When PC owners fail in their duty to protect their computers from being infected, the next crucial action they should take is to remove the ransomware virus as quickly as possible. Removing the ransomware virus quickly will stop further damage and enable the PC owner to seek ways of recovering/replacing damaged files.

The ransomware leaves a money-demanding note behind

Following a ransomware infection and data encryption, the malware also forwards text notes known as _readme.txt to every folder. Those behind the attack use it as a medium to pass their message across to the victim. They will claim that the cyber-attack was successful, and as a result, the entire database has become encrypted. However, they will also promise to decrypt the files provided the victim is ready to comply with their demands. To make way for more discussions, two emails are also forwarded to the victim i.e., support@fishmail.top and datarestorehelp@airmail.cc. No matter the pressure, victims of ransomware virus attack, are advised never to negotiate with cybercriminals. Trying to seek their assistance or requesting their so-called decryption tools are efforts in futility. From our studies, such attempts do not end well for the victim. Be that as it may, when victims write to them via any of the two email addresses provided, they will receive an automated response detailing the amount they’re expected to pay as well as the conditions of payment. Usually, they will first state that $980 is the ransom fee to be paid to forward the decryption tools. But in order to make the victim pay without further delay, they often add a caveat that 50% could be slashed off for victims that can pay within 3 days of being notified to do so. This brings the ransom fee to $490. However, once 72 hours elapses and they don’t receive it, only the maximum ransom fee becomes acceptable. It should also be noted that only payment made via cryptocurrency transfer is acceptable to them. In their effort to remain anonymous, cybercriminals typically avoid bank payments or any form of money transfer that could possibly expose their real identity. These online rogues have continued to be a menace because some victims continue to pay ransom to them. There are other factors victims of ransomware viruses should consider before making any decision; please check below:

It encourages cybercriminals to continue attacking others. It is considered unlawful to pay a ransom. It makes the victim vulnerable to further attacks from now on. It helps them to expand their illegal operations.

If you’ve been attacked by this malware, we recommend that you do not pay the ransom. Instead, focus on securing your computer. Therefore, you should remove BOZQ ransomware virus first using a reliable antivirus. If you’re hesitant on which brand to choose, you may want to read a review and try INTEGO Antivirus, a reliable Windows security solution.

Ransomware Summary

What the cybercriminals behind this ransomware do is use deceptive methods to take their victims unawares. However, being informed i.e. knowing the dos and don’ts that could trigger a ransomware virus infection, can help PC owners to stay out of malware problem. A very important first step is to have genuine antivirus software installed and kept active whenever your computer runs. Another important thing is to get to know typical malware distribution channels to avoid getting infected. Award-winning antivirus solution for your PC. Robust security software that provides robust 24/7 real-time protection, Web Shield that stops online threats/malicious downloads, and Prevention engine that wards off Zero-Day threats. Keep your PC safe and protected against ransomware, Trojans, viruses, spyware and other forms of dangerous programs.

Distribution methods used by cybercriminals

Cybercriminals usually hide behind certain smokescreens in their desperate attempts to infect computers. The major ones are chronicled in this section.

Use of emails/attachments

Online torrent platforms and P2P

Some individuals in need of software often try to cut corners by seeking their pirated versions. This is a dangerous thing to do because cybercriminals now clone popular software content (or simply rename the malware file as a setup) and embed them with malware before uploading to online torrent platforms. In an attempt to save money, some PC owners not only end up downloading fake software contents but also compromise their computer and sensitive personal information. What to do? Only subscribe for software contents via the official platforms endorsed by the copyright owners. The use of P2P software sharing is another method used by some PC owners who prefer to get them as freebies than to pay the subscription cost. It is not only morally wrong to distribute copyright protected contents without permission or paying the necessary fee but also quite risky. P2P sharing of software exposes computers to malware infection and possible ransomware attack. What to do? Only source for your software content needs through the officially recognized channels and also pay the requisite fees. While ransomware virus are basically used for encryption and subsequent extortion, RATs on the other hand are used in stealing vital personal details including software login information, banking details, cryptocurrency wallets, browsing history, etc. Many software contents are available in the market, but cybercriminals mostly target the popular ones. Since their motive is to distribute malware to as many computers as possible, they pirate software content in high demand, embed them with malware, and wait for their target audience to fall victim. Here is a list of software content we compiled from the reports made by previous victims. You will agree that most of them are highly sought after:

Adobe Photoshop; Corel Draw; Microsoft Office; Cubase; VMware Workstation; Internet Download Manager; League of Legends; HP Printer Drivers; FIFA 22; Adobe Illustrator; Tenorshare 4ukey.

It is important for computer owners to be aware that ransomware virus is not the only risk involved when they engage in any of the above unwholesome acts. Cybercriminals also use the opportunity to distribute Remote Access Trojans otherwise known as RATs.

Why you should remove BOZQ ransomware virus immediately

We generally advise victims to immediately get rid of BOZQ ransomware virus once it is detected in their computer. The reason is to curtail further spread of the ransomware virus and also to begin the recovery. Nevertheless, the best protective measure is to install genuine antivirus software in your computer and keep it active. For this purpose, we recommend INTEGO Antivirus because it is recognized as reliable and performs excellent in independent AV lab tests. Here are other important things you should do after a ransomware attack:

Replace lost data using your backup. Immediately change all passwords. Inform relevant local authorities.

