Remove QQMT Ransomware Virus (DECRYPT .qqmt FILES)

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

QQMT virus belongs to ransomware category

Contents

QQMT virus belongs to ransomware category
Ransomware distribution specifics
Remove QQMT Ransomware Virus and Decrypt Your Files
Decrypt QQMT files
Frequently Asked Questions

QQMT ransomware is a file-encrypting computer virus from STOP/DJVU family that has been bothering users for a while now. It is a malicious program that locks each personal file on victim’s computer using RSA cryptography. During the attack, the virus modifies file names by appending .qqmt file extension to them. To illustrate, see the following example: 1.jpg gets renamed to 1.jpg.qqmt, 2.png to 2.png.qqmt and so on. Following a successful attack, the virus creates and saves a note from the perpetrators into files called _readme.txt.

The aim of this ransomware-type virus is to extort the computer user by taking one’s personal data hostage. The malware encrypts files so that they could no longer be accessed by the user, causing extreme stress as relevant work, study files or personal memories become inaccessible. At this point, the criminals offer a solution – pay a ransom or lose the data forever.

The ransom note suggests purchasing a decryption tool

QQMT file extension virus creates notes dubbed _readme.txt and saves them in several computer folders with hopes that the user will notice them sooner. As the file name suggests, the user has to read the file in order to understand the intentions of the ransomware operators. It soon becomes clear, because the message briefly explains that all data was locked. There is no way to restore the data without the decryption software and unique key, which both are kept by the cybercriminals, according to the note.

The _readme.txt file then elaborates the matter by stating that the victim can still recover files by purchasing these special decryption tools from the cybercriminals. According to the note, the initial price for the decryption tool and key is $980, however, if the victim writes an email to the crooks within 72 hours (3 days), they will slash the price in half, accepting $490 instead. One way or another, they will only accept cryptocurrency-based payments to remain untraceable. This is usually explained later via email after the victim contacts the criminals.

The note provides two email addresses that can be used to get in touch with the perpetrators – support@bestyourmail.ch and datarestorehelp@airmail.cc. The attackers recommend attaching one sample of an encrypted file to the email, and explain that they will provide a decrypted file version in return. However, they may refuse the test decryption service if they will decide that the test file contains valuable information.

FBI recommends ransomware victims to resist the pressure and avoid paying money to virtual extortionists. First of all, it doesn’t guarantee data recovery, second, it provides funds for further cybercrime operations. Finally, victims who already paid might be blackmailed continuously, since the attackers have a tendency to target submissive victims again.

Additional information for victims of this ransomware

Computer users who have experienced attack of this described virus should know that it typically arrives into the vulnerable computer together with information-stealing Trojans, namely VIDAR or AZORULT. Both are highly dangerous threats capable of capturing sensitive data such as browsing history, cookies, browser-saved passwords and also computer-related data, such as its name, hardware specifics and other details.

Another interesting detail about this ransomware is that it is programmed to check the infected computer’s geolocation and avoid encrypting files in case the PC is located in one of the following countries: Russia, Ukraine, Syria, Kyrgyzstan, Belarus, Armenia, Tajikistan, Kazachstan, or Uzbekistan.

The virus may also delete Volume Shadow Copies from the system to prevent easy data recovery for the victim.

Computer users who have detected this virus in their systems should strive to remove QQMT ransomware without a delay. The best approach to this issue would be booting the system in Safe Mode with Networking and running a genuine, up-to-date antivirus solution to remove all malware automatically. On top of that, we recommend downloading this tool – RESTORO (secure and official download link) to repair virus-damaged Windows OS files and improving overall computer’s performance.

Ransomware Summary

Name	QQMT Ransomware Virus
Type	Ransomware; Crypto-malware; Virtual Extortion Virus
Family	STOP/DJVU
Encryption type	RSA 2048 + Salsa20
Previous versions	VVEO, VVEW, VVYU, CCYU, CCEO, CCZA (find full list here)
Version	540th
Extension	.qqmt
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 .qqmt 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).

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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.

See an example how files encrypted by this ransomware look like.

Ransomware distribution specifics

Ransomware-type viruses like QQMT are mainly distributed via rogue online websites offering pirated software downloads. Users unknowingly download them in hopes to install and activate paid software versions for free. Unfortunately, such attempts to bypass modern license check systems can only lead to severe malware attacks because cybercriminals prey for users trying to bypass software license key fees. For this reason, we strongly recommend that you only download software from official websites or confirmed partners to ensure that you get your hands on a genuine software copies only.

Another common method used to spread ransomware is email spam. Cybercriminals attach malware-injected files to emails that are crafted to look like they were sent by a legitimate company or someone the victim knows. The attachments are usually named as invoices, order summaries, or similar so that they would appear as harmless files to the victim. To avoid getting deceived, users should treat every email with caution and especially those that weren’t awaited. On top of that, typical signs that show the sender might be a bad person are:

Unfamiliar or over generic greeting line, such as Dear customer;
Grammar mistakes;
Low-quality logos;
Suspicious sender’s email address.

Victims of ransomware should also be careful with various online sources claiming they can decrypt your files, or that they have decryption tools that work. Stick with confirmed sources only. A general idea is that various cybersecurity companies create these tools, AV vendors usually have research centers and are capable of creating these tools, but do not trust unknown domains that appear out of nowhere. They can serve malware in disguise and you can end up infected for the second time.

Remove QQMT Ransomware Virus and Decrypt Your Files

You can remove QQMT ransomware virus and related computer malware using a robust antivirus solution. Before you begin, start your computer in Safe Mode with Networking first – this helps to neutralize malicious processes and other components belonging to malware that might try to interfere with your security software. Ensure you’re using a genuine antivirus copy only. Run a full system scan and remove detected threats, then download RESTORO to identify and repair virus damage to Windows OS files.

Additional tips we’d like to share include these:

After QQMT ransomware removal, use data backups to restore your files. Or, you can try these tips explained in this guide for STOP/DJVU victims.
Change all of the passwords used on the compromised computer.
Report the cyber-attack incident to local law enforcement agency.

OUR GEEKS RECOMMEND

Our team recommends removing malware using a professional antivirus software and then using the following tool to repair virus damage to Windows system files:

REPAIR VIRUS DAMAGE TO YOUR COMPUTER

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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.

GeeksAdvice.com editors select recommended products based on their effectiveness. We may earn a commission from affiliate links, at no additional cost to you. Learn more.

QQMT 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 QQMT 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 QQMT 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, which also includes data recovery software. 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.

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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Disclaimer. This site includes affiliate links. We may earn a small commission by recommending certain products, at no additional cost for you. We only choose quality software and services to recommend.

Decrypt QQMT files

Fix and open large QQMT 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 QQMT 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. QQMT Ransomware Virus is considered the new STOP/DJVU variant, just like VVEO, VVEW, VVYU, CCYU, CCEO, CCZA (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 QQMT 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 QQMT 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 QQMT 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 QQMT 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 QQMT 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 .QQMT files?

You can only open QQMT 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 QQMT 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 QQMT 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.