Remove QEHU Ransomware Virus (DECRYPT .qehu FILES)

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

QEHU ransomware encrypts files, demands ransom

Contents

QEHU ransomware encrypts files, demands ransom
Ransomware distribution methods
Remove QEHU Ransomware Virus
Decrypt QEHU files
Frequently Asked Questions

QEHU ransomware is a file-encrypting computer virus targeting Windows systems. Our team has confirmed that it is a variant of STOP/DJVU, one of the currently most widespread ransomware strains. Once launched on the computer, this malware encrypts all files stored in it, appends .qehu extension to original filenames, and drops _readme.txt files, known as ransom notes. The ransomware typically arrives with a set of information stealers, such as Vidar, RedLine, and AZORult.

The encrypted files are renamed as shown in this example: 1.jpg gets changed to 1.jpg.qehu, 2.png to 2.png.qehu, 3.docx to 3.docx.qehu. No program is able to open these files, and as a tell-tale sign, the file icons become blank.

QEHU ransomware operators take computer user’s ability to open, view, or edit files in order to cause trouble. The user realises that all personal memories, work or study files are no longer accessible, causing further problems. The cybercriminals behind malware then explain a solution to such situation in the ransom notes dropped throughout the system – they demand the victim to pay a ransom in order to get data decryption tool.

_readme.txt overview

The virus creates a copy of _readme.txt ransom note and saves it into every folder containing encrypted files. As a rule, ransomware operators leave these text files to explain what has been done to data and how it can be recovered.

In this case, the criminals demand paying $999 for .qehu file decryption tool and key, although they promise to lower the price to $499 for those who rush to contact them within 72 hours (3 days). Usually, threat actors only accept payments via cryptocurrency as it allows them to remain untraceable by law enforcement.

The note also introduces test decryption service, which the criminals provide on one small file that doesn’t contain valuable information. The victim can send such file to the criminals via provided emails: support@freshingmail.top and datarestorehelpyou@airmail.cc and expect a decrypted version in their reply.

The _readme.txt warns that the victim will never restore data without payment, and warns not to seek help online. At the end of the note, they include victim’s identification string, known as Personal ID, which starts with 4 digits identifying the ransomware variant (0868).

STOP/DJVU ransomware in general

QEHU ransomware is similar to all STOP/DJVU variants released lately. It encrypts data on the system and connected drives using a robust encryption algorithm – a combination of Salsa20 and RSA. It is known to use antivirus evasion techniques and a set of methods to gain control and persistence in the infected system, as explained in this detailed STOP/DJVU analysis.

The malware connects to hxxps://api.2ip.ua/geo.json to find out the infected computer’s IP address and geolocation data. It is known that STOP/DJVU ransomware doesn’t attack computers from the following countries: Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Syria.

This ransomware is known to operate in two encryption modes – online and offline. The online method is the one where the malware successfully establishes connection with its Command&Control server (in case it is not down and the computer’s network connection is stable) and retrieves encryption key from there. In such scenario, each victim gets assigned a unique encryption key per computer. If the malware fails to establish connection, it uses a hard-coded RSA public key instead. That said, all victims of offline QEHU encryption may be able to restore some of their files using the same key (read more about it in this STOP/DJVU decryption guide).

However, since the ransomware is using a scheduled task to run itself every 5 minutes, it is possible that part of the files may be affected by online encryption and part of them by offline encryption mode.

However, data encryption isn’t the only damage inflicted by this malware. The malicious files that distribute it also install information-stealing Trojans on the system. The samples we inspected were carrying Vidar, RedLine, or AZORult; all of these are known to be used to steal sensitive data such as browsing history, saved passwords from browsers as well as some programs, cryptocurrency wallets, and similar.

In order to get rid of the discussed threats, we recommend you to remove QEHU ransomware virus using a trustworthy antivirus like INTEGO Antivirus or the one you prefer. We do not recommend manual malware removal option because the said malware is highly complex and deleting all of its files manually can be a long and error-prone process.

Ransomware Summary

Name	QEHU Ransomware Virus
Type	Ransomware; Crypto-malware; Virtual Extortion Virus
Family	STOP/DJVU
Encryption type	RSA 2048 + Salsa20
Previous versions	QEZA, BGZQ, QEPI, QEHU (find full list here)
Version	868th
Extension	.qehu
Cybercriminal emails	datarestorehelpyou@airmail.cc and support@freshingmail.top
Additional malware dropped	Azorult, RedLine or Vidar
Damage	The ransomware encrypts all files on the infected system and connected drives, thus marks their names with .qehu extension. Ransom notes called as _readme.txt will be dropped in every computer folder. This piece of malware usually drags information stealers alongside it. 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	$499-$999 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/RiseProStealer.SPDG!MTB (Microsoft), Trojan.GenericKD.72216572 (B) (Emsisoft), HEUR:Trojan.Win32.Strab.pef (Kaspersky), Trojan.GenericKD.72216572 (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.

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Ransomware distribution methods

Ransomware-type viruses, including STOP/DJVU versions like QEHU, are mostly distributed via infectious websites, malicious email spam, and malicious online ads. The primary distribution method for this specific ransomware family is deceptive websites promoting licensed software cracks. Users often stumble upon them after entering a search query looking for a specific software crack.

Unfortunately, threat actors behind these websites manipulate search engine algorithms to appear in search results. Users who unknowingly visit these websites and click download links in them are then redirected to websites providing the malicious files. These files are often provided in .zip or .rar form.

Computer users should avoid such illegal downloads at all costs – they are often used as a bait for potential victims. Besides, the damages after opening a malicious file can result in much higher financial expenses than a legitimate software license would cost.

Another malware distribution method used by criminals is malicious email spam. Cybercriminals use email address spoofing techniques to conceal the real sender’s address and use urgent tone in their emails, claiming that there is an urgent matter – unpaid invoice, stuck parcel, or another issue that needs to be addressed by the recipient. Such emails typically urge to open an email attachment or a link in the message that leads to malicious payload. Therefore, users should be attentive and use common sense when opening such emails and question the sender’s intentions. For instance, if you’re contacted by someone from a company you have no business with, simply ignore such emails.

Another way to distribute malware is malicious online ads. Such advertisements can also appear while visiting websites that promote software cracks, but may also appear in web pages that are known to be rogue, for example, illegal movie streaming websites, adult-only and gambling sites. Deceptive ads may promote alleged software updates, suspicious tools or prizes for those who install advertised software.

Remove QEHU Ransomware Virus

If your files are now encrypted by this notorious virus, we strongly recommend scanning your computer with a trusted antivirus solution to get rid of all malware. However, we advise starting your computer in Safe Mode with Networking first. You can find instructions how to do it correctly below.

To remove QEHU ransomware virus, consider using INTEGO Antivirus that will also protect your computer from future attacks. In addition, our team advises changing all of the passwords used on the compromised system due to the aforementioned information stealers’ activity.

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QEHU 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 QEHU 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 QEHU 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 QEHU files

Fix and open large QEHU 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 QEHU 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. QEHU Ransomware Virus is considered the new STOP/DJVU variant, just like QEZA, BGZQ, QEPI, QEHU (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 QEHU 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 QEHU 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 QEHU 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 QEHU 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 QEHU 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 .QEHU files?

You can only open QEHU 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 QEHU 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 QEHU 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.