Phmqdw ransomware (virus) - Recovery Instructions Included

What is Phmqdw ransomware?

Phmqdw ransomware creators ask victims for payment in cryptocurrencies to get their files back

Phmqdw ransomware locks users' personal files and asks for payment

Recently, ransomware researchers detected a new strain of malicious programs called Phmqdw. It belongs to the Makop ransomware family and is a file locking malware. When it infiltrates the system, it immediately starts the encryption^[1] process. After the encryption process is done, the malicious program appends a .phmqdw extension to every affected file, and the icons turn to white pages. Usually, this includes personal files, like photos, videos, and documents.

If a file was previously named picture.jpg, it would now look like picture.jpg.[victimID].phmqdw. This makes the files impossible to open, view, and use. Threat actors then generate a ransom note _readme.txt which informs victims about what has happened to their files.

The ransom note

Phmqdw ransomware developers cannot be trusted so you should not pay them

The full _readme.txt ransom note reads as follows:

::: Greetings :::

Little FAQ:
.1.
Q: Whats Happen?
A: Your files have been encrypted.
The file structure was not damaged, we did everything possible so that this could not happen.

.2.
Q: How to recover files?
A: If you wish to decrypt your files you will need to pay in one of the types of cryptocurrency.

.3.
Q: What about guarantees?
A: Its just a business. We absolutely do not care about you and your deals, except getting benefits.
If we do not do our work and liabilities – nobody will cooperate with us. Its not in our interests.
To check the ability of returning files, you can send to us any 2 files with SIMPLE extensions(jpg,doc, etc… not databases!)
and low sizes(max 1 mb), we will decrypt them and send back to you. That is our guarantee.

.4.
Q: How to contact with you?
A: Please, write us to our qTOX account: 32308809B05685C4B36DBD3230D3BBCEDB137 21C921353948C932B744274A3038E68BCCD1654
You can learn about this way of communication and download it here: hxxps://qtox.github.io/
Send us a friend request in the app and wait the support become online.
If you have not received an answer within 12 hours, use Bitmessage and write to our address: BM-NBurNHVRvKzmESPve8ZQz73m7AgyQyHV
You can learn about this way of communication and download it here: hxxps://wiki.bitmessage.org/
and here: hxxps://github.com/Bitmessage/PyBitmessage/releases/

.5.
Q: How will the decryption process proceed after payment?
A: After payment we will send to you our scanner-decoder program and detailed instructions for use.
With this program you will be able to decrypt all your encrypted files.
After full decryption, we will point out your security problems and help you fix them.

.6.
Q: If I don’t want to pay bad people like you?
A: If you will not cooperate with our service – for us, it's does not matter. But you will lose your time and data, cause
only we have the private key. In practice – time is much more valuable than money.

:::BEWARE:::
DON'T try to change encrypted files by yourself!
If you will try to use any third party software for restoring your data or antivirus solutions – please make a backup for all encrypted files!
Any changes in encrypted files may entail damage of the private key and, as result, the loss all data.

Key Identifier:
–

Number of files that were processed is: –

PC Hardware ID:
–

The note is full of grammar mistakes, which indicates that English is not the first language of these cybercriminals. Like many other ransomware developers, they ask for payment in cryptocurrencies^[2] because it is anonymous. Unfortunately, the amount is not specified in the message, so it could be a matter of negotiations.

Threat actors also use scare tactics^[3] to make victims contact them as soon as possible. We should stress that we do not recommend contacting the perpetrators. Many ransomware attack victims say that they never heard back after they sent the money to the criminals.

Since cryptocurrency transactions are irreversible, you should really think about if you are willing to take a risk of being scammed. Phmqdw ransomware creators say that only they have the decryption key, and that is true, so the only way to get your files back is to do what they ask. But you might be left without your files and your hard-earned money. In this guide, we will also cover a third-party recovery option that works for some people, so you should try that first.

Ransomware removal with anti-malware tools

If the machine is not located at your workplace but in your home, plugging out the ethernet cable is enough to disconnect from the network. You have to do this if other devices use the same network because they can be infected too.

After that, you have to remove the malicious files that are performing the tasks in the background. If you try to recover your data first, it can result in permanent loss. Also, the files can keep getting encrypted again and again until you eliminate the cause. It would be best if you did not try removing it yourself unless you have IT knowledge. Using anti-malware tools like SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes to scan your system will give you the best chance of removal being complete. This security software should find all the related files and entries and remove them automatically for you.

If you cannot open security software, the code might be preventing the program from being able to function. Proceed with accessing Safe Mode, where you will be able to deploy the antivirus safely:

Windows 7 / Vista / XP

1. Click Start > Shutdown > Restart > OK.
2. When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 button (if that does not work, try F2, F12, Del, etc. – it all depends on your motherboard model) multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
3. Select Safe Mode with Networking from the list.

Windows 10 / Windows 8

1. Right-click on Start button and select Settings.
   
2. Scroll down to pick Update & Security.
3. On the left side of the window, pick Recovery.
4. Now scroll down to find Advanced Startup section.
5. Click Restart now.
6. Select Troubleshoot.
7. Go to Advanced options.
8. Select Startup Settings.
9. Click Restart.
10. Press 5 or click 5) Enable Safe Mode with Networking.

File recovery using third-party software

Third-party programs cannot always decrypt the files, but you should at least try it. Before proceeding, you have to copy the corrupted files and place them in a USB flash drive or another storage. And remember – only do this if you have already removed Phmqdw ransomware.

It is devastating to know, but if you do not have backups, this might be your only chance at recovery because only hackers hold the decryption key, which can unlock your files.

1. Download Data Recovery Pro.
2. Double-click the installer to launch it.
   
3. Follow on-screen instructions to install the software.
4. As soon as you press Finish, you can use the app.
5. Select Everything or pick individual folders where you want the files to be recovered from.
6. Press Next.
7. At the bottom, enable Deep scan and pick which Disks you want to be scanned.
8. Press Scan and wait till it is complete.
9. You can now pick which folders/files to recover – don't forget you also have the option to search by the file name!
10. Press Recover to retrieve your files.

The operating system can be damaged after an attack

Performance, stability, and usability issues, to the point where a full Windows reinstall is required, are expected after malware infection. These types of infections can alter the Windows registry database, damage vital bootup and other sections, delete or corrupt DLL files,^[4] etc. Once a system file is damaged by malware, antivirus software is not able to repair it.

This is why FortectIntego was developed. It can fix a lot of the damage caused by an infection like this. Blue Screen errors,^[5] freezes, registry errors, damaged DLLs, etc., can make your computer completely unusable. By using this maintenance tool, you could avoid Windows reinstallation.

• Download the application by clicking on the link above
• Click on the ReimageRepair.exe
  
  
• If User Account Control (UAC) shows up, select Yes
• Press Install and wait till the program finishes the installation process
• The analysis of your machine will begin immediately
• Once complete, check the results – they will be listed in the Summary
• You can now click on each of the issues and fix them manually
• If you see many problems that you find difficult to fix, we recommend you purchase the license and fix them automatically.

Additional instructions are provided for corporate environments on isolating the infected machine and stopping the malicious program from affecting the entire network at the bottom of this post. You will also find information on where you can report your attack. Doing it will give you a better chance of having your perpetrators caught.