Pcqq Virus – Details
Pcqq is a harmful software functioning as common ransomware. Michael Gillespie, the well-known virus researcher, very first discovered this new name in the DJVU ransomware family.
Pcqq was developed for the sole function to encrypt all popular file types. Rationally, as quickly as the file encryption is effectively achieved, the users are not able to get access to them. Pcqq virus includes its own “.pcqq” to all the encrypted files. For instance, the file “price_list.xls”, when modified by Pcqq, will be entitled as “price_list.xls.pcqq”. Once the encryption is achieved, Pcqq puts its own distinct text document (_readme.txt) into all the folders that keep the encrypted files.
The message specified by document requesting the random os really comparable to the notifications provided by other ransomware threats belonging to the DJVU family. The caution generally indicates that the data has been encrypted and the only service to get access to it is to use a distinct standalone key. Regretfully, this statement is absolutely real.
The technique to secure the files used by Pcqq is not totally looked into. However, there is no doubt that each computer system owner may be released an unique decryption key, which is absolutely unique. It is exceptionally hard to recover the data without the appropriate key in location.
“Don’t worry, you can return all your files!”, from text file message:
One more peculiarity of the Pcqq virus 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 crooks who have actually launched the Pcqq virus into the internet. In order to acquire the key and restore the crucial information, the users are told to connect with the frauds through email or by telegram and to pay the ransom in the amount of $980.
The message also states that individuals must get in touch with the Pcqq authors within 72 hours upon the moment of the information encryption. The alert suggests that by doing so the people will obtain a 50% discount rate, for that reason, the ransom quantity drops down to $490.
Pcqq modified your data, nevertheless, it may not be the only threat on your computer. Plus, the ransomware might be concealed deep in the system. To discover and erase the danger entirely, we suggest you to describe the help of GridinSoft Anti-Malware tool.
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No matter what the amount of the ransom is, we strongly encourage that you do not pay the ransom. There is no assurance that these online scoundrels will keep their promises, so they may not care at all what the victims feel about the file encryption, even when the quantity of the ransom is received into their accounts. Thus, paying ransom typically does not result in a successful recovery. So, the users might merely lose their money for absolutely nothing.
Likewise, we urge you not to call the scams as they instruct. Do not move loan into their wallets. There are no applications that could break the Pcqq ransomware or restore the information for free. For that reason, the only right decision is to bring back the data from possible backups (if readily available).
Virus Summary
| Name | Pcqq Ransomware |
| File Extension | pcqq |
| 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 .pcqq extension to all the files modified by it. |
| Distribution Method | Adware bundles and software cracks |
| Similar Infections | Lokas, Besub, Nusar |
| Pcqq Removal Tool | GridinSoft Anti-Malware |
| Pcqq Decryption Tool | Emsisoft Djvu Decryptor |
Do not forget that the Web is now filled with infections comparable to the Pcqq virus. For example, this particular danger is basically identical to Brusaf and other ransomware-type infections. These harmful utilities have actually been developed in order to encrypt the important information and reveal the demand for the users to pay the ransom. All these infections use the identical algorithm to create the specific key for successful data decryption.
Unless the Pcqq ransomware is still under the advancement procedure or has actually got some hidden bugs, it is not possible to bring back the information manually. Therefore, the only working service to avoid the loss of your essential information is to routinely maintain up-to-date backups of all your essential files.
Another crucial piece of advice is to save the backups on unique storage not connected to your main PC. For example, you might store 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 extremely risky, since the backup may also be secured by the Pcqq virus.
Leakages for the Pcqq ransomware attack.
Pcqq uses numerous courses to penetrate the susceptible computers. It is not particular what specific technique was utilized in your case, however, the invasion may take place through the following channels:
- bundling with third-party programs, mainly free apps;
- spam emails from the unknown senders;
- sites offering complimentary hosting;
- P2P (peer-to-peer) torrent software.
There are times when the Pcqq ransomware might disguise itself as some genuine application, for example, through the deceptive alerts demanding setup of some software upgrade. This is the most common technique utilized by the scams to inject the Pcqq ransomware files into the system. By doing this users partially take part in its installation, without clearly understanding the threat.
Furthermore, the frauds may send out unsolicited spam email with challenging signals encouraging individuals to open suspicious attachments or click on some download links, for example, those motivating the people to open specific images, text files, tax documents and other information.
No doubt, opening these files or clicking the harmful links might basically harm the system. Fake Media Player upgrade notices may result in the Pcqq ransomware infiltration. Likewise, downloading the cracked software application may additionally consist of the ransomware installer. The last but not the least, installation of Pcqq might happen through some Trojan horses that might be set up stealthily into the system and without the user’s direct authorization or even approval.
Avoiding the Pcqq ransomware injection.
Obviously, there is no outright guarantee that your computer system will be always devoid of any malware attacks, however, we want to share some helpful tips with you to make it safer. Make sure to pay really close attention while browsing the web and particularly while getting cost-free programs. Do not open any suspicious email accessories, specifically if the sender is not known to you.
Do not forget that specific freeware installer may also contain some other additional apps in the bundle. These extra applications may be really damaging. It is of utmost value to keep your anti-virus software application and your operating system in basic to be always properly upgraded.
It is rather sensible that downloading cracked software is illegal, nevertheless, additionally, such unapproved programs use may likewise bring serious damage to your PC. Thus, do not download any cracked programs. Plus, the truth that your present anti-virus did not secure the system from the Pcqq ransomware is an excellent factor for you to reconsider your options and change to another program that can render the protecting functions on a much better level.
Below please find the quotation from the Pcqq 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 “.pcqq” extension added by the ransomware:”
Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove Pcqq 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 pcqq 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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