Bgzq virus: what it is and how to remove it
Bgzq ransomware is a dangerous type of malware that comes from the well-known Djvu ransomware family, notorious for its strong threat to electronic files. This ransomware usually enters computer systems without permission, often through illegitimate software downloads or fake software activation tools.
Facts checked October 6, 2026. Removal steps tested on Windows 11 (26H2) and checked against Microsoft's and the browser makers' current documentation. Sections marked as our earlier report are the original text: they describe the threat as it was then and have not been reviewed since. The 2026 status, the removal steps and the questions are current.
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Bgzq virus: summary
| Name | Bgzq virus |
|---|---|
| Type | Ransomware, file-locking malware |
| File extension | .bgzq extension appended to all personal files, rendering them useless |
| Family | Djvu |
| Ransom note | _readme.txt dropped at every location where encrypted files are located |
| Contact | datarestorehelpyou@airmail.cc and support@freshingmail.top |
| Removal | Scan the PC with security software to find and remove the malware and anything installed with it. Fortect scans Windows for malware and repairs the system files and settings it damaged. Remove it nowTo use the full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Fortect. The scan is free. |
Show 13 more facts
| File Recovery | There is no guaranteed way to recover locked files without backups. Other options include paying cybercriminals (not recommended, might also lose the paid money), using Emisoft's decryptor (works for a limited number of victims), or using third-party recovery software |
|---|---|
| Detection names | No Microsoft detection name is known |
| Encrypted file extension | .bgzq |
| Decryptor | No free decryptor is known for this variant; check No More Ransom (nomoreransom.org) for updates |
| Distribution | Not recorded in the old report |
| Damage | Not recorded in the old report |
| Symptoms | Files renamed with a new extension and a ransom note left in folders |
| Evidence | One write-up by a security site; no sample analysed yet |
| Encrypted files | .bgzq |
| Attacker contacts | support@freshingmail.top |
| Free decryptor | No free decryptor is known (checked 6 October 2026) |
| First seen | 23 April 2024 |
| Facts checked | 6 October 2026 |
- File extension:
.bgzq - Note file:
_readme.txt - Contact:
support@freshingmail.top
From our report of Apr 2024 · not reviewed since
More from our earlier report on Bgzq virus
- After disconnecting the computer from the network and the internet, do a complete system scan using the security program
- Upon installation, malware can cause severe damage to system files, resulting in instability issues such as crashes and errors.
- However, PC repair can automatically fix any such damage
How Bgzq virus behaves
From our report of Apr 2024 · not reviewed since
What is conveyed via the ransom note
In the case of Bgzq ransomware attacks, communication between the cybercriminals and their victims primarily happens through a ransom note.
This note explains how to pay the ransom in Bitcoin to get their locked files back.
The ransom note is usually very clear, detailing the payment steps and the amount needed. The criminals behind Bgzq ransomware maintain a professional tone in their messages, which can misleadingly appear legitimate and serious.
This ransom message typically pops up on the victim's device right after the Bgzq ransomware has finished encrypting the files. It might show up as a text file, an image, or even a webpage, and it specifically outlines how to pay the ransom and how to attempt to regain access to the encrypted data.
The note often combines elements of reassurance with threats, indicating:
The ransom for Bgzq ransomware is typically set at $999. However, the attackers offer a 50% discount if victims make contact within the first 72 hours, which lowers the payment to $499. The ransom note highlights that trying to recover the files without paying is futile and also includes contact emails for communication.
Cybersecurity experts and law enforcement officials strongly advise against paying the ransom. Paying contributes to funding criminal activities, and there is no guarantee that the decryption key provided will work. The strategies employed by these attackers, such as offering discounts and decrypting one file for free, are tactics intended to make victims pay quickly. However, giving in to these demands only continues the cycle of ransomware attacks.

From our report of Apr 2024 · not reviewed since
Bgzq ransomware is a dangerous computer virus that might result in the loss of your personal files
Bgzq ransomware is a dangerous type of malware that comes from the well-known Djvu ransomware family, notorious for its strong threat to electronic files.
This ransomware usually enters computer systems without permission, often through illegitimate software downloads or fake software activation tools.
