How to remove Waqa Ransomware and decrypt .waqa files

What is Waqa Ransomware

Waqa Ransomware is a type of malicious software that belongs to the STOP/DJVU ransomware family. It is designed to encrypt files on the victim’s computer, rendering them inaccessible until a ransom is paid. This ransomware is particularly notorious for its ability to cause significant damage by locking down personal photos, documents, and other important files. After successfully encrypting files, Waqa Ransomware appends the .waqa extension to the affected files. For example, a file named document.docx would be renamed to document.docx.waqa. Upon completing the encryption process, Waqa Ransomware generates a ransom note, typically named _readme.txt. This note is placed in every folder containing encrypted files. The ransom note informs the victim that their files have been encrypted and provides instructions on how to pay the ransom to obtain the decryption key. It often includes contact information for the attackers and a demand for payment in cryptocurrency, such as Bitcoin. Waqa Ransomware employs a combination of AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) and RSA (Rivest-Shamir-Adleman) encryption algorithms. AES is used to encrypt the files, while RSA is used to encrypt the AES key, making decryption without the private key extremely difficult.

Recovering files encrypted by Waqa Ransomware can be challenging due to the robust encryption methods it employs. However, there are several potential solutions that victims can explore to regain access to their data without paying the ransom. The most reliable method for recovering encrypted files is to restore them from backups. This approach is effective if the backups were created before the ransomware infection and were stored in a location not connected to the infected system. Regularly backing up data to external drives or cloud storage solutions can mitigate the risk of data loss due to ransomware attacks.

One of the primary tools available for decrypting files encrypted by Waqa Ransomware is the Emsisoft STOP/DJVU Decryptor. This tool can decrypt files encrypted by certain variants of the STOP/DJVU ransomware family, including Waqa, provided that the encryption was performed using an offline key. However, if the encryption was done using an online key, decryption without paying the ransom is not possible. Since Waqa Ransomware deletes the original files after encryption, file recovery software can sometimes be used to recover these deleted files. This method works best if the system has not been extensively used after the infection, as new data can overwrite the sectors where the deleted files were stored. Tools like Stellar Data Recovery are commonly used for this purpose.

Windows operating systems create shadow copies of files as part of their system protection features. These shadow copies can sometimes be used to restore files to their pre-encryption state. However, many ransomware variants, including Waqa, attempt to delete these shadow copies to prevent recovery. Tools like ShadowExplorer can help in attempting to recover these versions. Engaging the services of data recovery experts who specialize in ransomware cases can sometimes lead to successful file recovery. These professionals have advanced tools and techniques that may not be available to the average user. However, this option can be expensive and does not guarantee success.

How Waqa Ransomware infects computers

Waqa Ransomware typically infiltrates computers through various means, including:

Phishing Emails: Malicious attachments or links in emails that, when opened, download and execute the ransomware.
Malicious Downloads: Software or files downloaded from untrustworthy sources that contain the ransomware.
Exploits and Vulnerabilities: Exploiting security weaknesses in outdated software or operating systems.

Once the ransomware is executed, it begins its encryption process stealthily, often without the user’s immediate knowledge.

1. Download Waqa Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .waqa files
3. Recover encrypted files with Stellar Data Recovery Professional
4. Restore encrypted files with Windows Previous Versions
5. Restore files with Shadow Explorer
6. Restore media files with Media Repair
7. How to protect from threats like Waqa Ransomware

Virus modifies “hosts” file to block Windows updates, downloading antivirus programs, and visiting sites related to security news or offering security solutions. Waqa Ransomware comes along with AZORult trojan, which was initially created to steal logins and passwords. The process of infection also looks like installing Windows updates, the malware shows a fake window, that mimics the update process.

It uses rdpclip.exe to replace a legal Windows file and to launch an attack on a computer network. After encrypting the files, the encrypter is deleted using the delself.bat command file. Waqa Ransomware virus is propagated via spam attack with malicious e-mail attachments and using manual PC hacking. Can be distributed by hacking through an unprotected RDP configuration, fraudulent downloads, exploits, web injections, fake updates, repackaged, and infected installers. The virus assigns a certain ID to the victims, which is used to name those files and supposedly to send a decryption key. Great tools to protect against Waqa Ransomware are: Emsisoft Anti-Malware and Malwarebytes Anti-Malware.

How to remove Waqa Ransomware manually

Kill Waqa Ransomware Process

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc keys simultaneously to open the Windows Task Manager.
2. Select the Processes tab and look for any suspicious processes related to Waqa Ransomware.
3. Right-click on the malicious process and select Open file location. This step is necessary to remove executable file after this.
4. Right-click on the malicious process and select End Task or End Process option.

Disable Waqa Ransomware Start-up Entry

1. Press Win + R keys together to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type msconfig and press Enter to open the System Configuration window.
3. Go to the Startup tab and look for any suspicious entries related to Waqa Ransomware.
4. Uncheck the box next to the malicious entry and click OK to disable it.

Delete Waqa Ransomware Task

1. Press Win + R keys together to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type taskschd.msc and press Enter to open the Task Scheduler.
3. Look for any tasks related to Waqa Ransomware in the Task Scheduler Library.
4. Right-click on the malicious task and select Delete or Disable option.

Remove Waqa Ransomware Executable Files

1. Open folder that was opened on the third step of the first instruction Kill Waqa Ransomware Process.
2. Find Waqa Ransomware executable file.
3. Right-click on the malicious executable file and select Delete to remove it.
4. To be able to do this you will need to modify permissions fo this file in the instruction below.

