Djvu VirusRansomwareRemoval Guide

Vatq Virus Removal Guide (+Decrypt .vatq files)

Vatq Virus Ransomware

Vatq is a destructive software working as typical ransomware. Michael Gillespie, the well-known virus researcher, first found this new name in the DJVU ransomware family.

Vatq was created for the sole purpose to encrypt all popular file types. Realistically, as quickly as the encryption is successfully achieved, the users are unable to get access to them. Vatq virus adds its own “.vatq” to all the encrypted data. For example, the file “price_list.xls”, as soon as modified by Vatq, will be titled as “price_list.xls.vatq”. As soon as the file encryption is accomplished, Vatq puts its own unique text file (_readme.txt) into all the folders that store the encrypted files.

The message specified by document requesting the random os extremely similar to the alerts provided by other ransomware dangers coming from the DJVU family. The caution generally indicates that the data has been secured and the only solution to get access to it is to use a special standalone key. Regretfully, this declaration is absolutely real.

The approach to secure the files used by Vatq is not totally investigated. However, there is no doubt that each computer owner might be provided an unique decryption key, which is absolutely distinct. It is extremely hard to recuperate the information without the appropriate key in place.

“Don’t worry, you can return all your files!”, from text file message:

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

One more peculiarity of the Vatq virus is that the users are unable to get access to the key. The decrypting key is hosted on an unique server under the total control by the crooks who have actually released the Vatq ransomware into the internet. In order to get the key and restore the crucial data, the users are told to connect with the scams via email or by telegram and to pay the ransom in the amount of $980.

The message also says that the people need to get in touch with the Vatq authors within 72 hours upon the minute of the data file encryption. The alert shows that by doing so the people will acquire a 50% discount rate, therefore, the ransom quantity falls to $490.

No matter what the quantity of the ransom is, we highly recommend that you do not pay the ransom. There is no assurance that these online crooks will keep their pledges, so they may not care at all what the victims feel about the encryption, even when the quantity of the ransom is received into their accounts. Thus, paying ransom frequently does not lead to an effective recovery. So, the users may just lose their money for absolutely nothing.

Likewise, we advise you not to get in touch with the scams as they instruct. Do not move loan into their wallets. There are no applications that might crack the Vatq virus or restore the data at no charge. Therefore, the only proper choice is to bring back the information from possible backups (if offered).

Virus Summary

NameVatq Ransomware
File Extensionvatq
TypeRansomware
FamilyDJVU
Short DescriptionThe 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.
SymptomsFile 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 .vatq extension to all the files modified by it.
Distribution MethodAdware bundles and software cracks
Similar InfectionsLokas, Besub, Nusar
Vatq Removal Tool   GridinSoft Anti-Malware
Vatq Decryption Tool   Emsisoft Djvu Decryptor

Do not forget that the Internet is now full of infections comparable to the Vatq virus. For instance, this particular threat is basically identical to Brusaf and other ransomware-type infections. These destructive energies have actually been established in order to encrypt the essential information and express the need for the users to pay the ransom. All these infections utilize the identical algorithm to create the particular key for successful data decryption.

Unless the Vatq ransomware is still under the advancement process or has got some hidden bugs, it is not possible to bring back the information by hand. Thus, the only working solution to prevent the loss of your crucial data is to regularly maintain updated backups of all your important files.

Another important piece of suggestions is to keep the backups on special storage not linked to your main PC. For example, you may 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 system drive is extremely dangerous, since the backup may likewise be encrypted by the Vatq infection.

Leaks for the Vatq ransomware attack.

Vatq utilizes lots of courses to infiltrate the vulnerable computers. It is not specific what specific technique was used in your case, however, the invasion may happen via the following channels:

  • bundling with third-party programs, mainly free software;
  • spam emails from the unidentified senders;
  • sites providing complimentary hosting;
  • P2P (peer-to-peer) torrent downloads.

There are times when the Vatq virus may camouflage itself as some real application, for instance, through the deceptive signals demanding installation of some software application update. This is the most typical trick utilized by the scams to inject the Vatq ransomware files into the system. This way users partly participate in its setup, without plainly understanding the threat.

Furthermore, the scams may send out unsolicited spam e-mail with tricky signals encouraging individuals to open suspicious accessories or click some download links, for example, those motivating the people to open certain pictures, text files, tax files and other info.

No doubt, opening these files or clicking the harmful links might essentially harm the system. Fake Media Player upgrade notices may result in the Vatq ransomware infiltration. Similarly, downloading the broken software might in addition include the ransomware installer. The last however not the least, installation of Vatq might happen through some Trojan horses that might be set up stealthily into the system and without the user’s direct authorization or perhaps approval.

Preventing the Vatq ransom virus injection.

Obviously, there is no outright assurance that your computer will be always free of any malware attacks, however, we wish to share some useful tips with you to make it more secure. Make certain to pay really very close attention while searching the web and specifically while getting cost-free programs. Do not open any suspicious email accessories, specifically if the sender is not understood to you.

Do not forget that particular freeware installer might likewise contain some other extra apps in the package. These additional applications may be very destructive. It is of utmost value to keep your anti-virus software and your operating system in general to be constantly appropriately updated.

It is rather sensible that downloading cracked software is unlawful, however, additionally, such unapproved software usage might likewise bring serious damage to your system. Hence, do not download any cracked programs. Plus, the truth that your present anti-virus did not protect the system from the Vatq ransomware is an excellent factor for you to reconsider your choices and change to another program that can render the securing functions on a much better level.

Below please find the quotation from the Vatq 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 “.vatq” extension added by the ransomware:”

Vatq Ransomware - encrypt files with .vatq extension

Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove Vatq ransomware from your computer

1.Download GridinSoft Anti-Malware.

You can download GridinSoft Anti-Malware by clicking the button below:

  GridinSoft Anti-Malware

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.
GridinSoft Anti-Malware
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.
GridinSoft Anti-Malware Setup

3. Press Install button for run GridinSoft Anti-Malware.

GridinSoft Anti-Malware Install

3.Once installed, GridinSoft Anti-Malware will automatically run.

GridinSoft Anti-Malware  Start

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.
GridinSoft Anti-Malware Scan

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.
GridinSoft Anti-Malware Scan Result

Use Emsisoft Decryptor for restore vatq files

You can get Emsisoft Decryptor by clicking the button below:

  Emsisoft Decryptor

  1. Run the decryptor as an administrator. The license terms will show up, which you have to agree to by clicking the “Yes” button.
  2. Once the license terms are accepted, the primary decryptor user interface opens.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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
  6. 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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Daniel Zimmermann

Daniel Zimmermann has been writing on security and malware subjects for many years and has been working in the security industry for over 10 years. Daniel was educated at the Saarland University in Saarbrücken, Germany and currently lives in New York.

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