Remove PCQQ Ransomware Virus (DECRYPT .pcqq FILES)

remove pcqq ransomware virus and decrypt files (free guide)

PCQQ ransomware, a variant of STOP/DJVU virus, encrypts all files on a computer

Contents

PCQQ ransomware, a variant of STOP/DJVU virus, encrypts all files on a computer
- Virus’ activities on the compromised PC
- RANSOMWARE SUMMARY
Tips to avoid ransomware attacks and common infection vectors
Guide to remove PCQQ ransomware virus safely and recover/repair your files
Decrypt PCQQ files
Frequently Asked Questions

PCQQ ransomware is a file-encrypting virus that originates from STOP/DJVU malware family. It is the 296^th variant which uses RSA cryptography to lock personal files on victim’s computer. Once launched, the virus scans all system folders and encrypts files found in them, appending .pcqq extension after the original one. To illustrate, file previously called 1.jpg becomes 1.jpg.pcqq. Additionally, this ransomware drops _readme.txt note in every affected folder. This file holds a brief message from virus’ developers who claim they want money for data decryption tools. If the victim refuses to pay up, they threaten that data will remain encrypted forever. The note suggests writing to the attackers via provided emails – helpteam@mail.ch or helpmanager@airmail.ch to get instructions how to transfer the ransom which ranges from $490 to $980 in Bitcoin.

The ransom note _readme.txt detalizes the effect of the PCQQ ransomware attack. It explains that all of victim’s files, including photos, videos, databases and archives were encrypted with strongest encryption and unique key. According to the note, the only way to restore these files is to purchase file decryption software from the attackers. In other words, these crooks take your files hostage and expect you to pay a specified sum of money to set them free. They offer a 50% discount if one contacts them within 72 hours from the initial infection timestamp, meaning that the decryption software costs $490 instead of $980.

The ransomware encrypts all files and demands money from the victim, threatening to keep files locked forever.

In order to hasten the victim to make the decision and pay up, they suggest testing the decryption tool for free first. They suggest sending one encrypted file to them (one that doesn’t contain important information) and wait to get a decrypted variant via email. The criminals also ask to provide unique victim’s ID to them along with the email.

If you already started considering paying the ransom, we’d like to dissuade you from doing so. There are many reasons not to pay the ransom, not to mention that even FBI advises against it. Some of the arguments from our side are:

Paying ransom to cybercrooks doesn’t guarantee that you will get your side of the deal – file decryption. The tool they might send you can be faulty and damage your files for good.
Cybercriminals only care about money, so they might vanish as soon as they receive the payment.
Paying the ransom might be illegal in your country.
Transferring money to cybercriminals means contributing to the cybercrime industry that is known to collect millions in ransoms each year. Not only it keeps the attackers thriving, but also fascinates other people to join the cybercrime world.
In addition to encrypting your personal files, this ransomware also installed AZORULT information-stealer on your computer, yet didn’t mention it in the ransom note. This can lead to even more financial damage and private data loss – do you really want to pay the attackers who did this?

Virus’ activities on the compromised PC

PCQQ file virus is designed to target specific data formats stored on victims’ computers. It checks for these files in each folder and encrypts the first 150KB of file only to shorten the encryption procedure. Therefore, some files can be partly repaired (see the guide below). However, to prevent full data recovery, the virus deletes Volume Shadow Copies from the system by running a couple of Command Prompt commands. In addition, to make the victim panic and feel helpless, the virus adds a list of domains to block in Windows HOSTS file. As a result, these domains can’t be reached by the victim. To be specific, these domains all seem to be computer-related and useful when it comes to various IT-related how-to tutorials.

The ransomware also installs AZORULT Trojan as a bonus to data encryption. This specific malware is a well-known illegal tool that can be used as a remote access trojan and information stealer capable of performing such activities:

Deleting, downloading or dropping files to/from victim’s computer;
Stealing cryptocurrency wallets;
Stealing browser cookies, history, saved passwords;
Stealing Telegram, Steam and possibly other programs’ saved login credentials.

In order to secure your computer as soon as possible, we recommend you to remove PCQQ ransomware virus along with Azorult instantly. For this, we suggest using automatic malware removal software of your choice. Additionally, download and run to repair virus damage on Windows OS files and clean up malicious remains.

