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IOQA is a ransomware-type computer virus designed to encrypt all personal files on the system. Our analysts have determined that it is a new variant of STOP/DJVU ransomware that uses .ioqa extension to mark affected files. To illustrate how files are renamed, see this example: files originally named 1.jpg and 2.docx will appear as 1.jpg.ioqa and 2.docx.ioqa after being modified by the ransomware. Afterward, the computer user won’t be able to open these files. In addition, the malware leaves text files named _readme.txt – these are widely referred to as “ransom notes” that contain a message from ransomware operators.
This ransomware is intended to turn files on victim’s computer into hostages and then demand a ransom for the IOQA file decryption tool. It also ensures that the victim could no longer access System Recovery points.
The ransom note (_readme.txt) asks for victim’s attention and briefly explains that the only solution leading to successful data recovery is purchasing file decryption tool and unique key from the ransomware operators. They urge to contact them via provided emails (support@freshmail.top, datarestorehelp@airmail.cc) as soon as possible, suggesting that victims who reach out within 72 hours since getting attacked may be eligible for a 50% discount.
The note states that the initial ransom price is $980; however, if the “discount” is applied, the price drops to $490. The crooks also recommend sending one encrypted file to them for test decryption. This way, they are trying to prove that their promise to provide decryption tool isn’t just empty words.
However, we do not recommend paying the ransom. There are many reasons not to do so, but the main ones are listed below:
Data encryption isn’t the only damage inflicted by the ransomware that has sneaked into your computer. It turns out that it spreads together with dangerous information-stealing malware.
Samples we have analyzed included Vidar, RedLine and AZORult Trojans – all of them being capable of extracting highly sensitive information such as passwords, banking information, offline cryptowallets, browsing information, cookies, and various information about the computer. In addition, these threats may be used to download additional malware on to the system.
Therefore, in order to protect your computer and your privacy, it is essential to remove IOQA ransomware virus and other malware that has infiltrated the system by deceit. To remove the malware securely, we strongly recommend relying on a robust AV solution such as INTEGO Antivirus. Additionally, a scan with RESTORO can help you to repair virus-damaged Windows OS files.
Name | IOQA 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 | 650th |
Extension | .ioqa |
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 .ioqa 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). |
Intego Antivirus for Windows
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Ransomware-type computer viruses are mainly distributed via email attachments or rogue online downloads. IOQA virus, similarly to previous STOP/DJVU variants, is commonly found in deceptive websites advertising supposedly cracked software versions. Instead of accessing desired premium programs for free, computer users who fall for this trick soon discover that all of their data has been encrypted. The deceptive cracked software websites usually provide malicious downloads via external links or torrent files.
Often times, the harmful file is provided in a form of a password-protected archive, which helps to evade security systems. As soon as the victim enters the password and executes the malicious setup.exe file, the computer gets compromised.
Another commonly used distribution technique is malicious email spam. The cybercriminals compose convincing messages, often pretending to be writing on behalf of well-known companies or governmental organizations. However, one thing that recipients should pay attention to is urgent message tone. If you can sense that the email sender desperately tries to convince you to open attached files or links, especially if they threaten that something bad will happen if you ignore the email, you can rest assured that the sender has bad intentions towards you.
In order to avoid getting affected by ransomware attacks, we strongly recommend being cautious when browsing the Internet or checking your emails. Do not browse through websites that seem untrustworthy or push aggressive ads regularly. In addition, we advise you to secure your computer by installing a reputable antivirus with real-time protection feature.
You can remove IOQA ransomware virus easily by following instructions provided below. Do not forget to be careful and get rid of every single component of this malware by using a trustworthy antivirus. You can find our team’s software top picks below.
Once IOQA virus removal is complete, do not forget to change all of your passwords that you’ve used on the compromised computer. In addition, you may want to register the cybercrime attack via your local law enforcement entity.
OUR GEEKS RECOMMEND
Our team recommends removing malware using a professional antivirus software.
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IOQA Ransomware Virus Removal Guidelines
Before you try to remove IOQA 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
Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10/11 users
Now, you can search for and remove IOQA 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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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.
In order to use System Restore, you must have a system restore point, created either manually or automatically.
Instructions for Windows XP/Vista/7 users
Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10/11 users
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.
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware
Removing spyware and malware is one step towards cybersecurity. To protect yourself against ever-evolving threats, we strongly recommend purchasing a Premium version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware, which provides security based on artificial intelligence and machine learning. Includes ransomware protection. See pricing options and protect yourself now.
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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.
STOP/DJVU ransomware versions are grouped into old and new variants. IOQA 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 IOQA files, follow the given tutorial.
The IOQA 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 IOQA 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.
Victims of IOQA Ransomware Virus should report the Internet crime incident to the official government fraud and scam website according to their country:
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.
You can only open IOQA 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 IOQA 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 IOQA 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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