Geek's Advice

QDLA ransomware strives to encrypt all important files on the computer system

QDLA ransomware is a malicious computer virus that encrypts files to demand a ransom from the user. It is one of the latest variants to emerge from the STOP/DJVU ransomware family. This malicious virus will encrypt all necessary data (i.e., make unreadable) contained in the computer system while adding .qdla extension to the existing file names. E.g., a file that was formally stored as 1.jpg gets renamed to 1.jpg.qdla etc. The ransomware simultaneously drops ransom notes known as _readme.txt in all folders while the cyberattack is ongoing. Within the notes is information from those behind the cyberattack notifying the victim how to reach them and pay a specific amount of money so they can be given QDLA decryption tool.

The cybercriminals will point out that their entire files, inclusive of documents, pictures, and other vital data are now encrypted by QDLA ransomware virus with the use of powerful algorithms. Therefore, the only way the victim could hope of having access to them again is by paying ransom in exchange for the files to be decrypted. They will also include these two emails manager@mailtemp.ch and helprestoremanager@airmail.cc. so the victim can reach them.

The notification will also include ransom/decryption rates, as well as a caveat that not paying on time would attract incremental fees. Such that, if the victim is able to respond within 72 hours i.e. 3 days, they will only pay 50% of the ransom fee, which brings the ransom to $490. However, once 72 hours elapse, they will be made to pay the full fee of $980.

If the victim replies through email, the cybercriminals will further give more conditions that payment can only be done through cryptocurrency. So, the equivalent amount would have to be paid into a particular wallet address to be provided by them. The reason for this is to ensure they remain elusive. In order to assure the victim of their capability to restore their files, they may suggest/request that the victim should send any random file so they can decrypt it and would also emphasize that such excerpt must not contain any vital information.

Our own team of cybersecurity experts often direct victims to follow the FBI’s guidelines particularly in respect to ransom payment and the bottom-line is that RANSOM SHOULD NOT BE PAID. Payment of ransom is strongly discouraged for various reasons such as:

• There is no guarantee you will recover your encrypted files even after paying ransom.
• When you pay ransom, you’re supporting the malware developers to continue in their criminal activities.
• Paying ransom makes it viable for them to profit from crime and also engage more software developers which will result in more ransomwares being pushed out.

Also, the virus often has a secondary mission with a target to steal your information by dropping extractor Trojan like AZORULT on the already compromised computer. This Trojan will stealthily obtain very important personal information such as software account login details, saved passwords on your browser, banking details, cryptocurrency wallets and even your browsing history etc. Such personal details could be used to commit additional crimes such as blackmail and stealing.

If you’re unfortunate to become a victim of this STOP/DJVU variant infection, then you must endeavor to remove QDLA ransomware virus from your computer immediately. You can make use of a good antivirus and run it while your system is Safe Mode with Networking. This will enable you to safely detect and remove any malware found in your computer. You can always use any antivirus of your choice but make sure it is very reliable; otherwise it may not be result-oriented. Our team recommends using INTEGO Antivirus to remove existing threats and protect your PC from further atacks. Additionally, we suggest you to download RESTORO to repair damage on Windows OS files. To be able to use these programs properly and without malware interruptions, please read the tutorial that is provided below.

Ransomware Summary

Name	QDLA Ransomware Virus
Type	Ransomware; Crypto-malware; Virtual Extortion Virus
Family	STOP/DJVU
Encryption type	RSA 2048 + Salsa20
Previous versions	VYIA, QBAA, FOPA, VTYM, KQGS, XCBG, BPQD (find full list here)
Version	347th
Extension	.qdla
Cybercriminal emails	manager@mailtemp.ch, helprestoremanager@airmail.cc
Additional malware dropped	Azorult or Vidar Trojan
Damage	The ransomware infects computers arriving in a form of a software crack or keygen. It then proceeds to encrypt all files on the system and marking them with .qdla extensions. The virus drops _readme.txt ransom note in every folder it scans. Additionally, the ransomware removes access to System Restore Points by deleting Volume Shadow Copies. Then it edits Windows HOSTS file by blocking a list of websites that could provide relevant information and help to ransomware victims. Information-stealers like AZORULT Trojan or VIDAR can also be installed on victim’s PC.
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, League of Legends.
Detection names	Trojan:Win32/Krypter.AA!MTB (Microsoft), Gen:Variant.Fragtor.36858 (B) (Emsisoft), UDS:Trojan.Win32.Scarsi.gen (Kaspersky), Gen:Variant.Fragtor.36858 (BitDefender), MachineLearning/Anomalous.95% (Malwarebytes), Packed.Generic.528 (Symantec) see all detection name variations on VirusTotal
Removal	Remove ransomware and related malware from your PC using professional software of your choice. We highly recommend using INTEGO Antivirus. To repair virus damage on Windows OS files, consider scanning with RESTORO.

