Remove Cadq ransomware And Open Locked Files

Cadq ransomware: Complete Uninstall Guide

Cadq ransomware is a hazardous PC threat designed by vicious cyber criminals with an aim to encrypt files and then extort huge amount of ransom from the victims for the decryption tool. This deadly crypto-malware uses a very strong encryption algorithm to lock the target files and can compromise almost all personal data including pictures, archives, documents, audios, videos etc. After that, those files become completely inaccessible for the users and can only be opened by using the proper decryption software which is allegedly kept on attackers’ server. It also renames the infected files by appending “.cadq” extension with each of them.

Depth Analysis of Cadq ransomware:

Belonging to the family of Djvu ransomware, Cadq ransomware also modifies the system registry, files and other vital system settings to create persistence. Due to this, removal of the virus from the machine becomes more difficult although, not impossible. After completing the encryption process, this pernicious threat drops a ransom note named “_readme.txt” on each affected folder and informs victims regarding the attack. It also urges victims to contact the attackers to get further details via the provided email addresses.

At the end, the affected people have to pay the Cadq ransomware operators a ransom amount of $980 to get the decryption software. However, if they establish contact with the hackers within 72 hours, then the amount will be halved and hence, they will only have to pay $490 as ransom amount that has be transferred in a cryptocyrrency wallet account such as BitCoins.

Should You Pay The Ransom?

No matter what situation is, you should not deal with the Cadq ransomware authors as you have absolutely no guarantee that they will deliver the required decryptor even after taking the money. There are multiple instances when hackers just ignored the victims once the ransom is paid or provided dubious software in the name of decryption tool. In addition to that, paying ransom to such people will only encourage them to trigger more such attacks for future profits. So, never consider doing so and find any alternative method to recover the infected data.

What Should The Victims Do?

For any victimized users, the first thing they require to do here in such notorious situation is to perform Cadq ransomware removal from the computer immediately. This is because the longer it stays inside the machine, it keeps compromising other essential data and also triggers many other hazardous issues in the device such as frequent system crash, hard drive failure, boot errors, application malfunctioning and so on.

After that, they should try to recover the compromised files using backup that is saved on any external location. Nonetheless, in the absence of an appropriate backup, you can also try an effective file-recovery application. Be very attentive while choosing decryptor as scammers often attempt to deceive users into purchasing a shady program. You can download a legitimate and powerful data-recovery application right here via the link provided under this article. However, before doing all this, you must get rid of Cadq ransomware from the work-station.

Threat Details

Name: Cadq ransomware

Type: Ransomware, File-encrypting malware, Crypto-virus

Short Description: Destructive virus which encrypts essential files and then asks victims to pay the attackers a huge sum of ransom to get the decryption software/key.

Extension:  “.cadq”

Ransom Note: _readme.txt

Ransom Amount: $980/$490

Attackers’ Contact: [email protected], [email protected]

Symptoms: Files become unusable stored inside infected systems, previous functional files now have different extension, a pop-up window and a text file is displayed. Victims are asked to pay an amount of ransom to decrypt their encrypted files.

Distribution methods: Spam emails, peer to peer network sharing, unofficial activation and updating tools.

Damage: All files are encrypted and cannot be accessed without paying ransom, Additional password stealing Trojans and malware infections can be installed along with ransomware infections and other malware.

Removal: To remove this virus from the system, we advise you to use a reliable anti-malware tool. Once malware gets removed, you can recover your files by using existing backup or data-recovery software.

Infiltration of Cadq ransomware:

File-encoding viruses are mostly distributed through malspam campaigns. In such situations, thousands of deceptive emails are sent by cyber that include spiteful attachments or a website link designed to download a malevolent file in them. These files can be in several formats such as JavaScript file, MS Office or PDF documents, archive file (like RAR, ZIP) or executable file (like .exe). As soon as the malicious file is opened, run or executed, it triggers the installation of Cadq ransomware or other crypto-virus.

And therefore, to avoid these ransomware attacks, it is highly important be very careful while opening emails that you receive from unknown addresses. First check the legitimacy of the mails and if you find anything suspicious, ignore them and never download their attachments. In case your computer is already infected with this virus, you must remove Cadq ransomware from the computer without wasting any time.

Text Presented In The Ransom Note:

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:

hxxps://we.tl/t-9tWwjPzDLY

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]

Reserve e-mail address to contact us:

[email protected]

Your personal ID:

–

Antimalware Details And User Guide

Click Here For Windows

Click Here For Mac

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

Step 2: Delete Cadq ransomware using “System Restore”

Step 1: Remove Cadq 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 Cadq ransomware using “System Restore”

Log-in to the account infected with Cadq 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 Cadq 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 Cadq 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 Cadq 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 Cadq 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 Cadq 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 Cadq 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 Cadq 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 Cadq 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.

Step3: A license agreement page appears on the screen. Click on “Accept” to agree with its terms and use. Follow the on-screen instruction as mentioned and click on “Finish” button.

Step4: Once the installation gets completed, the program gets executed automatically. In the newly opened interface, select the file types that you want to recover and click on “Next”.

Step5: You can select the “Drives” on which you want the software to run and execute the recovery process. Next is to click on the “Scan” button.

Step6: Based on drive you select for scanning, the restore process begins. The whole process may take time depending on the volume of the selected drive and number of files. Once the process gets completed, a data explorer appears on the screen with preview of that data that is to be recovered. Select the files that you want to restore.

Step7. Next is to locate the location where you want to saver the recovered files.