After infiltrating a system, Bgzq ransomware quickly starts a thorough process to encrypt files. It mainly targets crucial data like documents, multimedia files, and other important content. The ransomware uses the complex RSA encryption method to lock these files, making them inaccessible without a unique decryption key.
Affected files are then marked with a ".bgzq" extension. Alongside this, a ransom note called "_readme.txt" appears, demanding payment from the victims, typically between $999 and $499, for the decryption key.
For anyone dealing with Bgzq ransomware, acting fast is key. It is advisable to disconnect the affected device from any network immediately and to carry out a detailed system check with advanced security software. The best defense against such attacks includes regular backups of data and maintaining strict security measures.

The Bgzq virus ransom note
ATTENTION!
Don't worry, you can return all your files!
All your files like pictures, databases, documents and other important are encrypted
with strongest encryption and unique key.
The only method of recovering files is to purchase decrypt tool and unique key for you.
This software will decrypt all your encrypted files.
What guarantees you have?
You can send one of your encrypted file from your PC and we decrypt it for free.
But we can decrypt only 1 file for free. File must not contain valuable information.
Do not ask assistants from youtube and recovery data sites for help in recovering your data.
They can use your free decryption quota and scam you.
Our contact is emails in this text document only.
You can get and look video overview decrypt tool:
https://wetransfer.com/downloads/a832401adcd58098c699f768ffea4f1720240305114308/7e601a
Price of private key and decrypt software is $999.
Discount 50% available if you contact us first 72 hours, that's price for you is $499.
Please note that you'll never restore your data without payment.
Check your e-mail "Spam" or "Junk" folder if you don't get answer more than 6 hours.
To get this software you need write on our e-mail:
support@freshingmail.top
Reserve e-mail address to contact us:
datarestorehelpyou@airmail.cc
Your personal ID:
How to remove Bgzq virus
Tools you'll need
All of these are free except where noted. Download them on a clean device if the infected PC is offline.
- A USB stick: to keep the ransom note, two or three encrypted files and screenshots off the infected PC.
- Microsoft Defender Offline: built into Windows 11 and Windows 10; scans before Windows starts, so running malware cannot hide.
- Microsoft Safety Scanner: a second, portable scanner with current signatures; each download works for 10 days.
- ID Ransomware: identifies the family from the note and one encrypted file and says whether a decryptor exists.
- No More Ransom: the free decryptors from police and security companies; check it again every few months.
- Fortect (optional): scans Windows for malware and repairs the system files and settings it damaged. The free scan is in the box above.
How to remove Bgzq virus and get your files back
Work in this order.
Disconnecting comes first, removal comes before any restore, and nothing here asks you to contact the attackers.
Step 1: Disconnect the PC and unplug backup drives
Unplug the network cable or turn off Wi-Fi, and disconnect USB drives, external disks and network shares, so Bgzq virus cannot reach more files. Pause OneDrive, Google Drive or Dropbox sync, because synced folders upload the encrypted copies over the good ones.
Leave the PC on but offline while you read the next steps, since a restart can let the ransomware run again. This applies to Windows 11 and Windows 10 alike.

Windows 11: turn off Wi-Fi to take the PC offline. Full procedure with screenshots: Ransomware: first steps, finding a decryptor and recovering files
Step 2: Save the ransom note and confirm the family
Your files now end in
.bgzqand the instructions are in_readme.txt. Save both to a USB stick, a copy of the note and two small encrypted files, before anything else.On another device, check them with ID Ransomware or Crypto Sheriff: the family name decides which decryptor, if any, can help. Keep the note's ID and contact line for your report.

Windows 11: the ransom note and encrypted files to copy for identification. Full procedure with screenshots: Ransomware: first steps, finding a decryptor and recovering files
Step 3: Check for a free decryptor
Our last check found that for Bgzq virus, no free decryptor is known (checked 6 October 2026). Look again yourself in the No More Ransom list and the free decryptor pages of Emsisoft, Avast and Kaspersky, which add new families every year.
A decryptor needs the ransomware gone first, or it encrypts the files again. Keep at least one copy of the encrypted files on an external drive, even if no tool works yet.
