This blog post has been made with the primary reason to explain what is the .wq2k files ransomware and how you can remove it from your computer plus how to try and restore encrypted files.
A new variant of a ransomware, detected back in 2018, called B2DR ransomware was recently discovered. The virus aims to encrypt the files on the affected machines leaving behind the .wq2k file extension to the encrypted files. The virus also drops a ransom note which aims to notify victims that their files have been encrypted and they have to pay a hefty ransom in order to recover the encrypted files and get them to open again. If your computer has been affected by the B2DR ransomware virus, we would strongly suggest that you read the article thoroughly.
Threat Summary
| Name | .wq2k Files Virus |
| Type | Ransomware |
| Short Description | B2DR virus is a typical ransomware that follows the classic infection behaviour pattern by encrypting target files with the .b2dr extension. |
| Symptoms | Computer users will be unable to access their data which is encrypted with the .wq2k extension. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, File Sharing Networks, Exploit Kits |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
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Malware Removal Tool
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| User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss .wq2k Files Virus. |
.wq2k Virus – Infection Methods
For the .wq2k ransomware virus to infect computers, the infection may be replicated via various different methods. Among the most commonly used infection method is e-mail spam messages sent to victims. These “malspam” e-mails may often carry malicious attachments, which often pretend to be legitimate spreadsheets, documents, presentations, CV’s and several other types of files that can be masked to appear legitimate. For the users to fall victims to this ransomware, the crooks often tend to mask their files as being important, such as a letter from their bank, a receipt, an invoice and something else that is urgent.
Another place where the infection files could hide can possibly be via various different types of fake software and files that are uploaded online. Besides documents, crooks may upload programs that pretend to be:
- Software installers. Portable versions of programs.
- Cracks.
- Patches.
- License activators.
.wq2k Files Virus – Infection Activity
The .wq2k files ransomware is the type of virus you do not want on your computer. The ransomware’s main purpose is to encrypt the files on your computer and render them unable to be opened.
To reach it’s end goal, the ransomware may create multiple different files on the computers of users. The files can be dropped in the following Windows directories:
- %AppData%
- %Local%
- %Temp%
- %LocalLow%
- %Roaming%
Once the files have been dropped on the computer of the victim, the malware may begin to perform some of the following malicious activities on the victimised PC:
- Create mutexes.
- Interfere with the Registry Editor.
- Copy files from the victim PC.
- Log keystrokes.
- Obtain system data from the compromised computer.
- Steal files from the infected machine.
- Download files and update itself.
Furthermore, the .wq2k malware could also heavily modify the Windows Registry Editor by create registry values in the Run and RunOnce sub-keys of the infected computer. This is done in order to make the malicious files of the ransomware run automatically when the system boots.
In addition to this, the .wq2k file ransomware may also disable Windows Recovery and delete the shadow volume copies of the compromised computer with the main goal of disabling any change of the victims recovering their files via the default Windows methods. To reach its end goal, the .wq2k file ransomware may trigger an infection module, whose main purpose is to activate commands as an administrator that will:
Disable Windows Recovery.
Disable the Shadow Copy Services.
Stop the Windows Backup Services.
The .wq2k files virus may also drop it’s ransom readme file which aims to extort users by asking them to pay ransom to the cyber-criminals in order to get their important files back. The file is called Readme.txt and has the following message to victims:
Your files were encrypted with AES-256.
Ask how to restore your files by email artilkilin@tuta.io.
Use only gmail.com, yahoo.com, protonmail.com. Messages written from other mail services we can not get.
We always respond to messages. If there is no answer within 24 hours, then write us with another email service.
[OR] If within 24 hours you have not received a response, you need to follow the following instructions:
a) Download and install TOR browser: https://www.torproject.org/download/download-easy.html.en b) From the TOR browser, follow the link: torbox3uiot6wchz.onion c) Register your e-mail (Sign Up) d) Write us on e-mail: ssananunak1987@torbox3uiot6wchz.onion ATTENTION: e-mail (ssananunak1987@torbox3uiot6wchz.onion) accepts emails, only with e-mail registered in the TOR browser at torbox3uiot6wchz.onion
################################
Any actions on your part over encrypted files can damage them. Be sure to make backups!
################################
In the message write us this ID:
.wq2k Files Virus – Encryption
The .wq2k files virus aims to encrypt only the files that you use often on your computer. The ransomware looks for the files, based on their file types and it may target the following types of data:
- Documents.
- Images.
- Audio files.
- Videos.
- Archives.
- Virtual Drive files.
The .wq2k malware strains has been pre-configured in order to skip the files, essential for you to use your Windows, with the main goal of enabling you to use your PC to pay the ransom to the criminals.
When the .wq2k ransomware variant of B2DR encrypts files on the computers of victims, the malware may create copies of the original files and encrypt the copies, shortly after which leave behind the original files deleted completely with no chance to recover them traditionally.
In addition to this, the .wq2k ransomware virus leaves the encrypted files with the e-mail of the criminals and the .wq2k suffix. The outcome of this is that the encrypted files are stripped of their file icon and start to appear like the following example:
→ New Word Document.docx.artilkilin@tuta.io.wq2k
Remove .wq2k Ransomware and Restore Your Files
To remove the .wq2k ransomware virus, we would suggest that you follow the removal instructions that are underneath this article. They have been created with the main goal to help you out with manual and automatic removal steps. If the manual steps fail to help, we would suggest that you try and follow the latter two removal steps which include a more automatic approach for the removal. For maximum effectiveness, security experts strongly advise using an advanced anti malware software. Such programs are created to help detect and remove malicious files belonging to such ransomware viruses plus ensure that your computer will remain protected against future infections as well.
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 .wq2k Files Virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall .wq2k Files 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 .wq2k Files 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 .wq2k Files 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 .wq2k Files Virus
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by .wq2k Files 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 .wq2k Files 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.
.wq2k Files Virus-FAQ
What is .wq2k Files Virus Ransomware?
.wq2k Files 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 .wq2k Files 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 .wq2k Files Virus Infect?
Via several ways..wq2k Files 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 .wq2k Files 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 ..wq2k Files Virus files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the ..wq2k Files 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 ..wq2k Files Virus files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore "..wq2k Files Virus" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore ..wq2k Files 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 .wq2k Files 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 .wq2k Files Virus ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important ..wq2k Files 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 .wq2k Files 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 .wq2k Files Virus Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this .wq2k Files 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 .wq2k Files 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.
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