Waqa – General Info
Waqa is a harmful software application functioning as common ransomware. Michael Gillespie, the widely known malware researcher, first discovered this new name in the DJVU ransomware family.
Waqa was developed for the sole purpose to encrypt all popular file types. Realistically, as soon as the file encryption is effectively achieved, the users are not able to get access to them. Waqa ransomware includes its own “.waqa” to all the encrypted data. For example, the file “price_list.xls”, as soon as crypted by Waqa, will be titled as “price_list.xls.waqa”. As soon as the encryption is accomplished, Waqa puts its own special text file (_readme.txt) into all the folders that keep the encrypted files.
The alert stated by document asking for the random os extremely similar to the notifications provided by other ransomware dangers belonging to the DJVU family. The caution basically shows that the information has been encrypted and the only option to get access to it is to use a special standalone key. Regretfully, this statement is definitely true.
The method to encrypt the files utilized by Waqa is not totally looked into. Nevertheless, there is no doubt that each computer system owner may be issued a special decryption key, which is definitely special. It is very tough to recuperate the information without the proper key in place.
“Don’t worry, you can return all your files!”, from text file message:
One more peculiarity of the Waqa ransomware is that the users are unable to get access to the key. The decrypting key is hosted on a special server under the complete control by the criminals who have actually introduced the Waqa virus into the world wide web. In order to get the key and restore the important information, the users are told to contact the frauds via e-mail or by telegram and to pay the ransom in the amount of $980.
The message likewise says that the people should call the Waqa authors within 72 hours upon the moment of the information encryption. The alert shows that by doing so individuals will acquire a 50% discount, therefore, the ransom amount falls to $490.
Waqa crypted your data, nevertheless, it may not be the only hazard on your PC. Plus, the ransomware may be hidden deep in the system. To find and delete the hazard totally, we recommend you to describe 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 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. For this reason, paying ransom typically does not lead to a successful healing. So, the users might just lose their money for nothing.
Similarly, we advise you not to call the frauds as they instruct. Do not transfer money into their wallets. There are no applications that could break the Waqa ransomware or restore the information at no cost. For that reason, the only appropriate choice is to bring back the information from possible backups (if available).
Virus Summary
| Name | Waqa Ransomware |
| File Extension | waqa |
| 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 .waqa extension to all the files modified by it. |
| Distribution Method | Adware bundles and software cracks |
| Similar Infections | Lokas, Besub, Nusar |
| Waqa Removal Tool | GridinSoft Anti-Malware |
| Waqa Decryption Tool | Emsisoft Djvu Decryptor |
Do not forget that the Web is now full of infections comparable to the Waqa ransomware. For example, this particular danger is basically similar to Brusaf and other ransomware-type infections. These destructive utilities have been developed in order to encrypt the crucial data and express the need for the users to pay the ransom. All these infections utilize the identical algorithm to produce the specific key for successful files decryption.
Unless the Waqa ransomware is still under the advancement process or has actually got some hidden bugs, it is not possible to bring back the data by hand. Thus, the only working option to prevent the loss of your essential data is to frequently keep updated backups of all your crucial data.
Another crucial piece of recommendations is to save the backups on unique storage not linked to your main computer. 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 regular drive is extremely risky, because the backup may also be secured by the Waqa .
Leaks for the Waqa ransomware attack.
Waqa uses lots of paths to penetrate the vulnerable computers. It is not certain what particular approach was used in your case, nevertheless, the invasion may happen via the following channels:
- bundling with third-party programs, mainly free software;
- spam emails from the unidentified senders;
- sites supplying complimentary hosting;
- P2P (peer-to-peer) torrent downloads.
There are times when the Waqa may camouflage itself as some genuine application, for instance, through the deceptive informs requiring installation of some software application upgrade. This is the most common trick used by the frauds to inject the Waqa virus files into the system. This way users partially take part in its installation, without clearly understanding the risk.
Additionally, the frauds might send out unsolicited spam e-mail with tricky signals encouraging the people to open suspicious attachments or click some download links, for example, those motivating individuals to open specific photos, text files, tax files and other information.
No doubt, opening these files or clicking the destructive links may basically damage the system. Fake Acrobat Reader update notifications may result in the Waqa ransomware seepage. Likewise, downloading the broken software might in addition consist of the ransomware installer. The last but not the least, installation of Waqa might take place through some Trojan horses that may be set up stealthily into the system and without the user’s direct consent or even approval.
Avoiding the Waqa virus attack.
Of course, there is no absolute guarantee that your computer will be always free of any malware attacks, however, we want to share some helpful pointers with you to make it much safer. Ensure to pay really close attention while browsing the web and especially while getting cost-free programs. Do not open any suspicious e-mail accessories, particularly if the sender is not understood to you.
Do not forget that certain freeware installer might also consist of some other extra apps in the package. These extra applications might be very harmful. It is of utmost significance to keep your anti-virus software application and your operating system in basic to be always effectively upgraded.
It is rather rational that downloading pirated apps is prohibited, nevertheless, in addition, such unauthorized programs use may also bring severe damage to your PC. Hence, do not download any broken programs. Plus, the truth that your existing anti-virus did not secure the system from the Waqa ransomware is an excellent reason for you to reevaluate your choices and switch to another program that can render the safeguarding functions on a much better level.
Below please find the quotation from the Waqa 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 “.waqa” extension added by the virus:”
Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove Waqa ransomware from your computer
1.Download GridinSoft Anti-Malware.
You can download 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 waqa 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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