Coaq Virus – Details
Coaq is a harmful software working as common ransomware. Michael Gillespie, the widely known malware researcher, very first discovered this new name in the DJVU ransomware family.
Coaq was created for the sole purpose to encrypt all popular file types. Rationally, as soon as the encryption is effectively accomplished, the users are not able to get access to them. Coaq ransomware includes its own “.coaq” to all the encrypted data. For example, the file “price_list.xls”, as soon as crypted by Coaq, will be titled as “price_list.xls.coaq”. As soon as the file encryption is achieved, Coaq puts its own unique text file (_readme.txt) into all the folders that store the encrypted files.
The message specified by document asking for the random os very comparable to the notices given by other ransomware dangers belonging to the DJVU family. The warning basically indicates that the information has been secured and the only solution to get access to it is to use a special standalone key. Regretfully, this statement is definitely true.
The technique to encrypt the files used by Coaq is not totally investigated. Nevertheless, there is no doubt that each computer owner may be provided a special decryption key, which is definitely unique. It is exceptionally hard to recover the data without the suitable key in location.
“Don’t worry, you can return all your files!”, from _readme.txt message:
One more peculiarity of the Coaq ransomware is that the users are not able to get access to the key. The decrypting key is hosted on an unique server under the total control by the scoundrels who have launched the Coaq virus into the internet. In order to obtain the key and restore the crucial information, the users are told to contact the scams through e-mail or by telegram and to pay the ransom in the quantity of $980.
The message also says that the people should get in touch with the Coaq authors within 72 hours upon the minute of the data encryption. The alert indicates that by doing so individuals will get a 50% discount, for that reason, the ransom quantity falls to $490.
Coaq encrypted your files, however, it may not be the only risk on your computer. Plus, the ransomware might be concealed deep in the system. To identify and delete the danger totally, we suggest you to describe the assistance of GridinSoft Anti-Malware app.
Download GridinSoft Anti-Malware
GridinSoft Anti-Malware Review, How to get free trial?, EULA, and Privacy Policy.
No matter what the amount of the ransom is, we strongly advise that you do not pay the ransom. There is no assurance that these online scoundrels will keep their promises, so they might not care at all what the victims feel about the file encryption, even when the amount of the ransom is received into their accounts. Thus, paying ransom often does not result in an effective healing. So, the users might merely lose their money for nothing.
Similarly, we urge you not to contact the frauds as they advise. Do not transfer cash into their wallets. There are no applications that could crack the Coaq virus or restore the information at no cost. Therefore, the only right choice is to bring back the information from possible backups (if offered).
Virus Summary
| Name | Coaq Ransomware |
| File Extension | coaq |
| Type | Ransomware |
| Family | DJVU |
| Short Description | The ransomware encrypts all the data stored on your system and requires a ransom to be paid on your part supposedly to recover your important files. |
| Symptoms | File encryption by the ransomware is performed by means of the AES-256 algorithm (CFB mode) encryption algorithm. Once the encryption is completed, the ransomware adds its special .coaq extension to all the files modified by it. |
| Distribution Method | Adware bundles and software cracks |
| Similar Infections | Lokas, Besub, Nusar |
| Coaq Removal Tool | GridinSoft Anti-Malware |
| Coaq Decryption Tool | Emsisoft Djvu Decryptor |
Do not forget that the Internet is now filled with infections similar to the Coaq ransomware. For instance, this particular threat is basically identical to Brusaf and other ransomware-type infections. These harmful energies have actually been developed in order to secure the crucial data and reveal the need for the users to pay the ransom. All these infections utilize the similar algorithm to generate the particular key for effective data decryption.
Unless the Coaq ransomware is still under the advancement procedure or has actually got some concealed bugs, it is not possible to restore the information manually. Thus, the only working solution to prevent the loss of your crucial data is to regularly maintain current backups of all your important data.
Another important piece of suggestions is to save the backups on special storage not linked to your main PC. For instance, you may keep it on the USB Flash Drive, or some external hard disk drive, or by using the cloud data storage services. Keeping the backups on your system drive is very risky, since the backup may likewise be encrypted by the Coaq .
Leaks for the Coaq ransomware attack.
