Qual – Ransomware
Qual is a destructive software working as common ransomware. Michael Gillespie, the well-known virus researcher, very first discovered this new name in the DJVU ransomware family.
Qual was created for the sole purpose to encrypt all popular file types. Rationally, as quickly as the encryption is effectively accomplished, the users are unable to get access to them. Qual ransomware includes its own “.qual” to all the encrypted files. For instance, the file “price_list.xls”, when crypted by Qual, will be titled as “price_list.xls.qual”. Once the file encryption is achieved, Qual puts its own special text document (_readme.txt) into all the folders that save the encrypted files.
The alert stated by document asking for the random os very similar to the notices offered by other ransomware hazards coming from the DJVU family. The warning basically shows that the data has been encrypted and the only option to get access to it is to use an unique standalone key. Regretfully, this declaration is definitely true.
The technique to secure the files used by Qual is not entirely investigated. However, there is no doubt that each computer owner may be provided a special decryption key, which is definitely unique. It is incredibly difficult to recover the information without the appropriate key in place.
“Don’t worry, you can return all your files!”, from _readme.txt message:
One more peculiarity of the Qual ransomware is that the users are not able to get access to the key. The decrypting key is hosted on a special server under the complete control by the crooks who have released the Qual virus into the world wide web. In order to acquire the key and bring back the crucial data, the users are told to get in touch with the frauds by means of email or by telegram and to pay the ransom in the quantity of $980.
The message likewise says that the people must contact the Qual authors within 72 hours upon the moment of the data encryption. The alert suggests that by doing so individuals will obtain a 50% discount rate, therefore, the ransom quantity falls to $490.
Qual encrypted your data, however, it might not be the only threat on your computer. Plus, the ransomware may be hidden deep in the system. To identify and delete the hazard entirely, we suggest you to refer to the assistance of GridinSoft Anti-Malware .
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No matter what the amount of the ransom is, we strongly advise that you do not pay the ransom. There is no guarantee that these online scoundrels will keep their promises, so they might not care at all what the victims feel about the file encryption, even when the quantity of the ransom is gotten into their accounts. Hence, paying ransom frequently does not result in a successful healing. So, the users might merely lose their money for nothing.
Similarly, we prompt you not to get in touch with the scams as they instruct. Do not transfer money into their wallets. There are no applications that might break the Qual ransomware or restore the information at no charge. For that reason, the only appropriate choice is to restore the information from possible backups (if readily available).
Virus Summary
| Name | Qual Ransomware |
| File Extension | qual |
| Type | Ransomware |
| Family | DJVU |
| Short Description | The ransomware encrypts all the data stored on your system and requires a ransom to be paid on your part supposedly to recover your important files. |
| Symptoms | File encryption by the ransomware is performed by means of the AES-256 algorithm (CFB mode) encryption algorithm. Once the encryption is completed, the ransomware adds its special .qual extension to all the files modified by it. |
| Distribution Method | Adware bundles and software cracks |
| Similar Infections | Lokas, Besub, Nusar |
| Qual Removal Tool | GridinSoft Anti-Malware |
| Qual Decryption Tool | Emsisoft Djvu Decryptor |
Do not forget that the Web is now full of infections comparable to the Qual ransomware. For example, this particular risk is basically similar to Brusaf and other ransomware-type infections. These destructive utilities have been established in order to encrypt the important data and reveal the demand for the users to pay the ransom. All these infections utilize the similar algorithm to produce the specific key for effective files decryption.
Unless the Qual ransomware is still under the advancement procedure or has got some concealed bugs, it is not possible to restore the data manually. Hence, the only working service to avoid the loss of your essential information is to regularly preserve current backups of all your important data.
Another crucial piece of guidance is to keep the backups on special storage not connected to your main PC. For instance, you might keep it on the USB Flash Drive, or some external drive, or by using the cloud data storage services. Keeping the backups on your regular drive is very dangerous, because the backup may also be encrypted by the Qual infection.
Leakages for the Qual ransomware attack.
