cyberwars@qq.com Ransomware

It looks like there is no end to file-encrypting threats from the Crysis/Dharma Ransomware family as we came across yet another new version called cyberwars@qq.com Ransomware. Same as other variants before it, the malware encrypts user’s files and marks them with a unique second extension created from three parts, e.g., .id-[A4875963].[cyberwars@qq.com].war. Also, it should display a message claiming the user has to email the hackers behind the threat and pay for decryption if they want to get their data back. The bad news is that there are no guarantees cyberwars@qq.com Ransomware’s developers will hold on to their end of the deal. In other words, they may not bother helping you even if you pay a ransom. If you decide you do not want to take that risk, you could get rid of the malware. For more information about it, continue reading this article, and if you need help with its removal, you could check the instructions located below.

Threats like cyberwars@qq.com Ransomware usually get in because users open files from questionable sources without thinking about what could happen. Even data that looks reliable, e.g., pictures or text documents, can be, in fact, malicious installers. In other words, hackers can make threat launchers look harmless. We do not say you have to be suspicious about every file, but you should be careful with data that comes from unreliable sources, such as unknown senders, Spam emails, file-sharing websites, doubtful advertisements, and so on.

In such cases, it is best to check data with reliable antimalware software that could determine whether it is malicious or not for you. Also, sometimes there are clear signs something is not right, e.g., the email message may contain grammar mistakes and the sender’s email address might appear to be forged. If you want to find out whether an email address actually belongs to a company the sender claims to represent, you should search it on the Internet or visit the organization’s website and contact it.

Another thing that users who keep precious or essential files on their computers should do is regularly back up them. This way, even if you make a mistake and end up infecting your computer with a threat like cyberwars@qq.com Ransomware, you would at least be able to restore data from backup. As you see, the malicious application encrypts files with a robust encryption algorithm and, as a result, they become unreadable. Meaning, the computer should be unable to recognize and launch them.

As we explained earlier, the malware’s enciphered files ought to be marked with a specific extension that should contain a unique ID number. Furthermore, after encrypting all targeted data, the threat should open a pop-up window with a ransom note. According to the text on it, the victim has to contact the hackers to learn how to pay a ransom if he wants to receive decryption tools. You may also see a line offering to decrypt one file free of charge. It is called “free decryption as a guarantee” service. However, the truth is that decrypting one file does not prove the hackers will give the decryption tools to the user so he could restore the rest of his data. Instead, hackers could ask for more money.

If you think it would be too risky to pay the ransom too, we encourage you to erase cyberwars@qq.com Ransomware. Another reason we advise deleting the malware is that it should be able to launch itself with the system. It means, it could begin encrypting files after each restart and this could affect new data. To remove cyberwars@qq.com Ransomware manually, you could use the instructions available below, although we believe they might be too difficult to follow for inexperienced users. Therefore, it might be best to employ a reliable antimalware tool instead. If you have backup copies, you could use them to replace encrypted files as soon as the threat gets deleted.

Eliminate cyberwars@qq.com Ransomware

1. Click Ctrl+Alt+Delete.
2. Choose Task Manager and select Processes.
3. Find a process belonging to the threat.
4. Mark it and click End Task.
5. Exit Task Manager.
6. Click Win+E.
7. Find these paths:
   %TEMP%
   %USERPROFILE%\Downloads
   %USERPROFILE%\Desktop
8. Locate the malicious application’s launcher (some suspicious file downloaded before the infection appeared).
9. Right-click it and select Delete.
10. Find these locations:
    %APPDATA%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup
    %ALLUSERSPROFILE%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup
    %ALLUSERSPROFILE%\Application Data\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup
    %WINDIR%\System32
    %APPDATA%
11. Locate files called INFORMATION.HTA, right-click them and select Delete.
12. Find these specific Startup directories:
    %WINDIR%\System32
    %APPDATA%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup
    %ALLUSERSPROFILE%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup
    %ALLUSERSPROFILE%\Application Data\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup
13. Find suspicious executable files, for example, file.exe; right-click them and choose Delete.
14. Exit File Explorer.
15. Press Win+R.
16. Insert Regedit and click Enter.
17. Find the given directory: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
18. Search for value names dropped by the threat, e.g., {random title}.exe, right-click them and select Delete.
19. Exit Registry Editor.
20. Empty Recycle Bin.
21. Restart the computer.