Disable inheritance for executable files

1. Right-click on the affected folder and click Properties.
2. Click the Security tab and then click the Advanced button.
3. In the Advanced Security Settings window, click the Disable inheritance button.
4. Choose Convert inherited permissions into explicit permissions on this object to remove inherited permissions.
5. Now you will be able to delete the file.

It is not recommended to remove Waqa Ransomware manually, for safer solution use Removal Tools instead.

Waqa Ransomware files:

_readme.txt
rdpclip.exe
delself.bat
{randomname}.exe

Waqa Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .waqa files

Use automated decryptors

Download STOP Djvu Decryptor from EmsiSoft (.waqa variations)

IMPORTANT: Read this detailed guide on using STOP Djvu Decryptor to avoid file corruption and time wasting.

STOP Djvu Decryptor is able to decrypt .waqa files, encrypted by Waqa Ransomware. This tool was developed by EmsiSoft. It works in automatic mode, but in most cases works only for files encrypted with offline keys. Download it here:

Download STOP Djvu Decryptor

Dr.Web Rescue Pack

Famous antivirus vendor Dr. Web provides free decryption service for the owners of its products: Dr.Web Security Space or Dr.Web Enterprise Security Suite. Other users can ask for help in the decryption of .waqa files by uploading samples to Dr. Web Ransomware Decryption Service. Analysis of files will be performed free of charge and if files are decryptable, all you need to do is purchase a 2-year license of Dr.Web Security Space worth $120 or less. Otherwise, you don’t have to pay.

If you are infected with Waqa Ransomware and removed it from your computer, you can try decrypting your files. Antivirus vendors and individuals create free decryptors for some crypto-lockers. To attempt to decrypt them manually you can do the following:

Use Stellar Data Recovery Professional to restore .waqa files

1. Download Stellar Data Recovery Professional.
2. Click Recover Data button.
3. Select type of files you want to restore and click Next button.
4. Choose location where you would like to restore files from and click Scan button.
5. Preview found files, choose ones you will restore and click Recover.

Download Stellar Data Recovery Professional

Using Windows Previous Versions option:

1. Right-click on infected file and choose Properties.
2. Select Previous Versions tab.
3. Choose particular version of the file and click Copy.
4. To restore the selected file and replace the existing one, click on the Restore button.
5. In case there is no items in the list choose alternative method.

Using Shadow Explorer:

1. Download Shadow Explorer program.
2. Run it and you will see screen listing of all the drives and the dates that shadow copy was created.
3. Select the drive and date that you want to restore from.
4. Right-click on a folder name and select Export.
5. In case there are no other dates in the list, choose alternative method.

If you are using Dropbox:

1. Login to the DropBox website and go to the folder that contains encrypted files.
2. Right-click on the encrypted file and select Previous Versions.
3. Select the version of the file you wish to restore and click on the Restore button.

Use Media Repair to decrypt media files encrypted with .waqa

1. Download Media Repair tool.
2. Right-click on the downloaded archive, and select Extract to Media_Repair\.
3. Then double-click on the extracted .exe file to launch the utility.
4. At first, you have to choose which file type you want to decrypt. You can do it from the drop-down menu in the utility.
5. Next, browser the folder with encrypted or reference files. Choose any of them and click on the Test icon located in the top right corner.
6. Media Repair will display a pop-up message with information on whether it can repair the selected file or not.
7. After checking if it is possible or not, select your reference file and click on the icon right under the Test button we used in step #5.
8. If the file pair is properly matched, you can move on and hit the Play button to start repairing. You can also stop the process anytime by clicking on the Stop button.

How to protect computer from viruses, like Waqa Ransomware, in future

1. Get special anti-ransomware software

Use G-DATA STOP/Djvu vaccine

G DATA has released a vaccine to block STOP/DJVU ransomware from encrypting victims’ files after infection. The vaccine prevents the ransomware from encrypting files anymore, but it does not prevent the infection itself. The vaccine is available on GitHub. Download it below:

Download STOP/Djvu vaccine

Use ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware

Famous antivirus brand ZoneAlarm by Check Point released a comprehensive tool, that will help you with active anti-ransomware protection, as an additional shield to your current protection. The tool provides Zero-Day protection against ransomware and allows you to recover files. ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware is compatible with all other antiviruses, firewalls, and security software except ZoneAlarm Extreme (already shipped with ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware) or Check Point Endpoint products. The killer features of this application are: automatic file recovery, overwrite protection that instantly and automatically recovers any encrypted files, file protection that detects and blocks even unknown encryptors.

Download ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware

2. Back up your files

As an additional way to save your files, we recommend online backup. Local storage, such as hard drives, SSDs, flash drives, or remote network storage can be instantly infected by the virus once plugged in or connected to. Waqa Ransomware uses some techniques to exploit this. One of the best services and programs for easy automatic online backup is iDrive. It has the most profitable terms and a simple interface. You can read more about iDrive cloud backup and storage here.

Download iDrive

3. Do not open spam e-mails and protect your mailbox

Malicious attachments to spam or phishing e-mails are the most popular method of ransomware distribution. Using spam filters and creating anti-spam rules is good practice. One of the world leaders in anti-spam protection is MailWasher Pro. It works with various desktop applications and provides a very high level of anti-spam protection.

Download MailWasher Pro