Remove QQRI Ransomware Virus (DECRYPT .qqri FILES)

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

QQRI ransomware attacks unprotected computers to encrypt all data on them

Contents

QQRI ransomware attacks unprotected computers to encrypt all data on them
Learn how ransomware threats are distributed to avoid getting infected
Remove QQRI ransomware virus with caution
Decrypt QQRI files
Frequently Asked Questions

QQRI is a ransomware-type computer virus that is known to be a variant released by the STOP/DJVU cybercriminal gang. It is a piece of malware that’s designed to encrypt files on the target system, then leave ransom-demanding notes called _readme.txt in every data folder. To make it clear which files were affected, the ransomware appends a new .qqri extension to each affected file name. To illustrate the process, see these examples: 1.jpg gets renamed to 1.jpg.qqri, 2.docx to 2.docx.qqri and so on.

After the encryption, files become inaccessible, which means the victim can no longer open, modify, edit or restore the file without a decryption key. This key along a special decryption software is kept by the attackers that seek to extort the computer user. They perpetrators explain what happened to the computer and files as well as how much money they want for the decryption service in ransom notes dropped in several computer folders.

Contents of the _readme.txt note explained

The ransom note dropped by QQRI ransomware demands user’s attention and explains that all of the encrypted data can still be recovered. However, it also explains that the recovery can only be done with a help of a decryption software and private key, both in possession of cybercriminals. According to the note, the perpetrators advise writing an email to them via one of provided email addresses: support@bestyourmail.ch or datarestorehelp@airmail.cc. If the victim does contact the attackers within 72 hours, they promise a 50% discount on the decryption tools, meaning they would cost $490. Otherwise, the victim has to pay full ransom amount that is $980.

The note also instructs attaching one encrypted file sample for test decryption. The way this works is the victim sends an encrypted file to the criminals via email and they respond with a decrypted file version to prove they can actually restore the data. In addition, the ransom note recommends inserting the victim’s Personal ID string that is included in the _readme.txt file.

After contacting the criminals via email, the victim receives further instructions regarding the ransom payment method. It appears that the crooks only accept payments made via cryptocurrency to avoid getting tracked down. Therefore, they may give instructions on how to purchase Bitcoin or any other cryptocurrency worth the settled ransom amount and transfer it to their virtual wallet address.

However, let us remind you that cybersecurity experts as well as FBI typically recommend to NOT PAY THE RANSOM. It hardly gives guarantees that the criminals will help you to recover data, plus, if you pay, your money will be used to fund further illegal operations, employ more people, distribute the malware more on a larger scale and as a result, infect more people. Finally, cybercriminals often have the tendency to repeatedly attack victims who are willing to comply with their demands.

Beware of additional malware installed

Besides the primary payload – the file-encrypting ransomware, victim’s computer will also get compromised with additional malware that usually travels alongside STOP/DJVU variants. These threats are recognized as Remote Access Trojans (RATs) that can be used to steal information from victim’s computer and carry out other illegal activities remotely. Two of the known Trojan names associated with these attacks are VIDAR and AZORult.

Being infected with these threats means exposing your browsing history, cookies, browser-saved passwords and related data to the cybercriminals. Access to such data allows the perpetrators blackmail the user further or steal personal accounts. Needless to say, it is of your best interest to remove QQRI ransomware virus along these Trojans from the computer system. This can be done using a robust antivirus solution. Additionally, you may want to download RESTORO – a software recommended by our team that is useful in cleaning up malware remains and repairing virus damage to Windows OS system.

Ransomware Summary

Name	QQRI Ransomware Virus
Type	Ransomware; Crypto-malware; Virtual Extortion Virus
Family	STOP/DJVU
Encryption type	RSA 2048 + Salsa20
Previous versions	CCEO, CCZA, QQMT, QQLC, QQLO, QQRI (find full list here)
Version	541st
Extension	.qqri
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 .qqri 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.

The image below shows how files encrypted by this ransomware appear in computer folders alongside the ransom note (_readme.txt file).

Learn how ransomware threats are distributed to avoid getting infected

Ransomware-type threats typically infect computer users via malicious email attachments, rogue downloads available in torrent listings or rogue websites, or fake online ads. Cybercriminals behind the STOP/DJVU ransomware versions such as QQRI virus mostly distribute these pieces of malware in disguise of pirated software versions. Victims can download them from a list of malicious websites claiming they provide cracked software versions that fully work. Typically, one can download the malicious setup file either via generated link (direct download) or a torrent file.

What’s even worse is that users who are trying to bypass software license fees often ignore their antivirus’ warnings about a potentially dangerous download as there’s a frequent false mindset of thinking that these are just false positives. We recommend computer users to avoid searching for pirated software copies and rely on genuine copies only. This way, you will avoid a bunch of cybersecurity risks and won’t infringe copyrights of legitimate software developers.

Another common malware distribution method is based on email spam containing malicious attachments. The criminals can modify many regular document types, such as DOCX, XLS, or PDF to insert a script that is designed to download the payload from an external source and run it on victim’s computer during the launch of the document.

Therefore, it is best if you treat every email you receive with caution and avoid opening email attachments sent by unknown senders or someone that wasn’t supposed to contact you at the time. For example, the criminals might try to trigger your action by sending fake subscription renewal emails, order summaries or parcel tracking codes in a form of an email attachment and expect that you will open these out of pure curiosity. However, you should never do so if you suspect that the email seems strange (even the slightest bit!).

Additionally, look out for other signs that could tell you the sender has malevolent intentions, for instance, general greeting line (such as Dear customer) or typing mistakes in the message. The most easily recognizable sign of a malicious email is urgent invitation to take action, for example, click on a link or open attached files.

Remove QQRI ransomware virus with caution

If you have become a victim of the described ransomware, the first step to security is deleting the malware from your computer. For this task, we recommend that you boot your PC in Safe Mode with Networking (as explained in the tutorial below). Next, run a genuine antivirus solution to identify and remove QQRI ransomware virus and related threats automatically. Finally, you can download RESTORO to check for Windows OS files that were damaged during the ransomware attack and repair them.

Additionally, our team advises victims of STOP/DJVU variants to change all of the passwords used and/or saved on the compromised host into new ones. Encrypted files can be restored using data backups, however, you can also check if your files were encrypted using online or offline encryption and learn more about possible future solutions here.

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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.

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QQRI 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 QQRI 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 QQRI 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

If you're looking for an all-in-one system maintenance suite that has 7 core components providing powerful real-time protection, on-demand malware removal, system optimization, data recovery, password manager, online privacy protection and secure driver wiping technology. Therefore, due to its wide-range of capabilities, System Mechanic Ultimate Defense deserves Geek's Advice approval. Get it now for 50% off. You may also be interested in its full review.

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 QQRI files

Fix and open large QQRI 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 QQRI 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. QQRI Ransomware Virus is considered the new STOP/DJVU variant, just like CCEO, CCZA, QQMT, QQLC, QQLO, QQRI (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 QQRI 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 QQRI 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 QQRI 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 QQRI 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 QQRI 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 .QQRI files?

You can only open QQRI 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 QQRI 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 QQRI 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.