Djvu VirusRansomwareRemoval Guide

Qlkm Virus Removal Guide (+Decrypt .qlkm files)

Qlkm Virus – Details

Qlkm is a destructive software application working as common ransomware. Michael Gillespie, the well-known malware researcher, first discovered this new name in the DJVU ransomware family.

Qlkm was developed for the sole function to encrypt all popular file types. Realistically, as quickly as the encryption is effectively accomplished, the users are not able to get access to them. Qlkm virus adds its own “.qlkm” to all the encrypted files. For instance, the file “price_list.xls”, as soon as modified by Qlkm, will be titled as “price_list.xls.qlkm”. When the encryption is achieved, Qlkm puts its own unique text file (_readme.txt) into all the folders that save the encrypted files.

The message stated by _readme.txt requesting for the random os extremely similar to the notices given by other ransomware threats coming from the DJVU family. The caution essentially indicates that the information has been secured and the only option to get access to it is to use an unique standalone key. Regretfully, this statement is absolutely real.

The technique to secure the files used by Qlkm is not totally looked into. However, there is no doubt that each computer system owner might be released a special decryption key, which is absolutely distinct. It is extremely hard to recover the information without the suitable type in location.

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

Don't worry, you can return all your files! virus

One more peculiarity of the Qlkm 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 Qlkm infection into the web. In order to acquire the key and bring back the essential information, the users are told to contact the scams through email or by telegram and to pay the ransom in the amount of $980.

The message likewise states that individuals need to get in touch with the Qlkm authors within 72 hours upon the minute of the information file encryption. The alert shows that by doing so the people will acquire a 50% discount, for that reason, the ransom amount drops down to $490.

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 criminals 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 an effective healing. So, the users might merely lose their money for absolutely nothing.

Similarly, we advise you not to contact the frauds as they instruct. Do not move loan into their wallets. There are no applications that might split the Qlkm ransomware or restore the information at no charge. Therefore, the only appropriate decision is to restore the data from possible backups (if available).

Virus Summary

NameQlkm Ransomware
File Extensionqlkm
TypeRansomware
FamilyDJVU
Short DescriptionThe 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.
SymptomsFile 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 .qlkm extension to all the files modified by it.
Distribution MethodAdware bundles and software cracks
Similar InfectionsAtek, Igal, Omfl
Qlkm Removal Tool   GridinSoft Anti-Malware
Qlkm Decryption Tool   Emsisoft Djvu Decryptor

Do not forget that the Web is now loaded with infections comparable to the Qlkm virus. For instance, this particular threat is basically similar to Brusaf and other ransomware-type infections. These damaging energies have been established in order to encrypt the important information and reveal the demand for the users to pay the ransom. All these infections utilize the similar algorithm to create the specific key for effective data decryption.

Unless the Qlkm ransomware is still under the development procedure or has got some concealed bugs, it is not possible to bring back the information by hand. Thus, the only working service to prevent the loss of your essential data is to frequently keep updated backups of all your important files.

Another important piece of advice is to save the backups on unique storage not linked to your primary device. For example, 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 really dangerous, since the backup might also be secured by the Qlkm ransomware.

Leaks for the Qlkm ransomware attack.

Qlkm utilizes numerous courses to infiltrate the vulnerable computer systems. It is not particular what particular approach was used in your case, nevertheless, the intrusion may happen by means of the following channels:

  • bundling with third-party programs, mainly freeware;
  • spam e-mails from the unidentified senders;
  • websites supplying complimentary hosting;
  • P2P (peer-to-peer) torrent downloads.

There are times when the Qlkm ransomware might disguise itself as some genuine application, for instance, through the deceptive notifies requiring installation of some software application update. This is the most typical trick used by the scams to inject the Qlkm ransomware files into the system. This way users partly participate in its installation, without clearly understanding the risk.

Additionally, the frauds might send unsolicited spam e-mail with challenging alerts motivating individuals to open dubious attachments or click some download links, for example, those motivating the people to open specific photos, text files, tax files and other information.

No doubt, opening these files or clicking on the destructive links might essentially damage the system. Fake Acrobat Reader update alerts may result in the Qlkm ransomware seepage. Similarly, downloading the split software might in addition include the ransomware installer. The last however not the least, installation of Qlkm might take place through some Trojan horses that might be set up stealthily into the system and without the user’s direct authorization and even permission.

Avoiding the Qlkm injection.

Of course, there is no outright guarantee that your computer system will be always without any malware attacks, however, we would like to share some useful suggestions with you to make it safer. Make certain to pay very close attention while browsing the web and specifically while downloading cost-free programs. Do not open any suspicious email attachments, specifically if the sender is not understood to you.

Do not forget that certain freeware installer might also include some other extra apps in the bundle. These additional applications may be extremely harmful. It is of utmost value to keep your anti-virus software application and your operating system in general to be constantly appropriately updated.

It is rather sensible that downloading cracked software is illegal, nevertheless, additionally, such unauthorized software usage might likewise bring serious damage to your computer. For this reason, do not download any broken programs. Plus, the fact that your existing anti-virus did not secure the system from the Qlkm ransomware is an excellent reason for you to reevaluate your choices and switch to another program that can render the protecting functions on a far better level.

Below please find the quotation from the Qlkm 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 “.qlkm” extension added by the virus:”

Qlkm Ransomware - encrypt files with .qlkm extension

Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove Qlkm 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.
GridinSoft Anti-Malware
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.
GridinSoft Anti-Malware Setup

3. Press Install button for run GridinSoft Anti-Malware.

GridinSoft Anti-Malware Install

3.Once installed, GridinSoft Anti-Malware will automatically run.

GridinSoft Anti-Malware  Start

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.
GridinSoft Anti-Malware Scan

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.
GridinSoft Anti-Malware Scan Result

Use Emsisoft Decryptor for restore qlkm files

You can download 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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