Geek's Advice

REQG ransom-demanding virus attacks computers worldwide

REQG ransomware is a new variant of the STOP/DJVU data encryption virus. The main purpose behind the formation of this software is to target the computers and to encrypt all the files present on them using a special cryptography algorithm that goes by the name of RSA Salsa20. The virus affects the computer files in a very unique way and drops a _readme.txt named file in every folder which demands paying a ransom for data decryption. Ransomware makes sure that your data remains distinguishable, which is why it marks all of the encrypted files with an additional .reqg extension. Consider this, a file with the name 1.jpg will appear as 1.jpg.reqg in your computer after the ransomware compromises the system. A ransom note is left by the attackers which elaborate how the system user can buy the REQG decryption tools at a specified price. These prices depend on how fast the system users get in touch with the attackers. If the user writes them within the 3 days of the attack, the ransom price will be around $490, otherwise, it will cost them around $980. The only platform available for the user to get in touch with the attackers is through email: manager@mailtemp.ch or helpmanager@airmail.cc

The primary purpose of this REQG ransomware virus is to pressure the owners of the infected system by keeping their important files as hostages. The type of encryption this virus uses is considered to be of military grade, which is why the the attackers expect the ransom to be paid. An abstract of the whole process of virus attacking is explained. Only the first 150KB of each file is encrypted, which allows the virus to not slow down and to make all the files inaccessible. Fortunately, this also allows restoring of the certain specific format files as explained here in this guide.

As mentioned earlier, the price of the ransom depends upon how fast the victim gets in touch with the attacker, if he manages to write them within 72 hours of the attack and can settle an agreement between him and them, a special discount of 50% off is given by the attackers. This means that the tools and the decryption key associated with the attack will cost them $490, otherwise, it will cost the victim $980 if one doesn’t manage to meet the attackers demands in the given period. The attackers want to stay off the radar and want to be untraceable, which is why they demand this ransom in the form of cryptocurrency. Victims are required to buy a specific amount of cryptocurrency which they have to transfer to the attacker’s crypto wallet. To make sure that the victim meets the demand of attackers, test decryption on one small file is always offered by the attacker. 

Many law enforcement agencies like the FBI as well as cybersecurity experts advise not to pay the ransom. Here are some reasons they have mention why this is wrongful:

1. There’s no guarantee given by the attackers that they will 100 percent decrypt your files and provide you with the key after receiving the ransom. There’s a high chance of them just disappearing in the thin air.
2. Criminals behind ransomware earn millions of US dollars each year. Paying them the demanded amount means that you are just helping their illegal business to grow more. And as long people are giving them the money asked by them, not only they will continue to grow their illegal business other people might also start making this kind of virus due to the insane amount of money such illegal ‘business’ schemes collect.
3. Paying ransom can be considered illegal in your country.
4. Viruses that fall under the category of DJVU/STOP such as that of REQG usually runs additional malware on a compromised system, known under a name of AZORULT Trojan.

Ransomware modus operandi

The main procedure behind the attack includes a deceptive process called winupdate.exe, where a fake window update prompts on the screen of the user. This makes the user believe that their system is working slowly due to pending updates and not because of a malicious virus. The malware also makes sure to delete all the volume shadow copies from the computer using the CMD command:

^{Vssadmin.exe Delete Shadows /All /Quiet}

This part of the virus’ algorithm prevents the users from restoring their system’s files using the built-in system restore points if these were available in the computer before the cyberattack. The next step in the algorithm causes the Windows HOSTS file to prevent its users from accessing a list of domains. This file is used to map domains to the victim’s localhost IP, this will further prevent the user from reaching some specific websites. The DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error will be shown in the web browser every time the user tries to reach any of these sites. 

The virus makes sure that all the websites related to cybersecurity and cyberattacks remain inaccessible to the user. The developers of the virus make sure that the user remains away from reaching the self-help information websites, and lastly, the REQG ransomware drops a bowsakkdestx.txt  which contains all the information related to the victim’s encryption key and their ID along with PersonalID.txt which contains the identification string of victim in their computer. A screenshot of the said files is given down below.

The said ransomware also compromises victim’s computer by dropping a silent information stealer, namely AZORULT. It’s functionalities are flexible as criminals can use it to perform various actions on victim’s computer remotely. Some of the possible acts are listed below:

1. Malware can be downloaded and can be easily run on a user’s computer;
2. Telegram login credentials and steam can be stolen;
3. Files can be deleted or viewed on a user’s computer;
4. Cryptocurrency wallets and accounts can be breached;
5. History, browser cookies and saved passwords are accessible to the attackers and much more.

