Qowd Virus Ransomware
Qowd is a malicious software functioning as common ransomware. Michael Gillespie, the widely known malware researcher, first found this new name in the DJVU ransomware family.
Qowd was developed for the sole function to encrypt all popular file types. Logically, as quickly as the encryption is effectively achieved, the users are unable to get access to them. Qowd virus includes its own “.qowd” to all the encrypted data. For instance, the file “price_list.xls”, when modified by Qowd, will be entitled as “price_list.xls.qowd”. As soon as the encryption is accomplished, Qowd puts its own distinct text document (_readme.txt) into all the folders that store the encrypted files.
The message mentioned by text file requesting for the random os extremely comparable to the alerts offered by other ransomware risks belonging to the DJVU family. The warning generally indicates that the files have been encrypted and the only service to get access to it is to use a distinct standalone key. Regretfully, this statement is absolutely true.
The technique to encrypt the files used by Qowd is not completely looked into. However, there is no doubt that each computer system owner may be provided an unique decryption key, which is definitely unique. It is incredibly hard to recover the data without the appropriate type in place.
“Don’t worry, you can return all your files!”, from _readme.txt message:
One more peculiarity of the Qowd infection 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 criminals who have introduced the Qowd infection into the internet. In order to acquire the key and bring back the essential information, the users are informed to get in touch with the scams by means of email or by telegram and to pay the ransom in the amount of $980.
The message likewise states that the people need to call the Qowd authors within 72 hours upon the moment of the information encryption. The alert shows that by doing so individuals will get a 50% discount, therefore, the ransom quantity drops down to $490.
Qowd encrypted your information, nevertheless, it may not be the only threat on your PC. Plus, the ransomware might be hidden deep in the system. To discover and delete the danger totally, we suggest you to refer to the aid of GridinSoft Anti-Malware tool.
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No matter what the amount of the ransom is, we highly encourage that you do not pay the ransom. There is no warranty that these online crooks will keep their guarantees, so they may not care at all what the victims feel about the file encryption, even when the amount of the ransom is received into their accounts. Hence, paying ransom typically does not lead to an effective recovery. So, the users might simply lose their money for absolutely nothing.
Likewise, we prompt you not to contact the scams as they advise. Do not transfer loan into their wallets. There are no applications that might split the Qowd virus or bring back the data for free. For that reason, the only proper choice is to restore the data from possible backups (if available).
Virus Summary
| Name | Qowd Ransomware |
| File Extension | qowd |
| 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 .qowd extension to all the files modified by it. |
| Distribution Method | Adware bundles and software cracks |
| Similar Infections | Lokas, Besub, Nusar |
| Qowd Removal Tool | GridinSoft Anti-Malware |
| Qowd Decryption Tool | Emsisoft Djvu Decryptor |
Do not forget that the Web is now full of infections similar to the Qowd virus. For example, this particular danger is basically similar to Brusaf and other ransomware-type infections. These damaging utilities have been established in order to encrypt the essential data and reveal the need for the users to pay the ransom. All these infections utilize the similar algorithm to create the specific key for effective files decryption.
Unless the Qowd ransomware is still under the development procedure or has actually got some hidden bugs, it is not possible to bring back the data by hand. Therefore, the only working option to avoid the loss of your essential information is to regularly keep updated backups of all your essential files.
Another important piece of advice is to keep the backups on special storage not connected to your main computer. For instance, you might save 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 routine drive is extremely dangerous, because the backup might also be secured by the Qowd ransomware.
Leakages for the Qowd ransomware attack.
Qowd utilizes numerous courses to infiltrate the susceptible computers. It is not specific what specific technique was utilized in your case, nevertheless, the invasion may happen via the following channels:
- bundling with third-party programs, generally free apps;
- spam emails from the unknown senders;
- sites providing free hosting;
- P2P (peer-to-peer) torrent downloads.
There are times when the Qowd virus may camouflage itself as some genuine application, for example, through the misleading notifies requiring setup of some software upgrade. This is the most common technique used by the scams to inject the Qowd infection files into the system. In this manner users partially take part in its setup, without clearly understanding the risk.
Moreover, the scams might send unsolicited spam e-mail with difficult signals encouraging individuals to open dubious accessories or click some download links, for instance, those motivating individuals to open particular images, text files, tax documents and other information.
No doubt, opening these files or clicking the harmful links might basically damage the system. Fake Adobe Flash Player upgrade notifications may lead to the Qowd ransomware infiltration. Likewise, downloading the split software might additionally include the ransomware installer. The last but not the least, installation of Qowd may occur through some Trojan horses that might be installed stealthily into the system and without the user’s direct permission or even consent.
Avoiding the Qowd ransomware injection.
Of course, there is no absolute assurance that your computer system will be constantly free of any malware attacks, nevertheless, we wish to share some beneficial tips with you to make it safer. Make sure to pay extremely very close attention while searching the web and particularly while getting cost-free programs. Do not open any suspicious e-mail accessories, specifically if the sender is not known to you.
Do not forget that particular freeware installer might also consist of some other extra apps in the package. These extra applications may be really destructive. It is of utmost value to keep your anti-virus software application and your operating system in general to be always properly updated.
It is rather sensible that downloading cracked software is prohibited, however, additionally, such unapproved software usage might likewise bring serious damage to your computer. For this reason, do not download any cracked programs. Plus, the fact that your existing anti-virus did not secure the system from the Qowd ransomware is an excellent factor for you to reassess 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 Qowd 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 “.qowd” extension added by the ransomware:”
Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove Qowd 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 qowd 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.
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