Geek's Advice

PIIQ ransomware arrives as the 307th version of STOP/DJVU malware

PIIQ ransomware virus is a malicious file-encrypting computer threat that is recognized as part of STOP/DJVU ransomware family. Once executed on the target system or network, this virus encrypts all victim’s files using RSA Salsa20 algorithm and appends .piiq extension to each filename. Following that, the ransomware also drops _readme.txt ransom note in every folder. It contains a message from cybercriminals who suggest that the only way to decrypt .piiq files is to pay a ransom of $490 or $980 in cryptocurrency. The lower price point applies if the victim writes to the criminals within 3 days via two given email addresses: manager@mailtemp.ch or helpmanager@airmail.cc. If the victim delays, the decryption price rises to the higher price point.

PIIQ ransomware can be defined as a virtual extortion tool developed by malevolent programmers. It is part of one of the largest encryption-based computer virus families today, known as STOP/DJVU. The primary aim of this ransomware is to use military-grade encryption algorithms to temporarily lock files on victim’s computer until a ransom is paid. It is obvious that people keep their important files on either personal or work computers, and the idea of losing all of them in a few minutes is scary. Cybercriminals expect that victims will be willing to do anything it takes to recover these files. Therefore, they demand purchasing cryptocurrency worth $490 or $980 and transfer the said sum to criminals’ virtual wallet. As stated before, the criminals demand lower ransom if the victim manages to sort out the payment problem within 3 days. Otherwise, the price increases to $980.

To encourage the victim to not hesitate and pay the ransom sooner, the criminals suggest testing the decryption first. They ask to send one small encrypted file to them and promise to reply with a decrypted version of it. However, they warn that the test file should be small in size. In addition, they might refuse to decrypt this file in case it contains valuable information, as this could refrain the victim from paying the ransom at all.

Geek’s Advice team members do not recommend paying the ransom. In addition, FBI won’t advise doing so as well. Some of the reasons why you should pay up are:

• Promises of Internet criminals do not mean a thing. They cannot be traced down, therefore they are not obliged to keep their promises. You might end up losing your files and your money because paying the ransom doesn’t automatically guarantee file recovery.
• In some countries and states, paying the ransom might be illegal.
• Ransomware-type threats rake up hefty amounts of money each year. The large sums of money that criminals collect attract other people to join the illegal business model as distributors or malware developers. For this reason, we suggest you refrain from listening to virtual extortionists’ demands!
• Viruses from STOP/DJVU ransomware family such as PIIQ virus drop AZORULT Trojan on compromised computers or networks. This Trojan can be used to steal sensitive information from victim’s computer, such as browser-saved passwords, login credentials of Skype, Steam or Telegram and even more. Such information easily allows criminals to blackmail you later via phishing emails or other contact forms.

Ransomware attack in detail: damage explained

PIIQ ransomware begins the computer infection by launching a fake Windows update prompt (winupdate.exe process). The meaning behind this masquerade is that virus’ developers want to make the computer user believe that a sudden PC slowdown is caused by a Windows operating system update. However, the computer slows down because the ransomware is in action as it scans the whole computer system, looking for target files to encrypt. To complete the data encryption faster before the victim notices anything, the ransomware encrypts only the first 150KB of each file, which is enough to guarantee file corruption. However, we must mention that such type of encryption also allows the victim to easily restore or repair certain file types with minimal data loss, for example, you can learn how to restore audio or video files with some seconds of content missing at the beginning of the file.

Speaking of other ransomware activities, it also creates and drops _readme.txt ransom notes in every affected data folder. The ransomware operators clearly want the victim to notice this file and open it.

The malware doesn’t stop there and also delete Volume Shadow Copies from computer. These are essential when trying to use System Restore Points. In other words, the malware makes any free file recovery means as complicated as possible. Next, this virtual menace adds a list of computer-related websites to Windows HOSTS file, hoping to prevent the victim from visiting them. In fact, if the victim attempts to access one of these domains directly or, say, via online search engine, DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN will come up. It is believed that ransomware operators try to prevent the victim from visiting certain domains to keep relevant cyber attack-related information inaccessible.

The said ransomware is also known to distribute AZORULT malware to compromised systems. To put it simply, it is a information-stealing Trojan that can be controlled remotely by an attacker. Some of its functionalities include:

• Download malware to victim’s computer and run it;
• Steal Steam, Telegram login credentials;
• View or delete files on victim’s computer;
• Steal cryptocurrency wallets;
• Steal browser cookies, saved passwords, browsing history and more.

That said, we strongly recommend you to remove PIIQ ransomware virus along with AZORULT and other possibly installed malware using professional antivirus tools. The one that we recommend excellent malware detection rate, real-time protection and fair price – it is INTEGO Antivirus. Use it to remove malware on your computer, but make sure you boot your PC in Safe Mode with Networking first as explained in the guide below. Finally, we strongly recommend using RESTORO to repair ransomware damage on Windows OS files.