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RANSOMWARE SUMMARY

Name	PCQQ Ransomware Virus
Type	Ransomware; Crypto-malware; Virtual Extortion Virus
Family	STOP/DJVU
Previous versions	VYIA, QBAA, FOPA, VTYM, KQGS, XCBG, BPQD (find full list here)
Version	296th
Extension	.pcqq
Damage	The virus leverages RSA algorithm to lock all files on target computer. It also marks affected files with additional extension identical to the ransomware’s name. Finally, it eliminates system restore points (VSS). Last but not least, the ransomware modifies Windows HOSTS file to block access to a set of websites.
Ransom note	_readme.txt
Ransom demand	$490-$980 in Bitcoin
Distribution	The virus can be found in many illegal torrent downloads, especially software cracks or tools like KMSPico.
Detection names	Trojan:Win32/Glupteba (Microsoft), Glupteba.Backdoor.Bruteforce.DDS (Malwarebytes), TR/AD.InstaBot.bfsbw (Avira), HEUR:Exploit.Win32.Shellcode.gen (Kaspersky), Trojan.GenericKD.36669904 (B)(Emsisoft), W32.Trojan.Gen (Webroot) see all detection name variations on VirusTotal
Removal	Remove ransomware by running automatic malware removal program. Next, we strongly recommend scanning with RESTORO to repair virus damage on Windows OS files.

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_readme.txt note dropped by the file-encrypting ransomware.

Tips to avoid ransomware attacks and common infection vectors

PCQQ ransomware is one of almost 300 STOP/DJVU variants and all of these are distributed in a very similar pattern. The majority of victims who get infected with this, REJG, LMAS or other variant report downloading the malware along a shady torrent. Most of them get it via software or game cracks. Distributing malware via illegal downloads is an old and very successful technique, because victims are very eager to open such files in order to avoid legitimate software license fees. In fact, some users are even willing to ignore security software warnings, deeming these as false alarms.

Unfortunately, such actions almost always end in a severe computer infection such as ransomware or frequently an unnoticeable virus, such as installation of a miner, Remote Access Trojan (RAT) or information stealer. For this reason, we strongly recommend avoiding such illegal downloads at all costs. Please support legitimate software developers by obtaining legitimate software versions.

Avoid software cracks at all costs – they are primary source of various computer infections, including ransomware.

Another popular way to spread malware is disguising it as an official document and attaching it to a misleading email. Cybercriminals have been using malicious spam for a long time now; typically, they send emails pretending to be from a well-known company, such as Amazon, eBay or parcel delivery companies such as DHL or DPD. Vast majority of such email attachments are named as ‘invoice/payment information/tracking details’ and similar. The message tone urges the victim to view attached contents and reply to the sender as soon as possible.

Unfortunately, the attached file holds a malicious script meant to download the ransomware from an external resource and execute it on the system. With usage of email spoofing, the attackers are capable of making such deceptive emails seem very convincing; our general tip is to avoid emails you did not expect to receive. Do not let your curiosity take over your sense of security. When in doubt, call the company itself and ask them if you were supposed to receive the email at all.

Victims of ransomware also should beware that other ransomware groups, such as ZORAB, have been leveraging victims’ frustration to find a decryption tool online. They even upload fake ransomware decryptors to shady websites which are simply another ransomware in disguise. Be careful! If there is a real and working tool, the official sources will be first to announce it. There is no need to inspect shady websites all over the Internet.

Guide to remove PCQQ ransomware virus safely and recover/repair your files

A quick way to remove PCQQ ransomware virus easily and safely is described by our experts below. Please do not hesitate and do not delay the computer cleanse procedure as keeping any kind of malware on it leaves it vulnerable to further infections, especially with capabilities of Azorult’s Trojan.

After PCQQ virus removal, we suggest reporting Internet crime incident to a respective institution in your country (see the references below) and try data decryption/repair tools provided below.

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Our team recommends a two-step rescue plan to remove ransomware and other remaining malware from your computer, plus repair caused virus damage to the system:

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PCQQ ransomware virus Removal Guidelines

Method 1. Enter Safe Mode with Networking

Step 1. Start Windows in Safe Mode with Networking

Before you try to remove PCQQ ransomware virus virus, you must start your computer in Safe Mode with Networking. Below, we provide the easiest ways to boot PC in the said mode, but you can find additional ones in this in-depth tutorial on our website – How to Start Windows in Safe Mode. Also, if you prefer a video version of the tutorial, check our guide How to Start Windows in Safe Mode on Youtube.

