What Is Dqws Virus?
Dqws virus is a ransomware infection, which is a part of the STOP/DJVU family of viruses. This particular thread aims to get inside your computer and detect it and begin to cause a lot of different trouble, mainly related to burning you from opening your files, by using encryption. After it encrypts your files, the virus leaves behind a ransom note, that is called _readme.txt and aims to give you instructions on how you can be a large sum of money in the form of a Bitcoin ransom payoff to the criminals behind the virus so that they can decrypt your files and also remove the .dqws extension.
Read this article if you want to understand more about how this virus works and what you can do to remove it and try to fix your files..
Dqws Virus Summary
| Name | Dqws virus, also known as UDS:Trojan.Win32.Chapak.gen, Ransom:Win32/StopCrypt.KM!MTB, Win32:PWSX-gen [Trj], Win32:PWSX-gen [Trj], A Variant Of Win32/GenKryptik.FHJB – more detections of this virus on VirusTotal |
| File Extension | .dqws |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | The ransomware encrypts files on your computer system and demands a ransom to be paid to allegedly recover them. |
| Symptoms | The Dqws Virus ransomware will encrypt your files by appending the .Dqws extension to them. |
| Ransom Demanding Note | _readme.txt |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
| Detection Tool |
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Dqws Virus – How Did I Get Infected?
Dqws virus is very approximate to some other versions of this family, including the recently detected .hajd, .qall and .ghas ones.The Dqws virus may cause an infection of your computer system via one of the following methods:
- If downloaded from some shady third-party software download site.
- If you have received it in the form of an e-mail attachment or a URL in your e-mail inbox.
If the Dqws virus is sent to you in the form of an email attachment, there is a chance that it could pretend to be one of the following types of files:
- Invoice files.
- Receipt documents.
- Work-related documents.
- E-Tickets of some kind (flights, train, events).
If this is the case and the file is indeed a document, and it may contain a malicious macro called that may trigger the following infection process once you download and run the file and enable its contents:
Another way you can get your computer compromised by this infection is through multiple different downloaded files from some shady sites, like:
- Patches for programs or games.
- SFX (self extracting) or regular archive files.
- Cracked applications or portable apps.
- Crack-fixes or activators for software or games.
- Keyegens or key generators.
Dqws Virus – What Does It Do?
As soon as an infection has occurred with the Dqws virus, it may connect to a remote server, from where it may silently initiate a download of its payload files and module objects. These files may be located in different Windows directories under different names, like the following folders:
- %SystemDrive%
- %Local%
- %LocalLow%
- %AppData%
- %Windows%
- %Temp%
- %System%
- %system32%
The virus, also makes sure that it leaves behind its ransom note, that is called _readme.txt and has the following extortionist message:
Not just this but Dqws ransomware may also create value entries in the Windows Registry Editor, targeting the following sub-keys:
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
What Are .Dqws Files
The .Dqws files are basically the encrypted copies of your original files and they are encoded using a sophisticated algorithm, that is also known as AES Encryption. This algorithm changes the structure of the files and makes them no longer able to be opened. What the virus does is it initiates a scan of all of your files and encrypt only the ones that you use the most, while scanning them based on their file extensions, for example:
- Files that are archives (.zip, .rar, etc).
- Various sorts of documents (.docx, .pptx, etc.).
- Audio file formats (.mp3, .wav, etc.).
- Different picture file types (.jpg, .png, .etc).
- Video file formats (.mp4, .avi, etc.).
- Other files.
After it has succeeded in encoding in your files, the virus leaves behind its own extension, making the files appear like the following example shows:
Picture.jpg.dqws
How to Remove Dqws Virus?
In order for the removal process of the Dqws virus to succeed, our main suggestion is following the removal instructions beneath this article. These are steps that have been created mainly to assist you in removing the virus automatically or by yourself. If you like the experience to succeed in removing the virus yourself, or he simply does not have the time to do it, our main suggestion is following the experts advice and downloading and running a scan of your computer using a professional anti-malware software. Such a program is specifically designed to thoroughly check your device and automatically get rid of any malicious files from it.
