Remove QARJ Ransomware Virus (DECRYPT .qarj FILES)

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

QARJ ransomware attack: malware that leaves all files encrypted

Contents

QARJ ransomware attack: malware that leaves all files encrypted
How are ransomware-type threats distributed?
Remove QARJ ransomware virus and recover your data
Decrypt QARJ files
Frequently Asked Questions

QARJ ransomware is a malicious file-encrypting virus that targets Windows-running computers. It originates from the STOP/DJVU ransomware family and it aims to lock all files on infected systems. During the attack, this piece of malware makes all personal files inaccessible, and appends an additional .qarj extension to each affected filename. On top of that, the virus leaves _readme.txt files, known as ransom notes, in each compromised data folder. These notes carry a threatening message to the victim.

To illustrate how this ransomware renames files, let’s take three example files: 1.jpg, 2.png, 3.txt. After getting encrypted, their names appear as 1.jpg.qarj, 2.png.qarj, 3.txt.qarj. No matter what program the victim may try to use for opening these files, there will be no success.

The ransomware aims to cause problems for the computer user by taking one’s files hostage. Since people keep important work, study, research or personal files on their computers, losing access to all of them at once can cause a lot of stress. Therefore, the cybercriminals offer decrypting the data for a specific price, or, in other words, they demand a ransom payment.

Extortionists provide their conditions in the ransom note

The ransom note left by the ransomware operators explains that there is no other way to recover encrypted file but to pay a ransom to cybercriminals. The criminals state that the victim can test decryption on one file first.

They explain that the victim should contact them via these email addresses: support@freshmail.top or datarestorehelp@airmail.cc, and attach the Personal ID provided in the ransom note. They also recommend attaching one encrypted file (one that doesn’t contain important information) and promise to send back a decrypted version of it.

The criminals urge the victim to contact them within 3 days (72 hours) in order to settle a lower ransom price point. According to them, whoever reaches out within 72 hours after being attacked, gets 50% discount and has to pay $490 instead of the full amount, which is $980.

The victim has to pay the amount in cryptocurrency, which means that one has to purchase Bitcoins equivalent to the amount in dollars and transfer these funds to the criminals’ virtual wallet address. This payment method helps to keep the cybercriminals safe and anonymous, since law enforcement agencies cannot track who received payments made via cryptocurrency.

However, no matter how desperate the situation seems, we do not recommend paying the ransom. It motivates the criminals and encourages them to create more malware and attack more people. On top of that, paying up increases the likelihood of being attacked in the future. Finally, paying the ransom does not guarantee data recovery, because cybercriminals cannot be trusted, no matter their promises or free one file-only decryption services provided. For more information, read these guidelines for ransomware victims published by FBI.

Beware: additional malware dropped

We have overviewed samples of malicious files that are used to unleash QARJ ransomware virus on computers, and have discovered that these files are also used to launch more malware, namely RedLine, AZORult and Vidar. These are highly harmful programs or, in other words, information stealers that are primarily used by cybercriminals to extract sensitive information from compromised computers and send it to their own servers.

Examples of information that can be stolen via these tools include saved passwords, banking details, cryptocurrency wallets, app login credentials, browsing history and cookies, computer information, installed software list, active processes list and others. In addition, cybercriminals can make these tools execute various tasks on victim’s computer, for example, view or delete files, execute command-line tasks, shut down processes, download and run additional malware on the computer and even more.

If your computer has been infected with these threats, do not waste any more time and remove QARJ ransomware virus and all harmful programs without a delay. For this matter, use the instructions prepared by our team for guidance. We do not recommend manual removal option as it can be hard to trace and delete all malicious components and helpers from the system. Rely on a trustworthy AV solution, such as INTEGO Antivirus to perform the malware removal procedure. In addition, you can repair certain virus damage using RESTORO (secure download link).

Ransomware Summary

Name	QARJ Ransomware Virus
Type	Ransomware; Crypto-malware; Virtual Extortion Virus
Family	STOP/DJVU
Encryption type	RSA 2048 + Salsa20
Previous versions	COSW, COBA, COAQ, CRAA, QAPO, QARJ QAZX (find full list here)
Version	664th
Extension	.qarj
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 .qarj 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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How are ransomware-type threats distributed?

Ransomware-type computer viruses similar to QARJ file-encrypting malware are usually distributed using a variety of different techniques listed and described below.

Email phishing. Cybercriminals often send out thousands of deceptive emails to potential victims and attach malware-laced attachments to them. They hope to convince the recipient to open the attached file, which then launches the ransomware payload.
Illegal online downloads. Cybercriminals often disguise malicious files as desirable software cracks and upload them to rogue software crack websites or torrent listings. Users who have the bad habit of looking up such files and downloading them are at risk of infecting their computers with this ransomware. It is a well-known fact that fake software cracks is the primary distribution method used for STOP/DJVU ransomware variants.
Malvertising. In some cases, cybercriminals manage to compromise legitimate ad networks and inject malicious code into ads that appear legitimate at the first sight. Clicking on such ads can lead to a severe computer infection.
Drive-by downloads. Cybercriminals often try to exploit vulnerabilities in users’ web browsers or plugins. They use hacked or infected websites to set up exploits and then force visitors to download and install malware, usually without user’s knowledge or agreement.
Remote desktop protocol (RDP) attacks. Hackers often try to break into unprotected systems via weak RDP credentials. Once they do, they can run ransomware and various other malware types to compromise the system. Companies that have weak security policies and easy-to-guess passwords are at high risk of becoming victims of ransomware attack.

In order to avoid getting infected, computer users should stay vigilant while browsing the Internet or checking their emails. Illegal downloads should be avoided at all costs – they are known to be one of the main sources of malicious files. In general, users should not click on suspicious links or ads and only download software or updates from legitimate and trustworthy websites. In addition, protecting the computer system with a robust antivirus is simply a must.

Remove QARJ ransomware virus and recover your data

Computer users who have experienced a ransomware attack should avoid paying ransoms and instead take action to protect their privacy and computer security ASAP. The guidelines presented below explain how to remove QARJ ransomware virus and other harmful viruses safely. Follow the guidelines carefully and you will get rid of these threats in no time.

If you’re looking for software recommendations, here are our favourites: we recommend INTEGO Antivirus for malware removal. It has an outstanding malware removal rate and can protect your PC from attacks in real-time.

When it comes to reparation of virus-damaged Windows OS files, we suggest you to download RESTORO and try running a system scan with it. If you want, use the full version of the software to repair detected problems automatically.

Once QARJ virus removal is finalized, we strongly recommend changing all of the passwords used on the infected computer, and taking action to secure accounts that cybercriminals may have access to now (due to information-stealing Trojans’ activity). You may want to set up 2FA authentication wherever possible.

If you didn’t have data backups, you can try decrypting or repairing your files using methods described in this guide for STOP/DJVU ransomware victims.

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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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QARJ 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 QARJ 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 QARJ 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.

Alternative software recommendations

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Decrypt QARJ files

Fix and open large QARJ 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 QARJ 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. QARJ Ransomware Virus is considered the new STOP/DJVU variant, just like COSW, COBA, COAQ, CRAA, QAPO, QARJ QAZX (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 QARJ 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 QARJ 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 QARJ 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 QARJ 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 QARJ 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 .QARJ files?

You can only open QARJ 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 QARJ 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 QARJ 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.