Geek's Advice

QALL ransomware is a new computer virus released by the STOP/DJVU malware gang

QALL ransomware is a highly destructive file-encrypting virus that recently emerged from the STOP/DJVU ransomware family. It operates by encrypting all files contained in any computer system in infects and also appends them with .qall extension to each filename. Take for instance, a file formerly known as 1.jpg will automatically become 1.jpg.qall and same thing will be done on all others. During the attack, certain notes known as _readme.txt will also be dropped in all the folders. These notes contain messages sent by the cybercriminals to the victim explaining the development to them and why they would have to get in touch with them and also pay a specific amount of money as ransom fee in order to receive QALL decryption tool.

They will further clarify in the ransom note that QALL ransomware virus was successful in its attempt to encrypt all files contained in the victim’s computer including important documents, pictures and every other data stored in the infected computer. Therefore, there is no way out except to pay the ransom fee being demanded by them. To create room for communication between both parties, two email addresses will also be dropped by the cybercriminals i.e. support@sysmail.ch and supportsys@airmail.cc.

In addition to that, decryption service prices will also be included and would be accompanied with terms and conditions associated with the payment. They will state that the exact fees that would be eventually paid by the victim would depend on how quickly they are able to comply with it. For instance, responding within 72 hours of being notified attracts 50% discount. Therefore instead of paying $980 ransom fee, $490 would be acceptable. However, once it exceeds 3 days, the victim would be mandated to pay the full ransom fee.

If the victim decides to communicate with the cybercriminals, he would be mandated to make payment through the purchase of cryptocurrency that is worth the ransom fee and also transferring the amount to a wallet address that would be presented by the cybercriminals. The obvious reason why they typically request for such anonymous means of payment is to hide their identity and avoid possible arrest by law enforcement agents. To convince the victim about their expertise and make them pay the ransom fee, they may suggest that a sample of the encrypted files be forwarded to them for sample decryption.

Our cybersecurity experts recommend that victims should adhere to FBI’s guidelines that categorically warns against the payment of ransom to cybercriminals. There are several reasons why victims of ransomware attack shouldn’t pay ransom to cybercriminals. Doing so would only encourage them in their criminal activities since they would now find it profitable. More funds at their disposal would enable them to put more resources into extorting others. Also, aside the fact that paying ransom might be illegal by law in your country, it still does not guarantee you will recover your encrypted files.

There is another threat associated with this virus whereby it leverages accompanying Trojans like VIDAR and AZORULT to steal important and sensitive information like banking details, passwords, cryptocurrency wallets, software account credentials, browsing history, records etc. More problems could arise once such sensitive details get into the wrong hands.

Victims of STOP/DJVU ransomware variants are advised to remove QALL ransomware virus from the infected computer without delay. The safest way to do this is with the use of any reliable antivirus but the computer should be booted through Safe Mode with Networking option before running the antivirus on it. You should also consider the use of RESTORO in restoring Windows OS files that were damaged during the malware attack.

Ransomware Summary

REPAIR VIRUS DAMAGE

Ransomware Distribution Techniques

The most well-known distribution technique used by cybercriminals in spreading various types of STOP/DJVU ransomware including QALL virus is through malicious software contents downloaded from online torrents platforms. The cybercriminals often embed malware on pirated copies of popular software copies. Based on this, use of deceptive key generators and “cracks” are strongly discouraged.

Reports gathered from victims in recent times indicate that a number of software copies are often used by the cybercriminals for this purpose. These software contents are then uploaded to online torrent platforms with the typical ones listed below:

• KMSPico (illegal Windows activation tool);
• Fifa 20;
• Tenorshare 4ukey;
• AutoCad;
• Opera browser;
• Corel Draw;
• VMware Workstation;
• Cubase;
• Adobe Illustrator;
• League of Legends;
• Internet Download Manager;
• Adobe Photoshop.

For those computer users who have a tendency of visiting such illegal file sharing platforms because they assume it might be a great way to save some money, you’re hereby warned to desist from doing so to avoid adding to the numbers of victims. Any moment spent in online torrents platforms would make the individual vulnerable and prone to cyber-attack that may occur at any time. Instead of getting involved in such illegal and potentially harmful activity, it is a lot better to patronize the original content developers. By so doing, you will be helping the industry to grow while protecting yourself as well. Remember that any amount the producers request can never be compared to the huge ransom fees usually demanded by cybercriminals and the disruption it will cause.

