Geek's Advice

Qlkm ransomware takes personal files hostage, demands a ransom

Qlkm ransomware is a computer virus originating from STOP/DJVU malware family. This virus encrypts documents, photos and other important files on victim’s PC and appends .qlkm extension to original filenames. As a result, file called 1.jpg appears as 1.jpg.qlkm after the attack. Such files become impossible to open due to RSA cryptography used. Later on, the program drops _readme.txt notes in every folder, demanding the victim to pay $490 or $980 in Bitcoin for data decryption tools. To put it simply, this virus is a virtual extortion tool used by cybercriminals. The dropped ransom notes suggest writing to the criminals via provided emails to get further instructions regarding ransom payment – helpmanager@mail.ch, restoremanager@airmail.cc. In addition to damaging victim’s private data, this virus installs AZORULT password-stealer on the system.

Victims affected by this ransomware mostly report downloading illegal content from peer-to-peer file sharing networks (using torrents). Most of the time, the ransomware arrives in a form of a software crack. After being executed, QLKM ransomware performs the following tasks:

• Deletes Volume Shadow Copies, preventing easy and free lost data recovery.
• Inputs a list of additional domains to the Windows HOSTS file, making them inaccessible to the computer user (learn how to reset this file).
• Attempts to establish connection with the Command&Control server and requests a unique encryption key for the host (also known as “online key” in this context). In case of failure, uses a hardcoded key for encryption instead (“offline key” in this context).
• Encrypts all files using asymmetric algorithm known as RSA.
• Installs AZORULT, a dangerous credential-stealing Trojan.

Ransomware encryption routine explained

Speaking of QLKM file decryption, you must understand which way – online or offline was used to encrypt your files. As mentioned previously, if the virus succeeds to establish connection with its Command&Control server, it obtains a unique encryption key to encrypt all files on victim’s computer. In this scenario, only that specific victim gets encrypted with that key, meaning that there is only one decryption key corresponding to the encryption key. In such scenario, it is extremely hard to recover files.

In some cases, the virus might fail to connect to the C2 server, so it uses offline encryption key that is hardcoded into the specific STOP/DJVU version. That said, every victim affected with offline key is subject to the same decryption key as well. Although this gives hope to restore files in the future, you must understand that this can take months until a decryption key reaches the cybersecurity experts and it gets uploaded to the decryption software. To provide better explanation, we also must mention that each version – such as IGAL, OMFL, IGDM and others have their unique offline encryption key.

Do not pay the ransom. Please try the recommended file recovery/repair tools first.

Norbert Webb

Please read about possible data recovery solutions below this article, or in this detailed STOP/DJVU decryption guide.

What do the ransomware developers want?

QLKM ransomware virus aims to lock your files and make them inaccessible to you. The only purpose of doing this is because the virus’ developers know that your personal files, or at least part of them, are important to you. They put a encryption-based restriction on your files and drop ransom-demanding notes on the computer, named _readme.txt. These notes inform the victim that all documents, photos, videos, archives and other file formats have been encrypted, and that the only way to decrypt (restore) them is to purchase the private decryption key and software from the criminals.

When it comes to the decryption software price, or, in other words, criminals’ ransom demand, it depends on how fast the victim completes the demands. The note suggests that the ransom price is $490 if the victim writes to the criminals within 72 hours from the infection timestamp. If the victim fails to contact with the criminals within 3 full days, the price rises to $980. Needless to say, the attackers won’t provide you with their personal bank account to get the transaction. They demand to purchase Bitcoins worth the stated sum and transfer it to their crypto wallet address. This helps to preserve their anonymity.

Finally, the note includes a personal ID assigned to the victim. The criminals suggest sending it along one encrypted file for test .qlkm file decryption. They promise to reply with a decrypted version of the file to prove that their promises aren’t empty. However, we still do not recommend paying the ransom.

You shouldn’t pay the ransom due to several logical reasons. First, paying the ransom never guarantees full or successful data decryption. Next, by sending cybercriminals money, you encourage them to continue their business and filthy activities, thus creating even more damage worldwide.

