Remove QAPO Ransomware Virus (DECRYPT .qapo FILES)

remove QAPO ransomware virus and learn how to decrypt or repair files with .qapo extension (free guide)

QAPO ransomware locks files, demands a ransom payment

Contents

QAPO ransomware locks files, demands a ransom payment
Get to know main ransomware distribution methods
Remove QAPO ransomware virus and recover your files
Decrypt QAPO files
Frequently Asked Questions

QAPO ransomware is a malicious computer virus that encrypts all files on the system. It is yet another version released by the infamous STOP/DJVU ransomware operators. Once the malware is launched, it starts scanning all folders and encrypting files found in them. During this process, the ransomware appends .qapo extension to each filename. For instance, files named 1.png and 2.js will appear as 1.png.qapo and 2.js.qapo after getting encrypted. Encrypted files can no longer be accessed, no matter what program is used to open them. The virus also drops messages to the victim in a form of _readme.txt files. These files are referred to as “ransom notes.”

This malicious virus has only one aim – to extort the computer user after taking one’s files hostage. For this matter, it uses a strong encryption algorithm and applies it to each file. Files modified in such way can only be restored either via data backup or by using a unique decryption key. The criminals offer selling this key along with QAPO decryption tool for a specific amount of money. In other words, they demand paying a ransom for data decryption solution.

Ransom note introduces the decryption tool pricing

The purpose of the ransom note is to deliver the threat actors’ message to the victim. It suggests that the victim now has only one option – pay the ransom and recover files. Otherwise, the files will remain locked for good. The note suggests that the victim should write an email to the attackers for further instructions, and then begins to explain the pricing of the decryption tool.

The note states that the initial price of the decryption tools is $980, however, those who contact the criminals shortly enough will get a 50% discount. As the note suggests, victims should shoot an email to the attackers within 72 hours to get this discount. In such scenario, the ransom amount asked to pay would be $490.

The note contains victim’s Personal ID and two email addresses: support@freshmail.top and datarestorehelp@airmail.cc. The criminals ask to include the Personal ID in the message, and attach one encrypted file for test decryption. In their response, they typically attach the decrypted version of the file in order to prove that they can restore the rest of encrypted data.

However, even if paying the ransom seems like the only option, especially if you do not have a data backup, we do not recommend doing so. First of all, there are no guarantee of data recovery, and once you send your money to these crooks, there is no refund option, either. Besides, paying the ransom actually increases likelihood of further attacks on you and also encourages cybercrime. Finally, even if you pay, this won’t protect you from getting targeted again, so we strongly recommend taking action to protect your privacy and security instead of paying the ransom to cybercriminals. Read more recommendations for ransomware victims on FBI or NCSC websites.

Additional information stealers involved: what you need to know

STOP/DJVU ransomware variants such as QAPO virus are known to carry additional threats, including these information stealers: VIDAR, RedLine, AZORult. These are highly dangerous Trojans that can be controlled by remote attacker and used to execute such tasks on the compromised system:

Steal saved passwords;
Steal offline cryptocurrency wallet contents;
Steal browsing history, cookies;
Extract information about the computer, including installed software and active processes list;
View or delete files;
Download and execute additional malware;
Execute command-line tasks.

This is quite a lengthy list of capabilities, and you can imagine the damage that cybercriminals can cause to you after gaining access to such information. That said, we strongly recommend deleting all malware from the system and taking action to protect your accounts, for example, by changing your passwords and enabling two-factor authentication.

To remove QAPO ransomware virus and these Trojans, you should follow the instructions prepared by our team. You can find these instructions below the article. We recommend opting for automatic removal, since it is a much safer way to eliminate malware. Our team enjoys using INTEGO Antivirus, as it has outstanding malware detection rate. Another great tool that you can download is RESTORO, and it can be used to repair virus damage on Windows OS files and identify various computer hardware, stability and security problems.

