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GAQQ Ransomware (.gaqq File Extension)

GAQQ a strain within the STOP/Djvu Ransomware family, employing the Salsa20 encryption algorithm to encrypt files on compromised systems. Victims are coerced into paying a ransom ranging from $490 to $980 in Bitcoins for the decryption key.

You may be interested in taking a look at our other antivirus tools:
Trojan Killer, and Online Virus Scanner.

About Gaqq:


NameGaqq Virus
Version0742
File Extension.gaqq
Contact[email protected], [email protected]
FamilySTOP/Djvu Ransomware
Note_readme.txt
Offline IDidjLJVXs65t0hiY0Usr4A1G0xEEwvvs9JcZKN0t1
Last seenJuly 16, 2023
AlgorithmSalsa20 encryption. If Gaqq cannot establish a connection to crooks server before starting the encryption process, it uses the offline key. This key is the same for all victims(!), making it possible to decrypt .gaqq files in the future.
RansomFrom $490 to $980 (in Bitcoins)
Damage
  1. ⮞ Can delete Volume Shadow copies to make victim’s attempts to restore data impossible;
  2. ⮞ Adds a list of domains to HOSTS file to block access to certain security-related sites;
  3. ⮞ Installs password-stealing trojan virus, like Redline Stealer, Vidar Stealer, Smokeloader, Azorult and others;
DistributionThird-party downloaders, installers, peer-to-peer networks, RDP exploits, etc.,
RSA Public Key-----BEGIN PUBLIC KEY----- MIIBIjANBgkqhkiG9w0BAQEFAAOCAQ8AMIIBCgKCAQEAnwmJ9xsqg6qu+ACqb50/ x6Pzgstdab/+gDLiBW66vfFFXkrKPFogc3PmbAxxJr7X0vHTW41bypcjVQN4GCdh l/5FLh1MsvQcXGhE8gQcEnsVduqehwhFN5qOF2+e490ADAcd/LQ25wlgJ5fUulvz JYGkd74f3IY/eIVI20SeHh8mY+ZDiXEdV4wSdpoKDeje7qQICaDr97s43OrmAf2M t5c210NpSvj9LGjvzvyIPJzQfTbVK3f5lRegyHLBFMo0huSvVXGo/lzOKjy68veH 0l7YbLXmGsw+2OxAOmi4+ZGv4Xaynf155BVHe9WPbAqaiG0MxENMpKbrfoYFWYs9 nQIDAQAB -----END PUBLIC KEY-----
Other variants
  • Gazp Ransomware (.gazp encrypted files)
  • Wayn Ransomware (.wayn encrypted files)
  • Wazp Ransomware (.wazp encrypted files)
  • GAQQ Virus Removal Tool

    What is Gaqq?

    Becoming infected with Gaqq ransomware entails severe repercussions. This virus implements a range of system setting modifications that severely hamper usability. Beyond altering settings, the malware encrypts your files, rendering them inaccessible.

    Gaqq ransomware employs the Salsa20 encryption algorithm, consistent across the STOP/Djvu ransomware family, to which Gaqq belongs. While decryption tools exist that may restore access to your files without necessitating a ransom, success partially hinges on luck. Files encrypted with an offline key present a substantial chance for recovery. Conversely, files encrypted with an online key are typically irrecoverable.

    Preventing ransomware attacks is paramount. Gaqq ransomware often infiltrates systems through software obtained from questionable sources. Despite being freely available, these applications should be legitimately purchased from their respective official websites. Additionally, some programs are crafted for illicit purposes, such as cheating or unauthorized Windows activation. During the process of making these programs freely usable, hackers are at liberty to embed any form of malware, determined by the highest bidder.

    Gaqq Encryption process

    The Gaqq uses the Salsa20 encryption algorithm. That is not the strongest method, but it still provides an overwhelming amount of possible decryption keys. To brute force the 78-digit number of keys, you need 3.5 unvigintillion years (1*10^65), even if you use the most powerful regular PC. Quantum computers can show a bit better results, but it is still too slow to get your files back while you are alive.

    The exact algorithm of encryption is next: malware scans each folder for the files it is able to encrypt. Then, when it finds the target, it makes a copy of your file, removes the original one, encrypts the copy and leaves it instead of the removed original. Such a procedure is done to prevent the situation when you have already opened the file, so ransomware is not able to read it because of the Windows restrictions. To each encrypted copy, the virus adds the specific extension - ".gaqq". Then, ransomware creates a _readme.txt file in the folder where the encrypted file is located, and goes to the next folder.

    .GAQQ Files

    Such an encryption method can be exploited for file recovery. Since the original file is deleted, you may try to recover it using the file recovery tools. The less time is passed - the bigger the chance to get your files back, so hurry up!

    Another specific moment that can help you to use the files even after the encryption is the fact that Gaqq ransomware encrypts only the first 150KB of each file. Hence, you can try to run a big file, such as video or music, without the encryption. Similar feature also works with other ransomware families - Dharma, Conti and Makop encrypt the same 150KB.

    Gaqq note:

    Ransom note is the same for the whole STOP/DJVU family. In fact, it is one of the main signs of to which family the certain ransomware belongs. Here is the typical note for STOP/Djvu family:

    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.
    You can get and look video overview decrypt tool:
    https://we.tl/t-ZyZya4Vb8D
    Price of private key and decrypt software is $980.
    Discount 50% available if you contact us first 72 hours, that's price for you is $490.
    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:
    [email protected]

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    [email protected]

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    🔗 HowToFix.Guide: How To Decrypt .gaqq Files?

    Indicators of Compromise(IOC)

    File NameMD5File Size
    📜 SAMPLE.EXE35f06b0131fb34311bcfcead029f8be1754688
    📜 SAMPLE.EXEb58f61a3261202ad4a3bc04e1e8f909e296960
    📜 SAMPLE.EXEa54e23cdc08b5d866d5a2a907775cbf1158327
    📜 SAMPLE.EXEd7b901da4960a27cf17b8193240a707b160023
    📜 SAMPLE.EXE4db4cdb74a81ba4348ccac316ff048b5247808
    📜 SAMPLE.EXEa6ef9e1cfe1ea8986c6c0fa9b36a3a2d1273856
    📜 SAMPLE.EXEe2db525d66f066c80f6480fea0cd33ca1273856
    📜 SAMPLE.EXE36ccc6ce0cdbf84b649fb98573604f0a289792
    📜 SAMPLE.EXEb7dc6fc8ce82dc49040ef9837f2807521273856
    📜 SAMPLE.EXEa94046ad4452d2941c3572fb557338c6296448