The _readme.txt note explains that DWQS ransomware virus has encrypted all of personal files stored on the compromised computer. In particular, the note implies that the malware used robust encryption algorithm along with unique encryption key to make it impossible to restore files without a dedicated decryption key. The note suggests that all documents, photos, videos and other data formats were affected, and that the only way to recover them is to reach out to the criminals via provided email addresses – support@sysmail.ch and supportsys@airmail.cc and pay a ransom. The amount which is demanded by the ransomware operators starts with $490 if the victim makes the transaction within 72 hours starting from the infection timestamp. If delayed any longer, the ransom amount rises to $980. The ransom note also recommends attaching one sample of encrypted files to the email so that the criminals could provide a decrypted version of it. This is described as “test decryption service” only to encourage the computer user to pay the full amount. If the computer user decides to write to the provided emails, one will find out that the only accepted form of payment is via cryptocurrency (such as Bitcoin). This way, transaction cannot be used to trace down the criminals. No matter the circumstances, cybersecurity professionals recommend adhering to the official FBI recommendations regarding ransomware attacks, which states that paying a ransom is not a recommended option. It rarely guarantees successful recovery of encrypted data, besides, paying up helps the attackers to fund additional development of malware and distribute it with the help of more affiliates. Finally, cybercriminals often tend to target such victims again in hopes to earn more money. STOP/DJVU variants are also known for installing additional malware on compromised systems. Most of the time, these threats drag annoying adware or information-stealing Trojans such as VIDAR or AZORULT. These computer threats are capable of stealing various passwords, banking information, browsing history and related data which can come in handy for the attackers in attempts to blackmail computer users. If your computer was compromised by the described malware, we strongly recommend that you remove DWQS ransomware virus without a delay. For this task, follow the instructions provided below and start your computer in Safe Mode with Networking. Then, run an antivirus of your choice and begin. a full system scan. As an additional step, you may want to download RESTORO to attempt repair virus damage to Windows OS files.

Ransomware Summary

REPAIR VIRUS DAMAGE Screenshot of files encrypted by the described ransomware variant. Screenshot of _readme.txt note contents.

Ransomware distribution strategies and ways to avoid getting infected

Cybercriminals often choose to distribute ransomware-type malware via malicious email attachments, infected online downloads such as pirated software torrents, drive-by downloads and fake update tools. When speaking about STOP/DJVU variants such as DWQS ransomware, we have noticed that the most notable distribution strategy chosen by its operators relies on malicious pirated software versions placed in various torrent listings or rogue websites online. Computer users who seek to activate paid software versions illegally (without paying for a legitimate license fee) risk exposing their computers to this and similar computer malware. Victims of previous STOP/DJVU versions report downloading a torrent or a password-protected archive from dubious sites online only to realize that the setup file provided in the download was fake and simply executed the ransomware on their computers. Some of popular software names that cybercriminals use as clickbait when offering “100% full working free and safe versions” of them include Adobe Photoshop/Illustrator/Premiere Pro, AutoCad, Corel Draw, VMWare Workstation, Cubase, League of Legends and many more. Another tool that can hide various malware is known as KMSPico, a tool that is typically used to activate Windows operating system versions illegally. Our team recommends you to avoid such shady Internet resources when looking for a specific software. Instead, visit the official website of the program you’re interested to, or look for deals or discounts on its partner websites. Remember that the ransom amounts demanded by virtual criminals are much higher, not even to mention other potential damage related to your private data that might get stolen. Another ransomware distribution technique is inserting a malicious code into typical document formats such as MS Word/Excel or PDF and attaching them to scam emails. The criminals often name such documents as invoices, payment summaries or parcel tracking information to deceive the victim and trick him or her into opening the malicious file out of curiosity. For this reason, we recommend you to avoid exploring email attachments that reach you by surprise – even if the sender’s email address seems legitimate, check if it wasn’t spoofed. Opening such infected email attachment activates the script inside of it which is used to download the payload from an external resource and run it on your computer. Lastly, we’d like to inform you that various websites offering 100% working ransomware decryption tools are mostly scam and can be used to distribute additional malware or promote scammers who claim they’re “hackers” who can decrypt your files. Trust us when we say some random strangers are hardly better malware analysts than the ones working at well-recognized cybersecurity brands, so you should trust the latter when they say there is no way decrypt files locked by certain ransomware variants. The only recognized tools that can repair/decrypt part of files locked by certain versions of STOP/DJVU are created by Emsisoft and DiskTuna.

Remove DWQS Ransomware Virus and Recover Your Files

If your computer was compromised by the described malware, we strongly suggest that you remove DWQS ransomware virus without a delay. To remove the threat and related viruses installed on your PC, boot your PC according to instructions provided below and run an antivirus of your choice. Additionally, you can download RESTORO (secure download link) to scan your computer and identify virus damage that can be repaired using the full version of the software. After you’ve done the required steps to finalize DWQS ransomware removal, follow these recommendations:

File a report at your local police department about the ransomware attack.Data backups should be used to restore lost files. You can also recover the majority of files from the Downloads folder as these are most likely downloaded from external sources such as email, cloud or other online locations.Read about ways STOP/DJVU encrypted files could be decrypted or repaired.Change all passwords associated with the compromised computer.

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Method 1. Enter Safe Mode with Networking

Before you try to remove DWQS 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 DWQS 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.

Method 2. Use System Restore

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.

Alternative software recommendations

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.

System Mechanic Ultimate Defense If you’re looking for an all-in-one system maintenance suite that has 7 core components providing powerful real-time protection, on-demand malware removal, system optimization, data recovery, password manager, online privacy protection and secure driver wiping technology. Therefore, due to its wide-range of capabilities, System Mechanic Ultimate Defense deserves Geek’s Advice approval. Get it now for 50% off. You may also be interested in its full review.

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Decrypt DWQS files

Fix and open large DWQS 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.

STOP/DJVU decryption tool usage guide

STOP/DJVU ransomware versions are grouped into old and new variants. DWQS Ransomware Virus is considered the new STOP/DJVU variant, just like BPTO, ISWR, ISZA, BPSM, ZOUU, MBTF, ZNSM (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 DWQS files, follow the given tutorial.

Meanings of decryptor’s messages

The DWQS 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 DWQS 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 DWQS 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.