QQLO ransomware description: malicious file-encrypting virus
Contents
QQLO ransomware is a malicious computer virus that targets data on Windows OS systems. After breaking its way into the target PC, it encrypts all files and appends .qqlo extension to their filenames. Once the damage is done, the user can no longer open or edit these files. To illustrate, files originally named 1.jpg and 2.docx will appear as 1.jpg.qqlo and 2.docx.qqlo after the virus modifies them. In addition, the ransomware drops ransom-demanding notes in text files named _readme.txt. These will be saved to several computer folders so that the user cloud notice them easier.
This ransomware is known to be a variant of STOP/DJVU ransomware, one of the most widespread computer malware of 2018-2022. The cybercriminals behind it release new virus version weekly and try to extort users globally.
The purpose of this virus is to extort the user
After QQLO ransomware attack, the user soon finds out that encrypted files can no longer be opened. Naturally, one will start searching for solution on how to recover files and access them as soon as possible. To provide a solution for the computer user, the ransomware has saved _readme.txt notes, which explain that the victim can purchase QQLO file decryption tool and unique key required for data recovery. According to the note, it is the only way to restore data.
Going further into the ransom note contents, the user discovers that the price of data decryption tools is very high and also depends on how quickly one reaches out to the criminals. The ransom note suggests that victims who write to the criminals’ emails (as provided in the ransom note, support@bestyourmail.ch and datarestorehelp@airmail.cc) within 72 hours will be eligible for a 50% discount and the decryption means will cost $490. Otherwise, the price will be set to $980.
The note also recommends sending one encrypted file as an attachment so that the perpetrators could prove they can actually decrypt files – they promise to reply with a decrypted file version. This way, the crooks try to assure the victim there are “guarantees” for data recovery.
No matter what the note suggests, we do not recommend paying the ransom, and the same idea is expressed in FBI’s recommendations for ransomware victims. Not only paying may not result in your expected outcome, but you may become a target in future attacks. This can be explained in this way – cybercriminals often repeatedly target those who are willing to pay up and show no remorse. Moreover, providing funds to them only fuels their business model and helps to employ more people, distribute the malware faster and attack even more people.
Protect your computer as soon as you can
It is important to keep your computer protected at all times, but in case you have already fallen victim to QQLO ransomware attack, then you should take action to secure your computer immediately. The worst part about being hit by this malware is that it doesn’t arrive alone – research shows that it often spreads in tandem with highly malicious VIDAR or AZORULT information stealers, both recognized as Remote Access Trojans (RATs). Cybersecurity researchers warn that these threats can steal and send various sensitive data to the perpetrators, including your browser-saved passwords, cryptocurrency wallets, cookies, browsing history, or even banking information.
To remove QQLO ransomware virus and additional malware from your PC, our team recommends following instructions provided below. Setting up the computer in Safe Mode with Networking allows you to neutralize malicious processes and run your chosen antivirus solution smoothly. Next, you may want to consider downloading RESTORO for repairing virus-damaged Windows OS files. And finally, do not forget to enable your AV’s real-time protection so that it could protect your computer and privacy at all times.
Ransomware Summary
| Name | QQLO Ransomware Virus |
| Type | Ransomware; Crypto-malware; Virtual Extortion Virus |
| Family | STOP/DJVU |
| Encryption type | RSA 2048 + Salsa20 |
| Previous versions | JYPO, KIFR, KIOP, KITZ, BOZA, BOTY, COZA (find full list here) |
| Version | 543rd |
| Extension | .qqlo |
| Cybercriminal emails | support@bestyourmail.ch, datarestorehelp@airmail.cc |
| Additional malware dropped | Azorult or Vidar Trojan |
| Damage | The ransomware uses encryption to maliciously modify all files on the PC and marks their original names with .qqlo 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, League of Legends. |
| Detection names | Ransom:Win32/StopCrypt.PAL!MTB (Microsoft), Trojan.Crypt (A) (Emsisoft), HEUR:Trojan-Ransom.Win32.Stop.gen (Kaspersky), Trojan.GenericKD.47850419 (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. To repair virus damage on Windows OS files, consider scanning with RESTORO (secure download link). |
REPAIR VIRUS DAMAGE
Scan your system for FREE to detect security, hardware and stability issues. You can use the scan results and try to remove threats manually, or you can choose to get the full version of software to fix detected issues and repair virus damage to Windows OS system files automatically. Includes Avira spyware/malware detection & removal engine.
