CADQ Virus [.cadq File] Ransomware Removal & Decryption Guide [Free File Fix Steps]

What is CADQ Virus Infection?CADQ Virus Summary Remove CADQ Virus Virus and Try to Restore Files

What is CADQ Virus Infection?

CADQ virus is an infection of the ransomware type. It aims to get silently in your computer and encrypt your files, without you suspecting it, adding the .cadq extension. This particular virus is а well-known ransomware, that belongs to the STOP/DJVU family of threats. These viruses all aim to extort their victims for their important files. Тhe criminals behind this virus drop a ransom note file, called _readme.txt, demanding you to contact them via e-mail. Upon contact, the crooks may demand around $900 ransom payment if they are to decrypt your files and let you use them again.

If you have fallen victim to this threat, our advice is to avoind paying the demanded ransom or get in touch with the cybercriminals in any way. Instead, we suggest that you take a look at this removal article, as it contains more information on removing this threat and trying to get your files to work again.

CADQ Virus Summary

Name	CADQ ransomware also known as Trojan.GenericKD.35978248, Trojan.Win32.Stop.j!c, Trojan.Ransom.Stop, Trojanransom.Stop, A Variant Of Win32/Kryptik.HIMQ, Trojan-Ransom.Win32.Stop.qq
File Extension	.cadq
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 STOP ransomware will encrypt your files by appending the .CADQ extension to them.
Ransom Demanding Note	_readme.txt
Distribution Method	Spam Emails, Email Attachments
Detection Tool	See If Your Windows Has Been Affected by CADQ Virus Download Malware Removal Tool
User Experience	Join Our Forum to Discuss CADQ Virus.

CADQ Virus – More Information

CADQ is a ransomware cryptovirus that belongs to the STOP/DJVU ransomware family. This means that it shares the same code with some other viruses we have detected, like .plam, .cosd, .qlkm virus, and .ribd. In fact, the .ribd file extension is the latest iteration of the ransomware family.

These viruses are all spread by being sent to your computer via means of e-mail. There, they may pretend to be a legitimate e-mail attachment. Such attached files can pose as documents that are of utmost importance. Some examples of such can include:

Document from your bank.
“Payment revoked” type of document.
Invoice.
Ticket for a flight.

Once you download and run those files, they may contain malicious code in them and even though they may in fact be a document or a .pdf file, they may still infect your computer.

Another scenario of infection used by this ransomware virus is very likely to be spread by being uploaded on some software download site with low reputation. There, this virus may patiently wait for you to search for it and download it, thinking it is something useful, like:

Crackfix.
Fake portable program.
Patch.
Update.
Installer.

When the CADQ ransomware infects your computer, it may begin to run a command as an administrator, called vssadmin. This will delete all the backups from your Windows and disable Windows file recovery services. Then, this ransomware may drop its file modules in the following directories:

%Local%
%LocalLow%
%Roaming%
%AppData%
%Temp%
%System%
%SystemDrive%

Shortly after dropping the virus files on your computer, the CADQ ransomware may begin to create multiple different types of registry values in the Run and RunOnce Windows sub-keys. This allows the virus to run automatically each time you start your computer.

After this is done, the CADQ Virus ransomware may begin scanning for files to encrypt. It looks for important files, like the following:

Documents.
Pictures.
Video files.
Audio files.
Databases.
Backups.
Archive files.

When this ransomware encrypts your files, it may drop the note that contains the ransom demands. It’s called _readme.txt and has the following message:

.cadq Files

The .cadq files encrypted by this virus now have been modified with the AES cipher, also known as Advanced Encryption Standard. This cipher is responsible for replacing data from the original files with data from its own algorithm. The outcome is that an asymmetric key is generated and used to revert the files back to normal. If your computer has been attacked by the virus, do not try to remove the .cadq extension as it may not fix the files. Instead, keep reading this article to learn more on how to remove this virus and try to get your files to work again.

