Remove ZQQW Ransomware Virus (DECRYPT .zqqw FILES)

remove zqqw ransomware and decrypt your files (free guide)

ZQQW ransomware is a computer virus used for virtual extortion

Contents

ZQQW ransomware is a computer virus used for virtual extortion
Ransomware infection explained: what has been done to your system?
- Ransomware Summary
Ransomware distribution tricks you should beware of
Remove ZQQW Ransomware Virus and Decrypt .zqqw Files
Decrypt ZQQW files
Frequently Asked Questions

ZQQW ransomware appears to be yet another STOP/DJVU virus variant. Once launched on the target system, it starts encrypting all personal files using RSA Salsa20 ciphers. During this procedure, the virus also appends .zqqw extension to each encrypted filename and drops _readme.txt file in the containing folder. For example, a file originally called 1.jpg becomes 1.jpg.zqqw after the cyber attack. The said ransom note contains a brief explanation from ransomware operators who suggest that the only way to recover files is paying a ransom to them. They suggest ‘purchasing’ ZQQW decryption tool for $490 in 3 days or $980 later. The only way to contact these cybercriminals is via two email addresses provided in _readme.txt file – manager@mailtemp.ch or helpmanager@airmail.cc.

ZQQW ransomware functions as a virtual extortion tool – it makes files inaccessible by securing them with military-grade encryption algorithms, then makes them distinguishable by appending additional file extension, and lastly it drops a ransom note in every folder to inform the victim about what happened. In fact, the ransomware only encrypts the very first 150 KB of each file which is enough to corrupt them. However, this also allows to restore certain file formats with small data loss at the beginning of the file as explained in this decryption guide. The ransom note explains that ransomware authors have taken victim’s files hostage and demand paying a ransom for their decryption.

The ransomware locks all files, then demands a ransom from the computer user.

This computer virus is designed to save the infection timestamp on victim’s computer and also send it to criminals’ Command&Control server. Starting from this timestamp, the victim has 72 hours (3 days) to contact the criminals via given emails and pay the ransom. If the victim manages to do so, the ZQQW decryption price will be $490 in Bitcoin. However, if the victim fails to set up an agreement with virtual extortionists, the ransom price will be $980. Of course, the attackers demand paying the specified amount in cryptocurrency as this helps to preserve their anonymity.

Geek’s Advice team as well as FBI do not recommend paying ransoms to cybercriminals, even if it seems like the only way out. Some of the arguments why you shouldn’t pay up are listed below.

Cybercriminals are simply not trustworthy, therefore you shouldn’t believe in anything they promise you. They cannot be traced down in any way, so even if they don’t provide you with decryption tools after you pay, there’s nothing you can do to get your money back.
Ransomware-type viruses earn millions of US dollars to malevolent actors each year. This lures other people to join this illegal business and helps criminals to expand their reach easily. Please, do not fund these illegal activities with your hard-earned money.
Paying a ransom might be considered an illegal act in your country.
Viruses that belong to STOP/DJVU ransomware family such as ZQQW virus run AZORULT Trojan on the infected computer. This is a well-known information stealer which can be remotely controlled by the attacker to perform illegal actions on victim’s PC.

Ransomware infection explained: what has been done to your system?

ZQQW ransomware aims to encrypt your files, but before it does this, it launches a fake Windows update prompt (winupdate.exe process) to pretend like the sudden system slowdown is caused by ongoing system updates. In the meantime, it starts scanning target directories and encrypting all files found in them. The malware then continues by deleting Volume Shadow Copies from the system by running the following command via CMD:

_{vssadmin.exe Delete Shadows /All /Quiet}

This ensures that the victim won’t be able to revert the damage by using System Restore Points. Next, the malware alters Windows HOSTS file by adding a list of website names to it and mapping them to localhost IP. This ensures that the victim will run into DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error while trying to access any of these via web browser. It is believed that ransomware operators seek to ban certain websites so that the victim couldn’t find relevant information provided by them that would help to cope with the attack consequences.

Finally, the ransomware saves bowsakkdestx.txt file which holds the public encryption key and victim’s personal ID string and also saves PersonalID.txt file that contains only the victim’s ID. You can see an example of such file down below.

The ransomware saves public key which is used for file encryption as well as victims personal ID in a separate file.