Instructions for Windows XP/Vista/7 users

First of all, turn off your PC. Then press the Power button to start it again and instantly start pressing F8 button on your keyboard repeatedly in 1-second intervals. This launches the Advanced Boot Options menu.
Use arrow keys on the keyboard to navigate down to Safe Mode with Networking option and press Enter.

Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10/11 users

Open Windows Start menu, then press down the Power button. On your keyboard, press down and hold the Shift key, and then select Restart option.
This will take you to Windows Troubleshoot screen. Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings > Restart. Tip: If you can't find Startup Settings, click See more recovery options.
In Startup Settings, press the right key between F1-F9 to enter Safe Mode with Networking. In this case, it is the F5 key.

Step 2. Remove files associated with the virus

Now, you can search for and remove PCQQ ransomware virus files. It is very hard to identify files and registry keys that belong to the ransomware virus, Besides, malware creators tend to rename and change them repeatedly. Therefore, the easiest way to uninstall such type of a computer virus is to use a reliable security program such as INTEGO Antivirus, which also includes data recovery software. For virus damage repair, consider using RESTORO.

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Method 2. Use System Restore

In order to use System Restore, you must have a system restore point, created either manually or automatically.

Step 1. Boot Windows in Safe Mode with Command Prompt

Instructions for Windows XP/Vista/7 users

Shut down your PC. Start it again by pressing the Power button and instantly start pressing F8 button on your keyboard repeatedly in 1-second intervals. You will see Advanced Boot Options menu.
Using arrow keys on the keyboard, navigate down to Safe Mode with Command Prompt option and press Enter.

Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10/11 users

Launch Windows Start menu, then click the Power button. On your keyboard, press down and hold the Shift key, and then choose Restart option with the mouse cursor.
This will take you to Windows Troubleshoot screen. Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings > Restart. Tip: If you can't find Startup Settings, click See more recovery options.
In Startup Settings, press the right key between F1-F9 to enter Safe Mode with Command Prompt. In this case, press F6 key.

Step 2. Start System Restore process

Wait until system loads and command prompt shows up.
Type cd restore and press Enter, then type rstrui.exe and press Enter. Or you can just type %systemroot%system32restorerstrui.exe in command prompt and hit Enter.
This launches System Restore window. Click Next and then choose a System Restore point created in the past. Choose one that was created before ransomware infection.
Click Yes to begin the system restoration process.

After restoring the system, we recommend scanning the system with antivirus or anti-malware software. In most cases, there won't be any malware remains, but it never hurts to double-check. In addition, we highly recommend checking ransomware prevention guidelines provided by our experts in order to protect your PC against similar viruses in the future.

Alternative software recommendations

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware

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Decrypt PCQQ files

Fix and open large PCQQ files easily:

It is reported that STOP/DJVU ransomware versions encrypt only the beginning 150 KB of each file to ensure that the virus manages to affect all files on the system. In some cases, the malicious program might skip some files at all. That said, we recommend testing this method on several big (>1GB) files first.

Create a copy of encrypted file to a separate folder using Copy > Paste commands.
Now, right-click the created copy and choose Rename. Select the PCQQ extension and delete it. Press Enter to save changes.
In the prompt asking whether you want to make the changes as file might become unusable, click OK.
Try opening the file.

STOP/DJVU decryption tool usage guide

STOP/DJVU ransomware versions are grouped into old and new variants. PCQQ ransomware virus is considered the new STOP/DJVU variant, just like VYIA, QBAA, FOPA, VTYM, KQGS, XCBG, BPQD (find full list here). This means full data decryption is now possible only if you have been affected by offline encryption key. To decrypt your files, you will have to download Emsisoft Decryptor for STOP DJVU, a tool created and maintained by a genius security researcher Michael Gillespie.

Note! Please do not spam the security researcher with questions whether he can recover your files encrypted with online key - it is not possible.

In order to test the tool and see if it can decrypt PCQQ files, follow the given tutorial.