Remove CADQ Virus Virus and Try to Restore Files

One way to remove .cadq file virus is to follow the steps for removal below. They are created to help you delete this ransomware effectively. For best results, our recommendations are the same as experts would tell you – to run a scan and remove .cadq virus using anti-malware software. This program will make sure to delete all the virus files of this nasty infection and stop it from coming back in the future

Furthermore, we also recommend that you not pay the ransom and try the alternative file recovery steps below. They can help you get back at least some of your files, while you wait for a free decryptor to be released by cybersecurity researchers.

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.

How to Remove CADQ Virus from Windows.

Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove CADQ Virus

OFFER

Manual Removal Usually Takes Time and You Risk Damaging Your Files If Not Careful!

We Recommend To Scan Your PC with SpyHunter

Keep in mind, that SpyHunter’s scanner is only for malware detection. If SpyHunter detects malware on your PC, you will need to purchase SpyHunter's malware removal tool to remove the malware threats. Read our SpyHunter 5 review. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter's EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria

1. Hold Windows key() + R

2. The "Run" Window will appear. In it, type "msconfig" and click OK.

3. Go to the "Boot" tab. There select "Safe Boot" and then click "Apply" and "OK".

Tip: Make sure to reverse those changes by unticking Safe Boot after that, because your system will always boot in Safe Boot from now on.

4. When prompted, click on "Restart" to go into Safe Mode.

5. You can recognise Safe Mode by the words written on the corners of your screen.

Step 2: Uninstall CADQ Virus and related software 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:

1. Hold the Windows Logo Button and "R" on your keyboard. A Pop-up window will appear.

2. In the field type in "appwiz.cpl" and press ENTER.

3. This will open a window with all the programs installed on the PC. Select the program that you want to remove, and press "Uninstall"

Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall most programs.

Step 3: Clean any registries, created by CADQ 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 CADQ Virus there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:

1. Open the Run Window again, type "regedit" and click OK.

2. When you open it, you can freely navigate to the Run and RunOnce keys, whose locations are shown above.

3. You can remove the value of the virus by right-clicking on it and removing it.

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.

IMPORTANT!
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: Scan for CADQ Virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool

1. Click on the "Download" button to proceed to SpyHunter's download page.

Download

Malware Removal Tool

It is recommended to run a scan before purchasing the full version of the software to make sure that the current version of the malware can be detected by SpyHunter. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter's EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria.

2. After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to update automatically.

3. After the update process has finished, click on the 'Malware/PC Scan' tab. A new window will appear. Click on 'Start Scan'.

4. After SpyHunter has finished scanning your PC for any files of the associated threat and found them, you can try to get them removed automatically and permanently by clicking on the 'Next' button.

If any threats have been removed, it is highly recommended to restart your PC.

Step 5 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by CADQ Virus.

Ransomware infections and CADQ 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.

1. Download the reccomended Data Recovery software by clicking on the link underneath:

EaseUS Data Recovery Software

Simply click on the link and on the website menus on top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.

Windows Mac OS X

Get rid of CADQ Virus from Mac OS X.

Step 1: Uninstall CADQ Virus and remove related files and objects

OFFER

Manual Removal Usually Takes Time and You Risk Damaging Your Files If Not Careful!

We Recommend To Scan Your Mac with SpyHunter for Mac

Keep in mind, that SpyHunter for Mac needs to purchased to remove the malware threats. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter’s EULA and Privacy Policy

1. Hit the ⇧+⌘+U keys to open Utilities. Another way is to click on “Go” and then click “Utilities”, like the image below shows:

2. Find Activity Monitor and double-click it:

3. In the Activity Monitor look for any suspicious processes, belonging or related to CADQ Virus:

Tip: To quit a process completely, choose the “Force Quit” option.

4. Click on the "Go" button again, but this time select Applications. Another way is with the ⇧+⌘+A buttons.

5. In the Applications menu, look for any suspicious app or an app with a name, similar or identical to CADQ Virus. If you find it, right-click on the app and select “Move to Trash”.

6: Select Accounts, after which click on the Login Items preference. Your Mac will then show you a list of items that start automatically when you log in. Look for any suspicious apps identical or similar to CADQ Virus. Check the app you want to stop from running automatically and then select on the Minus (“-“) icon to hide it.

