How to remove EvilQuest ransomware & rescue encrypted files

Delete EvilQuest ransomware (Removal Instructions)

EvilQuest ransomware is new data wiper and info stealer malware that falls under the category of ransomware family. It is identified as dangerous threat which has been created and distributed by hackers with evil motive of extorts money from innocent victims. This file virus is mainly designed to encrypt files so that users cannot access their data until demanded ransom is given. Further, the person who discovered this malware is Dinesh_Devadoss.

What is EvilQuest ransomware?

Further, this type of malware modifies the names of encrypted files by adding its own malicious extensions although this ransomware leaves them unchanged. After that it drops “READ_ME_NOW.txt” and dropped in every folder that contain encrypted data and displays another ransom note in pop-up window. Furthermore, this malware is capable of detecting if certain files are stored on computer, operates as keylogger and receive some commands from Command & Control Server. The created ransom note states victims that this virus encrypt all types of file like audios, videos, images, documents and other files by using AES-256 algorithm.

In order to access it users need to contact cyber criminals through the provided email address. After contacting, they ask users to pay $50 in Bitcoin cryptocurrency within 72 hours after encryption. In short, victims are informed that it is impossible to decrypt files without paying money. Unfortunately, it is true because in most cases of ransomware infections it has been seen that most ransomware type programs encrypt files with strong encryption algorithms and cyber criminals behind them are the only ones who have the tools that can decrypt victim’s files.

Although, it is strongly suggested not to trust neither these nor any other cyber criminals behind ransomware attack. Most of the times people who pay money not get anything in return. Hackers often cut all the communication after getting the money from victims. So, in order to recover files the safe way is to remove EvilQuest ransomware completely and safely from the computer by using come reliable process. After that you can recover your files by using existing backup. Check the data recovery section provided below the post for other data recovery options.

Threat Analysis

Name: EvilQuest ransomware

Classification: Ransomware, Files-locker, Crypto-virus

BTC Wallet address: 13roGMpWd7Pb3ZoJyce8eoQpfegQvGHHK7

Ransom demanding note: READ_ME_NOW.txt, pop-up window

Also known as: EvilQuest virus

Symptoms: All important files will get appended with new extension, your trial to access your files may return will fail, eruption of hectic ransom note on computer screen and so on.

Ransom amount: $50 in Bitcoins

Distribution methods: cyber criminal use various methods to intrude this infection into your system such as Trojans, fake updates, email spam, untrustworthy software download sources such as third party downloader, unofficial pages etc.

Detection tool: See if your system has been affected by EvilQuest ransomware, then we suggest you to use anti-malware removal tool such as Spyhunter. On the other hand, you can also go through given below article.

Data Recovery: In order to recover all encrypted files, users are advised to use backup if available. In case, backup files are not found then you can use data recovery tool/software.

How did EvilQuest ransomware intrude?

Typically, ransomware viruses infiltrate through untrustworthy downloading channels, Trojans, fake software updating tools and scam campaigns. Untrustworthy channels include freeware downloaders, unofficial sites or other similar ones offer rogue applications. Trojans are malicious programs that download and install other harmful malware. Fake software updating tools infect machine by supposedly activating/updating software. Scam campaigns are used to send spam emails containing malicious attachments. If opened, users are asked to enable macros commands. Once more click cause computer infections.

How to avoid ransomware infections?

It is strongly recommended not to trust on irrelevant emails that are especially received from unknown addresses. If they contain attachments or links then avoid opening it. Further, it is important to update or activate installed software by using tools or with implemented functions that are provided from official software developers. Most of the times users who use unofficial activators or updaters infect their system with other malware. All programs and files should only be downloaded by using official websites and direct download links. Another way to avoid installation of malicious software is to avoid using third party downloaders, unofficial pages, peer to peer networks and many more. Finally, scan your computer regularly with reputable antivirus software and such software should also be updated.

Remove EvilQuest ransomware

Complete removal instructions have been described below, go through it so that you will not find any trouble while performing virus removal process. In case, if you want to avoid further malware attack and keep your device safe and secured then we recommends you to use some reliable antivirus removal tool that can remove EvilQuest ransomware and all infiltrated malware completely from the machine.

Text in a pop-up window:

Your files are encrypted

 

Many of your important documents, photos, videos, images and other files are no longer accessible because they have been encrypted.

 

Maybe you are busy looking for a way to recover your files, but do not waste your time. Nobody can recover your files without our decryption service.
We guarantee however that you can recover your files safely and easily and this will cost you 50 USD without any additional fees.

 

Our offer is valid FOR 3 DAYS (starting now!). Full details can be found in the file:  READ_ME_NOW.txt  located on your Desktop

Antimalware Details And User Guide

Click Here For Windows

Click Here For Mac

Step 1: Remove EvilQuest ransomware through “Safe Mode with Networking”

Step 2: Delete EvilQuest ransomware using “System Restore”

Step 1: Remove EvilQuest ransomware through “Safe Mode with Networking”

For Windows XP and Windows 7 users: Boot the PC in “Safe Mode”. Click on “Start” option and continuously press on F8 during the start process until the “Windows Advanced Option” menu appears on the screen. Choose “Safe Mode with Networking” from the list.

Now, a windows homescreen appears on the desktop and work-station is now working on “Safe mode with networking”.