The damage that could be done by this malware is not measurable and it’s advised to remove REQG ransomware virus from your computer as quickly as possible. Some of the ways that you can use to eliminate or reduce the impact of the cyberattack on your computer are as followed. First, we recommend reading the instructions given below and run robust antivirus solution such as INTEGO Antivirus. Additionally, scanning your computer with the RESTORO can be beneficial to repair virus damage on Windows OS files.

Ransomware Summary

REMOVE MALWARE & REPAIR VIRUS DAMAGE

Ransomware distribution techniques

Every STOP/DJVU malware variant, including REQG ransomware, tends to travel along variety of illegal downloads. Typically, such viruses come in a form of malicious software cracks or other copyright-protected torrents. Most of the victims have associated Adobe Photoshop and Corel Draw to be two of the most infectious applications while they were trying to obtain them illegally. Other applications that have drawn attention to themselves while obtaining them illegally includes:

• Cubase
• Adobe illustrator
• Windows activation tools such as KMSPico

It’s the nature of the human to get things for free, therefore, many computer users try to get these expensive software versions for free, and cybercriminals take advantage of this situation. They set traps for computer users by uploading various infectious downloads on untrustworthy file sharing sites. Unfortunately, users usually ignore all the potential malware warnings given by their computer security software when opening these kinds of sites. It is advised that to avoid getting infectious files on your computer it’s better to download applications only from a legitimate sources. It’s a better practice to support the software developers by visiting their official websites and buying a unique working version of the program that you need rather than paying a lot more to these greedy cybercriminals. 

Ransomware viruses are not limited to just websites, they are also distributed in the form of the email attachment. The attackers inject the infectious code in the following document formats: PDF, DOCS, XLS, and the attackers name their invoice, pending approvals, parcel, delivery, or tracking details. Criminals get their list of potential targets to form various online data leaks and it’s advised to look for potential malicious email when using the steps explained below.

1. Their files will be named as “urgent” and will be required to open immediately
2. Claims about an invoice that is supposed to be open immediately
3. Your email will mark these kinds of emails as spam
4. Spoofed email address;

Our team suggests that it’s better to ignore these kinds of emails even if you have the slightest suspicion. If you start questioning yourself ”why am I getting this email” or “was I supposed to receive it?” it is better to delete it. Do ot bother yourself by opening such kinds of emails as there’s a high chance of them being infectious.

If unfortunately, you have fallen victim to REQG ransomware or any other version of STOP/DJVU, it is better to choose reputable information sources online rather than inspecting every website that suggests fake STOP/DJVU software tools. They can impact your system a lot and can compromise it with other ransomware strains, for instance, ZORAB. In short, the cybercriminal will try to double-encrypt a system whose owner is already trying to find ways to escape current situation and recover piles of encrypted personal files. 

Remove REQG ransomware virus and decrypt your files

To fully secure your computer it is advised to eliminate all malware remains. Therefore, we strongly recommend you to remove REQG ransomware virus according to given instructions. In addition, appropriate steps should be taken to ensure that this kind of malware doesn’t affect your system again. For the removal of the virus, we advise using INTEGO Antivirus which also helps to ensure the safety of your computer by providing robust real-time protection. Additionally, we recommend you to download RESTORO to repair virus damage on Windows OS files.

Following appropriate actions are required after you have successfully completed REQG virus removal from your system.

1. A brief report related to this incident should be provided to the local cybercrime department.
2. Creating data backups regularly is important. Try searching your cloud or physical drives to restore at least a part of your important files.
3. Following the instructions mentioned here can be useful to decrypt or repair files affected by STOP/DJVU versions.
4. It’s better to change your passwords for every website which credentials have been saved on your browser to minimise any future losses.

OUR GEEKS RECOMMEND

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:

STEP 1. REMOVE AUTOMATICALLY WITH ROBUST ANTIVIRUS

REMOVE & PROTECT WITH INTEGO

Get INTEGO ANTIVIRUS for Windows to remove ransomware, Trojans, adware and other spyware and malware variants and protect your PC and network drives 24/7.. This VB100-certified security software uses state-of-art technology to provide protection against ransomware, Zero-Day attacks and advanced threats, Intego Web Shield blocks dangerous websites, phishing attacks, malicious downloads and installation of potentially unwanted programs.

Use INTEGO Antivirus to remove detected threats from your computer.

Read full review here.

STEP 2. REPAIR VIRUS DAMAGE TO YOUR COMPUTER

DOWNLOAD RESTORO

RESTORO provides a free scan that helps to identify hardware, security and stability issues and presents a comprehensive report which can help you to locate and fix detected issues manually. It is a great PC repair software to use after you remove malware with professional antivirus. The full version of software will fix detected issues and repair virus damage caused to your Windows OS files automatically.

RESTORO uses AVIRA scanning engine to detect existing spyware and malware. If any are found, the software will eliminate them.

Read full review here.

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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.