Remove DWQS Ransomware Virus (DECRYPT .dwqs FILES)
DWQS ransomware emerges as the 450th variant of STOP/DJVU
Contents
DWQS ransomware is a highly dangerous computer virus originating from the STOP/DJVU ransomware family. After the malicious executable gets launched on the infected computer, the virus encrypts all files stored on it and appends affected data with .dwqs extension. To illustrate, a file originally named 1.jpg gets renamed to 1.jpg.dwqs, 2.txt to 2.txt.dwqs and so on. To inform the victim about the attack consequences and the criminals’ offer to purchase DWQS file decryption tool, the ransomware drops _readme.txt notes in several computer folders.
The _readme.txt note explains that DWQS ransomware virus has encrypted all of personal files stored on the compromised computer. In particular, the note implies that the malware used robust encryption algorithm along with unique encryption key to make it impossible to restore files without a dedicated decryption key. The note suggests that all documents, photos, videos and other data formats were affected, and that the only way to recover them is to reach out to the criminals via provided email addresses – support@sysmail.ch and supportsys@airmail.cc and pay a ransom. The amount which is demanded by the ransomware operators starts with $490 if the victim makes the transaction within 72 hours starting from the infection timestamp. If delayed any longer, the ransom amount rises to $980.
The ransom note also recommends attaching one sample of encrypted files to the email so that the criminals could provide a decrypted version of it. This is described as “test decryption service” only to encourage the computer user to pay the full amount.
If the computer user decides to write to the provided emails, one will find out that the only accepted form of payment is via cryptocurrency (such as Bitcoin). This way, transaction cannot be used to trace down the criminals.
No matter the circumstances, cybersecurity professionals recommend adhering to the official FBI recommendations regarding ransomware attacks, which states that paying a ransom is not a recommended option. It rarely guarantees successful recovery of encrypted data, besides, paying up helps the attackers to fund additional development of malware and distribute it with the help of more affiliates. Finally, cybercriminals often tend to target such victims again in hopes to earn more money.
STOP/DJVU variants are also known for installing additional malware on compromised systems. Most of the time, these threats drag annoying adware or information-stealing Trojans such as VIDAR or AZORULT. These computer threats are capable of stealing various passwords, banking information, browsing history and related data which can come in handy for the attackers in attempts to blackmail computer users.
If your computer was compromised by the described malware, we strongly recommend that you remove DWQS ransomware virus without a delay. For this task, follow the instructions provided below and start your computer in Safe Mode with Networking. Then, run an antivirus of your choice and begin. a full system scan. As an additional step, you may want to download RESTORO to attempt repair virus damage to Windows OS files.
Ransomware Summary
| Name | DWQS Ransomware Virus |
| Type | Ransomware; Crypto-malware; Virtual Extortion Virus |
| Family | STOP/DJVU |
| Encryption type | RSA 2048 + Salsa20 |
| Previous versions | HAJD, QPSS, DWQS, NUHB, MSJD, DMAY, JHDD (find full list here) |
| Version | 450th |
| Extension | .dwqs |
| Cybercriminal emails | support@sysmail.ch and supportsys@airmail.cc |
| Additional malware dropped | Azorult or Vidar Trojan |
| Damage | The ransomware uses encryption to maliciously modify all files on the PC and appends their full names with .dwqs extension. Ransom notes dubbed _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 | $490-$980 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, League of Legends. |
| Detection names | Ransom:Win32/StopCrypt.PAL!MTB (Microsoft), Trojan.Crypt (A) (Emsisoft), HEUR:Trojan-Ransom.Win32.Stop.gen (Kaspersky), Trojan.GenericKD.47850419 (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. To repair virus damage on Windows OS files, consider scanning with RESTORO (secure download link). |
REPAIR VIRUS DAMAGE
Scan your system for FREE to detect security, hardware and stability issues. You can use the scan results and try to remove threats manually, or you can choose to get the full version of software to fix detected issues and repair virus damage to Windows OS system files automatically. Includes Avira spyware/malware detection & removal engine.
Screenshot of files encrypted by the described ransomware variant.
Screenshot of _readme.txt note contents.
Ransomware distribution strategies and ways to avoid getting infected
Cybercriminals often choose to distribute ransomware-type malware via malicious email attachments, infected online downloads such as pirated software torrents, drive-by downloads and fake update tools. When speaking about STOP/DJVU variants such as DWQS ransomware, we have noticed that the most notable distribution strategy chosen by its operators relies on malicious pirated software versions placed in various torrent listings or rogue websites online.
