Piiq Virus Removal Guide (+Decrypt .piiq files)

Piiq Virus Ransomware

Piiq is a malicious software application working as common ransomware. Michael Gillespie, the popular malware researcher, first found this new name in the DJVU ransomware family.

Piiq was developed for the sole purpose to encrypt all popular file types. Realistically, as quickly as the file encryption is successfully accomplished, the users are not able to get access to them. Piiq virus adds its own “.piiq” to all the encrypted data. For instance, the file “price_list.xls”, once crypted by Piiq, will be entitled as “price_list.xls.piiq”. As soon as the encryption is achieved, Piiq puts its own distinct text document (_readme.txt) into all the folders that keep the encrypted files.

The message stated by document requesting for the random os very comparable to the notices given by other ransomware dangers coming from the DJVU family. The caution generally shows that the files have been encrypted and the only service to get access to it is to use a distinct standalone key. Regretfully, this statement is absolutely true.

The method to encrypt the files used by Piiq is not totally looked into. Nevertheless, there is no doubt that each computer system owner might be released an unique decryption key, which is definitely distinct. It is exceptionally hard to recover the data without the proper type in location.

“Don’t worry, you can return all your files!”, from text file message:

One more peculiarity of the Piiq virus is that the users are unable to get access to the key. The decrypting key is hosted on an unique server under the total control by the scoundrels who have introduced the Piiq infection into the web. In order to acquire the key and bring back the crucial information, the users are informed to contact the scams via e-mail or by telegram and to pay the ransom in the amount of $980.

The message likewise says that the people need to get in touch with the Piiq authors within 72 hours upon the moment of the data encryption. The alert shows 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 highly encourage that you do not pay the ransom. There is no assurance that these online crooks will keep their promises, so they may not care at all what the victims feel about the encryption, even when the amount of the ransom is gotten into their accounts. Hence, paying ransom often does not result in an effective recovery. So, the users might merely lose their money for absolutely nothing.

Likewise, we advise you not to contact the frauds as they instruct. Do not move money into their wallets. There are no applications that might split the Piiq virus or bring back the data at no cost. Therefore, the only correct decision is to restore the data from possible backups (if available).

Virus Summary

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

Do not forget that the Internet is now full of infections comparable to the Piiq ransomware. For instance, this particular danger is basically identical to Brusaf and other ransomware-type infections. These destructive utilities have actually been developed in order to secure the crucial information and reveal the need for the users to pay the ransom. All these infections utilize the identical algorithm to generate the specific key for successful files decryption.

Unless the Piiq ransomware is still under the development process or has actually got some concealed bugs, it is not possible to bring back the information by hand. Hence, the only working service to avoid the loss of your essential data is to regularly keep current backups of all your important data.

Another crucial piece of guidance is to store the backups on unique storage not connected to your main device. For instance, you might keep it on the USB Flash Drive, or some external hard disk, or by using the cloud data storage services. Keeping the backups on your regular drive is really risky, because the backup might also be encrypted by the Piiq ransomware.

Leakages for the Piiq ransomware attack.

Piiq utilizes lots of paths to penetrate the vulnerable computers. It is not specific what specific approach was utilized in your case, however, the invasion might happen by means of the following channels:

  • bundling with third-party programs, generally free software;
  • spam emails from the unknown senders;
  • websites providing complimentary hosting;
  • P2P (peer-to-peer) torrent downloads.

There are times when the Piiq ransomware may disguise itself as some authentic application, for instance, through the deceptive signals demanding installation of some software update. This is the most typical technique used by the scams to inject the Piiq infection files into the system. This way users partly participate in its installation, without clearly comprehending the threat.

In addition, the scams may send out unsolicited spam email with tricky signals motivating individuals to open suspicious attachments or click on some download links, for instance, those encouraging the people to open specific photos, text files, tax documents and other information.

No doubt, opening these files or clicking the malicious links may basically damage the system. Fake Acrobat Reader upgrade alerts may lead to the Piiq ransomware infiltration. Likewise, downloading the cracked software application might furthermore include the ransomware installer. The last but not the least, setup of Piiq may occur through some Trojan horses that might be installed stealthily into the system and without the user’s direct permission or even authorization.

Preventing the Piiq ransomware injection.

Of course, there is no absolute warranty that your computer system will be constantly devoid of any malware attacks, nevertheless, we wish to share some beneficial pointers with you to make it much safer. Make sure to pay extremely close attention while searching the web and especially while downloading cost-free programs. Do not open any dubious email accessories, particularly if the sender is not known to you.

Do not forget that particular freeware installer might likewise include some other extra apps in the bundle. These extra applications may be extremely damaging. It is of utmost importance to keep your anti-virus software application and your operating system in basic to be always effectively upgraded.

It is rather rational that downloading pirated programs is prohibited, however, furthermore, such unapproved software application use might likewise bring severe damage to your computer. Hence, do not download any cracked programs. Plus, the reality that your existing anti-virus did not secure the system from the Piiq ransomware is an excellent reason for you to reconsider your options and change to another program that can render the protecting functions on a better level.

Below please find the quotation from the Piiq 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 “.piiq” extension added by the ransomware:”

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

1.Download GridinSoft Anti-Malware.

You can download 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 piiq 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.

View Comments

  • Hey sir
    Is it possible that the virus will be removed automatically
    And will my data be lost or not
    Please help me i got so many important files encrypted

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