Full procedure with screenshots: Ransomware: first steps, finding a decryptor and recovering files
Step 4: Remove the ransomware before you restore or decrypt
Removing Bgzq virus does not bring the files back, but it has to come first. Start with Defender's Full scan, then the offline scan from the same Scan options page, which checks the disk before Windows loads.
If the scan cannot start, use Safe Mode with Networking. Delete the ransom notes only after you have saved a copy, because removal tools sometimes leave them behind on Windows 11 and Windows 10.

Windows 11: Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Scan options. Full procedure with screenshots: Run a Microsoft Defender Offline scan
Step 5: Look for shadow copies of the files
Windows keeps shadow copies for restore points and backups, and some ransomware fails to delete them.
vssadmin list shadowsin an administrator Command Prompt tells you at once whether any exist.If they do, right-click the folder that held your files, open Properties > Previous Versions, select a version from before the attack, and click Open to check it before you Restore or copy the files out. Windows 11 and Windows 10 both have the tab.

Windows 11: vssadmin list shadows shows whether shadow copies exist. Full procedure with screenshots: Ransomware: first steps, finding a decryptor and recovering files
Step 6: Restore the files from a backup or recover deleted originals
A backup made before the attack is the surest way back. Connect it only once the PC is clean, then restore from File History, Windows Backup, OneDrive's Restore your OneDrive or your own external copies.
Without a backup, try file recovery: the originals that Bgzq virus deleted may still be on the disk until something overwrites them. Install nothing new on the drive you want to recover from on the Windows 11 or Windows 10 PC.
Full procedure with screenshots: Recover deleted files (Recycle Bin, backups, OneDrive) On uGetFix
From our report of Apr 2024 · not reviewed since
How to effectively remove the Bgzq virus
In the unfortunate event of a Bgzq ransomware attack that locks all your files, your initial reaction might be shock and fear, especially as the malware targets all types of personal files from photos to documents, which often hold precious emotional value.
This emotional significance is exactly what cybercriminals exploit to their advantage. Despite this, it is strongly advised not to give in to these ransom demands and to consider alternative recovery strategies.
The first step should be to eradicate the ransomware from your system. Although some ransomware types may auto-terminate after encrypting your files, there could still be other harmful components or additional payloads lingering. These could continue to compromise your data, which underscores the importance of a comprehensive system scan. You should use reliable anti-malware software like or to ensure the complete removal of the ransomware and any residual malicious elements.
It's also worth noting that some malware variants may try to interfere with your security software. If you encounter such issues, you can use Safe Mode to perform the system scan. The steps to access Safe Mode will be explained at the end of this guide.
Moreover, to mitigate the risk of system crashes, errors, and other complications induced by the malware, it is crucial to inspect your system for potential damage. This approach is simpler and typically faster than undertaking a complete reinstallation of the Windows system, which can be complex and lengthy for many users.
From our report of Apr 2024 · not reviewed since
Files recovery possibilities
Dealing with ransomware can be complicated, and there are many misunderstandings about how data encryption and malware operate.
Some people think that just running a security scan or renaming files can fix the problem of encrypted files. However, the situation is usually more complex.
The encryption used by Bgzq ransomware involves sophisticated algorithms that create highly secure cryptographic sequences, making it very tough to break. Removing the malware from your system won't decrypt the files; they will still be locked without the special decryption key that only cybercriminals possess.
This type of ransomware not only encrypts data but also assigns each file a unique identifier and a complex encryption key. The attackers use this setup to demand a ransom, aiming to make money from the victim's desperate situation. This makes ransomware a profitable activity for cybercriminal groups.
Although it might seem easier to just pay the ransom, we advise looking into other options. Make sure you have a backup of your data before trying any recovery methods to avoid further data loss.
A possible recovery method could be using tools like the Emsisoft decryption utility, but its effectiveness will depend on the specific strain of ransomware and other variables. It's important to start the recovery process knowing these limitations and challenges.
From here, there are three available outcomes:
If your data was encrypted with an online ID, Emsisoft's tool won't work.