REMOVE MALWARE & REPAIR VIRUS DAMAGE

Ransomware Infection Channels & How to Avoid Them

STOP/DJVU ransomware variants such as QDLA virus are mostly able to infect computer systems when users download malicious torrents. The malware often hide in unwholesome products/tools including pirated software copies like a key generator or crack, and trying to make use of them can result in virus infection. Victims of this ransomware have reported different diverse software names the cybercriminals often use as a decoy in trapping unsuspecting users. They will front such software as a crack or free licence activation tools, but their real intention is to spread malware. They include the following:

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

Users that often seek software torrents online because they want to enjoy some games or to extract “cracks” and activations illegally without paying should abstain from such acts to avoid becoming victims to cybercriminals. Moreover making use of such software or tools is considered as copyright violations which is a punishable offense by law. We believe it’s actually more encouraging to patronize products from legitimate developers. The amount you pay to purchase through their official channels is insignificant when compared to what you may lose if you fall victim to ransomware.

Another popular way they spread ransomware is through malicious email attachments. They use deceptive ways to send it across to unsuspecting public, and they may be in the form of DOCX, XLS or PDF. These three are their favorite because they enable JavaScript and macro functions, including downloads from external sources, which they could run on your system.

To decipher real emails and attachments from malicious ones can be quite tricky because these cybercriminals have mastered the act of camouflage. So they may disguise it to appear genuine tracking details, invoice or order summary from reputable brand names like Amazon or DHL etc. They may even go as far as making use of email spoofing techniques to conceal the originating address. You should play smart by not opening such emails if you feel they’re odd.

In essence, victims of STOP/DJVU ransomware are advised to avoid suspicious websites that claim to have decryption tools because such things are not available. At the moment, the only effective STOP/DJVU decryption tools are the ones produced by Emsisoft and DiskTuna (how to make use of them is equally explained here). Also note that cybercriminals often spread similar ransomware family versions like ZORAB through fake STOP/DJVU decryptors. Making use of them can only lead to further file encryption.

More information about the malware

To know more about the extent your computer was compromised during the QDLA ransomware attack, you can go through this part because the technical aspect of the ransomware is explained here. The malware will initiate the process by launching build.exe or build2.exe executables, as well as winupdate.exe, which is responsible for displaying fake Windows update screen prompts.

The malware connects to https[:]//api.2ip.ua/geo.json while saving the result geo.json file. The malware also extracts all data about your computer system including its zip code, geolocation, longitude, latitude, time zone, and even certain software and hardware details, and all will be sent to their server. You can check the image below to see how geo.json file looks like.

In addition, the malware tallies the extracted country code against a master list of ransomware attack-exception countries which include Ukraine, Russia, Uzbekistan, Syria, Belarus, Armenia, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Kazachstan. Once the victim is from any of the countries listed here, it will instantly withdraw from any further attack. However, if otherwise, the ransomware proceeds to assign an online encryption key to the victim’s ID and they will be stored in bowsakkdestx.txt file and also to PersonalID.txt file. An example of these text files is shown below.

If the ransomware fails to generate an online encryption key, it will resort to an offline one. This offline encryption key is universal to all victims of that particular malware variant. You can detect if an offline key was used if the end part of your personal ID has t1 characters. If offline key is used, it brightens the chance to decrypt .qdla files in the future. Check below for more details on this.

The next stage of the malware infection is the data encryption process. At this point, it will scan the entire folders and make its contents unreadable – this is done using Salsa20 and proceeds to lock the encryption key using the RSA-2048 key. While this process is still ongoing, each file will be marked with distinct extensions.

The image below depicts how the _readme.txt ransom note that is dropped in every folder looks like.

The malware continues the damaging process by deleting Volume Shadow Copies while making use of Command Prompt as shown here:

vssadmin.exe Delete Shadows /All /Quiet.

In wrapping it up, the virus will include a list of domains to the Windows Hosts file and proceeds to map them to localhost IP. This move effectively bars the victim from accessing those websites. DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error message is what the victim will see whenever the victim tries to open any of the restricted websites. The purpose of doing this is to prevent the victim from obtaining any help online, such as getting assistance from malware removal guides or forums that discuss such issues.

Remove QDLA Ransomware Virus and Recover Your Files

If you’re at the receiving end of the ransomware virus attack, it would be advisable to get in touch with the local authorities responsible for handling such issues in your area (You can follow the steps outlined below). And of course, you should remove QDLA ransomware virus immediately or as soon as you can. You can start your computer using Safe Mode with Networking option; this will disable some Windows functions which will enable any strong antivirus to effectively remove the entire ransomware from your computer.

If you’re not sure of any reliable antivirus that can do this satisfactorily, then we advise you go for INTEGO Antivirus. This antivirus has proven to be excellent in fighting against malware infections. Additionally, our team advices you to download and scan with RESTORO, a tool that allows repairing virus damage to Windows OS without reinstalling the whole operating system.

• Now you must have completely removed QDLA ransomware virus from your computer system; you can follow this template below as recommended by our company experts:
• Get in touch with local authorities that supervise such issues and inform them accordingly
• Make use of data backup to replace your lost files, but you must make sure your computer is totally free of the virus before inserting any external storage device.
• Search for how to decrypt your files that were damaged by the ransomware
• It is very important that you must change all passwords associated with the compromised computer.

Lastly, it is strongly advised that you should never make use of any antivirus you’re not sure of and to always follow directions in the other they were outlined. You can help yourself with the directions provided below as well as the recommended antivirus.

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:

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