Do you know what Opqz Ransomware is?
Opqz Ransomware is a Windows infection that was created by cybercriminals who have no regard for your files or your personal privacy. The infection is spread using disguises and scams, and when it slithers in, it encrypts personal files, the ones that cybercriminals hope you cannot replace. After that is done, they deliver a message, according to which, you are obligated to pay a specific sum of money to them in order to obtain a decryptor. In a normal world, an encryptor exists along with a decryptor, and the owner of the file controls them both. In a cybercriminal world, the decryptor is in the claws of the attacker, and they cannot be forced to shared it with anyone. That is why if you pay the ransom requested, you will not get anything in return. Can you get your files back by deleting Opqz Ransomware? Unfortunately, that will not work, but the removal of this malware is important.
Sadly, you might have let Opqz Ransomware into your Windows operating system yourself. You are unlikely to remember doing that because cybercriminals use sneaky techniques to execute malware on vulnerable systems. In one scenario, you could have downloaded a desirable program, and the launcher of the infection was attached to it. In another scenario, you could have opened the launcher thinking that it was a normal document or image file. Misleading spam emails are often used for this distribution technique. That is how Lezp Ransomware, Mpaj Ransomware, Ooss Ransomware, and hundreds of other infections from the STOP Ransomware family have been spread as well. Opqz Ransomware belongs to it too. These infections are identical, but they add unique extensions to the files they corrupt, and that is where the names of the threats come from. The one we are discussing right now adds “.opqz.”
Opqz Ransomware screenshot
Scroll down for full removal instructions
To deliver the important ransom note, Opqz Ransomware uses a file named “_readme.txt.” According to our team, it is dropped to the %HOMEDRIVE% directory along with a folder named “SystemID.” Another location where the threat drops its components is %LOCALAPPDATA%. If legitimate security software existed, the launcher would be deleted automatically, and all additional files could not be dropped. If all goes according to plan, the “_readme.txt” file delivers a message, according to which, victims of the infection can obtain a decryption key if they want to restore their files. The price of the key is $490 (allegedly discounted from $980), and it must be paid in Bitcoin. The Bitcoin wallet address to which this sum has to be paid is not disclosed, and that is how the attackers are meant to rope the victims into emailing them at helpdatarestore@firemail.cc or helpmanager@mail.ch. As mentioned earlier, you will not get the Opqz Ransomware decryptor from cybercriminals, and so contacting them is not a good idea either.
You might be wondering which Opqz Ransomware removal method to employ, but you should start with something else – protecting your Windows operating system. Even if you delete this malware now, another threat could try to attack soon enough. This is why you should seriously consider installing a legitimate and trusted anti-malware program. It would automatically delete Opqz Ransomware too, which is very helpful. If you are not ready to invest in your virtual security, or if you are interested in deleting malware manually, we hope that the guide below will help you. Afterward, look into using the free ‘STOP Decryptor’ or replace the corrupted files with backup copies stored outside your computer, if you have them.
Delete Opqz Ransomware
- Simultaneously tap Win and E keys to access File Explorer.
- Type %HOMEDRIVE% into the quick access area and tap Enter.
- Right-click the folder named SystemID and choose Delete.
- Right-click the file named _readme.txt and choose Delete.
- Type %LOCALAPPDATA% into the quick access area and tap Enter.
- Right-click the folder with a random name and choose Delete. Only remove the folder if you know that it contains malware files. You do not want to mistakenly remove something important.
- Exit File Explorer and then Empty Recycle Bin.
- Employ a legitimate malware scanner to scan your system for malware leftovers.
In non-techie terms:
The entrance of Opqz Ransomware suggests two things. One, your operating system lacks trustworthy protection. Two, you are not careful when opening files, interacting with spam emails, enabling remote access, etc. If you want to make sure that this is the last time you have faced malware, you should install anti-malware software. It would protect your system and also automatically remove Opqz Ransomware. Hopefully, after this, you have the option to replace the corrupted files with backup copies (if stored outside the computer) or restore them using the free ‘STOP Decryptor.’ If you are going to install this tool, please make sure that you are installing the real thing and not some fake lookalike.