Remove FOQE Ransomware (Virus Removal Guide)

FOQE ransomware attack explained: why your files were encrypted

Contents

FOQE ransomware attack explained: why your files were encrypted
- Information provided in the ransom note
- The changes made to your files and how to revert them
Distribution methods of viruses like FOQE ransomware
FOQE ransomware removal steps
Decrypt FOQE files
Frequently Asked Questions

FOQE ransomware is a new member STOP/DJVU computer virus family, its main purpose is to encrypt victim’s files thus making them inaccessible. Users are able to immediately tell when their system is being attacked by this virus – all of the files that are touched and modified by this ransomware are marked with .foqe extension. For example, a file 1.pdf might look like 1.pdf.foqe following the encryption. After this process is carried out, this malicious program drops ransom notes called _readme.txt in most used places on your PC – desktop, main disks, document folders, etc. The note suggests writing to criminals via provided emails – helpmanager@mail.ch and restoremanager@airmail.cc to get further instructions regarding ransom payment process and file decryption. These cyberattacks are aimed to make a financial profit – the criminals demand a ransom, typically from $490 to $980 in Bitcoin.

This type of crypto-malware started to spread in late 2018 and it got various updates and new sub-variants ever since.

In this article, we will explain how to completely remove FOQE virus from the system, and how to fix the damage done to the computer.

Information provided in the ransom note

Like other STOP/DJVU viruses such as BOOP, KOLZ, or MOSS, FOQE ransomware’s creators are not ambiguous when delivering the message. The ransom notes (_readme.txt files) state that your files have been encoded with a high-grade cipher, thus making them inaccessible. Also, criminals claim that any attempts to use third party software or other ways to crack the code and restore the files might end in a permanent data loss.

At this point, it is important to realize, that the crooks are hoping to encrypt valuable files – no matter whether that value is emotional or financial. For example, a victim who lost important files of his company or the only copies of his wedding photos is more likely to pay the ransom. The hackers try to provide a false sense of certainty when saying that the files are retrievable – more about that later. Besides, the contact emails of hackers are also provided.

In fact, the developers of this malicious program are urging the victims to do a test trial. In essence, the message states that the user is able to send one encrypted file to the email provided (as long as that file does not contain any valuable information) and it will be sent back decrypted. This method is used to encourage sufferers to follow the other demanded actions.

However, no matter what are the circumstances or how important the files are, you should never make any contact with the hackers for one simple reason: they are not reliable. Take, for example, numerous cases when people get scammed even after they pay the requested price. Keep in mind, that these schemes are benefit-driven and if a criminal sees an opportunity to extort you more – he will definitely use it.

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Name	FOQE Ransomware Virus
Type	Crypto-virus; File Locker; Ransomware
Malicious files	7BD8.exe (or similar), updatewin.exe
Dropped files	_readme.txt, PersonalID.txt
Origins	STOP/DJVU
Encryption algorithm	RSA
Version	256th
Ransom note	_readme.txt
Decryption price	$490 in 3 days, $980 if later
Extension used	.moss
Criminal contact	helpmanager@mail.ch and restoremanager@airmail.cc
Detection name examples	TR/AD.InstaBot.AQ (Avira), Win32.Trojan.PSE.1B347GI (GData), Trojan:Win32/CryptInject!ml (Microsoft), see full list on VT
Symptoms of infection	Victim discovers all of his files impossible to open – Windows will ask what program to use for launch, but none will work. The files appear with blank icons and have an additional extension at the end of the original filename. Each folder containing encrypted data will have _readme.txt note saved in it.
Additional damage	This ransomware tends to install password-stealer, namely AZORULT malware. Plus, the virus maliciously alters Windows HOSTS file to block access to computer-related sites. Learn how to reset HOSTS file here.
Distribution	Hides in various torrents, such as software cracks or keygens.
Removal	Remove malware remains and repair virus damage using RESTORO. You can read its review here.

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The changes made to your files and how to revert them

As previously mentioned, the FOQE virus uses RSA cryptography to make the files unreachable. To shortly explain the principle behind it, RSA was created as a safe method to transmit military information without anyone else knowing it. Every encoded piece of information is accessible only using a unique decryption key that is created during the process. In cases like ransomware infection, that key is usually in the hacker’s possession. Unfortunately, there is no real way to restore the affected files themselves since that would take an unfathomable amount of resources and time.

Below, you can see a screenshot of encrypted files.

However, there are some ways to resolve the situation. One of which is the flaws left behind in the cipher itself – sometimes they can be exploited, thus making it possible to crack the code. Theoretically, it is also possible to recover the decryption key from your system’s memory immediately after the intrusion process but that is highly unlikely. So, the best solution to solve this kind of problem is to remove FOQE ransomware as soon as possible. Once that is done, you can recover those files using a back-up (provided that you have one).

Distribution methods of viruses like FOQE ransomware

There are many ways that can be exploited by the developers of this kind of malware. Usually, the principle is the same – these criminals tend to exploit ordinary person’s inattentiveness as well as lack of carefulness. For example, one of the biggest pathways for hackers to use is the sheer scale of illegal downloads happening every second. Sites like zMule, Mediafire, or Thepiratebay are just a few to mention when talking about attaching viruses to certain software like photoshop, video editing software cracks, various activation tools, and keygens. Keep in mind, that every time you download something from an unofficial, unverified website or use peer-to-peer file-sharing platforms such as Torrent, you are at risk of being exposed to a cyberattack.

Another way for cybercriminals to intrude on your system is through malspam campaigns. To put it simply, malspam is a social-engineering scheme that works like this: thousands of emails are sent to random internet users in the hope of infecting their systems. These emails contain various deceitful information to disguise themselves – from job offers to special deals. Usually, they have a file attached or link inside them and if you interact with either of those – chances are you might be exposed to a cyber threat.

There are lots of other ways by which you could get infected since cybercriminals are not lacking creativity when thinking of methods on how to trick you. However, there are a couple of basic rules that could help minimize the risk of your system getting corrupted by malware like FOQE virus. Firstly, you should only download from verified and official websites that are considered to be safe by your anti-virus provider. Secondly, do not press on any suspicious links or files in emails as well as intrusive ads when surfing the internet.

FOQE ransomware removal steps

To ensure your system is working properly, you need to take immediate action to remove FOQE ransomware. To do this, we recommend you use trustworthy anti-malware software that is widely considered to be capable of dealing with these kinds of tasks.

RESTORO would be a perfect choice in situations regarding ransomware-type virus infections since it does not only make the removal process easier, but it helps to restore healthy computer status after the termination as well. Now, dive straight into FOQE ransomware removal guidelines which are provided down below.

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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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FOQE 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 FOQE 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 FOQE 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

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Decrypt FOQE files

Fix and open large FOQE 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 FOQE 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. FOQE ransomware virus is considered the new STOP/DJVU variant, just like FOPA, VTYM, KQGS, XCBG, BPQD, EYRV, UIGD (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 FOQE 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 FOQE 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 FOQE 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 FOQE 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 FOQE 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 .FOQE files?

You can only open FOQE 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 FOQE 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 FOQE 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.