Computer users who seek to activate paid software versions illegally (without paying for a legitimate license fee) risk exposing their computers to this and similar computer malware. Victims of previous STOP/DJVU versions report downloading a torrent or a password-protected archive from dubious sites online only to realize that the setup file provided in the download was fake and simply executed the ransomware on their computers.
Some of popular software names that cybercriminals use as clickbait when offering “100% full working free and safe versions” of them include Adobe Photoshop/Illustrator/Premiere Pro, AutoCad, Corel Draw, VMWare Workstation, Cubase, League of Legends and many more. Another tool that can hide various malware is known as KMSPico, a tool that is typically used to activate Windows operating system versions illegally.
Our team recommends you to avoid such shady Internet resources when looking for a specific software. Instead, visit the official website of the program you’re interested to, or look for deals or discounts on its partner websites. Remember that the ransom amounts demanded by virtual criminals are much higher, not even to mention other potential damage related to your private data that might get stolen.
Another ransomware distribution technique is inserting a malicious code into typical document formats such as MS Word/Excel or PDF and attaching them to scam emails. The criminals often name such documents as invoices, payment summaries or parcel tracking information to deceive the victim and trick him or her into opening the malicious file out of curiosity. For this reason, we recommend you to avoid exploring email attachments that reach you by surprise – even if the sender’s email address seems legitimate, check if it wasn’t spoofed. Opening such infected email attachment activates the script inside of it which is used to download the payload from an external resource and run it on your computer.
Lastly, we’d like to inform you that various websites offering 100% working ransomware decryption tools are mostly scam and can be used to distribute additional malware or promote scammers who claim they’re “hackers” who can decrypt your files. Trust us when we say some random strangers are hardly better malware analysts than the ones working at well-recognized cybersecurity brands, so you should trust the latter when they say there is no way decrypt files locked by certain ransomware variants. The only recognized tools that can repair/decrypt part of files locked by certain versions of STOP/DJVU are created by Emsisoft and DiskTuna.
Remove DWQS Ransomware Virus and Recover Your Files
If your computer was compromised by the described malware, we strongly suggest that you remove DWQS ransomware virus without a delay. To remove the threat and related viruses installed on your PC, boot your PC according to instructions provided below and run an antivirus of your choice. Additionally, you can download RESTORO (secure download link) to scan your computer and identify virus damage that can be repaired using the full version of the software.
After you’ve done the required steps to finalize DWQS ransomware removal, follow these recommendations:
- File a report at your local police department about the ransomware attack.
- Data backups should be used to restore lost files. You can also recover the majority of files from the Downloads folder as these are most likely downloaded from external sources such as email, cloud or other online locations.
- Read about ways STOP/DJVU encrypted files could be decrypted or repaired.
- Change all passwords associated with the compromised computer.
OUR GEEKS RECOMMEND
Our team recommends removing malware using a professional antivirus software and then using the following tool to repair virus damage to Windows system files:
REPAIR VIRUS DAMAGE TO YOUR COMPUTER
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Read full review here.
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DWQS 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 DWQS 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 DWQS 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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RESTORO is a unique PC Repair Tool which comes with an in-built Avira scan engine to detect and remove spyware/malware threats and uses a patented technology to repair virus damage. The software can repair damaged, missing or malfunctioning Windows OS files, corrupted DLLs, and more. The free version offers a scan that detects issues. To fix them, license key for the full software version must be purchased.
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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System Mechanic Ultimate Defense
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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 DWQS files
Fix and open large DWQS 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 DWQS 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. DWQS Ransomware Virus is considered the new STOP/DJVU variant, just like HAJD, QPSS, DWQS, NUHB, MSJD, DMAY, JHDD (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 DWQS 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 DWQS 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 DWQS 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 DWQS 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 DWQS 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
You can only open DWQS files if you have the decryption key, or if you were affected by offline encryption type.
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.
Please follow the guidances provided by the official DWQS 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).
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.
Beware of fake DWQS 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 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.
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View Comments
Hi,
Thanks for useful information
If my files were encrypted with an ONLINE key, how to decrypt them.
Thanks
Kevin
How to decrypt ''.dwqs'' when your files are encrypted using an ONLINE key. Thank you