Remove QAZX Ransomware Virus (DECRYPT .qazx FILES)

QAZX ransomware overview: a file-encrypting menace

Contents

QAZX ransomware overview: a file-encrypting menace
Distribution of ransomware-type threats
Remove QAZX ransomware virus and restore your files
Decrypt QAZX files
Frequently Asked Questions

QAZX ransomware is a vicious computer virus that seeks to encrypt all files on the system. Recognized as a variant of STOP/DJVU ransomware, it is one of the most dangerous computer threats circulating the Internet at the moment. Once launched on a system, it begins encrypting all files on it and appending .qazx extension to each filename. In addition, it drops _readme.txt ransom notes that contain a message from the malware operators.

To provide an example of how files appear after the cyberattack, let’s take some example filenames and see how they transform after being affected by this virus. Suppose we have files named 1.txt, 2.png and 3.docx. After the attack, their names will be changed to 1.txt.qazx, 2.png.qazx and 3.docx.qazx. There will be no way for the victim to open these files.

The message in the ransom note: cybercriminals demand money

Since the primary aim of ransomware is to demand ransoms from its victims, QAZX virus is no different. It leaves ransom-demanding notes throughout the system and names them as _readme.txt.

Each note holds identical message, which states that all files on the system have been encrypted. The note then reassures that the victim can still recover all of the locked data, but in order to do so, one has to purchase QAZX file decryption tool from the ransomware operators.

The note states that the victim can contact the criminals via the following email addres: support@freshmail.top. Then there’s a reserve email address, datarestorehelp@airmail.cc, that the victim can write to in case no response is received after writing to the primary one.

The crooks promise to provide a 50% discount for those victims who reach out within the initial 72 hours after getting attacked. In such case, the criminals allow paying only half of the full amount, which is $490. Whoever writes to the criminals after the discount period ends will have to pay $980 for data decryption tool. Of course, like all cybercriminals, operators of this ransomware only allow cryptocurrency-based transaction to remain anonymous.

The ransomware operators want to convince the victim to trust them, so they also suggest decrypting one test file for free. In order to use this service, the user has to write to the criminals, include the Personal ID that’s provided in the _readme.txt file, and attach one encrypted file that doesn’t contain valuable data. The criminals promise to decrypt this test file and send it back to the victim.

Although victims may find themselves in a desperate situation, we do not recommend paying ransoms to cybercriminals. It only allows these crooks to continue their activities and encourages them, which leads to even more attacks and more victims. On top of that, paying a ransom isn’t a guarantee that your files will be restored. We strongly recommend reading these guidelines for ransomware victims by FBI.

Check your computer for additional malware

Victims of this ransomware attack should check their computers for additional malware, because variants of STOP/DJVU often come in tandem with information stealers, namely RedLine, Vidar and AZORult. Each of these are known for their capabilities to steal sensitive information from computers.

Azorult is mostly known for its capability to steal browsing history, passwords, and cryptocurrency wallets; Vidar is infamous for its abilities to steal login credentials, banking information, and other personal data, and it can also download additional malware to the system. RedLine malware is capable of evading antivirus systems and stealing sensitive data, including keystrokes, login credentials, and network traffic.

These threats are extremely dangerous as they can compromise the computer’s security and user’s privacy. With their hands on such sensitive details, cybercriminals can initiate various crimes, including identify theft, hacking of personal accounts and similar.

If you’ve noticed that your computer has been compromised by the described ransomware, we strongly recommend checking for these stealers as well. You can easily remove QAZX ransomware virus and these Trojans using instructions provided below the article. You may want to use INTEGO Antivirus or another trustworthy AV solution for detection and elimination of malicious files. You can also download RESTORO to repair virus-damaged Windows OS files.

Ransomware Summary

Name	QAZX 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	662nd
Extension	.qazx
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 .qazx 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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Distribution of ransomware-type threats

Ransomware-type computer threats are mostly found in suspicious online websites serving untrustworthy downloads, and also they are often hidden as malicious email attachments. Other, less popular distribution methods include drive-by-downloads, RDP attacks and infected USB drives.

When it comes to QAZX ransomware, most victims download it in a form of a fake software crack file. Computer users who have a bad habit of attempting to install paid software versions illegally are at high risk of infecting their computers. Therefore, it is important to steer clear of such downloads and instead support software developers by obtaining legitimate license keys or subscriptions.

Another method that cybercriminals actively use for ransomware distribution is email spam. The criminals compose emails in order to trick recipients into believing that a legitimate company or a government entity is contacting them regarding an urgent matter. Such emails usually rush the recipient to open attached file and reply back as soon as possible. If the victim does as asked, this can lead to a severe computer infection.

It is important to stay cautious when checking your email. Avoid opening attachments sent by unknown senders or those that have suspicious subject line, and stay away from emails marked as spam. Furthermore, you can usually sense that the sender’s intentions are malign if the message tone is urgent and asking you to click on a link or open the attachments quickly.

After all, the best way to protect your computer is to stay attentive while browsing the Internet and do not visit suspicious websites. Be careful and do not rush to interact with email contents only because the sender asks you to; furthermore, protect your computer with antivirus that has real-time protection feature.

Remove QAZX ransomware virus and restore your files

You can remove QAZX ransomware virus and other malware from your computer yourself – just use the instructions provided below this article. We have added our software recommendations if you’re unsure what tools to use for computer cleanup and protection.

Once QAZX virus removal is complete, do not forget to change all of your passwords you have used or have saved on the infected computer. This helps to prevent further damage to your privacy due to the information-stealing malware activity.

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QAZX 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 QAZX 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 QAZX 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 QAZX files

Fix and open large QAZX 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 QAZX 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. QAZX 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 QAZX 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 QAZX 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 QAZX 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 QAZX 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 QAZX 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 .QAZX files?

You can only open QAZX 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 QAZX 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 QAZX 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.

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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.