The ransomware appends new extension to each file and drops a ransom note in the containing folder. See the screenshot below to see how affected folders look like.
Ransomware distribution in detail
Ransomware-type computer threats like QQLO virus are mostly distributed through traditional techniques used by malware operators: malicious email spam including attached files, illegal online downloads (such as torrents of pirated software versions) and deceptive online websites offering malicious files through provided downloads or presented ads.
Computer users should be very vigilant when choosing sources to download software from. Many computer users head to torrent listings or rogue sites offering free versions of premium software, which unfortunately typically leads to a malware installation on the system. Pirated software versions is the main bait that operators of STOP/DJVU ransomware use. They may upload fake setup files to rogue websites or torrents and advertise them as installers for popular premium software. If the victim falls for this bait, the ransomware gets installed on the computer as soon as the setup file is launched. This is why it is important to only visit the official software developer’s websites in order to get genuine software versions.
In addition, malware similar to this ransomware can reach computer users in a form of a malicious email attachment. The cybercriminals have a tendency to pretend to be someone they’re not – for instance, a well-known company, your colleague, someone from a governmental institution and so on. They may urge you to open the attached file and reply as soon as possible. They tend to try and scare the recipient by saying that one’s email account or website will be suspended, or that a subscription payment has been renewed. When dealing with such claims, the user mustn’t rush and click the provided link or attached file. This is exactly what the cybercriminals want – to cause confusion and make the victim act relentlessly.
We recommend computer users to remain vigilant and treat each email message with caution, especially if it comes unexpectedly. Look out for other red flags such as suspicious and overly generic greeting line, grammar mistakes, message marked as spam and its images hidden by your email account provider, etc.
Finally, avoid rogue websites claiming they can provide DJVU online key decryption tools. Everything about currently available tools and their capabilities is explained in this article, and other sources claiming they have miracle solutions are most likely backed up by cybercriminals themselves. There are cases when ransomware victims got hit by secondary ransomware just by downloading a fake data decryption tool. At this moment, you can only trust confirmed tools by Emsisoft and DiskTuna.
Remove QQLO Ransomware Virus and Restore Your Data
If you have fallen victim to a ransomware attack, it is time to take action and remove the threat from your computer, plus protect it from further malware attacks. To remove QQLO virus, we advise you to begin the procedure by booting your PC in Safe Mode with Networking first. Once in this mode, download your chosen AV solution and perform a full system scan. Additionally, we recommend that you download RESTORO to repair virus damage on Windows OS files wherever possible.
Do not forget to report the incident to your local authorities. Step two, change all of your passwords used on the compromised computer. Finally, you can use your data backups or test available tools to restore encrypted data.
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
STEP 2. REPAIR VIRUS DAMAGE TO YOUR COMPUTER
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QQLO 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 QQLO 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 QQLO 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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RESTORO is a unique PC Repair Tool which comes with an in-built Avira scan engine to detect and remove spyware/malware threats and uses a patented technology to repair virus damage. The software can repair damaged, missing or malfunctioning Windows OS files, corrupted DLLs, and more. The free version offers a scan that detects issues. To fix them, license key for the full software version must be purchased.
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.
Alternative software recommendations
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware
Removing spyware and malware is one step towards cybersecurity. To protect yourself against ever-evolving threats, we strongly recommend purchasing a Premium version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware, which provides security based on artificial intelligence and machine learning. Includes ransomware protection. See pricing options and protect yourself now.
System Mechanic Ultimate Defense
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Decrypt QQLO files
Fix and open large QQLO 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 QQLO 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. QQLO Ransomware Virus is considered the new STOP/DJVU variant, just like JYPO, KIFR, KIOP, KITZ, BOZA, BOTY, COZA (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 QQLO 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 QQLO 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 QQLO 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 QQLO 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 QQLO 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
You can only open QQLO files if you have the decryption key, or if you were affected by offline encryption type.
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.
Please follow the guidances provided by the official QQLO 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).
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.
Beware of fake QQLO 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 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.
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