What Is .org File Virus?
This article aims to explain how to remove the .org ransomware virus, also known as QuakeWay and restore .org encrypted files.
_iWasHere.txt ransom note and quakeway@mail.ru written in it are the clear indicators that you have the latest QuakeWay ransomware infecting your computer. It’s primary purpose is to encrypt the files on the systems compromised by it, while adding the .org file extension after their original one. After this, the files are no longer openable and the users are asked to contact quakeway@mail.ru and send a unique identification to most likely pay a ransom to get the files back to their original state. In case you have become a victim of the .org ransomware infection, we recommend reading this post.
.org File Virus Details
| Name | .org Virus |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | Encrypts the files and then demands to contact the cyber-criminals to pay ransom to have them decrypted. |
| Symptoms | Files are encrypted with the .org file extension appended to them. A ransom note is dropped, named _iWasHere.txt |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Executable files |
| Detection Tool |
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How Does QuakeWay Infect
The distribution methods of the QuakeWay ransomware may be more than one. The virus spreads primarily via multiple different types of malicious files, some of which may be the following:
.docx, .docm, .PDF, .exe, .wsf, .js, .bat, .vbs, .msi
These files may be uploaded as e-mail attachments online. They may also exist in an archived form or in a different type of form that related to web links. The malware may be embedded in URLs in the e-mail itself and after clicking on such web link, you may be redirected to a download site which may download the malicious files by force.
Other methods by which you may become a victim of this infection is if you download suspicious executables that pose as fake setups, license activators or key generators.
.org File Virus – Infection Activity
After the .org ransomware has already infected your computer system, it may immediately begin to drop it’s malicious files on it. The files consist of multiple different malicious functions that modify your system so that the .org ransomware can encrypt the data and delete you backups. They may exist under different names in the following Windows system folders:
After the malicious files belonging to QuakeWay .org ransomware are dropped, the virus may modify the Windows Registry Editor. This is done with the purpose of performing multiple different activities, like running the malicious file which encrypts data on system startup. The targeted Windows Registry sub-keys by QuakeWay .org virus may be 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
After having performed this, QuakeWay ransomware may shift it’s focus on deleting your backed up files, which are usually the Shadow Volume Copies in Windows. The .org virus can delete them by executing the vssadmin command as an administrator:
process call create “cmd.exe /c
vssadmin.exe delete shadows /all /quiet
bcdedit.exe /set {default} recoveryenabled no
bcdedit.exe /set {default} bootstatuspolicy ignoreallfailures
After this has been performed, the QuakeWay .org ransomware variant may drop it’s ransom note, called _iWasHere.txt and it aims to notify victims of the demands of the cyber-criminals behind the virus:
===> Your files content changed to unreadable content to you and your PC,For restore operation send an email to quakeway@mail.ru and send your UID came bellow as mail subject you will get back all of your files by instruction as our reply.
===> WARNING !!!Dont be stupid to delete this TXT file(or any change on your locked folder),else YOUR FILES WILL BE CORRUPT AND CANNOT BE RESTORED ANYWAY! EVEN BY INSERT TRUE CODE !
===> ATTENTION !!This is not a Ransomware.We don’t need your money Just wanna care you and upgrade your security.
Your System UID for email it is –>> {random ID} <-- We answer it during 7 days.
QuakeWay Ransomware Encryption Process
To encrypt the files of the infected computer, QuakeWay ransomware may begin to replace blocks of data from the original files with data from the encryption algorithm used by it, in other words, scramble them. What is particular is that the virus does not encrypt the whole files but only portions of them, enough to make the files no longer openable. Since the encryption process is CPU costly, the QuakeWay .org virus may freeze your computer during the encryption of your files. The virus also has several Windows directories which are whitelisted, meaning that it does not encrypt files within them, because it may damage your operating system. The .org virus only attacks specific files that are often used, like the following types of files:
PNG .PSD .PSPIMAGE .TGA .THM .TIF .TIFF .YUV .AI .EPS .PS .SVG .INDD .PCT .PDF .XLR .XLS .XLSX .ACCDB .DB .DBF .MDB .PDB .SQL .APK .APP .BAT .CGI .COM .EXE .GADGET .JAR .PIF .WSF .DEM .GAM .NES .ROM .SAV CAD Files .DWG .DXF GIS Files .GPX .KML .KMZ .ASP .ASPX .CER .CFM .CSR .CSS .HTM .HTML .JS .JSP .PHP .RSS .XHTML. DOC .DOCX .LOG .MSG .ODT .PAGES .RTF .TEX .TXT .WPD .WPS .CSV .DAT .GED .KEY .KEYCHAIN .PPS .PPT .PPTX ..INI .PRF Encoded Files .HQX .MIM .UUE .7Z .CBR .DEB .GZ .PKG .RAR .RPM .SITX .TAR.GZ .ZIP .ZIPX .BIN .CUE .DMG .ISO .MDF .TOAST .VCD SDF .TAR .TAX2014 .TAX2015 .VCF .XML Audio Files .AIF .IFF .M3U .M4A .MID .MP3 .MPA .WAV .WMA Video Files .3G2 .3GP .ASF .AVI .FLV .M4V .MOV .MP4 .MPG .RM .SRT .SWF .VOB .WMV 3D .3DM .3DS .MAX .OBJ R.BMP .DDS .GIF .JPG ..CRX .PLUGIN .FNT .FON .OTF .TTF .CAB .CPL .CUR .DESKTHEMEPACK .DLL .DMP .DRV .ICNS .ICO .LNK .SYS .CFG [Source:fileinfo.com]
After the encryption process is completed, the QuakeWay ransomware adds it’s distinctive .org file extension to the encrypted files, making them appear like the example below:
Remove QuakeWay .org Ransomware and Restore Encrypted Files
Before actually getting down to the removal part of this ransomware virus, recommendations are to initially backup your important files after which focus on removing the virus either manually or automatically. Since QuakeWay ransomware may interfere with Windows processes and the Windows registry editor, cybersecurity experts advise to use a ransomware-specific tool for the removal process in order to fully delete all objects safely.
If you want to restore your files in the event that they are encrypted by this ransomware virus, recommendations are to try and restore the files using the alternative methods we have suggested in step “2. Restore files encrypted by .org Virus” below. They are in no way a direct solution for the virus but may help you recover at least some of your important files.
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 .org Virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall .org Virus 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 .org Virus 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 .org Virus 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 .org Virus
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by .org Virus.
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 .org Virus 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.
.org Virus-FAQ
What is .org Virus Ransomware?
.org Virus 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 .org Virus 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 .org Virus Infect?
Via several ways..org Virus 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 .org Virus 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 ..org Virus files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the ..org Virus 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 ..org Virus files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore "..org Virus" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore ..org Virus 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 .org Virus 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 .org Virus ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important ..org Virus 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 .org Virus 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 .org Virus Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this .org Virus 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 .org Virus 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.
- Make sure that real people are behind the site and not fake names and profiles.
- Verify Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter personal profiles.