The B4WQ virus is ransomware that is descendant from the earlier B2DR threat. Like its parent it uses a modular engine that seeks to encrypt sensitive personal files. Our article explores the technical aspect of the infections and shows how victims can remove active infections.
Threat Summary
| Name | B4WQ |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | The ransomware encrypts sensitive information on your computer system with the .B4WQ extensions and demands a ransom to be paid to allegedly recover them. |
| Symptoms | The ransomware will encrypt your files with a strong encryption algorithm. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
| Detection Tool |
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss B4WQ. |
| Data Recovery Tool | Windows Data Recovery by Stellar Phoenix Notice! This product scans your drive sectors to recover lost files and it may not recover 100% of the encrypted files, but only few of them, depending on the situation and whether or not you have reformatted your drive. |
B4WQ Virus – Distribution Ways
The B4WQ virus is a newly reported ransomware that is being distributed in a small attack campaign. Due to the limited reports the analyst cannot trace down the preferred method of distribution, consequently all of the popular ones can be used.
The criminals can use email SPAM messages that rely on social engineering tricks that manipulate the recipients into interacting with the malicious content. The B4WQ virus can be either directly attached to the messages or hyperlinked in the body contents. They are also the main delivery method for distributing payload carriers. Two of the most popular types are the following:
- Infected Documents — The B4WQ virus code can be embedded in files of various types: text files, spreadsheets or presentations. The mechanism depends on a script execution which triggers a payload download command. Once the relevant files are opened by the victims a notification prompt appears which asks them to enable the built-in macros. When this is done the B4WQ virus infection begins.
- Software Installers — The hackers typically take application installers of famous software that are modified with the B4WQ virus code. Usually popular products are chosen — productivity and office apps, creativity suites, system utilities and etc.
The payloads can also be uploaded to hacker-controlled sites that are modeled to look like legitimate portals. The victims may also experience malicious scripts that can trigger the infections: banners, pop-ups, redirects and in-content links. In certain cases such infections can be found on legitimate sites as well through various affiliate or advertising networks.
If the B4WQ virus operators want to pursue a large-scale distribution then they can also use browser hijackers. They represent dangerous web browser plugins that are usually distributed on the relevant repositories. The hackers behind the threat usually make them compatible with the most popular web browsers: Mozilla Firefox, Safari, Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, Safari, Opera and Microsoft Edge. They are advertised with ads and descriptions that market it as an useful addition. Usually fake developer credentials and user reviews are used to coerce the users into interacting it. Once the browser hijacker is placed on the infected host it changes the default browser settings, this is done in order to redirect the victims to a hacker-controlled site. It then installs tracking cookies and other threats that can reveal sensitive information about the victims.
B4WQ Virus – In-Depth Analysis
The B4WQ virus is a direct descendant of the B2DR ransomware family. The security experts have discovered code snippets from the former ransomware which leads us to believe that it is very possible that the same culprits are behind these infections as well. Further modifications to its code can be made in future versions and upcoming offspring.
At the moment the initial security analysis is being conducted and all details are not known. A limiting factor is the small number of captured samples, they do not allow the researchers to register whether all currently released versions have the same mechanism of action. It is believed that the current versions may be test releases that simply test out the ransomware engine.
The infection can begin with a data harvesting component. It can be used to hijack sensitive information about the victims and their computers. The harvested information can be classified into two main groups:
- Personal Data — The virus can be used to hijack sensitive information revealing the victim’s identity. The criminals can expose them by identifying strings related to the user’s name, address, telephone number, location, passwords and account credentials.
- Campaign Metrics — The B4WQ virus can also be instructed to search for specific strings taken from the operating system. It also generates a profile of all installed hardware components.
The collected information can then be used by another component to achieve stealth protection from applications that can interfere with its correct execution. This includes the likes of anti-virus products, virtual machine hosts and sandbox environments.
Following the B4WQ virus execution it can be configured to conduct various changes to the Windows Registry. When operating system related entries are modified it overall performance may suffer. If user-installed applications are affected certain functions or features may be disabled.
The B4WQ virus can also be installed as a persistent threat. This means that it will reconfigure the host system in the prescribed way — the malicious engine will start every time the computer boots. It also removes the possibility for the users to enter into the boot recovery menu .
If a Trojan module is implemented it connects to a hacker-controlled server. It allows the hackers to spy on the victims in real time, harvest the collected information and take over control of their machines at any given time. This can be used to deploy additional malware to the victim computers as well.
B4WQ Virus -Encryption
Following the execution of all modules that are part of the B4WQ virus the ransomware part is started. Like its parent ransomware it uses a built-in list of target file type extensions. The most popular file types are affected, such as the following:
- Archives
- Documents
- Backups
- Images
- Music
- Videos
The victim data is then renamed with the setimichas1971@protonmail.com.b4wq which uses the well-known tactic of using the hacker’s contact email address before the virus’s extension. The typical tactic of producing a ransom note in a text message is retained. It is called Readme.txt and uses the same blackmail tactics as other famous ransomware. It tries to convince the users into paying the criminal operators money, usually in the form of cryptocurrency payments. They give out the hacker-controlled email address (setimichas1971@protonmail.com).
Remove B4WQ Virus and Restore .B4WQ Files
If your computer system got infected with the B4WQ ransomware virus, you should have a bit of experience in removing malware. You should get rid of this ransomware as quickly as possible before it can have the chance to spread further and infect other computers. You should remove the ransomware and follow the step-by-step instructions guide provided below.
Martin Beltov
Martin graduated with a degree in Publishing from Sofia University. As a cyber security enthusiast he enjoys writing about the latest threats and mechanisms of intrusion.
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Step 1: Scan for B4WQ with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall B4WQ 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 B4WQ 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 B4WQ 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 B4WQ
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by B4WQ.
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 B4WQ 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.
B4WQ-FAQ
What is B4WQ Ransomware?
B4WQ 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 B4WQ 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 B4WQ Infect?
Via several ways.B4WQ 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 B4WQ 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 .B4WQ files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .B4WQ 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 .B4WQ files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".B4WQ" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .B4WQ 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 B4WQ 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 B4WQ ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .B4WQ 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 B4WQ 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 B4WQ Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this B4WQ 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 B4WQ 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.
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