Remove QEPI Ransomware Virus (DECRYPT .qepi FILES)

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

QEPI ransomware takes personal files hostage and demands a payment for their release

Contents

QEPI ransomware takes personal files hostage and demands a payment for their release
Distribution techniques used to spread ransomware
Remove QEPI ransomware and secure your computer
Decrypt QEPI files
Frequently Asked Questions

QEPI ransomware is a file-encrypting virus that is recognized as the 867th variant of the infamous STOP/DJVU ransomware family. Victims usually download it via untrustworthy websites offering cracked software. After gaining access to the target computer, it encrypts all files stored on it, appends .qepi extension to filenames, and drops ransom-demanding notes called _readme.txt. This ransomware is also known to infect system with information-stealing Trojans, namely Vidar, AZORult, RedLine.

To illustrate how encrypted files are renamed, see this example: files previously named 1.jpg, 2.txt and 3.png appear as 1.jpg.qepi, 2.txt.qepi, 3.png.qepi once encrypted. Once locked, no program will be able to open these files.

The primary goal of this malware is to prevent the computer user from accessing own files, including personal memories, work or study files. It seeks to extort the victim, as it asks to pay a hefty ransom amount in exchange for data decryption tool.

Contents of the ransom note

QEPI virus drops _readme.txt notes across the infected computer, in fact, in each folder containing at least one encrypted file. These text notes are known as ransom notes, as they deliver a message from ransomware operators and ask the victim to pay a ransom. This note explains that all files have been encrypted with strongest encryption algorithms, and the only way to restore them is to purchase QEPI file decryption tool from the threat actors.

The criminals demand paying $999, although they offer a 50% discount for people who rush to contact the criminals within 72 hours. In such scenario, they will accept $499 instead of the full amount.

They also provide a test decryption service to those who do not believe that they can actually restore all files. However, this test decryption is only available on one small file that doesn’t contain valuable information, according to the note. The cybercriminals suggest sending such sample file via email to them, as they provide two contact email addresses: support@freshingmail.top and datarestorehelpyou@airmail.cc.

The _readme.txt file also contains victim’s personal ID string. The very first 4 digits of it indicate the version of the STOP/DJVU ransomware, in this case, it is 0867.

STOP/DJVU ransomware damage to the system, explained

STOP/DJVU ransomware, including the latest QEPI extension variant, is a highly sophisticated virus. Upon gaining access to the target system, it uses a variety of methods to gain control and persistence in it, as well as evasive techniques to prevent detection. It uses Salsa20 + RSA algorithm to encrypt all files, and it also has two encryption modes, known as online and offline, to lock victim’s files.

To put it simply, the ransomware attempts to establish connection with its Command&Control server during the attack, and has an offline encryption mode if it fails to do so. In such cases, some victims may have a chance of recovering their files. However, it the ransomware encrypts files using the online encryption mode, the chances of restoring files without a data backup are very low.

In addition to data encryption, this malware usually infects the system with information stealers such as Vidar, AZORult, and RedLine. These are known to be used by criminals to steal various sensitive information from the computer, including saved passwords, browsing history, cryptocurrency wallets, and other valuable data.

Therefore, if you have discovered that this threat has hopped on your computer system, take action to delete it and associated malware without a delay. To remove QEPI ransomware virus and data stealers, we strongly recommend using trustworthy antivirus such as INTEGO Antivirus. You can find detailed removal instructions below this article.

Ransomware Summary

Name	QEPI 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	867th
Extension	.qepi
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 .qepi 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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Distribution techniques used to spread ransomware

STOP/DJVU ransomware including QEPI virus are distributed in deceitful ways, most often via malicious websites offering various downloads. The majority of these threats can be found in websites promoting cracked licensed software, free movies and wallpapers to download, and similar.

These websites use shady techniques to appear in search results, and once the user enters a search query looking for a specific software crack, for instance, Adobe Photoshop, these websites claim they can provide one. Unfortunately, once the user downloads the suggested file, it appears to be an archived file, and once executed, the malicious payload hits the system.

Computer users should avoid looking for illegal ways to activate paid software for free, as most of the websites offering these files are simply using these downloads as a bait for potential victims.

Another method used to spread ransomware is via malicious email spam – threat actors often pretend to be someone from well-known companies, such as parcel delivery, e-commerce businesses, and sometimes law-enforcement. They urge the recipient to click on a link or open attached file for some important matter, however, the attached file or a link simply leads the victim to a malicious payload.

Malware is also promoted via malicious online ads that often appear in websites known to be untrustworthy in general, such as online gambling, adult-only, illegal movie streaming sites and similar. Examples of deceptive ads include offers to install software updates, claims about viruses found on a computer and suggestions to install suspicious software to fix it, and similar. We advise computer users to be careful while browsing the Internet and avoid installing something from annoying pop-up or new tab ads.

Remove QEPI ransomware and secure your computer

If you have fallen victim to this variant of STOP/DJVU, we recommend using the instructions provided below to remove QEPI ransomware virus as soon as possible. You can use an antivirus solution you prefer or try the one recommended by our security experts – INTEGO Antivirus.

After QEPI virus removal, do not forget to change all of the passwords used on the compromised computer (due to the activity of the information stealers that were installed alongside the ransomware). Only use your data backups after complete removal of all malware. Otherwise, your data backup can get compromised by malware remains.

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QEPI 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 QEPI 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 QEPI 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 QEPI files

Fix and open large QEPI 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 QEPI 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. QEPI 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 QEPI 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 QEPI 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 QEPI 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 QEPI 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 QEPI 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 .QEPI files?

You can only open QEPI 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 QEPI 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 QEPI 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.