Remove ERQW File Virus (+Recover Files)

The ERQW file virus, a specific type of malware, is the focus of this research paper. It is a virus belonging to the STOP/DJVU family, which is related to ransomware. By appending the “.ERQW” extension, the ERQW virus specially encrypts movies, images, and documents. The malware’s encryption technique is well-known to be robust, making it difficult to recover the damaged files without the right key.

Summary:

Virus Name	ERQW Ransomware
Infection symptoms	All images, videos and documents append “.ERQW” extension and cannot be opened by any program!
Type of threat	Ransomware, cryptovirus, file-locking virus
File Extension	.ERQW
Encryption type	AES algorithm using 256-bit key.
Ransom Note	_readme.txt
Amount of Ransom	determined by the hacker
Contact	support@fishmail.top, datarestorehelp@airmail.cc
Genealogy	STOP/DJVU Ransomware Family
Aliases	ERQW virus, also known as GrayWare/Win32.Kryptik.hnol, Trojan.Ransom.Stop, A Variant Of Win32/Kryptik.HNOS, Ransom.Win32.STOP.dd!s1, Gen:Variant.Fragtor.47958
Distribution	Spam email attachments, RDP, pirated software, torrent websites, phishing sites, malicious weblinks etc…
Remediation Tool	In order to completely remove ransomware from your computer, you will need to install an antivirus software. We recommend using SpyHunter
Recovery Tool	The only effective method to restore files is to copy them from a saved backup. If you don’t have a suitable backup, you may use third-party recover software such as iBeesoft Data Recovery

What is .ERQW File Extension Ransomware?

A particularly deadly form of malware that is intended to encrypt a victim’s files secretly is the ERQW file ransomware. It is a member of the STOP/DJVU family of threats and demands a ransom in return for the decryption key that will allow access to the compromised files to be restored. ERQW is a relatively new type of ransomware that was first discovered in 2019. It can infect a computer through malicious software downloads, email attachments, or drive-by downloads. It is essential to have anti-virus software installed on your computer to protect against this threat.

The main objective of the ERQW ransomware is to hold the victim’s files hostage in order to extract money from them. The data is locked using 256-bit AES encryption, and only the attackers’ private key can be used to unlock the files. They provide the option to buy this key and the decryption program from them, but they want a hefty ransom in return.

 

Demands of ERQW virus:

Personal file encryption is the main goal of ransomware. Many ransomware variations frequently employ this tactic, adding different suffixes to the filenames of encrypted files and including ransom messages. Different ransomware attacks might make use of various encryption techniques and decryption tools at various prices. Some ransomware variations have the ability to spread to additional machines on a local network and encrypt additional files. Therefore, it is essential to eradicate the virus as soon as possible after an infection has been discovered.

Example of a ransom note and alert message from the ERQW Ransomware

ATTENTION!

Don't worry, you can return all your files!

All your files like photos, databases, documents and other important are encrypted with strongest encryption and unique key.
The only method of recovering files is to purchase decrypt tool and unique key for you.
This software will decrypt all your encrypted files.

What guarantees you have?

You can send one of your encrypted file from your PC and we decrypt it for free.
But we can decrypt only 1 file for free. File must not contain valuable information.

You can get and look video overview decrypt tool:

https://we.tl/t-WJa63R98Ku

Price of private key and decrypt software is $980.
Discount 50% available if you contact us first 72 hours, that's price for you is $490.

Please note that you'll never restore your data without payment.

Check your e-mail "Spam" or "Junk" folder if you don't get answer more than 6 hours.

To get this software you need write on our e-mail:

support@fishmail.top

Where does the ERQW ransomware originate from, and how can we avoid getting infected again?

The origin of the ERQW ransomware is not publicly disclosed. To avoid getting infected with this or any other type of ransomware, it is recommended to follow good cybersecurity practices, such as:

• Keeping your operating system and software up-to-date with the latest security patches.
• Avoiding downloading attachments or clicking on links from unknown or untrusted sources.
• Regularly backing up important data to an external, disconnected device.
• Using reliable antivirus and anti-malware software and keeping it updated.
• Being cautious when downloading free software and avoiding torrents and pirated software.

By taking these precautions, you can greatly reduce the risk of getting infected with ransomware or any other type of malware.

 

Why is .ERQW File Extension dangerous?