- After pressing Download button, a small pop-up at the bottom, titled decrypt_STOPDjvu.exe should show up - click it.
- If User Account Control (UAC) message shows up, press Yes.
- Agree to License Terms by pressing Yes.
- After Disclaimer shows up, press OK.
- The tool should automatically populate the affected folders, although you can also do it by pressing Add folder at the bottom.
- Press Decrypt.
- "Decrypted!" will be shown under files that were decrypted successfully - they are now usable again.
- "Error: Unable to decrypt file with ID:" means that the keys for this version of the virus have not yet been retrieved, so you should try later.
- "This ID appears to be an online ID, decryption is impossible" - you are unable to decrypt files with this tool.
- Download .
- Double-click the installer to launch it.
- Follow on-screen instructions to install the software.
- As soon as you press Finish, you can use the app.
- Select Everything or pick individual folders which you want the files to be recovered from.
- Press Next.
- At the bottom, enable Deep scan and pick which Disks you want to be scanned.
- Press Scan and wait till it is complete.
- You can now pick which folders/files to recover - don't forget you also have the option to search by the file name!
- Press Recover to retrieve your files.


Report it and recover your files
Report it
Report the attack even if you do not expect the files back: insurers and banks ask for the report number, and police use the contacts in the note to link cases.
- United States
- FBI IC3 · FTC ReportFraud
- United Kingdom
- Report Fraud (formerly Action Fraud) · NCSC
- Australia
- ReportCyber (ASD)
- EU countries
- Europol: national reporting sites
Give the victim ID, the note and the date the files were encrypted. A business that holds personal data may also have to notify its data protection authority, in the EU within 72 hours.
Backups: the 3-2-1 rule
Keep three copies of files that matter, on two kinds of storage, with one copy offline or off-site.
A disk that stays plugged in is reached by malware like Bgzq virus together with the PC; one you connect only for the backup is not.
On Windows 11, File History keeps versions on an external drive, and OneDrive keeps earlier versions of synced files. Before restoring anything, make sure the PC no longer shows files that end in .bgzq and no longer open.
Setting it up step by step: 3-2-1 backups on Windows 11 and 10.
Protect your privacy - employ a VPN
There are several ways how to make your online time more private - you can access an incognito tab.
However, there is no secret that even in this mode, you are tracked for advertising purposes. There is a way to add an extra layer of protection and create a completely anonymous web browsing practice with the help of VPN. This software reroutes traffic through different servers, thus leaving your IP address and geolocation in disguise.
Besides, it is based on a strict no-log policy, meaning that no data will be recorded, leaked, and available for both first and third parties. The combination of a secure web browser and VPN will let you browse the Internet without a feeling of being spied or targeted by criminals.
No backups? No problem. Use a data recovery tool
If you wonder how data loss can occur, you should not look any further for answers - human errors, malware attacks, hardware failures, power cuts, natural disasters, or even simple negligence.
In some cases, lost files are extremely important, and many straight out panic when such an unfortunate course of events happen. Due to this, you should always ensure that you prepare proper data backups on a regular basis.
If you were caught by surprise and did not have any backups to restore your files from, not everything is lost. is one of the leading file recovery solutions you can find on the market - it is likely to restore even lost emails or data located on an external device.
Questions about Bgzq virus
Is there a decryptor for .bgzq files?
That depends on the family behind the .bgzq extension, which this guide cannot confirm yet from the reports alone. Check No More Ransom and ID Ransomware with your ransom note and one encrypted file; they list families with free tools.
If none exists today, keep the encrypted files and a copy of the note on a separate drive, because decryptors are sometimes published months later after flaws are found or servers are seized. Never buy a decryptor from a website that is not the security company that made it.
How do I open .bgzq files?
You cannot open them by renaming or by choosing another program. The .bgzq ending shows that Bgzq virus encrypted the content, and only the matching key can reverse it. Renaming a file back to .docx or .jpg changes nothing except the icon, and it can confuse a future decryptor, so leave the names as they are.
To get the content back, use a backup, an unencrypted copy elsewhere, or a decryptor listed on No More Ransom if one exists for Bgzq virus. Store the encrypted files on an external disk until then.