Finally, if you pay, the criminals surely will try to target you again, either via phishing emails or hack via other computer’s security vulnerabilities. Remember that this ransomware distributes AZORULT password-stealer, which can grab your passwords and other important information and transfer it to criminals.

If you have been infected with this malware, we strongly recommend you to remove QLKM virus using a robust anti-malware software. After that, scan with RESTORO to repair virus damage caused on Windows OS. Do not forget to change all of your passwords for accounts you previously stored in your browser’s memory.

QLKM virus is part of STOP/DJVU malware, which currently has over 270th versions out there. It is considered the most widespread ransomware-type virus that is known to target home computer users. The version you’re infected is categorized as “new” STOP/DJVU, because it was issued post August 2019 (date of major virus update and encryption vulnerability fix).

Learn how ransomware spreads

The primary QLKM ransomware distribution vector is malicious torrents. To be more specific, all versions of STOP/DJVU malware are noticed to arrive in a form of a software crack or keygen. Victims typically download such files to avoid costs of legitimate software licenses, hoping to “crack” the software and use it for free. Unfortunately, developers of malware know this demand, therefore they disguise the malicious payloads as these files and upload them to various torrent-sharing sites.

After downloading the file, victim usually gets Windows Defender alert for possible malware. Sadly, such alerts are often ignored as the computer users believe each crack or keygen gets flagged by security programs, and often is a false positive. Unfortunately, it isn’t in this case, which results in complete data encryption system-wide.

Victims reported downloading the ransomware via Adobe Photoshop cracks, game cracks, KMSPico, and similar popular software. We advise you to head to the official software developer’s website to obtain its premium version legally. Often times it costs multiple times less than the hefty ransom prices that cyber criminals demand paying for data decryption software.

Another common way to spread malware is email spam. The attackers tend to compose convincing messages, often impersonating someone from well-known companies, such as Amazon, eBay, DPD, UPS and others. The email message often includes counterfeit logos and whole official letter design. Such emails include an attachment that can be in various formats, such as .img, .ace, .js, .pdf, .doc and others. In these days, cybercriminals no longer need to deliver whole executable or archived one to you. They can attach a file with malicious file that downloads malware from external source and executes it on your computer. Such scripts can be attached to various file formats.

Be very careful if you receive an email stating you got an invoice to review, or that you’re missing or have a pending payment for/from someone. During COVID-19 times, criminals leverage the whole online shopping situation and tend to send out fake emails claiming the victim needs to review parcel information or view its tracking route.

Finally, we recommend you to be careful of what you download online. Scammers tend to provide fake Java update ads not only to install potentially unwanted programs (PUPs), but more severe malware like ransomware as well. That said, if you ran into an ad suggesting to update Java, check if you actually need it on the official JAVA website and download it from there.

Remove QLKM ransomware and secure your computer

Begin QLKM ransomware removal using steps provided below. Our security experts have put up this free guide for computer users who accidentally get infected with ransomware. Moreover, it includes suggestions on how to decrypt your files. Finally, do not forget to report Internet crime incident to corresponding authority in your country.

Once you remove QLKM virus, it is also important to repair virus damage caused for the computer system. For this matter, we strongly suggest scanning with RESTORO and repair corrupt Windows system entries.

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:

STEP 1. REMOVE AUTOMATICALLY WITH ROBUST ANTIVIRUS

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Use INTEGO Antivirus to remove detected threats from your computer.

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STEP 2. REPAIR VIRUS DAMAGE TO YOUR COMPUTER

DOWNLOAD RESTORO

RESTORO provides a free scan that helps to identify hardware, security and stability issues and presents a comprehensive report which can help you to locate and fix detected issues manually. It is a great PC repair software to use after you remove malware with professional antivirus. The full version of software will fix detected issues and repair virus damage caused to your Windows OS files automatically.

RESTORO uses AVIRA scanning engine to detect existing spyware and malware. If any are found, the software will eliminate them.

Read full review here.

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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.