Ransomware Summary

Name	QAPO Ransomware Virus
Type	Ransomware; Crypto-malware; Virtual Extortion Virus
Family	STOP/DJVU
Encryption type	RSA 2048 + Salsa20
Previous versions	KAAA, BGJS, BGZQ (find full list here)
Version	663rd
Extension	.qapo
Cybercriminal emails	support@freshmail.top, datarestorehelp@airmail.cc
Additional malware dropped	Azorult, RedLine or Vidar
Damage	The ransomware uses encryption to maliciously modify all files on the PC and marks their original names with .qapo extension. Ransom notes called as _readme.txt will be dropped in every computer folder. This piece of malware usually drags VIDAR Stealer alongside it and also eliminates VSS from the system. On top of that, it tends to modify Windows HOSTS file to restrict computer user’s access to cybersecurity-related websites online.
Ransom note	_readme.txt
Ransom demand	$490-$980 in Bitcoin
Distribution	Victims often download this ransomware along illegal torrent downloads, cracked software, activators, key generators or tools like KMSPico.
Known software cracks to contain this malware	Corel Draw, Tenorshare 4ukey, Adobe Photoshop, Cubase, Adobe Illustrator, Internet Download Manager, Tally, HP/Epson printer drivers, League of Legends.
Detection names	Trojan:Win32/Azorult.FW!MTB (Microsoft), Gen:Heur.Mint.Zard.52 (B) (Emsisoft), HEUR:Trojan.Win32.Scarsi.gen (Kaspersky), Gen:Heur.Mint.Zard.52 (BitDefender), Trojan.MalPack.GS (Malwarebytes), ML.Attribute.HighConfidence (Symantec) see all detection name variations on VirusTotal
Removal	Remove ransomware and related malware from your PC using trustworthy software like INTEGO Antivirus. To repair virus damage on Windows OS files, download and try RESTORO (secure download link).

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Get to know main ransomware distribution methods

Ransomware-type viruses are usually delivered in a form of malicious email attachments or deceptive online downloads, among other methods. The cybercriminals behind QAPO ransomware usually opt for these two techniques due to their success rate.

Deceptive online downloads are designed to trick the unsuspecting user into downloading and launching the malicious file without realizing the danger that lies behind it. Most of the time, cybercriminals prey for computer users through rogue online sites offering cracked software downloads. They set up almost identically-looking websites that promote various cracked software contents and try to lure victims’ by using big software names, such as Adobe Photoshop, FIFA, Tenorshare 4ukey, MATLAB, AutoCAD and others. Since these programs usually ask for a subscription or license key in order to provide their full feature pack, some computer users try to find ways to save their money. Unfortunately, such choice usually results in expenses a lot higher than a legitimate software license key.

We strongly recommend you to not download cracked software as it mostly leads to a computer infection. Visit official websites only when in need for a specific computer program or game. After all, you should support legitimate software developers instead of greedy cybercriminals.

Another common way of delivering malware to computer users is via email attachments. The perpetrators tend to craft convincing messages designed to trick the recipient into opening the malicious attachment. The crooks may use social engineering techniques in order to achieve this goal, for example, posing as a trusted entity, like a online retailer, parcel delivery company, bank, or creating a sense of urgency, such as threatening to charge a large sum from recipient’s bank account or to close an account.

The malicious attachments can come in a variety of data formats, although the ones used mostly are Word, PDF, Excel and OneNote documents. The criminals inject malicious code in them that runs as soon as the victim opens the document and/or clicks on something inside of such document.

We recommend inspecting your emails carefully and avoid opening email attachments if you notice that the email contains grammar/spelling errors, contains a generic greeting line and low-quality images. Also, check the sender’s email address. If its domain doesn’t match the domain of the company the sender claims to represent, it is a good sign that the email comes from a scammer.

Remove QAPO ransomware virus and recover your files

Victims of the described ransomware attack should remove all threats from the system as soon as possible. There is no point of keeping such a set of malware on the system, especially because it exposes you to further risks. In order to remove QAPO ransomware virus and the information stealers, run a trusted antivirus solution like INTEGO Antivirus after booting your computer into Safe Mode with Networking.

QAPO virus removal is easy; all you need to do is to follow the guidelines presented below. We also recommend running a system scan with RESTORO to repair any damage the virus has inflicted on Windows OS files. In addition, considering the activity of information-stealing malware that installs along this ransomware, we recommend changing all of your passwords used on the infected computer.

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QAPO 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 QAPO 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 QAPO 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. 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.

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Decrypt QAPO files

Fix and open large QAPO 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 QAPO 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. QAPO Ransomware Virus is considered the new STOP/DJVU variant, just like KAAA, BGJS, BGZQ (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 QAPO 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 QAPO 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 QAPO 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 QAPO 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 QAPO 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 .QAPO files?

You can only open QAPO 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 QAPO 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 QAPO 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.