Are ransomware recovery services legitimate?
Some are, but read the offer carefully. Genuine data-recovery firms recover deleted originals from disks or rebuild damaged files, and they say so. Others promise to "decrypt any ransomware" for a fixed price, which is impossible without the key; they quietly pay the attackers and keep a margin, sometimes without telling the victim.
Be especially careful with services that contact you after you post about the attack online. Ask for references, a written method and a no-result-no-fee clause, and check the free tools on No More Ransom first.
Should I pay the ransom?
We advise against it, and so do the FBI, Europol and national cyber agencies. Payment does not guarantee a working tool: some attackers never reply, some tools damage files, and some variants have no decryptor at all. Paying also funds further attacks and can make you a target again.
Before considering payment, try every recovery option in this guide and report the attack. Companies must involve their legal adviser and insurer, because payments to sanctioned groups can be illegal. If files are truly irreplaceable, store the encrypted copies and wait; decryptors sometimes appear later.
How did Bgzq virus get on my computer?
The way Bgzq virus spreads has not been documented yet, so look at your own recent activity. On home PCs, ransomware most often comes with cracked programs, game cheats, key generators and fake updates, or with an e-mail attachment that was opened. On business networks, attackers usually log in through Remote Desktop with a stolen or guessed password.
Think back to what was downloaded or installed in the days before files that end in .bgzq and no longer open, and check the Downloads folder and Installed apps sorted by date. Keep anything suspicious for your report, but do not run it again.
Did Bgzq virus steal my files or passwords?
We do not know yet. Nothing published so far shows data theft by Bgzq virus, but the only confirmed sign is files that end in .bgzq and no longer open, which says nothing about what happened before. Many current ransomware attacks copy files or run a password stealer first, so it is wise to act as if they did.
From a clean device, change the passwords that were saved in the browsers on this PC, starting with e-mail and banking, sign out of all sessions and turn on two-step verification. Watch bank statements and account activity for the next few weeks.
Is Bgzq virus the same as other ransomware with a similar name?
Not necessarily. Ransomware names come from the file extension, the note or a word in the code, so unrelated families often end up with similar names, and one family can appear under several names. The difference matters: a decryptor or advice for one family does not fit another and can damage files.
Compare the ending added to your files and the exact name of the note with the summary table at the top of this guide, then upload the note and one encrypted file to ID Ransomware from a clean device. If the result names another family, follow the guide for that family instead.
Can I delete _readme.txt?
Yes, the note itself is harmless text and deleting it does not affect your files. Keep at least one copy first, outside the infected PC. _readme.txt contains your personal ID and the attackers' contact details, which identification services use to tell which family encrypted your files, and which a decryptor may need later.
Police reports also ask for it. Once you have saved a copy, you can remove the notes from every folder after the ransomware program has been removed and your files are restored or backed up.
My files got .bgzq overnight. What happened?
Ransomware often runs at night or when the PC is idle, so the encryption finishes before anyone notices. It usually entered earlier through a cracked program, a fake installer, an e-mail attachment or remote desktop with a weak password.
The .bgzq extension marks every file it reached. Start by disconnecting the PC from the network, then identify the family from the ransom note and one encrypted file, check for a decryptor, and look for copies in backups and OneDrive before you consider anything else.
Will Fortect remove Bgzq virus?
Fortect scans Windows for malware and unwanted programs and repairs the system files and settings they change, and its free scan shows what it finds on your PC before you decide anything.
For Bgzq virus, follow the plan above as well: the browser steps take back permissions and settings that no scanner treats as a threat, and uninstalling the program that brought it removes the source.
Run Microsoft Defender's full scan and, if anything was found, its offline scan as a second opinion. If the symptoms are gone after the plan and both scans are clean, there is nothing more to do.
Sources
- CISA: StopRansomware (read October 6, 2026)
- No More Ransom (read October 6, 2026)
- FTC: How to recognize, remove and avoid malware (read October 6, 2026)
- Microsoft Learn: Microsoft Defender Offline (read October 6, 2026)
- Microsoft Learn: How Microsoft names malware (read October 6, 2026)