The STOP/Djvu Ransomware family and its variants have been a constant in the malware world, and the gang strikes again with OFOQ Ransomware. Like other associated strains of the prominent malware threat, this ransomware locks files and then demands a ransom fee to restore file access.
Ransomware can be distributed via software bundles, so if you tend to download freeware or pirated apps distributed via torrent or cracked software sites, you may end up installing threats like OFOQ Ransomware.
OFOQ Ransomware locks most of the popular file types, including photos, music, documents, and videos. During the file encryption process, OFOQ Ransomware adds the .OFOQ extension to affected files and leaves a ransom note on the user’s desktop and in every folder that contains encrypted files.
Unfortunately, an online decryption tool that can unlock encrypted files is not currently available. The only reliable way to recover infected files is to restore them from a backup. Victims can also attempt to use alternative data recovery options, but there is no guarantee that alternative data recovery tools will be able to unlock all the encrypted files.
Once downloaded and installed, OFOQ Ransomware employs the AES encryption algorithm to lock up target files. It then demands a ransom in exchange for the decryption key. The decryption key costs $980, but the ransomware’s operators will offer a 50% discount, and only charge $490, if the victim contacts them within the first 72 hours after infection.
The hackers can be contacted at restorealldata@firemail.cc and gorentos@bitmessage.ch, or at the Telegram account @datarestore. We discourage establishing contact with the hackers however, as there is no guarantee that they will provide decryption tools after payment or even communicate with you.
How Do I Deal with the OFOQ Ransomware Infection?
To protect yourself from OFOQ Ransomware, you should invest in a reputable malware remediation tool to regularly scan for elements associated with this troublesome infection. Additionally, to mitigate possible damages in the event of a malware attack, you should also back up your files on an external hard drive or cloud storage.
