Djvu VirusRansomwareRemoval Guide

Zqqw Virus Removal Guide (+Decrypt .zqqw files)

Zqqw Virus – Details

Zqqw is a malicious software application working as typical ransomware. Michael Gillespie, the popular malware researcher, first discovered this new name in the DJVU ransomware family.

Zqqw was developed for the sole function to encrypt all popular file types. Realistically, as soon as the file encryption is successfully accomplished, the users are not able to get access to them. Zqqw ransomware adds its own “.zqqw” to all the encrypted files. For example, the file “price_list.xls”, when crypted by Zqqw, will be entitled as “price_list.xls.zqqw”. As soon as the encryption is accomplished, Zqqw puts its own special text document (_readme.txt) into all the folders that keep the encrypted files.

The message mentioned by text file requesting for the random os extremely similar to the notices offered by other ransomware hazards coming from the DJVU family. The caution essentially shows that the files have been secured and the only service to get access to it is to use a special standalone key. Regretfully, this statement is absolutely true.

The method to secure the files used by Zqqw is not entirely looked into. Nevertheless, there is no doubt that each computer system owner might be provided an unique decryption key, which is absolutely unique. It is extremely difficult to recuperate the data without the suitable key in place.

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

message from Zqqw virus

One more peculiarity of the Zqqw ransomware is that the users are unable to get access to the key. The decrypting key is hosted on an unique server under the complete control by the scoundrels who have released the Zqqw virus into the world wide web. In order to acquire the key and restore the crucial information, the users are informed to get in touch with the frauds through e-mail or by telegram and to pay the ransom in the amount of $980.

The message likewise says that individuals should call the Zqqw authors within 72 hours upon the minute of the information encryption. The alert suggests that by doing so individuals will obtain a 50% discount, therefore, the ransom quantity falls to $490.

No matter what the quantity of the ransom is, we highly encourage that you do not pay the ransom. There is no guarantee that these online scoundrels will keep their pledges, so they might not care at all what the victims feel about the file encryption, even when the amount of the ransom is gotten into their accounts. For this reason, paying ransom typically does not lead to an effective recovery. So, the users might merely lose their money for absolutely nothing.

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

Virus Summary

NameZqqw Ransomware
File Extensionzqqw
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 .zqqw extension to all the files modified by it.
Distribution MethodAdware bundles and software cracks
Similar InfectionsLokas, Besub, Nusar
Zqqw Removal Tool   GridinSoft Anti-Malware
Zqqw Decryption Tool   Emsisoft Djvu Decryptor

Do not forget that the Internet is now full of infections comparable to the Zqqw virus. For example, this particular danger is basically identical to Brusaf and other ransomware-type infections. These damaging utilities have been developed in order to secure the crucial data and reveal the demand for the users to pay the ransom. All these infections utilize the similar algorithm to generate the specific key for effective information decryption.

Unless the Zqqw ransomware is still under the advancement process or has got some concealed bugs, it is not possible to bring back the information manually. Therefore, the only working service to avoid the loss of your important data is to regularly keep updated backups of all your vital documents.

Another essential piece of suggestions is to save the backups on unique storage not connected to your primary computer. 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 dangerous, considering that the backup might also be secured by the Zqqw infection.

Leaks for the Zqqw ransomware attack.

Zqqw uses many courses to infiltrate the vulnerable computers. It is not specific what particular method was used in your case, nevertheless, the invasion might take place by means of the following channels:

  • bundling with third-party programs, primarily free apps;
  • spam emails from the unidentified senders;
  • websites offering free hosting;
  • P2P (peer-to-peer) torrent software.

There are times when the Zqqw virus might disguise itself as some authentic application, for example, through the deceptive signals demanding installation of some software update. This is the most typical trick used by the frauds to inject the Zqqw ransomware files into the system. By doing this users partly take part in its setup, without clearly understanding the risk.

Additionally, the frauds might send out unsolicited spam e-mail with challenging signals motivating the people to open suspicious accessories or click some download links, for instance, those motivating individuals to open particular 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 notices may result in the Zqqw ransomware seepage. Likewise, downloading the cracked software application might additionally consist of the ransomware installer. The last however not the least, installation of Zqqw may happen through some Trojan horses that may be set up stealthily into the system and without the user’s direct consent or even permission.

Preventing the Zqqw ransom virus attack.

Of course, there is no absolute guarantee that your computer system will be always free of any malware attacks, however, we would like to share some beneficial pointers with you to make it more secure. Make certain to pay very close attention while searching the web and especially while getting cost-free programs. Do not open any suspicious e-mail accessories, specifically if the sender is not understood to you.

Do not forget that certain freeware installer may also contain some other additional apps in the package. These extra applications may be very destructive. It is of utmost significance to keep your anti-virus software and your operating system in general to be always correctly upgraded.

It is quite sensible that downloading pirated apps is prohibited, however, in addition, such unauthorized software usage might also bring severe damage to your system. Thus, do not download any split programs. Plus, the fact that your current anti-virus did not secure the system from the Zqqw ransomware is an excellent reason for you to reevaluate your choices and switch to another program that can render the protecting functions on a better level.

Below please find the quotation from the Zqqw 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 “.zqqw” extension added by the virus:”

Zqqw Ransomware - encrypt files with .zqqw extension

Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove Zqqw 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 zqqw 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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