Coaq uses many paths to penetrate the susceptible computer systems. It is not particular what specific technique was used in your case, nevertheless, the intrusion may take place via the following channels:
- bundling with third-party programs, mainly free apps;
- spam e-mails from the unknown senders;
- sites supplying free hosting;
- P2P (peer-to-peer) torrent software.
There are times when the Coaq ransomware may camouflage itself as some real application, for example, through the misleading alerts requiring installation of some software application update. This is the most typical trick utilized by the scams to inject the Coaq virus files into the system. This way users partly take part in its setup, without plainly comprehending the threat.
Moreover, the scams may send unsolicited spam e-mail with difficult alerts motivating individuals to open suspicious accessories or click on some download links, for instance, those motivating individuals to open certain images, text files, tax files and other information.
No doubt, opening these files or clicking on the malicious links may basically damage the system. Fake Acrobat Reader update notifications may lead to the Coaq ransomware seepage. Likewise, downloading the broken software application may in addition consist of the ransomware installer. The last however not the least, installation of Coaq may occur through some Trojan horses that may be installed stealthily into the system and without the user’s direct permission or perhaps authorization.
Avoiding the Coaq injection.
Of course, there is no outright warranty that your computer system will be always without any malware attacks, nevertheless, we wish to share some useful tips with you to make it safer. Make certain to pay extremely very close attention while searching the web and particularly while getting cost-free programs. Do not open any dubious e-mail accessories, especially if the sender is not understood to you.
Do not forget that specific freeware installer might also contain some other extra apps in the bundle. These extra applications might be very harmful. It is of utmost value to keep your anti-virus software and your operating system in general to be always appropriately updated.
It is rather logical that downloading pirated programs is unlawful, nevertheless, in addition, such unauthorized programs use might likewise bring severe damage to your system. Hence, do not download any split programs. Plus, the truth that your existing anti-virus did not safeguard the system from the Coaq ransomware is an excellent reason for you to reconsider your choices and switch to another program that can render the securing functions on a far better level.
Below please find the quotation from the Coaq text file:
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-2P5WrE5b9f 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: restorealldata@firemail.cc Reserve e-mail address to contact us: gorentos@bitmessage.ch Our Telegram account: @datarestore
Screenshot of files with “.coaq” extension added by the virus:”
Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove Coaq ransomware from your computer
1.Download GridinSoft Anti-Malware.
You can get GridinSoft Anti-Malware by clicking the button below:
2. Double-click on the setup file.
When setup file has finished downloading, double-click on the setup-antimalware-ag.exe file to install GridinSoft Anti-Malware on your computer.
An User Account Control asking you about to allow GridinSoft Anti-Malware to make changes to your device. So, you should click “Yes” to continue with the installation.
3. Press Install button for run GridinSoft Anti-Malware.
3.Once installed, GridinSoft Anti-Malware will automatically run.
4. Wait for the GridinSoft Anti-Malware scan to complete.
GridinSoft Anti-Malware will automatically start scanning your computer for Win Speedup 2018 and other malicious programs. This process can take a 20-30 minutes, so we suggest you periodically check on the status of the scan process.
5. Click on “Clean Now”.
When the scan has completed, you will see the list of infections that GridinSoft Anti-Malware has detected. To remove them click on the “Clean Now” button in right corner.
Use Emsisoft Decryptor for restore coaq files
You can get Emsisoft Decryptor by clicking the button below:
- Run the decryptor as an administrator. The license terms will show up, which you have to agree to by clicking the “Yes” button.
- Once the license terms are accepted, the primary decryptor user interface opens.
- By default, the decryptor will pre-populate the locations to decrypt with the currently connected drives and network drives. Additional locations can be added using the Add” button.
- Decryptors typically offer various options depending on the particular malware family. The available options are located in the Options tab and can be enabled or disabled there. You can find a detailed list of the available Options below.
- After you have added all the locations you want to decrypt to the list, click the “Decrypt” button to start the decryption process. The screen will switch to a status view, informing you about the current process and decryption status of your files
- The decryptor will inform you once the decryption process is finished. If you require the report for your personal records, you can save it by clicking the “Save log” button. You can also copy it straight to your clipboard to paste it into emails or forum posts if you are asked to.
User Review
( votes)