How to Decrypt .dqws Files?
Dqws files can successfully be decrypted if you have the off-line key version of the malware. If this is the case, then we suggest that you follow the STOP Ransomware Decryption Steps or the video guide below, which both contain instructions on how you can use the official decryption software for the virus, that has been created by independent malware research experts. If you do not have the off-line key version, but instead you happen to have the online one, then our suggestion is trying out the alternative methods that are shown in the guide below. They contain steps that may not come at 100% chance of success, but they have a probability of recovering at least some of your files.
Video guide for using the STOP Ransomware Decryptor:
Ventsislav Krastev
Ventsislav is a cybersecurity expert at SensorsTechForum since 2015. He has been researching, covering, helping victims with the latest malware infections plus testing and reviewing software and the newest tech developments. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for learning new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management, Network Administration and Computer Administration of System Applications, he found his true calling within the cybersecrurity industry and is a strong believer in the education of every user towards online safety and security.
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Step 1: Scan for Dqws with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Dqws and related malware from Windows
Here is a method in few easy steps that should be able to uninstall most programs. No matter if you are using Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista or XP, those steps will get the job done. Dragging the program or its folder to the recycle bin can be a very bad decision. If you do that, bits and pieces of the program are left behind, and that can lead to unstable work of your PC, errors with the file type associations and other unpleasant activities. The proper way to get a program off your computer is to Uninstall it. To do that:
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully delete most unwanted and malicious programs.
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by Dqws on your computer.
The usually targeted registries of Windows machines are the following:
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
You can access them by opening the Windows registry editor and deleting any values, created by Dqws there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
Tip: To find a virus-created value, you can right-click on it and click "Modify" to see which file it is set to run. If this is the virus file location, remove the value.
Before starting "Step 4", please boot back into Normal mode, in case you are currently in Safe Mode.
This will enable you to install and use SpyHunter 5 successfully.
Step 4: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove Dqws
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Dqws.
Method 1: Use STOP Decrypter by Emsisoft.
Not all variants of this ransomware can be decrypted for free, but we have added the decryptor used by researchers that is often updated with the variants which become eventually decrypted. You can try and decrypt your files using the instructions below, but if they do not work, then unfortunately your variant of the ransomware virus is not decryptable.
Follow the instructions below to use the Emsisoft decrypter and decrypt your files for free. You can download the Emsisoft decryption tool linked here and then follow the steps provided below:
1 Right-click on the decrypter and click on Run as Administrator as shown below:
2. Agree with the license terms:
3. Click on "Add Folder" and then add the folders where you want files decrypted as shown underneath:
4. Click on "Decrypt" and wait for your files to be decoded.
Note: Credit for the decryptor goes to Emsisoft researchers who have made the breakthrough with this virus.
Method 2: Use data recovery software
Ransomware infections and Dqws aim to encrypt your files using an encryption algorithm which may be very difficult to decrypt. This is why we have suggested a data recovery method that may help you go around direct decryption and try to restore your files. Bear in mind that this method may not be 100% effective but may also help you a little or a lot in different situations.
Simply click on the link and on the website menus on the top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.
Dqws-FAQ
What is Dqws Ransomware?
Dqws is a ransomware infection - the malicious software that enters your computer silently and blocks either access to the computer itself or encrypt your files.
Many ransomware viruses use sophisticated encryption algorithms to make your files inaccessible. The goal of ransomware infections is to demand that you pay a ransom payment to get access to your files back.
What Does Dqws Ransomware Do?
Ransomware in general is a malicious software that is designed to block access to your computer or files until a ransom is paid.
Ransomware viruses can also damage your system, corrupt data and delete files, resulting in the permanent loss of important files.
How Does Dqws Infect?
Via several ways.Dqws Ransomware infects computers by being sent via phishing emails, containing virus attachment. This attachment is usually masked as an important document, like an invoice, bank document or even a plane ticket and it looks very convincing to users.