The “.ERQW” file extension is dangerous because it indicates that a file has been encrypted by the ERQW ransomware. This means that the file is no longer accessible and the user must pay a ransom to the attackers in exchange for a decryption key to regain access to the affected files. The ERQW ransomware is a form of cyber attack that uses encryption to lock the victim’s files, making them inaccessible. The attackers then demand a ransom payment, usually in the form of cryptocurrency, to provide the victim with the decryption key. Paying the ransom does not guarantee that the victim will regain access to their files and in some cases, the attackers may not provide the decryption key even after receiving the payment. Moreover, paying the ransom only supports and encourages the attackers to continue their malicious activities.

Therefore, it is important to avoid opening suspicious attachments or downloading software from untrusted sources, and to keep backup copies of important files in a separate, secure location to avoid losing access to your data in the event of a ransomware attack.

Do not pay for ERQW ransom!

Please, try to use the available backups, or Decrypter tools

.ERQW File Extension Removal Instructions

STEP 1: Kill the Malicious Process

STEP 2: Reveal Hidden Files

STEP 3: Locate Startup Location

STEP 4: Recover .ERQW File Extension Encrypted Files

STEP 1: Stop the malicious process using Windows Task Manager

• Open your task Manager by pressing CTRL+SHIFT+ESC keys simultaneously
• Locate the process of the ransomware. Have in mind that this is usually a random generated file.
• Before you kill the process, type the name on a text document for later reference.

• Locate any suspicious processes associated with .ERQW File Extension encryption Virus.
• Right click on the process
• Open File Location
• End Process
• Delete the directories with the suspicious files.
• Have in mind that the process can be hiding and very difficult to detect

STEP 2: Reveal Hidden Files

• Open any folder
• Click on “Organize” button
  
• Choose “Folder and Search Options”
• Select the “View” tab
• Select “Show hidden files and folders” option
• Uncheck “Hide protected operating system files”
• Click “Apply” and “OK” button

STEP 3: Locate .ERQW File Extension encryption Virus startup location

• Once the operating system loads press simultaneously the Windows Logo Button and the R key.

• A dialog box should open. Type “Regedit”
• WARNING! be very careful when editing the Microsoft Windows Registry as this may render the system broken.

Depending on your OS (x86 or x64) navigate to:

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run] or
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run] or
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run]

• and delete the display Name: [RANDOM]

• Then open your explorer and navigate to:

Navigate to your %appdata% folder and delete the executable.

You can alternatively use your msconfig windows program to double check the execution point of the virus. Please, have in mind that the names in your machine might be different as they might be generated randomly, that’s why you should run any professional scanner to identify malicious files.

Do NOT send money for decrypt of “ERQW” files!

The cyber criminals behind ERQW ransomware guarantee to send you the code after you pay. However, all you’ve got is a promise from bad people. You have no warranty whatsoever. We recommend not to rely on words of internet criminals. If you pay this will continue to happen.

 

 

STEP 4: How to recover encrypted files?

• Method 1: The first and best method is to restore your data from a recent backup, in case that you have one.

• Method 2: File Recovery Software – Usually when the ransomware encrypts a file it first makes a copy of it, encrypts the copy, and then deletes the original. Due to this you may try to use file recovery software like iBeesoft Data Recovery to try recover some of your original files.
• Method 3: Shadow Volume Copies – As a last resort, you can try to restore your files via Shadow Volume Copies. Open the Shadow Explorer part of the package and choose the Drive you want to recover. Right click on any file you want to restore and click Export on it.
• If by any chance you did not have internet access when the encryption took place, you can try to recover them by using Emsisoft Decryptor for STOP Djvu decryption tool using the Emsisoft Decryptor for STOP Djvu.
• Wait for Antivirus companies to create an ERQW file decryptor.

What can I do to stop ERQW file ransomware?

Reporting a ransomware infection to authorities can aid in tracking and identifying the individuals or group behind the attack. If you have fallen victim to a ransomware attack, there are various government websites where you can file a report. Here is a list of cyber-security authorities and their respective websites for reporting ransomware attacks in different regions:

• Germany: Offizielles Portal der deutschen Polizei
• United States: IC3 Internet Crime Complaint Centre
• United Kingdom: Action Fraud Police
• France: Ministère de l’Intérieur
• Italy: Polizia Di Stato
• Spain: Policía Nacional
• Netherlands: Politie
• Poland: Policja
• Portugal: Polícia Judiciária
• Greece: Cyber Crime Unit (Hellenic Police)
• Australia: Australian High Tech Crime Center

It’s worth noting that the response time may vary depending on the local authorities. It’s also important to note that in addition to reporting to the local police, you can also report to national and international cybercrime agencies such as FBI, Europol or INTERPOL.