OUR GEEKS RECOMMEND Our team recommends a two-step rescue plan to remove ransomware and other remaining malware from your computer, plus repair caused virus damage to the system: GeeksAdvice.com editors select recommended products based on their effectiveness. We may earn a commission from affiliate links, at no additional cost to you. Learn more. Get INTEGO ANTIVIRUS for Windows to remove ransomware, Trojans, adware and other spyware and malware variants and protect your PC and network drives 24/7. This VB100-certified security software uses state-of-art technology to provide protection against ransomware, Zero-Day attacks and advanced threats, Intego Web Shield blocks dangerous websites, phishing attacks, malicious downloads and installation of potentially unwanted programs. Use INTEGO Antivirus to remove detected threats from your computer. Read full review here. RESTORO provides a free scan that helps to identify hardware, security and stability issues and presents a comprehensive report which can help you to locate and fix detected issues manually. It is a great PC repair software to use after you remove malware with professional antivirus. The full version of software will fix detected issues and repair virus damage caused to your Windows OS files automatically. RESTORO uses AVIRA scanning engine to detect existing spyware and malware. If any are found, the software will eliminate them. Read full review here.

Method 1. Enter Safe Mode with Networking

Before you try to remove BOZQ Ransomware Virus virus, you must start your computer in Safe Mode with Networking. Below, we provide the easiest ways to boot PC in the said mode, but you can find additional ones in this in-depth tutorial on our website – How to Start Windows in Safe Mode. Also, if you prefer a video version of the tutorial, check our guide How to Start Windows in Safe Mode on Youtube. Instructions for Windows XP/Vista/7 users Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10/11 users Now, you can search for and remove BOZQ Ransomware Virus files. It is very hard to identify files and registry keys that belong to the ransomware virus, Besides, malware creators tend to rename and change them repeatedly. Therefore, the easiest way to uninstall such type of a computer virus is to use a reliable security program such as INTEGO Antivirus. For virus damage repair, consider using RESTORO.

Method 2. Use System Restore

In order to use System Restore, you must have a system restore point, created either manually or automatically. Instructions for Windows XP/Vista/7 users Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10/11 users After restoring the system, we recommend scanning the system with antivirus or anti-malware software. In most cases, there won’t be any malware remains, but it never hurts to double-check. In addition, we highly recommend checking ransomware prevention guidelines provided by our experts in order to protect your PC against similar viruses in the future.

Alternative software recommendations

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Removing spyware and malware is one step towards cybersecurity. To protect yourself against ever-evolving threats, we strongly recommend purchasing a Premium version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware, which provides security based on artificial intelligence and machine learning. Includes ransomware protection. See pricing options and protect yourself now.

System Mechanic Ultimate Defense If you’re looking for an all-in-one system maintenance suite that has 7 core components providing powerful real-time protection, on-demand malware removal, system optimization, data recovery, password manager, online privacy protection and secure driver wiping technology. Therefore, due to its wide-range of capabilities, System Mechanic Ultimate Defense deserves Geek’s Advice approval. Get it now for 50% off. You may also be interested in its full review.

Disclaimer. This site includes affiliate links. We may earn a small commission by recommending certain products, at no additional cost for you. We only choose quality software and services to recommend.

Decrypt BOZQ files

Fix and open large BOZQ files easily:

It is reported that STOP/DJVU ransomware versions encrypt only the beginning 150 KB of each file to ensure that the virus manages to affect all files on the system. In some cases, the malicious program might skip some files at all. That said, we recommend testing this method on several big (>1GB) files first.

STOP/DJVU decryption tool usage guide

STOP/DJVU ransomware versions are grouped into old and new variants. BOZQ Ransomware Virus is considered the new STOP/DJVU variant, just like BPTO, ISWR, ISZA, BPSM, ZOUU, MBTF, ZNSM (find full list here). This means full data decryption is now possible only if you have been affected by offline encryption key. To decrypt your files, you will have to download Emsisoft Decryptor for STOP DJVU, a tool created and maintained by a genius security researcher Michael Gillespie. Note! Please do not spam the security researcher with questions whether he can recover your files encrypted with online key - it is not possible. In order to test the tool and see if it can decrypt BOZQ files, follow the given tutorial.

Meanings of decryptor’s messages

The BOZQ decryption tool might display several different messages after failed attempt to restore your files. You might receive one of the following messages: Error: Unable to decrypt file with ID: [example ID] This message typically means that there is no corresponding decryption key in the decryptor’s database. No key for New Variant online ID: [example ID]Notice: this ID appears to be an online ID, decryption is impossible This message informs that your files were encrypted with online key, meaning no one else has the same encryption/decryption key pair, therefore data recovery without paying the criminals is impossible. Result: No key for new variant offline ID: [example ID]This ID appears to be an offline ID. Decryption may be possible in the future. If you were informed that an offline key was used, but files could not be restored, it means that the offline decryption key isn’t available yet. However, receiving this message is extremely good news, meaning that it might be possible to restore your BOZQ extension files in the future. It can take a few months until the decryption key gets found and uploaded to the decryptor. We recommend you to follow updates regarding the decryptable DJVU versions here. We strongly recommend backing up your encrypted data and waiting.

Victims of BOZQ Ransomware Virus should report the Internet crime incident to the official government fraud and scam website according to their country:

In the United States, go to the On Guard Online website.In Australia, go to the SCAMwatch website.In Germany, go to the Bundesamt für Sicherheit in der Informationstechnik website.In Ireland, go to the An Garda Síochána website.In New Zealand, go to the Consumer Affairs Scams website.In the United Kingdom, go to the Action Fraud website.In Canada, go to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.In India, go to Indian National Cybercrime Reporting Portal.In France, go to the Agence nationale de la sécurité des systèmes d’information.

If you can’t find an authority corresponding to your location on this list, we recommend using any search engine to look up “[your country name] report cyber crime”. This should lead you to the right authority website. We also recommend staying away from third-party crime report services that are often paid. It costs nothing to report Internet crime to official authorities. Another recommendation is to contact your country’s or region’s federal police or communications authority.