’m doing something I love.” However, the geek has other interests, such as snowboarding and traveling.