Kiqu Virus Removal Guide (+Decrypt .kiqu files)

Kiqu Virus Ransomware

Kiqu is a destructive software working as typical ransomware. Michael Gillespie, the well-known malware researcher, very first found this new name in the DJVU ransomware family.

Kiqu was created for the sole function to encrypt all popular file types. Realistically, as soon as the file encryption is successfully accomplished, the users are unable to get access to them. Kiqu virus adds its own “.kiqu” to all the encrypted files. For example, the file “price_list.xls”, once crypted by Kiqu, will be entitled as “price_list.xls.kiqu”. Once the encryption is accomplished, Kiqu puts its own special text file (_readme.txt) into all the folders that save the encrypted files.

The alert stated by _readme.txt requesting for the random os really similar to the alerts provided by other ransomware threats belonging to the DJVU family. The warning generally shows that the information has been encrypted and the only solution to get access to it is to use a distinct standalone key. Regretfully, this statement is absolutely real.

The method to secure the files used by Kiqu is not entirely looked into. Nevertheless, there is no doubt that each computer system owner may be released a special decryption key, which is definitely special. It is incredibly difficult to recuperate the information without the appropriate type in place.

“Don’t worry, you can return all your files!”, from _readme.txt message:

One more peculiarity of the Kiqu infection is that the users are unable to get access to the key. The decrypting key is hosted on a special server under the complete control by the scoundrels who have actually launched the Kiqu infection into the internet. In order to get the key and restore 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 amount of $980.

The message likewise says that individuals must call the Kiqu authors within 72 hours upon the minute of the data encryption. The alert suggests that by doing so the people will get a 50% discount, therefore, the ransom quantity drops down to $490.

No matter what the quantity 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 guarantees, so they might not care at all what the victims feel about the encryption, even when the quantity of the ransom is gotten into their accounts. For this reason, paying ransom often does not result in a successful recovery. So, the users may just lose their money for nothing.

Similarly, we prompt you not to contact the scams as they advise. Do not transfer money into their wallets. There are no applications that could split the Kiqu ransomware or bring back the data at no cost. For that reason, the only correct choice is to bring back the information from possible backups (if offered).

Virus Summary

Name Kiqu Ransomware
File Extension kiqu
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 .kiqu extension to all the files modified by it.
Distribution Method Adware bundles and software cracks
Similar Infections Lokas, Besub, Nusar
Kiqu Removal Tool   GridinSoft Anti-Malware
Kiqu Decryption Tool   Emsisoft Djvu Decryptor

Do not forget that the Web is now loaded with infections similar to the Kiqu ransomware. For instance, this specific danger is generally similar to Brusaf and other ransomware-type infections. These harmful utilities have actually been established in order to secure the important information and express the demand for the users to pay the ransom. All these infections utilize the similar algorithm to generate the specific key for successful files decryption.

Unless the Kiqu ransomware is still under the advancement procedure or has got some concealed bugs, it is not possible to restore the data by hand. Thus, the only working service to prevent the loss of your essential data is to frequently preserve up-to-date backups of all your vital data.

Another crucial piece of advice is to keep the backups on special storage not linked to your primary PC. For example, you might store it on the USB Flash Drive, or some external hard disk drive, or by using the cloud data storage services. Keeping the backups on your system drive is really risky, since the backup might also be secured by the Kiqu infection.

Leakages for the Kiqu ransomware attack.

Kiqu utilizes lots of courses to infiltrate the susceptible computer systems. It is not particular what particular method was utilized in your case, nevertheless, the invasion might take place by means of the following channels:

  • bundling with third-party programs, mainly free apps;
  • spam e-mails from the unknown senders;
  • sites supplying complimentary hosting;
  • P2P (peer-to-peer) torrent downloads.

There are times when the Kiqu may camouflage itself as some real application, for example, through the misleading notifies demanding setup of some software update. This is the most common trick utilized by the frauds to inject the Kiqu infection files into the system. By doing this users partly participate in its setup, without plainly understanding the threat.

Additionally, the scams may send out unsolicited spam e-mail with tricky informs encouraging the people to open dubious attachments or click on some download links, for example, those encouraging the people to open specific images, text files, tax files and other info.

No doubt, opening these files or clicking on the destructive links may basically harm the system. Fake Acrobat Reader upgrade notifications may lead to the Kiqu ransomware seepage. Similarly, downloading the split software application may furthermore consist of the ransomware installer. The last however not the least, installation of Kiqu may occur through some Trojan horses that might be set up stealthily into the system and without the user’s direct authorization and even approval.

Avoiding the Kiqu injection.

Naturally, there is no outright warranty that your computer system will be constantly without any malware attacks, nevertheless, we would like to share some helpful pointers with you to make it safer. Make sure to pay very close attention while browsing the web and particularly while downloading cost-free programs. Do not open any suspicious email attachments, specifically if the sender is not known to you.

Do not forget that certain freeware installer may likewise contain some other additional apps in the bundle. These extra applications might be extremely harmful. It is of utmost value to keep your anti-virus software and your operating system in general to be always correctly upgraded.

It is rather logical that downloading pirated programs is unlawful, however, in addition, such unapproved programs usage may also bring serious damage to your PC. Thus, do not download any split programs. Plus, the truth that your existing anti-virus did not protect the system from the Kiqu ransomware is a great factor for you to reassess your choices and change to another program that can render the safeguarding functions on a much better level.

Below please find the quotation from the Kiqu 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 “.kiqu” extension added by the ransomware:”

Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove Kiqu ransomware from your computer

1.Download GridinSoft Anti-Malware.

You can get GridinSoft Anti-Malware by clicking the button below:

  GridinSoft Anti-Malware

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 kiqu files

You can get Emsisoft Decryptor by clicking the button below:

  Emsisoft Decryptor

  1. Run the decryptor as an administrator. The license terms will show up, which you have to agree to by clicking the “Yes” button.
  2. Once the license terms are accepted, the primary decryptor user interface opens.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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
  6. 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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Daniel Zimmermann

Daniel Zimmermann has been writing on security and malware subjects for many years and has been working in the security industry for over 10 years. Daniel was educated at the Saarland University in Saarbrücken, Germany and currently lives in New York.

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