What Is Mzqw Virus?
Mzqw Ransomware, part of the STOP/DJVU ransomware family, is a malicious computer virus that encrypts users’ files and then demands a ransom payment for the decryption key. It is typically spread through phishing emails, malicious downloads, and other malicious websites. It can cause serious data loss if not removed
MZQW Virus – How Did I Get Infected?
DJVU Virus is a malicious computer virus that infects computers through malicious websites and download links. It can cause serious damage to the infected computer, such as data loss and system instability.
- If it is sent to you as an e-mail attachment or a URL.
- By being downloaded from a shady site.
MZQW Virus – What Does It Do?
Upon infection the MZQW virus may drop its payload files, that may be located in the following Windows directories:
- %Local%
- %Temp%
- %Windows%
- %SystemDrive%
- %LocalLow%
- %AppData%
- %System%
- %system32%
The MZQW virus also uses the _readme.txt ransom note. This note has the following extortion message:
Among the activities of the MZQW virus on your computer is to also situate multiple value entries in Windows Registries, like the Run and RunOnce sub-keys.
What Are .MZQW Files
The .MZQW files are encrypted using the AES encryption algorithm, also known as encryption cipher. What this malware does is target your files based on the file extensions they have, like:
- Videos (.mp4, .avi, etc.).
- Audio (.mp3, .wav, etc.).
- Picture file kinds (.jpg, .png, .etc).
- Archive file formats (.zip, .rar, etc).
- Documents of different types (.docx, .pptx, etc.).
- Others.
Then, the malware encrypts those files, after which leaves them with the .MZQW file extension:
How to Open .MZQW Files
DJVU files are encrypted by ransomware. To open DJVU files, you need to decrypt them with a DJVU decryption tool. There is no official DJVU decryption tool, but you can use a third-party DJVU decryption tool. To decrypt DJVU files, you can use the DJVU decryption tool provided by Kaspersky Lab. You can also use the DJVU decryption tool provided by Emsisoft.
What To Do If My Files Are .MZQW?
There is no one definitive answer to this question. However, some possible steps you could take include:
1. Contact the author of the ransomware and see if they can provide you with a decryption key for the encrypted files.
2. Use a file recovery program to try and restore your files.
3. Restore your files from a backup.
MZQW Virus – Details
Name | MZQW 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 | .MZQW |
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 MZQW Virus ransomware will encrypt your files by appending the .MZQW extension to them. |
Ransom Demanding Note | _readme.txt |
Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
Detection Tool |
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How To Protect Windows from MZQW Ransomware In The Future?
There is no one-size-fits-all solution to protect your computer from ransomware, but following these tips can help you reduce your risk:
1. Always keep your computer up to date with the latest security patches.
2. Use a reputable anti-virus program and keep it up to date.
3. Install ad-blockers and script-blockers to help protect you from malicious ads and scripts.
4. Be careful when opening email attachments and clicking on links in emails, even if they appear to be from people you know.
5. Don’t download or install software from untrustworthy sources.
6. Back up your data regularly and safely store your files to protect them from ransomware.
How to Remove MZQW Virus?
There are a few methods that can be used to remove DJVU ransomware virus from Windows. One is to use a malware removal tool to scan and remove the ransomware. Another is to use System Restore to restore the computer to an earlier point in time, before the ransomware was installed. Finally, the computer can be restored to its factory settings. But you can still follow the steps below to manually check and remove the malicious files of the malware using the information provided in this article.
How to Decrypt / Fix .MZQW Files?
To decrypt these files, you will need their decryption key. This keys is either online or offline-based. If it is offline, then you can follow the STOP Ransomware decryption steps to use the official decryptor, developed by independent malware researchers. If not, the file recovery methods in the guide below could help.
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for MZQW with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall MZQW 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:
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by MZQW 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 MZQW there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
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 MZQW
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by MZQW.
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 MZQW 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.
MZQW-FAQ
What is MZQW Ransomware?
MZQW 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 MZQW 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 MZQW Infect?
Via several ways.MZQW 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 MZQW 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 .MZQW files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .MZQW 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 .MZQW files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".MZQW" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .MZQW 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 MZQW 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 MZQW ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .MZQW 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 MZQW 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 MZQW Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this MZQW 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 MZQW 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.