For Windows 8 Users: Go to the “Start Screen”. In the search results select settings, type “Advanced”. In the “General PC Settings” option, choose “Advanced startup” option. Again, click on the “Restart Now” option. The work-station boots to “Advanced Startup Option Menu”. Press on “Troubleshoot” and then “Advanced options” button.  In the “Advanced Option Screen”, press on “Startup Settings”. Again, click on “Restart” button. The work-station will now restart in to the “Startup Setting” screen. Next is to press F5 to boot in Safe Mode in Networking.

For Windows 10 Users: Press on Windows logo and on the “Power” icon. In the newly opened menu, choose “Restart” while continuously holding “Shift” button on the keyboard. In the new open “Choose an option” window, click on “Troubleshoot” and then on the “Advanced Options”. Select “Startup Settings” and press on “Restart”. In the next window, click on “F5” button on the key-board.

Step 2: Delete EvilQuest ransomware using “System Restore”

Log-in to the account infected with EvilQuest ransomware. Open the browser and download a legitimate anti-malware tool. Do a full System scanning. Remove all the malicious detected entries.

In case if you cannot start the PC in “Safe Mode with Networking”, Try using “System Restore”

• During the “Startup”, continuously press on F8 key until the “Advanced Option” menu appears. From the list, choose “Safe Mode with Command Prompt” and then press “Enter”

• In the new opened command prompt, enter “cd restore” and then press “Enter”.

• Type: rstrui.exe and Press “ENTER”

• Click “Next” on the new windows

• Choose any of the “Restore Points” and click on “Next”. (This step will restore the work-station to its earlier time and date prior to EvilQuest ransomware infiltration in the PC.

• In the newly opened windows, press on “Yes”.

Once your PC gets restored to its previous date and time, download the recommended anti-malware tool and perform a deep scanning in order to remove EvilQuest ransomware files if they left in the work-station.

In order to restore the each (separate) file by this ransomware, use “Windows Previous Version” feature. This method is effective when “System Restore Function” is enabled in the work-station.

Important Note: Some variants of EvilQuest ransomware delete the “Shadow Volume Copies” as well hence this feature may not work all the time and is applicable for selective computers only.

How to Restore Individual Encrypted File:

In order to restore a single file, right click on it and go to “Properties”. Select “Previous Version” tab. Select a “Restore Point” and click on “Restore” option.

In order to access the files encrypted by EvilQuest ransomware, you can also try using “Shadow Explorer”. In order to get more information on this application, press here.

Important: Data Encryption Ransomware are highly dangerous and it is always better that you take precautions to avoid its attack on your work-station. It is advised to use a powerful anti-malware tool in order to get protection in real-time. With this help of “SpyHunter”, “group policy objects” are implanted in the registries in order to block harmful infections like EvilQuest ransomware.

Also, In Windows 10, you get a very unique feature called “Fall Creators Update” that offer “Controlled Folder Access” feature in order to block any kind of encryption to the files. With the help of this feature, any files stored in the locations such as “Documents”, “Pictures”, “Music”, “Videos”, “Favorites” and “Desktop” folders are safe by default.

It is very important that you install this “Windows 10 Fall Creators Update” in your PC to protect your important files and data from ransomware encryption. The more information on how to get this update and add an additional protection form rnasomware attack has been discussed here.

How to Recover the Files Encrypted by EvilQuest ransomware?

Till now, you would have understood that what had happed to your personal files that got encrypted and how you can remove the scripts and payloads associated with EvilQuest ransomware in order to protect your personal files that has not been damaged or encrypted until now. In order to retrieve the locked files, the depth information related to “System Restore” and “Shadow Volume Copies” has already been discussed earlier. However, in case if you are still unable to access the encrypted files then you can try using a data recovery tool.

Use of Data Recovery Tool

This step is for all those victims who have already tries all the above mentioned process but didn’t find any solution. Also it is important that you are able to access the PC and can install any software. The data recovery tool works on the basis of System scanning and recovery algorithm. It searches the System partitions in order to locate the original files which were deleted, corrupted or damaged by the malware. Remember that you must not re-install the Windows OS otherwise the “previous” copies will get deleted permanently. You have to clean the work-station at first and remove EvilQuest ransomware infection. Leave the locked files as it is and follow the steps mentioned below.

Step1: Download the software in the work-station by clicking on the “Download” button below.

Step2: Execute the installer by clicking on downloaded files.

Step 3: Follow all on screen instructions to install the app successfully on your machine and run it.. When its interface appear before you. Just select what you want to recover from your computer and its drive. For options, check the image below as the app offer you to recover everything, document, folders or emails, or multimedia files. Depending upon your requirements, select any of options and proceed to next step.

Step 4: At this step, you will have to specify the past of data or files from where you are interested to recover lost or deleted data. The application offers you to recover data from common locations, connected drives, and other locations as well. Just choose what you need. Following selection, click on Next button and the app will start to scan the selected drive.

Step 5: Once the scanner finishes to scan, it will show you detected kinds of deleted data or files which you may require to recover. It will offer you various recovery options based on file types. Even it allows you to see preview of file types you select in order to recover those efficiently.

Step 6: Now, you may need to specify the path where you want to recover the selected files and saved. Just do it according to your requirements, and you are done.