Download the decryption tool from Emsisoft.
Click the little arrow next to your download and choose Show in Folder.
Now, right-click the file and choose Run as Administrator. If asked, enter administrator's password.
In UAC window, click Yes.
Click Yes to agree to software terms in both windows.
The tool will automatically include C:// disk as a location to decrypt. The file recovery tool will prepopulate the locations to scan, including connected data storage drives or network drives. Click Add folder if you wish to add additional locations.
In Options tab, you can choose to keep encrypted file copies. We recommend leaving this option selected, especially if you do not know if the decryption tool will work.
Click Decrypt to start restoring PCQQ files. You will see the progress in the Results tab. Here, you can see messages from the tool, such as whether the decryption procedure is successful, or you need to wait for an update.
You might also be informed that online key was used to encrypt your files. In such case, the decryption tool won't work for you, and the only way to recover your files is to use a data backup.

Meanings of decryptor's messages

The PCQQ decryption tool might display several different messages after failed attempt to restore your files. You might receive one of the following messages:

Error: Unable to decrypt file with ID: [example ID]

This message typically means that there is no corresponding decryption key in the decryptor's database.

No key for New Variant online ID: [example ID]
Notice: this ID appears to be an online ID, decryption is impossible

This message informs that your files were encrypted with online key, meaning no one else has the same encryption/decryption key pair, therefore data recovery without paying the criminals is impossible.

Result: No key for new variant offline ID: [example ID]
This ID appears to be an offline ID. Decryption may be possible in the future.

If you were informed that an offline key was used, but files could not be restored, it means that the offline decryption key isn't available yet. However, receiving this message is extremely good news, meaning that it might be possible to restore your PCQQ extension files in the future. It can take a few months until the decryption key gets found and uploaded to the decryptor. We recommend you to follow updates regarding the decryptable DJVU versions here. We strongly recommend backing up your encrypted data and waiting.

Report Internet crime to legal departments

Victims of PCQQ ransomware virus should report the Internet crime incident to the official government fraud and scam website according to their country:

In the United States, go to the On Guard Online website.
In Australia, go to the SCAMwatch website.
In Germany, go to the Bundesamt für Sicherheit in der Informationstechnik website.
In Ireland, go to the An Garda Síochána website.
In New Zealand, go to the Consumer Affairs Scams website.
In the United Kingdom, go to the Action Fraud website.
In Canada, go to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
In India, go to Indian National Cybercrime Reporting Portal.
In France, go to the Agence nationale de la sécurité des systèmes d’information.

If you can't find an authority corresponding to your location on this list, we recommend using any search engine to look up "[your country name] report cyber crime". This should lead you to the right authority website. We also recommend staying away from third-party crime report services that are often paid. It costs nothing to report Internet crime to official authorities.

Another recommendation is to contact your country's or region’s federal police or communications authority.

Frequently Asked Questions

✓ How can I open .PCQQ files?

You can only open PCQQ files if you have the decryption key, or if you were affected by offline encryption type.

✓ How do I know if my files were encrypted with offline or online encryption?

To figure out whether you were affected by offline encryption, please go to C:/SystemID/PersonalID.txt and see if the string inside of it ends in t1. You can also try using Emsisoft Decryptor for STOP/DJVU.

✓ My files contain very important information (family memories). Every tool I used says it is impossible to decrypt. What should I do?

Please follow the guidances provided by the official PCQQ decryption tools and believe what they say. If they say it is impossible to decrypt, it really is so. There is no magic tool or human capable of decrypting your files hiding somewhere. Encryption is a technique created to be nearly impossible to decrypt without a special private key (held by the criminals).

✓ I am afraid virus is still in my computer system. What should I do?

We advise scanning with anti-virus, anti-malware, malware removal tools or software like RESTORO to eliminate virus damage on the system. If you do not trust using a single tool, try running one after another. However, we do not recommend keeping several security programs on a computer at once as they can interfere with each other's work.

✓ I saw several Youtube videos suggesting secret decryption tools. Can I trust them?

Beware of fake PCQQ decryption tools circulating around the web. Cyber criminals are uploading them to various shady websites, also might be promoting them via suspicious Youtube videos. These programs can infect your computer even more heavily (Trojans, miners, etc.). We suggest being extremely cautious around the web. If there will be an official STOP/DJVU decryption tool available, it will be widely discussed in public media.

Norbert Webb

Norbert Webb is the head of Geek’s Advice team. He is the chief editor of the website who controls the quality of content published. The man also loves reading cybersecurity news, testing new software and sharing his insights on them. Norbert says that following his passion for information technology was one of the best decisions he has ever made. “I don’t feel like working while I’m doing something I love.” However, the geek has other interests, such as snowboarding and traveling.