Ransomware Summary

Ransomware distribution tricks you should beware of

Computer viruses that fall in ransomware category are typically distributed using the following strategies:

Malicious torrent downloads

Malicious torrent downloads is a popular ransomware distribution technique and it is the primary method used to spread STOP/DJVU ransomware variants such as PIIQ virus. The criminals target computer users who are looking to get paid software or game versions for free and are willing to use so-called cracks or key generator tools to activate licenses without paying anything. Unfortunately, such tools are often complimented with malicious payloads. Even if the victim doesn’t notice anything after installing the desired software or game, the damage can be done already. For example, computer users can get infected with malware that has a timer to execute at a specific time or act silently (for instance, cryptocurrency miners, Remote Access Trojans and similar). What makes this ransomware (and malware in general) distribution technique so successful is that computer users even tend to ignore their antivirus’ warnings about a potentially malicious file because some tend to believe that these are false alarms related to the name “crack.” However, that is untrue in the majority of cases.

If you wish to download safe software or game versions, make sure you visit the official developer’s or distributor’s website. It is the easiest way to avoid unwanted computer infections, besides, legitimate software licenses cost way less than hefty ransoms that cybercriminals demand.

Email spam campaigns

Email spam campaigns is yet another old yet still popular ransomware distribution technique. The criminals send out thousands of deceptive emails to potential victims whose email addresses they access via various leaked database lists. Often times, the attackers make themed attacks, pretending to be someone from Amazon, eBay, DPD, DHL or other well-known companies. The message contents usually urge to open attached document or another file format that the criminals introduce as a receipt, invoice or some other document with information about missing/pending payment information. If the victim opens the attachment, the malicious script in it can connect to external resource and download ransomware plus execute it on victim’s computer.

Please remember that cybercriminals are extremely skillful nowadays and so are the attack techniques they use. While EXE used to be the primary file format used to deliver malware to potential targets, now times have changed. Criminals can attach malicious malware-downloading script into any file format that supports JavaScript or macro functions. For example, nowadays some of the most popular file formats used to transmit malware are PDF, XLS, DOCX. Additionally, criminals actively use email spoofing technique to make the email sender’s address appear legitimate. We strongly recommend you to learn more about email spoofing and ways to identify such emails here.

Fake ransomware decryption tools

Ransomware victims should beware of another sneaky malware distribution technique based on fake decryption tools. Criminals that come from other ransomware gangs tend to inject their creations in fake decryption tools that victims of STOP/DJVU malware tend to download carelessly. One of such ransomware families known for usage of such deceptive distribution tactics is Zorab. Therefore, keep in mind that attempts to download suspicious “decryption” software might result in double file encryption.

Remove PIIQ Ransomware Virus and Rescue Your Files

We must recommend you to remove PIIQ ransomware virus professionally. This is the safest way to get rid of malware on your PC and protect it from future attacks and infections. We recommend using INTEGO Antivirus which provides robust real-time protection from spyware/malware and online threats such as phishing websites. Additionally, we suggest scanning with RESTORO to repair ransomware damage on Windows OS files.

Once PIIQ virus removal is done, you should take the following steps:

• Find local authority responsible for handling cybercrime incidents in your country and inform them about the ransomware attack you have just fallen victim to. We have provided some references below this guide.
• Find data backups if you have them. TIP: You must remove all malware from your PC so that your backup wouldn’t get encrypted by remaining malware.
• Use these instructions to decrypt or repair files affected by STOP/DJVU versions.
• We suggest changing all of your passwords (especially for accounts saved in browser) due to the Azorult Trojan’s activity.

OUR GEEKS RECOMMEND

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:

STEP 1. REMOVE AUTOMATICALLY WITH ROBUST ANTIVIRUS

REMOVE & PROTECT WITH INTEGO

Get INTEGO ANTIVIRUS for Windows to remove ransomware, Trojans, adware and other spyware and malware variants and protect your PC and network drives 24/7.. This VB100-certified security software uses state-of-art technology to provide protection against ransomware, Zero-Day attacks and advanced threats, Intego Web Shield blocks dangerous websites, phishing attacks, malicious downloads and installation of potentially unwanted programs.

Use INTEGO Antivirus to remove detected threats from your computer.

Read full review here.

STEP 2. REPAIR VIRUS DAMAGE TO YOUR COMPUTER

DOWNLOAD RESTORO

RESTORO provides a free scan that helps to identify hardware, security and stability issues and presents a comprehensive report which can help you to locate and fix detected issues manually. It is a great PC repair software to use after you remove malware with professional antivirus. The full version of software will fix detected issues and repair virus damage caused to your Windows OS files automatically.

RESTORO uses AVIRA scanning engine to detect existing spyware and malware. If any are found, the software will eliminate them.

Read full review here.

GeeksAdvice.com editors select recommended products based on their effectiveness. We may earn a commission from affiliate links, at no additional cost to you. Learn more.

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.