Remove CADQ Ransomware Virus (DECRYPT .cadq FILES)

remove CADQ ransomware virus and decrypt files

CADQ ransomware locks your personal files using RSA encryption

Contents

CADQ ransomware locks your personal files using RSA encryption
- Ransomware developers demand paying a ransom for data decryption
Learn to avoid ransomware infections: common distribution tricks
Remove CADQ ransomware virus easily and recover encrypted files
Decrypt CADQ files
Frequently Asked Questions

CADQ ransomware is the 282nd version of STOP/DJVU file-encrypting virus. Once run, this program scans all computer folders for target files and encrypts with with RSA algorithm, adding .cadq extensions to original file names. For instance, file called 1.jpg becomes 1.jpg.cadq after the attack. Next, the virus drops information files called _readme.txt in every folder. These are also known as ransom notes from the cybercriminals who demand paying $490-$980 in Bitcoin for full data decryption. To get further information on how to transfer the money, the criminals suggest writing to helpmanager@airmail.cc or helpteam@mail.ch.

CADQ virus not only damages your files, it also installs a password-stealing AZORULT Trojan on the system. This malware is capable of stealing sensitive information including login credentials, cryptocurrency, browser cookies and related data from the system and uploading it to criminals’ Command&Control server. The ransomware then deletes Volume Shadow Copies from the infected computer to prevent victim from restoring part of the data for free. To make matters even worse, it adds a list of computer-related domains to Windows HOSTS file, which blocks victim’s access to them.

Common symptom of STOP/DJVU infection is a fake Windows update screen the ransomware displays via updatewin.exe process to justify sudden system slowdown.

After the ransomware attack, all personal files become inaccessible and each folder contains a ransom note.

Ransomware developers demand paying a ransom for data decryption

CADQ ransomware that infected your Windows PC was created to be a virtual extortion tool for cybercriminals. Its main purpose is to lock files on your computer and keep the decryption key on criminals’ servers. This key can recover your files, but cybercriminals want money for it. The whole scheme is explained in _readme.txt note dropped in every infected folder.

The criminals reassure the victim that files can be recovered, and that the victim can even test the decryption tool by sending one encrypted file to the criminals via provided emails. The attackers promise to respond with further information and a decrypted file version. However, the note warns not to send a large file or one that contains valuable information – the criminals are afraid that decryption of such file would repel the victim from paying the ransom.

Screenshot of the _readme.txt file dropped by the ransomware virus.

If the victim wants to purchase the .cadq decryption tool, the criminals provide their conditions regarding its price. According to the note, if the victim reaches out to them within 72 hours, the ransom price will be $490. Otherwise, it rises to $980. The only way to contact the attackers is writing to given emails – helpteam@mail.ch and helpmanager@airmail.cc.

Let us remind you that paying ransoms to cybercriminals is never a good idea. In certain cases, the crooks do not provide working tools for data decryption. Moreover, paying for criminals and supporting their filthy business simply is wrong and keeps the whole cybercrime industry going. Finally, you should know that paying the ransom is illegal in certain nations.

To protect your computer from further infections and secure it, we recommend you to install a good anti-malware software of your choice and remove CADQ ransomware virus safely. To get rid of unwanted remains and repair virus damage on Windows OS files, consider downloading and scanning with RESTORO.

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Name	CADQ Ransomware Virus
Type	Ransomware; Crypto-malware; Virtual Extortion Virus
Family	STOP/DJVU
Version	282nd
Extension	.cadq
Damage	The ransomware employs RSA algorithm to maliciously encrypt files on victim’s computer or network. Next, it may install AZORULT malware. Finally, the virus deletes Volume Shadow Copies and adds a list of domains to block in Windows HOSTS file.
Ransom note	_readme.txt
Ransom demand	$490-$980 in Bitcoin
Distribution	Awaits in various torrent downloads, typically software cracks and keygens or tools like KMSPico. Once executed, downloads and runs ransomware on the system
Detection names	Trojan:Win32/Glupteba (Microsoft), Glupteba.Backdoor.Bruteforce.DDS (Malwarebytes), TR/AD.InstaBot.ysgps (Avira), HEUR:Exploit.Win32.Shellcode.gen (Kaspersky), Gen:Variant.Midie.79167 (B)(Emsisoft), see all detection name variations on VirusTotal
Removal	Remove ransomware and any other malware using AV or AM software of your choice. Then, run a scan with RESTORO to repair virus damage on Windows OS files.

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Learn to avoid ransomware infections: common distribution tricks

When it comes to CADQ ransomware ransomware distribution, it is essentially similar to the one used to spread previous versions of STOP/DJVU, such as COSD, OMFL, WBXD, YGKZ and others. These viruses typically await in various illegal torrents, mostly ones that promise paid software versions for free (include cracks or keygens). Once the victim launches the installer or keygen, it downloads the ransomware from external source and runs it on the system. The risk to download this ransomware is high if you tend to look for Adobe Photoshop or game cracks.

The strategy to spread malware via torrent downloads is extremely successful, because computer users often ignore security software warnings about their maliciousness. However, we’d like to remind you that almost nothing comes for free, especially cracked software. If it is not a hidden ransomware, it can drag a silent Trojan or rootkit into your system and cause a lot of damage for your privacy.

Another popular ransomware distribution technique that you should beware of is malicious email spam. Although many people know about it, the attackers are improving their skills as well. They are capable of composing highly convincing messages, logos, images and other details, spoofing sender’s email (learn how to identify spoofed address), and inserting malicious scripts into a wide range of file formats to attach.

Therefore, we do not recommend opening emails you did not expect to receive. Do not let your curiosity take over and stay alert if you receive an email that you didn’t wait for. Specifically, we’d like to mention that criminals try to disguise themselves as legitimate companies nowadays; they might present themselves as Amazon, eBay or parcel delivery companies just to trick you into opening the attached file or link.

Finally, you should beware of fake Java or other software update ads online. Since this software is available on almost every computer, just like Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable and other packs, it is easy to convince inexperienced users to install an update for it. However, such programs should be downloaded or updated from official websites only. Fake update tools come bundled with various spyware or malware applications that can severely damage your computer and privacy.

Remove CADQ ransomware virus easily and recover encrypted files

We recommend using a professional antivirus or anti-malware software to remove CADQ ransomware virus from your Windows computer safely. However, before you start, you should reboot your computer in Safe Mode with Networking first. You can find detailed virus removal instructions down below this article. Finally, do not forget to cleanse any remains and repair virus damage on Windows OS files using RESTORO.

As soon as you complete CADQ ransomware removal, you should report Internet crime incident to a respective institution in your country. You can find a list of references below. Next, we strongly recommend you to change passwords for all accounts that you had saved in your browsers, and most importantly, secure your email accounts (ideally, using 2FA). To recover or repair files, use the tools suggested below, or use data backup.

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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:

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CADQ 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 CADQ 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 CADQ 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, which also includes data recovery software. 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.

Alternative software recommendations

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware

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Decrypt CADQ files

Fix and open large CADQ 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 CADQ 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. CADQ Ransomware Virus is considered the new STOP/DJVU variant, just like UIGD, VLFF, MMUZ, RGUY, HFGD, KKIA, SSOI (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 CADQ 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 CADQ 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 CADQ 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 CADQ 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 CADQ 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 .CADQ files?

You can only open CADQ 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 CADQ 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 CADQ 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.