How to remove EQ ransomware

EQ ransomware – a file encrypting cyber threat which offers to decrypt 1 file for free

EQ ransomware is a file locking virus which encrypts valuable documents by using original codes. Once encrypted, various files and documents appear with the .fuck appendix added. To be able to encrypt files and perform its illegal activities, EQ virus injects a file named twitchru.exe straight into the computer system. Furthermore, the fraudulent virus displays a ransom message named README_BACK_FILES.htm. This note is written by the cybercrooks who expect to receive some money in exchange for the decryption tool. Criminals offer 1 document for free decryption as evidence that they will fulfill their promises. They urge making contact via supportonl@cockh or supportonl@airmail.cc email addresses. However, no cybercriminal can be trusted as users are very likely to get scammed by the hackers and left with no decryption key. It is known that the ransomware virus has another version called EQ Version 2, this cyber threat adds the .gsg extension to each encrypted document. Another interesting fact about EQ ransomware is that this file locking virus might belong to the GlobeImposter family.^[1]

EQ ransomware shows this note once files are encrypted:

YOUR PERSONAL ID:
[random characters]
YOUR FILES ARE ENCRYPTED!
TO DECRYPT, FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS BELOW.
To recover data you need decryptor.
To get the decryptor you should:
Send 1 crypted test image or text file or document to supportonl@cockh ||| supportonl@airmail.cc
In the letter include your personal ID (look at the beginning of this document).
We will give you the decrypted file and assign the price for decryption all files.
We can decrypt one file in quality the evidence that we have the decoder.
MOST IMPORTANT!!!
Do not contact other services that promise to decrypt your files, this is fraud on their part! They will buy a decoder from us, and you will pay more for his services. No one, except supportonl@cock.li ||| supportonl@airmail.cc, will decrypt your files.
Only supportonl@coek.li III supportonl@airmail.cc can decrypt your files.
Do not trust anyone besides supportonl@cock.li ||| supportonl@airmail.cc
Antivirus programs can delete this document and you can not contact us later.
Attempts to self-decrypting files will result in the loss of your data.

As we can see, criminals who spread EQ ransomware offer 1 file for free decryption. This way they try to convince gullible users that their files will be restored after the ransom price is paid. Furthermore, the hackers require sending ID code via the given email address. However, we suggest avoiding any contact with these criminals. Do not provide them with any sensitive details as they might be misused, and do not transfer any money as it might be easily lost for no reason.

Furthermore, EQ ransomware uses unique encryption algorithms such as AES, RSA, or SHA to lock up all documents found on the infected computer. Both encryption and decryption keys are stored on remote servers which makes them reachable only for their owners. However, that does not mean that you have to go and pay the cybercriminals. We suggest overthinking everything twice as the risk of being scammed is very high.

Perform the EQ ransomware removal by using reputable anti-malware programs. Moreover, we suggest installing a tool such as FortectIntego to detect all malware-related content in the computer system. After that, scroll down the article and take a look at data recovery methods that we have provided. According to cybersecurity experts from Virusai.lt,^[2] you always need to eliminate the ransomware virus first before you perform the recovery process, otherwise, your data might be locked again.

You need to remove EQ virus if you want to avoid possible damaging consequences. They can be very unpleasant – injection of other malware, deletion of Shadow Volume Copies,^[3] program crashes or damage, and so on. Moreover, note that you should think about ways to take care of your files in the future so that they would not be encrypted by similar viruses again. Our suggestion would be to purchase a USB drive or use iCloud to store important documents.

Furthermore, if you are infected with EQ ransomware, you will start seeing symptoms such as encrypted files, the ransom note, or rogue processes running in the Windows Registry. However, if you see these components in your system, note that they also were brought by the file locking cyber threat:

• Artemis!EE5FA4A6C9BE
• Malware-Cryptor.Limpopo
• Ransom.FileCryptor!8.1A7 (CLOUD)
• Ransom.Win32.FILECRYPTOR.THABAOAH
• Trojan-Ransom.Win32.Gen.kvh
• Trojan.AD.MalwareCrypter
• Trojan.Encoder.26879
• Trojan.Generic.D1DF1A1A
• Trojan.GenericKD.31398426
• Trojan/Win32.Ransomlock.C2882521
• Trojan[Ransom]/Win32.Gen
• Win32/Filecoder.NTP

Phishing campaigns distribute ransomware

Crooks often drop malware-laden messages to random users' email boxes and ransomware is not an exception. Cybercriminals use spam messages^[4] by attaching the hazardous payload to them. Once accessed, the file starts the installation of the dangerous computer infection immediately. Some piece of advice would be not to open any messages that you were not expecting to receive or which do not contain a recognizable sender.

Furthermore, ransomware infections can come from insecure websites such as Torrents, eMule, or other P2P networks. We suggest staying away from all secondary websites and avoid clicking on every link you overcome. Furthermore, installing automatical computer protection is also a good option as the tool will take care of the system whenever you cannot. Moreover, it will allow you to perform regular system scans and detect all possible system vulnerabilities.

Get rid of EQ ransomware

You can remove EQ virus from your computer system and get rid of all harmful components by using reputable and expert-tested anti-malware tools. These programs are capable of effectively dealing with various malware, including ransomware. Furthermore, we suggest using a program such as FortectIntego, SpyHunterCombo Cleaner, or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes to detect all malware-laden content which might be left by the cyber threat itself.

However, note that performing the EQ ransomware removal manually is not an option as the virus might be too hard to get rid of on your own. Furthermore, we suggest using our below-provided data recovery methods that might help you with file recovery purposes. Note that you need to remove the file locking virus first before you perform the data recovery steps, otherwise, all unwanted activity will renew itself after the next PC boot.