Remove QOWD Ransomware Virus (DECRYPT .qowd FILES)

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

QOWD ransomware restricts access to personal files on a computer

Contents

QOWD ransomware restricts access to personal files on a computer
Common methods used for ransomware distribution
Remove QOWD ransomware virus and decrypt your files
Decrypt QOWD files
Frequently Asked Questions

QOWD is a malicious computer virus that falls under ransomware category. It is designed to encrypt all files on the system and make them inaccessible for the computer user. In addition, to make locked files distinguishable, the malware appends .qowd extension to original filenames. For example, a file originally named 1.jpg will be renamed to 1.jpg.qowd after being affected. The ransomware provides a message from its operators in _readme.txt files that it drops in multiple computer folders.

The primary aim of this ransomware is to prevent the computer user from accessing personal or work files and study or research materials. This causes a lot of stress and problems for the victim, especially if no data backups were created prior to the attack. The criminals then present that they are the only ones who can offer a solution to the problem. They describe it in detail in ransom notes called _readme.txt.

The ransom note overview

The purpose of the ransom note is to frighten the computer user. The contents of _readme.txt file state that there is no other way to restore files other than paying a ransom to cybercriminals. It explains that QOWD file decryption tool and unique decryption key cost $980, however, if the victim wants to get a 50% discount, one should compose an email to the criminals within 72 hours since being attacked.

The note contains one primary email address – support@freshmail.top and the secondary email address – datarestorehelp@airmail.cc. The criminals also advise sending one encrypted file to them and promise a free test decryption service. They warn not to send files that contain valuable information, or they will refuse to decrypt it. The point of this test decryption service is to convince the victim to pay the ransom.

The criminals will demand paying the ransom using cryptocurrency, for example, Bitcoin. They may provide instructions on how to purchase Bitcoin and transfer the amount to the criminals’ virtual wallet address. Such transactions cannot be used to track cybercriminals’ down and reveal their true identities, and that is why they insist on using this specific payment method.

However, even if the situation seems desperate, we do not recommend paying the ransom to QOWD ransomware operators. Doing so doesn’t give you any guarantees that all data will be restored, besides, paying money to these perpetrators encourages cybercrime and funds further illegal operations. For further recommendations, we recommend reading these guides by FBI or NCSC.

STOP/DJVU ransomware samples drop information-stealing malware

QOWD ransomware, just like previous versions of STOP/DJVU ransomware, has been noticed to drop information stealers on infected systems. The names of malware that it launches are Vidar, RedLine and AZORult. These programs can allow the criminals to access and perform tasks on victim’s computer remotely.

For example, these malware pieces can be used to view or delete files on victim’s computer, download additional malware, steal sensitive information such as passwords, browsing history, cookies, offline cryptocurrency wallets and more. With their hands on such data, cybercriminals can cause even more damage to the victim.

We strongly recommend taking action to secure your computer as soon as you notice signs of infection. You can easily remove QOWD ransomware virus and other malware by yourself – just follow the instructions provided below this article. A good combination of software to use is INTEGO Antivirus, which is a robust antivirus software with real-time protection feature. Additionally, we recommend using RESTORO (secure download link) to repair virus-damaged Windows OS files.

Ransomware Summary

Name	QOWD 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	652nd
Extension	.qowd
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 .qowd 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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Common methods used for ransomware distribution

Ransomware-type viruses can be distributed in a variety of ways, although the most popular ones do not change over time. The most successful infection vectors are phishing emails containing attachments and also cracked software versions uploaded to rogue websites online. In both cases, the criminals try to bait the victim into opening the malicious file without realizing the risk.

Cybercriminals use phishing emails to convince the recipients that a legitimate company or a governmental entity is addressing them; such emails are usually written in urgent or threatening tone, often suggesting to open attached files or to click on included links as soon as possible. The attachments may be named as regular documents, for example, invoices, waybills, order summaries or similar. The file formats that cybercriminals are capable of injecting with malicious code are Word, PDF, OneNote, or Excel.

Computer users should stay cautious when checking their emails, and always inspect the sender’s email address. It is also a good idea to look out for grammar or spelling mistakes in the message. When in doubt, never click on attachments or links included, especially if you can feel that the sender urges you to do it.

Illegal software versions uploaded to rogue online resources is one of the primary distribution methods used for STOP/DJVU ransomware distribution. The cybercriminals operate a large network of malicious websites that claim to provide download links for various popular software cracks. The user can typically choose between a direct link or a torrent download. One way or another, the user gets access to a malicious setup.exe file that launches a set of malware on the computer.

For this reason, it is important to stay away from websites that promise free versions of paid software. If you’re looking for a program, you should always visit its official website or its partner’s website.

Remove QOWD ransomware virus and decrypt your files

Computer users can remove QOWD ransomware virus using instructions provided below. You can do it yourself, but you will need to stay attentive to each step outlined in the tutorial. Our team advises using a combo of two programs: INTEGO Antivirus for malware removal, and RESTORO (download link) to repair damaged Windows OS files. Do not forget to change all of your passwords after deleting malware from your computer.

Once QOWD ransomware removal is complete, consider reporting cybercrime incident to your local law enforcement agency. You can use data backups to restore encrypted data, or download part of lost data from online resources. You can also repair some data formats using DiskTuna tool as explained in this guide.

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QOWD 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 QOWD 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 QOWD 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 QOWD files

Fix and open large QOWD 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 QOWD 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. QOWD 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 QOWD 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 QOWD 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 QOWD 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 QOWD 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 QOWD 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 .QOWD files?

You can only open QOWD 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 QOWD 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 QOWD 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.