Remove GOAQ Ransomware Virus (DECRYPT .goaq FILES)

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

GOAQ ransomware strikes unprotected computer systems and encrypts files in them

Contents

GOAQ ransomware strikes unprotected computer systems and encrypts files in them
Ransomware and its distribution: how to avoid getting infected?
Remove GOAQ ransomware virus and protect your computer
Decrypt GOAQ files
Frequently Asked Questions

GOAQ ransomware is a computer virus that attacks files stored on Windows-running systems and encrypts them. This procedure makes data inaccessible to the user. The malware itself is a variant of STOP/DJVU ransomware, one of the most widespread file-encrypting threats nowadays. During the attack, the virus appends .goaq extension to files. For example, files named 1.jpg or 2.docx will appear as 1.jpg.goaw and 2.docx.goaq after getting affected. Furthermore, the malware creates and saves ransom notes called _readme.txt in many computer folders.

This ransomware behaves similarly to GOSW, GOBA and other STOP/DJVU variants. It restricts access to documents, images, videos, music, archives and other file types, hoping that the victim will purchase GOAQ file decryption tool from the threat actors. The cybercriminals provide brief overview of the attack and explain their ‘solution’ for the victim in ransom notes dropped throughout the system.

Understanding the message in ransom notes

The purpose of the _readme.txt file is to explain what has been done to victim’s files, and deliver the cybercriminals’ suggestion to purchase data decryption tool from them. The note also contains two email addresses (support@freshmail.top and datarestorehelp@airmail.cc) that the victim can write to in order to open a communication channel with the ransomware operators.

The criminals shortly explain that there is no way to recover files without a decryption tool and key that is in possession of ransomware operators. They state that the victim can purchase these tools from them for either $980 or $490, depending on how quickly one contacts the attackers. This is a pure extortion, and computer users should refuse to pay the ransom.

The attackers urge to write them within 72 hours to secure a lower price point of the decryption tools. In order to encourage the victim to trust them, they recommend sending one encrypted file to them and also the Personal ID provided in the ransom note. They promise to decrypt the test file as a proof that they are capable of restoring all files on the compromised computer.

However, it is not worth paying the ransom because cybercriminals often disappear after receiving the money. On top of that, there is a chance of getting blackmailed further, despite of making the payment. In addition, paying money to ransomware operators encourages cybercrime.

Beware of additional malware dropped by the ransomware

This file-encrypting virus is known to carry additional payloads alongside it. It appears that the malicious files used to distribute this ransomware often contain Vidar, RedLine and AZORult information-stealing malware. These are known for their abilities to steal important information from computer, including passwords, browsing history, cookies, banking details and other information. The criminals then can use stolen data to do additional cyber crimes, such as theft of online accounts and similar.

Therefore, we advise you to remove GOAQ ransomware virus along with these stealers as soon as you can. Using a trustworthy antivirus solution is simply a must. One of the most user-friendly and powerful tools is INTEGO Antivirus. However, before you run it, you should boot your computer in Safe Mode with Networking. The instructions provided below the article will guide you through the malware removal procedure. As an extra step, you can download RESTORO to repair any damage the virus has inflicted on Windows OS files.

Ransomware Summary

Name	GOAQ 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	656th
Extension	.goaq
Cybercriminal emails	support@freshmail.top, datarestorehelp@airmail.cc
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 .goaq 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	$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, HP/Epson printer drivers, League of Legends.
Detection names	Trojan:Win32/Azorult.FW!MTB (Microsoft), Gen:Heur.Mint.Zard.52 (B) (Emsisoft), HEUR:Trojan.Win32.Scarsi.gen (Kaspersky), Gen:Heur.Mint.Zard.52 (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. To repair virus damage on Windows OS files, download and try RESTORO (secure download link).

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Ransomware and its distribution: how to avoid getting infected?

Cybercriminals use deceptive techniques to distribute GOAQ ransomware and other harmful computer programs. The most common methods include phishing emails with malware-injected attachments, or rogue online downloads. In some cases, the cybercriminals also resort to social engineering, RDP attacks, exploits and drive-by-downloads.

When it comes to STOP/DJVU, the primary distribution method used is rogue websites promoting fake cracked software installation files. Users who are trying to bypass genuine software license key/subscription fees might stumble upon these websites, especially because they often show up in search engine results. These sites allow choosing between direct download links or torrent files. Sadly, this only leads to a malicious executable that compromises the computer system and encrypts all data once launched.

Therefore, computer users should stay away from such untrustworthy websites. When in need for a specific software, users are advised to visit official or trustworthy websites. Only genuine software versions can be trusted, as cracked and pirated programs are often used as a bait to deliver malware to unsuspecting users.

Phishing emails are also used to trick computer users into opening malicious files. The perpetrators compose such emails and attach malware-laced attachments. They tend to use document formats, such as Word, PDF, or OneNote to deliver malware. Such files may be named as invoices, order summaries, or waybills in order to gain the recipient’s trust and convince one that the file is a regular business document.

Computer users should be extremely cautious and inspect every aspect of the email to evaluate whether sender’s intentions are benign or malicious. For example, suspicious email address, overly generic greeting line and grammar or typo mistakes in the message are tell-tale signs that the sender might be a cybercriminal pretending to be someone else.

It is important to always stay alert when browsing the Internet and avoid visiting websites that are marked as not secure. In addition, it is advisable to only open emails sent by known senders. Creating data backups is also an essential step in order to prevent data loss in an event of a ransomware attack. Finally, computers should be protected with a robust AV solution, ideally with real-time protection feature.

Remove GOAQ ransomware virus and protect your computer

Computer users who have fallen victims to the described file-encrypting malware attack should take action to secure their computers without a delay. The guide provided below explains how to remove GOAQ ransomware virus securely; therefore, sit back and prepare to follow these steps attentively.

You will need to boot your computer in Safe Mode with Networking and boot a trusted antivirus, such as INTEGO Antivirus, to remove malware traces from the system. Afterward, tools like RESTORO (secure download link) can be used to repair virus damage to Windows operating system components.

Once these steps are completed, we highly recommend changing all of your passwords that could possibly be stolen during the malware attack. Enabling 2FA authentication wherever possible is also a good idea. If you had data backups, you can restore data using them, otherwise, follow the steps outlined in the STOP/DJVU-locked data decryption/repair guide on our website.

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GOAQ 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 GOAQ 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 GOAQ 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 GOAQ files

Fix and open large GOAQ 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 GOAQ 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. GOAQ 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 GOAQ 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 GOAQ 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 GOAQ 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 GOAQ 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 GOAQ 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 .GOAQ files?

You can only open GOAQ 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 GOAQ 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 GOAQ 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.