Win32:Ransom-AOQ

Posted: August 21, 2013

Threat Metric

The Threat Meter is a malware assessment that SpywareRemove.com's research team is able to give every identifiable malware threat. Our Threat Meter includes several criteria based off of specific malware threats to value their severity, reach and volume. The Threat Meter is able to give you a numerical breakdown of each threat's initial Threat Level, Detection Count, Volume Count, Trend Path and Percentage Impact. The overall ranking of each threat in the Threat Meter is a basic breakdown of how all threats are ranked within our own extensive malware database. The scoring for each specific malware threat can be easily compared to other emerging threats to draw a contrast in its particular severity. The Threat Meter is a useful tool in the endeavor of seeking a solution to remove a threat or pursue additional analytical research for all types of computer users.

The following fields listed on the Threat Meter containing a specific value, are explained in detail below:

Threat Level: The threat level scale goes from 1 to 10 where 10 is the highest level of severity and 1 is the lowest level of severity. Each specific level is relative to the threat's consistent assessed behaviors collected from SpyHunter's risk assessment model.

Detection Count: The collective number of confirmed and suspected cases of a particular malware threat. The detection count is calculated from infected PCs retrieved from diagnostic and scan log reports generated by SpyHunter.

Volume Count: Similar to the detection count, the Volume Count is specifically based on the number of confirmed and suspected threats infecting systems on a daily basis. High volume counts usually represent a popular threat but may or may not have infected a large number of systems. High detection count threats could lay dormant and have a low volume count. Criteria for Volume Count is relative to a daily detection count.

Trend Path: The Trend Path, utilizing an up arrow, down arrow or equal symbol, represents the level of recent movement of a particular threat. Up arrows represent an increase, down arrows represent a decline and the equal symbol represent no change to a threat's recent movement.

% Impact (Last 7 Days): This demonstrates a 7-day period change in the frequency of a malware threat infecting PCs. The percentage impact correlates directly to the current Trend Path to determine a rise or decline in the percentage.

Threat Level:	6/10
Infected PCs:	96

First Seen:	August 21, 2013
Last Seen:	October 17, 2019
OS(es) Affected:	Windows

Win32:Ransom-AOQ is a Russian encryptor ransomware Trojan that encrypts your files with a code to make them unusable, thereafter providing information that will allow you to purchase a decryption key from the criminals responsible for the attack. Unlike many other kinds of ransomware, SpywareRemove.com malware experts haven't seen any signs of Win32:Ransom-AOQ attempting to portray its attacks as being authorized by your local police or any other legal entity, but Win32:Ransom-AOQ's encryption attacks are real and should not be ignored. There are several means of dealing with encryption-related attacks, but it's especially recommended for you to keep remote backups of all important documents and delete Win32:Ransom-AOQ with anti-malware software after its presence has been confirmed.

Win32:Ransom-AOQ: a Monster with a Tentacle On Each of Your Files

Win32:Ransom-AOQ is ransomware that's distributed through spam e-mail and similar attacks, with its Trojan dropper disguised as a harmless PDF file. While opening the file in question does display a real PDF, the Trojan dropper also installs Win32:Ransom-AOQ in the background. This means of installation is very common for e-mail-distributed PC threats, but SpywareRemove.com malware researchers were somewhat surprised at the extent of Win32:Ransom-AOQ's payload – even as far as ransomware goes.

Once Win32:Ransom-AOQ is installed, Win32:Ransom-AOQ encrypts most major file types on your PC, including major formats for documents, music, movies and images. This encryption attack makes all affected files temporarily unusable, and Win32:Ransom-AOQ also adds an additional file, KRAKEN.txt, into most directories. This new file contains instructions for contacting the criminals who designed Win32:Ransom-AOQ and paying them (through either WebMoney or Bitcoins) to acquire the decryption key. Notably, Win32:Ransom-AOQ makes an explicit effort to delete any file backups that are stored on your hard drive – necessitating the use of a remote source if you want to restore your files from a backup. Folders affected by Win32:Ransom-AOQ's attack include those in remote network locations or in removable devices.

How to Wiggle Your Way Out of a Win32:Ransom-AOQ Ransom

Win32:Ransom-AOQ is exceptional, as far as ransomware attacks go, for its lack of pretensions, its genuine implementation of an encryption attack and, unfortunately, the defenses Win32:Ransom-AOQ uses to keep you from easily undoing that attack. SpywareRemove.com malware researchers sadly have confirmed that Win32:Ransom-AOQ includes some additional functions that allow Win32:Ransom-AOQ to delete any encrypted files under various circumstances – including any attempts on your part to access free decryption utilities. However, while these issues make removing Win32:Ransom-AOQ freely more difficult, paying the ransom demanded by Win32:Ransom-AOQ remains, ultimately, unnecessary and unrecommended.

SpywareRemove.com malware researchers can point out a specific solution for PC users who are using proxy servers or otherwise have access to means of passively logging network traffic. These services also can be used to acquire the decryption key from Win32:Ransom-AOQ's server communications and reverse its encryption attack. However, the best means of protecting your files from Win32:Ransom-AOQ simply is storing backups of all important files on an inaccessible remote device (USB drive, CD, etc). Once you've deleted Win32:Ransom-AOQ with an anti-malware program of your choice, you can restore your files from the untouched backup without needing to pay even a coin of Win32:Ransom-AOQ's ransom.

However, none of this would be necessary in the first place if, as SpywareRemove.com malware analysts recommend, you avoid dangerous sources of file downloads, including the spam messages through which Win32:Ransom-AOQ distributes itself.

Win32:Ransom-AOQ

Threat Metric

Win32:Ransom-AOQ: a Monster with a Tentacle On Each of Your Files

How to Wiggle Your Way Out of a Win32:Ransom-AOQ Ransom

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