Qual utilizes lots of paths to infiltrate the susceptible computer systems. It is not particular what specific technique was used in your case, however, the invasion may happen via the following channels:
- bundling with third-party programs, generally freeware;
- spam emails from the unidentified senders;
- sites offering free hosting;
- P2P (peer-to-peer) torrent software.
There are times when the Qual ransomware might camouflage itself as some genuine application, for example, through the deceptive alerts demanding installation of some software update. This is the most typical technique utilized by the frauds to inject the Qual infection files into the system. In this manner users partly take part in its installation, without clearly understanding the threat.
Additionally, the scams might send unsolicited spam email with difficult notifies motivating individuals to open suspicious attachments or click some download links, for example, those motivating individuals to open specific photos, text files, tax documents and other info.
No doubt, opening these files or clicking on the malicious links may basically harm the system. Fake Adobe Flash Player upgrade notifications may cause the Qual ransomware seepage. Likewise, downloading the cracked software application might additionally include the ransomware installer. The last but not the least, installation of Qual may happen through some Trojan horses that may be set up stealthily into the system and without the user’s direct permission and even consent.
Avoiding the Qual virus injection.
Of course, there is no absolute warranty that your computer system will be always without any malware attacks, nevertheless, we wish to share some helpful suggestions with you to make it much safer. Make sure to pay really close attention while searching the web and particularly while downloading cost-free programs. Do not open any suspicious e-mail accessories, particularly if the sender is not known to you.
Do not forget that certain freeware installer might also include some other additional apps in the package. These additional applications may be extremely destructive. It is of utmost importance to keep your anti-virus software application and your os in general to be constantly appropriately updated.
It is rather rational that downloading cracked programs is unlawful, however, furthermore, such unapproved software application use might likewise bring severe damage to your PC. For this reason, do not download any broken programs. Plus, the reality that your present anti-virus did not secure the system from the Qual ransomware is an excellent factor for you to reassess your options and switch to another program that can render the protecting functions on a better level.
Below please find the quotation from the Qual text file:
ATTENTION! Don't worry, you can return all your files! All your files like photos, 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: https://we.tl/t-2P5WrE5b9f 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: restorealldata@firemail.cc Reserve e-mail address to contact us: gorentos@bitmessage.ch Our Telegram account: @datarestore
Screenshot of files with “.qual” extension added by the virus:”
Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove Qual ransomware from your computer
1.Download GridinSoft Anti-Malware.
You can get GridinSoft Anti-Malware by clicking the button below:
2. Double-click on the setup file.
When setup file has finished downloading, double-click on the setup-antimalware-ag.exe file to install GridinSoft Anti-Malware on your computer.
An User Account Control asking you about to allow GridinSoft Anti-Malware to make changes to your device. So, you should click “Yes” to continue with the installation.
3. Press Install button for run GridinSoft Anti-Malware.
3.Once installed, GridinSoft Anti-Malware will automatically run.
4. Wait for the GridinSoft Anti-Malware scan to complete.
GridinSoft Anti-Malware will automatically start scanning your computer for Win Speedup 2018 and other malicious programs. This process can take a 20-30 minutes, so we suggest you periodically check on the status of the scan process.
5. Click on “Clean Now”.
When the scan has completed, you will see the list of infections that GridinSoft Anti-Malware has detected. To remove them click on the “Clean Now” button in right corner.
Use Emsisoft Decryptor for restore qual files
You can download Emsisoft Decryptor by clicking the button below:
- Run the decryptor as an administrator. The license terms will show up, which you have to agree to by clicking the “Yes” button.
- Once the license terms are accepted, the primary decryptor user interface opens.
- By default, the decryptor will pre-populate the locations to decrypt with the currently connected drives and network drives. Additional locations can be added using the Add” button.
- Decryptors typically offer various options depending on the particular malware family. The available options are located in the Options tab and can be enabled or disabled there. You can find a detailed list of the available Options below.
- After you have added all the locations you want to decrypt to the list, click the “Decrypt” button to start the decryption process. The screen will switch to a status view, informing you about the current process and decryption status of your files
- The decryptor will inform you once the decryption process is finished. If you require the report for your personal records, you can save it by clicking the “Save log” button. You can also copy it straight to your clipboard to paste it into emails or forum posts if you are asked to.
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