Another method used by cybercriminals in distributing malware is through malicious email attachments whereby they would embed malware on specially crafted documents using platforms like PDF, XLS and DOCX. These are their preferred options because they allow JavaScript and other macro functions that enable the upload, transfer and triggering of payload on end-user computers.

The main challenge for computer users is how to easily detect malware-carrying email from other genuine emails. The cybercriminals now impersonate individuals and actual brands such as eBay, UPS, Amazon, and FedEx among several others and would use inciting names like Order Summary, Invoice or Tracking Details for the attachments. On the other hand, they may decide to make use of email spoofing techniques in hiding the real originating email address, all in an attempt to deceive the victim. As a result of these, computer users are advised to apply discretion when opening emails. If an email appears out of place it should serve as a warning to thread carefully or better still avoid opening such email.

Victims of STOP/DJVU ransomware are advised to avoid some dubious websites that are known for advertising decryption solutions because such seldom exists. However, only tools from DiskTuna and Emsisoft have proven to be capable of repairing STOP/DJVU encrypted files. Some desperate cybercriminals even go as far as creating fake STOP/DJVU decryptors like ZORAB which they use in spreading other versions of ransomware.

More details about the virus

Just like many others, you may be wondering to which extent your computer was affected during QALL cyber-attack. This section will help you to understand the technical aspect of the attack and it affects your computer.

The first step the malware takes during an attack is to launch build.exe or build2.exe and would follow it up with winupdate.exe. Next, it will move swiftly by connecting with https[:]//api.2ip.ua/geo.json and would save the outcome on geo.json file. At this point, it will commence information gathering of important details concerning the computer under attack including its geolocation, time zone, zip code, latitude and longitude, and would save them accordingly. Shown below is an image of two geo.json file samples.

It will create another file for hardware details and installed software list, and would save them in information.txt.

Going further, the malware will make a comparison between the country code of the computer under attack with a list of countries they designated as encryption-exempted such as Ukraine, Belarus, Russian Federation, Syria, Armenia, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kazachstan and Kyrgyzstan. If it establishes that such computer is domiciled in any of these countries, it would immediately terminate the mission but if otherwise, it will request an online encryption key and PersonalID from C&C server and save them to bowsakkdestx.txt file and the ID individually to PersonalID.txt file. Examples of such files are shown below.

If peradventure the virus couldn’t retrieve an online encryption key from their database, it will automatically opt for the use of hardcoded offline key instead, and this key would be same for all other victims of the same virus variant. The use of offline key can be easily detected if there is presence of t1 characters attached to the end of the personal ID. The implication is that .qall files could be decrypted someday. More information about this is provided below.

The ransomware will now begin total data encryption procedure by scanning all the folders and encrypting the respective files with Salsa20 before making use of the RSA-2048 key for securing the encryption. The same malware process also marks the files with an additional extension that matches the virus’ version name.

Shown below is an image of _readme.txt ransom note usually left by the virus on compromised computer.

In the last stages of the computer attack, the virus will add selected domains to the Windows HOSTS file and would map them to localhost IP thereby effectively preempting any attempt by the victim to seek help from online forums or similar platforms that assist victims of ransomware. Once the victim tries to browse any of the web pages blacklisted by the cybercriminals, they may only see DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error message.

Remove QALL Ransomware Virus and Retrieve Your Files

For victims whose files were encrypted by the malware variant being discussed, it would be in your best interest to remove QALL ransomware virus without further delay and also report to the appropriate authorities vested to handle such challenges. Meanwhile, do not forget the key things to do as recommended earlier in this article i.e. booting your computer in Safe Mode with Networking before running a STRONG AND RELIABLE antivirus on it. You should also consider downloading RESTORO to help in identifying and repairing files damaged by the virus.

Now that QALL ransomware virus has been removed, you should take the following steps:

• Report the cyber-attack to the relevant authorities charged with handling such problems.
• Make use of any available data backup device in restoring lost data but ensure that the virus is completely removed before plugging an external device.
• Consider possible ways through which you can repair the files damaged by STOP/DJVU variants.
• It is very important to change all passwords that were used in the infected computer.

OUR GEEKS RECOMMEND

Our team recommends removing malware using a professional antivirus software and then using the following tool to repair virus damage to Windows system files:

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.

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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.