How to remove TQV ransomware

TQV ransomware is a virus that keeps the user from accessing files until the ransom is paid

TQV ransomware is one of the most dangerous cyber infections that infiltrates the system silently, scans it for specific files, and encrypts them. After the encoding is done, each file gets .TQV file extension. After a successful encryption process, ransomware saves a ransom message in a text file called @@README.TXT. This note contains the email address truongquocvi@gmail.com which is presented by cybercriminals as the only way to contact them.

Also, this message informs the potential victim that the ransom amount which is required for unblocking locked files is $100. While trying to hide their identity, cybercriminals prefer cryptocurrency. However, do not initiate any contact with these people and do not pay the ransom. Virus developers can't be trusted, and the only thing they want is your money. TQVDecrypt can be completely useless just like any other decryption tool that belongs to hackers.

It is unknown which encryption method is used by this ransomware. However, it seems that the virus is combining symmetric and asymmetric cryptography^[1] to make users' files unusable. Besides, if new files are saved on the infected machine, there is a possibility that the virus will encrypt this data as well. However, no matter how actively hackers are pushing their decryption tool called TQVDecrypt, beware that there is no guarantee that you will get the key that you need after sending your money. 

As most data-encrypting viruses do, this virus places a ransom note in every existing folder on the device. In this case, malware is using the @@README.TXT file which provides information on the payment amount, hackers' email address and the amount of time given to pay the ransom. However, we must add that this ransom note is not as informative as the ones displayed by other viruses.

Typically, TQV ransomware is providing this information to its victims:

Your files had been encrypted
Please send me $100 to get your files back
Send your information includes Security code, Computer name and Username to truongquocvi@gmail.com
Your security code is: 
After receiving password, run TQVDecrypt on your desktop to decrypt files 

If got infected, you need to remove the infection from the system. Otherwise, the virus can access and modify Windows registry keys^[2] or other essential system settings. When ransomware infects the system, it can easily disable your antivirus program and change different system components to lead it to malfunction. Researchers^[3] note that the only way to stop this cryptovirus is using professional tools.

For TQV ransomware removal, we advise using SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes which has already been tested with such viruses. The main pros of this app are its quick activity on the system and the fact that it can not only remove malicious files from the system but can also recover damaged system components.

Once you end with virus termination, you can try following our tips for data recovery. If you have no backups of the encrypted data on your external drives or cloud, you can use the recommended software. Also, do not forget to clean the leftovers of the infection before you move on with any data recovery.

Social engineering is mostly used to spread ransomware

The most common way used to spread ransomware is spam. Beware that scammers can set up various trustworthy-looking emails that can be filled with infected attachments. These emails may contain either infected PDF/Word documents or malicious links that can also lead to infection.

Social engineering is a technique used to trick people into opening these infected files without even thinking. However, you just need to be careful and double-check email messages before opening them to prevent ransomware infiltration.

No matter how trustworthy emails seem, make sure you double-check the service or company they are representing. The best way to avoid these infections is to pay close attention to the sender's email address, the subject, and the message body. You need to check the email message for grammar or typo mistakes because hackers tend to make mistakes while writing. If there is nothing suspicious but the email still seems phishy, you can always contact the sender.

TQV ransomware termination requires reputable anti-malware

To remove ransomware without leaving any leftover files, you should employ anti-malware tools like SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes. This makes a big difference because these programs can detect existing malware and remove it in a few steps. If you try to do it manually, you might take much longer.

Also, manual virus removal might not give positive results since ransomware comes silently and additionally initiates numerous changes to the system. This secret infiltration means that the virus can have additional pieces hidden in multiple places on the system. Run FortectIntego to find and fix any possibly damaged pieces.

TQV ransomware removal needs to be done immediately after you notice virus activity on the system because the more time you give to this cryptovirus, the more changes it can initiate. After you finish the elimination, double-check if your system is clearly repeating a scan. Then, proceed to data recovery. For that, try one of the data recovery methods below.