Another way you may become a victim of Dqws is if you download a fake installer, crack or patch from a low reputation website or if you click on a virus link. Many users report getting a ransomware infection by downloading torrents.
How to Open .Dqws files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Dqws files are encrypted. You can only open them once they are decrypted using a specific decryption key for the particular algorithm.
What to Do If a Decryptor Does Not Work?
Do not panic, and backup the files. If a decryptor did not decrypt your .Dqws files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Dqws" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Dqws files.
These methods are in no way 100% guaranteed that you will be able to get your files back. But if you have a backup, your chances of success are much greater.
How To Get Rid of Dqws Virus?
The safest way and the most efficient one for the removal of this ransomware infection is the use a professional anti-malware program.
It will scan for and locate Dqws ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Dqws files.
Can I Report Ransomware to Authorities?
In case your computer got infected with a ransomware infection, you can report it to the local Police departments. It can help authorities worldwide track and determine the perpetrators behind the virus that has infected your computer.
Below, we have prepared a list with government websites, where you can file a report in case you are a victim of a cybercrime:
Cyber-security authorities, responsible for handling ransomware attack reports in different regions all over the world:
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)
India - Mumbai Police - CyberCrime Investigation Cell
Australia - Australian High Tech Crime Center
Reports may be responded to in different timeframes, depending on your local authorities.
Can You Stop Ransomware from Encrypting Your Files?
Yes, you can prevent ransomware. The best way to do this is to ensure your computer system is updated with the latest security patches, use a reputable anti-malware program and firewall, backup your important files frequently, and avoid clicking on malicious links or downloading unknown files.
Can Dqws Ransomware Steal Your Data?
Yes, in most cases ransomware will steal your information. It is a form of malware that steals data from a user's computer, encrypts it, and then demands a ransom in order to decrypt it.
In many cases, the malware authors or attackers will threaten to delete the data or publish it online unless the ransom is paid.
Can Ransomware Infect WiFi?
Yes, ransomware can infect WiFi networks, as malicious actors can use it to gain control of the network, steal confidential data, and lock out users. If a ransomware attack is successful, it could lead to a loss of service and/or data, and in some cases, financial losses.
Should I Pay Ransomware?
No, you should not pay ransomware extortionists. Paying them only encourages criminals and does not guarantee that the files or data will be restored. The better approach is to have a secure backup of important data and be vigilant about security in the first place.
What Happens If I Don't Pay Ransom?
If you don't pay the ransom, the hackers may still have access to your computer, data, or files and may continue to threaten to expose or delete them, or even use them to commit cybercrimes. In some cases, they may even continue to demand additional ransom payments.
Can a Ransomware Attack Be Detected?
Yes, ransomware can be detected. Anti-malware software and other advanced security tools can detect ransomware and alert the user when it is present on a machine.
It is important to stay up-to-date on the latest security measures and to keep security software updated to ensure ransomware can be detected and prevented.
Do Ransomware Criminals Get Caught?
Yes, ransomware criminals do get caught. Law enforcement agencies, such as the FBI, Interpol and others have been successful in tracking down and prosecuting ransomware criminals in the US and other countries. As ransomware threats continue to increase, so does the enforcement activity.
About the Dqws Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Dqws how-to removal guide included, is the outcome of extensive research, hard work and our team’s devotion to help you remove the specific malware and restore your encrypted files.
How did we conduct the research on this ransomware?
Our research is based on an independent investigation. We are in contact with independent security researchers, and as such, we receive daily updates on the latest malware and ransomware definitions.
Furthermore, the research behind the Dqws ransomware threat is backed with VirusTotal and the NoMoreRansom project.
To better understand the ransomware threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.
As a site that has been dedicated to providing free removal instructions for ransomware and malware since 2014, SensorsTechForum’s recommendation is to only pay attention to trustworthy sources.
How to recognize trustworthy sources:
- Always check "About Us" web page.
- Profile of the content creator.
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