Goaq Virus Ransomware (.goaq File)

Goaq Virus is 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.

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About Goaq Ransomware:


NameGoaq Virus
Version0656
File Extension.goaq
Contact[email protected], [email protected]
FamilySTOP/Djvu Ransomware
Note_readme.txt
Offline IDzMrgM3QgNJsLARd9vs9a31qnKMjRqxjLT6s9OQt1
Last seenMarch 02, 2024
AlgorithmSalsa20 encryption. If Goaq 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 .goaq 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----- MIIBIjANBgkqhkiG9w0BAQEFAAOCAQ8AMIIBCgKCAQEAwUA4iGujifiLr4+/cJpJ ALwm6MrhTFluyXAf+9EMHr3ffhNR8ZvHruIO9wIVKZbKSneCVdgsAT+7ZMDl6nW/ 8IDEkXEd0T418Dx2A1THvzDLTpvg0FGcGRZ34kzb1ItYANtH//sYaymGihcH/CIu 6KsApmgFyQmSwXmc9LzgYW9Z+85stbUQZtDurGltI/NUkI9/FiQix/JWc3/Uwb4K 2klpp9ulaA8EpraLi22uAeO6lC0XQZbXq5hoLJa71oU93yJpv2X2ipSsDM9FNvEU 34dBg/zE3EzjwM6KbDub8bKDh1MMuP3xrYyx2ve4Ypu6JE75rW59VSF9bAVqvIsi lQIDAQAB -----END PUBLIC KEY-----
Other variants
  • Gosw Ransomware (.gosw encrypted files)
  • Qotr Ransomware (.qotr encrypted files)
  • Qoqa Ransomware (.qoqa encrypted files)
  • Goaq Virus Ransomware (.goaq) File - How does it work?

    What is Goaq ransomware?

    Goaq ransomware is an example of a STOP/Djvu ransomware family. It encrypts your files with the Salsa20 cipher and adds to it a .goaq extension. These files cannot be opened in any usual way. Besides the file encryption, this malware also adjusts system settings to weaken its protection mechanism. The alterations it does may lead to system failures in the future and make the computer harder to use regularly.

    The cipher the Goaq ransomware uses is strong enough to prevent its hacking with brute force. However, there are too many possible keys, so generating them is impossible, and checking if one fits your case is impossible. Some of the decryptor programs that contain the already compromised keys can give you a small chance to get your files back. However, much more danger hides in the changes done by ransomware to your system configurations. The inability to install the programs or open certain websites is critical, especially if you have no important data or backup.

    Preventing ransomware injection is the best way to deal with it once and for all. Most of Goaq virus injection cases are related to hacking programs and outlaw software. Those programs are usually spread through peering networks and third-party websites, a.k.a. “software collectors”. All programs stored there are offered for free since they were hacked, and their license-checking procedure was disabled. But there is no problem for the hackman to add malicious code to the program he hacks. They are paid for this, so their motivation is easy to understand.

    Encryption process

    The Goaq ransomware 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 - ".goaq". Then, ransomware creates a _readme.txt file in the folder where the encrypted file is located, and goes to the next folder.

    .GOAQ 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 Goaq 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.

    Ransom note: _readme.txt

    Ransom note is the same for the whole ransomware 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-rayImYlyWe
    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.


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

    Indicators of Compromise(IOC)

    File NameMD5File Size
    📜 SAMPLE.EXEd27fc0eda370a5f1f5fe76df9542b066199168
    📜 SAMPLE.EXEd905f2bf426bb9e9dc424f83c3a2ac49200192
    📜 SAMPLE.EXE5c1ad6a3aff20fe0cf5668dc7b755e1b199168
    📜 SAMPLE.EXEdd9abe929205856ec2ed9079031a734f719360
    📜 SAMPLE.EXE0a61e697ff76e57dab275f8299bb9a06198144
    📜 SAMPLE.EXEdccdbdec9586806a366bd32687148d51718336
    📜 SAMPLE.EXE28beebe57db41c975b328a487beba33a200192
    📜 SAMPLE.EXEd6afa8fdf867890a84baf35b18cc1c1c719872
    📜 SAMPLE.EXE6734fa8c61596e7943f5f21a7826ea50199680
    📜 SAMPLE.EXE8ee63986e78d0731b692a8dae68367d9719872