Qoqa Virus – Details
Qoqa is a harmful software application functioning as common ransomware. Michael Gillespie, the well-known malware researcher, first discovered this new name in the DJVU ransomware family.
Qoqa was created for the sole purpose to encrypt all popular file types. Realistically, as quickly as the encryption is effectively achieved, the users are not able to get access to them. Qoqa ransomware adds its own “.qoqa” to all the encrypted data. For example, the file “price_list.xls”, as soon as crypted by Qoqa, will be entitled as “price_list.xls.qoqa”. Once the encryption is achieved, Qoqa puts its own distinct text document (_readme.txt) into all the folders that keep the encrypted files.
The alert mentioned by document requesting for the random os extremely comparable to the alerts offered by other ransomware risks belonging to the DJVU family. The warning basically shows that the files have been secured and the only solution to get access to it is to use an unique standalone key. Regretfully, this declaration is absolutely true.
The approach to secure the files utilized by Qoqa is not completely investigated. However, there is no doubt that each computer owner might be issued an unique decryption key, which is absolutely unique. It is extremely hard to recover the data without the suitable key in location.
“Don’t worry, you can return all your files!”, from _readme.txt message:
One more peculiarity of the Qoqa virus is that the users are not able to get access to the key. The decrypting key is hosted on an unique server under the total control by the criminals who have released the Qoqa virus into the internet. In order to obtain the key and restore the essential data, the users are informed to connect with the scams via email or by telegram and to pay the ransom in the amount of $980.
The message likewise states that the people need to contact the Qoqa authors within 72 hours upon the minute of the data file encryption. The alert indicates that by doing so individuals will obtain a 50% discount, for that reason, the ransom amount falls to $490.
Qoqa 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 detect and delete the danger entirely, we advise you to refer to the help of GridinSoft Anti-Malware app.
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No matter what the amount of the ransom is, we highly advise that you do not pay the ransom. There is no warranty that these online scoundrels will keep their guarantees, so they may not care at all what the victims feel about the file encryption, even when the amount of the ransom is gotten 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.
Likewise, we advise you not to get in touch with the frauds as they advise. Do not transfer loan into their wallets. There are no applications that might crack the Qoqa virus or restore the information at no cost. Therefore, the only appropriate choice is to restore the information from possible backups (if available).
Virus Summary
| Name | Qoqa Ransomware |
| File Extension | qoqa |
| 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 .qoqa extension to all the files modified by it. |
| Distribution Method | Adware bundles and software cracks |
| Similar Infections | Lokas, Besub, Nusar |
| Qoqa Removal Tool | GridinSoft Anti-Malware |
| Qoqa Decryption Tool | Emsisoft Djvu Decryptor |
Do not forget that the Internet is now full of infections comparable to the Qoqa ransomware. For example, this particular risk is essentially similar to Brusaf and other ransomware-type infections. These harmful energies have actually been established in order to encrypt the important information and reveal the need for the users to pay the ransom. All these infections use the similar algorithm to generate the specific key for effective files decryption.
Unless the Qoqa ransomware is still under the advancement process or has got some concealed bugs, it is not possible to bring back the information by hand. Thus, the only working option to prevent the loss of your crucial information is to frequently preserve updated backups of all your important documents.
Another important piece of advice is to store the backups on special storage not linked to your primary device. For instance, you might save it on the USB Flash Drive, or some external disk drive, or by using the cloud data storage services. Keeping the backups on your system drive is extremely dangerous, since the backup may likewise be secured by the Qoqa ransomware.
Leaks for the Qoqa ransomware attack.
Qoqa utilizes lots of courses to penetrate the susceptible computer systems. It is not certain what particular method was used in your case, however, the intrusion may happen through the following channels:
- bundling with third-party programs, primarily freeware;
- spam e-mails from the unidentified senders;
- sites supplying free hosting;
- P2P (peer-to-peer) torrent software.
There are times when the Qoqa might camouflage itself as some real application, for example, through the misleading signals demanding installation of some software application update. This is the most typical technique utilized by the scams to inject the Qoqa ransomware files into the system. This way users partially participate in its installation, without clearly comprehending the threat.
Additionally, the frauds may send out unsolicited spam e-mail with tricky alerts motivating the people to open dubious attachments or click some download links, for instance, those motivating individuals to open specific pictures, text files, tax files and other info.
No doubt, opening these files or clicking the destructive links may essentially damage the system. Fake Media Player upgrade notices may cause the Qoqa ransomware seepage. Likewise, downloading the split software application may in addition contain the ransomware installer. The last however not the least, installation of Qoqa might occur through some Trojan horses that might be installed stealthily into the system and without the user’s direct consent and even permission.
Avoiding the Qoqa attack.
Naturally, there is no outright warranty that your computer will be always without any malware attacks, nevertheless, we want to share some useful tips with you to make it more secure. Make sure to pay extremely very close attention while browsing the web and particularly while getting cost-free programs. Do not open any suspicious email attachments, specifically if the sender is not known to you.
Do not forget that specific freeware installer might likewise contain some other additional apps in the bundle. These extra applications may be very destructive. It is of utmost significance to keep your anti-virus software and your os in general to be always correctly upgraded.
It is rather logical that downloading cracked programs is illegal, however, furthermore, such unauthorized programs usage might likewise bring severe damage to your PC. Hence, do not download any cracked programs. Plus, the truth that your existing anti-virus did not protect the system from the Qoqa ransomware is a good factor for you to reassess your choices and change to another program that can render the safeguarding functions on a better level.
Below please find the quotation from the Qoqa 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 “.qoqa” extension added by the ransomware:”
Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove Qoqa ransomware from your computer
1.Download GridinSoft Anti-Malware.
You can download 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 qoqa 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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