7: Remove any left-over files that might be related to this threat manually by following the sub-steps below:

Go to Finder.
In the search bar type the name of the app that you want to remove.
Above the search bar change the two drop down menus to “System Files” and “Are Included” so that you can see all of the files associated with the application you want to remove. Bear in mind that some of the files may not be related to the app so be very careful which files you delete.
If all of the files are related, hold the ⌘+A buttons to select them and then drive them to “Trash”.

In case you cannot remove CADQ Virus via Step 1 above:

In case you cannot find the virus files and objects in your Applications or other places we have shown above, you can manually look for them in the Libraries of your Mac. But before doing this, please read the disclaimer below:

Disclaimer! If you are about to tamper with Library files on Mac, be sure to know the name of the virus file, because if you delete the wrong file, it may cause irreversible damage to your MacOS. Continue on your own responsibility!

1: Click on "Go" and Then "Go to Folder" as shown underneath:

2: Type in "/Library/LauchAgents/" and click Ok:

3: Delete all of the virus files that have similar or the same name as CADQ Virus. If you believe there is no such file, do not delete anything.

You can repeat the same procedure with the following other Library directories:

→ ~/Library/LaunchAgents
/Library/LaunchDaemons

Tip: ~ is there on purpose, because it leads to more LaunchAgents.

Click the button below below to download SpyHunter for Mac and scan for CADQ Virus:

Download

SpyHunter for Mac

Step 3 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by CADQ Virus.

1. Download the reccomended Data Recovery software by clicking on the link underneath:

EaseUS Data Recovery Software

Simply click on the link and on the website menus on top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.

CADQ Virus FAQ

What is CADQ Virus ransomware and how does it work?

CADQ 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 algorithm how 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.

How does CADQ Virus ransomware infect my computer?

Via several ways.CADQ Virus Ransomware infects computers by being sent via phishing e-mails, 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.

After you download and execute this attachment, a drive-by download occurs and your computer is infected with the ransomware virus.

Another way, you may become a victim of CADQ 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 .CADQ Virus files?

You can't. At this point the .CADQ Virus files are encrypted. You can only open them once they are decrypted.

Decryptor did not decrypt my data. What now?

Do not panic and backup the files. If a decryptor did not decrypt your .CADQ Virus files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.

One way to restore files, encrypted by CADQ Virus ransomware is to use a decryptor for it. But since it's a new virus, advised that the decryption keys for it may not be out yet and available to the public. We will update this article and keep you posted as soon as this decryptor is released.

How Do I restore ".CADQ Virus" files (Other Methods)?

Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .CADQ Virus files.

These methods are in no way 100% guarantee that you will be able to get your files back. But if you have a backup, your chances of success are much greater.

How do I get rid of CADQ Virus ransomware virus?

The safest way and the most efficient one for the removal of this ransomware infection is the use a professional anti malware software. It will scan for and locate CADQ Virus ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .CADQ Virus files.

Also, keep in mind that viruses like CADQ Virus ransomware also install Trojans and keyloggers that can steal your passwords and accounts. Scanning your computer with an anti-malware software will make sure that all of these virus components are removed and your computer is protected in the future.

What to Do If nothing works?

There is still a lot you can do. If none of the above methods seem to work for you, then try these methods:

Try to find a safe computer from where you can can login on your own line accounts like One Drive, iDrive, Google Drive and so on.
Try to contact your friends, relatives and other people so that they can check if they have some of your important photos or documents just in case you sent them.
Also, check if some of the files that were encrypted it can be re-downloaded from the web.
Another clever way to get back some of your files is to find another old computer, a flash drive or even a CD or a DVD where you may have saved your older documents. You might be surprised what will turn up.
You can also go to your email account to check if you can send any attachments to other people. Usually what is sent the email is saved on your account and you can re-download it. But most importantly, make sure that this is done from a safe computer and make sure to remove the virus first.

More tips you can find on our forums, where you can also asks any questions about your ransomware problem.

How to 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.

CADQ Virus File