Despite ruining all of victim’s files, the ransomware operators still do not think there’s enough damage, so they also drop a information stealer on the system. This Trojan is called AZORULT and it can be used to remotely perform various tasks on victim’s computer, such as:

Download more malware to the computer and running it;
Steal login credentials from programs such as Steam, Telegram and others;
View or delete files from victim’s computer;
Steal cryptocurrency wallets;
Steal browser cookies, saved passwords, browsing history and more.

Considering the damage caused by this malware, we recommend that you remove ZQQW ransomware virus from your system as soon as possible. For that, you might want to use anti-malware software of your choice. Additionally, we suggest using RESTORO to repair virus damage on Windows OS files and clean up malware remains.

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Ransomware Summary

Name	ZQQW Ransomware Virus
Type	Ransomware; Crypto-malware; Virtual Extortion Virus
Family	STOP/DJVU
Encryption type	RSA Salsa20
Previous versions	VYIA, QBAA, FOPA, VTYM, KQGS, XCBG, BPQD (find full list here)
Version	311th
Extension	.zqqw
Dropper	SmokeLoader (see VirusTotal details)
Damage	The ransomware is set to encrypt all personal files on the victim’s computer using RSA Salsa20 ciphers. Once modified, such files become impossible to open. The ransomware marks them with an additional .zqqw extension. The virus also deletes Volume Shadow Copies and adds a list of restricted domain names to Windows HOSTS file.
Ransom note	_readme.txt
Ransom demand	$490-$980 in Bitcoin
Distribution	Hides in illegal torrent downloads, cracked software, key generators or tools like KMSPico.
Detection names	Trojan:Win32/Glupteba (Microsoft), Glupteba.Backdoor.Bruteforce.DDS (Malwarebytes), TR/AD.InstaBot.bfsbw (Avira), HEUR:Exploit.Win32.Shellcode.gen (Kaspersky), Trojan.GenericKD.36669904 (B)(Emsisoft), Trojan.GenericKDZ.76128 (BitDefender), W32.Trojan.Gen (Webroot) see all detection name variations on VirusTotal
Removal	Remove ransomware and related malware from your PC using professional antivirus software. To repair virus damage on Windows OS files, consider scanning with RESTORO.

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_readme.txt note contents warn to contact the criminals for further details.

Ransomware distribution tricks you should beware of

Viruses that fall into ransomware category are usually distributed via malicious email attachments, illegal torrent downloads or fake cracking tools. Cybersecurity experts have already noticed that STOP/DJVU variants such as ZQQW file virus are usually downloaded along various illegal torrents. Many victims reported getting the payload along popular software cracks (Adobe Photoshop, Corel Draw, Cubase or Adobe Illustrator). In addition, some victims reported KMSPico versions as concealed ransomware infection sources. It seems that the cybercriminals target people who are looking for illegal ways to get paid software for free. These can be downloaded via various peer-to-peer sharing agents. Besides, one of the key factors that contributes to success of this distribution technique is that users are often willing to ignore security software warnings about such malicious downloads, thinking that these are simply false alarms regarding the existence of a ‘crack’.

We strongly advise you to get legitimate software versions from confirmed sources only. If you don’t, you expose your computer to various risks. Even if it seems that the installation was successful and there is nothing to worry about, you might already be infected with silent malware such as cryptocurrency miner, rootkit or Trojan.

Another well-known technique used for ransomware distribution is malicious email spam. Attachments added to such emails can be in the following formats: PDF, XLS, DOCX or others. They are designed to launch an attack on victim’s computer. It has been noticed that attackers often name these files as invoice/payment_information/important_notice or similarly. Moreover, you can identify a potential danger if you can feel an urgent tone in the message sent to you. For example, the message might ask you to view the attached contents and reply back as soon as possible. Our general recommendation is to avoid opening emails that you did not expect to receive and learn how to identify spoofed email address.

STOP/DJVU ransomware victims should beware of a malware distribution technique aimed at them. It has been reported that cybercriminals from other ransomware gangs are uploading fake ZQQW decryption tools on deceptive websites in order to double-infect victims with other virus’ kinds. One of ransomware families that’s known for using such technique is called ZORAB.

Remove ZQQW Ransomware Virus and Decrypt .zqqw Files

The first and foremost thing we recommend doing now is securing your computer. Therefore, we suggest you to remove ZQQW ransomware virus using trustworthy anti-malware software of your choice. Additionally, we suggest scanning with RESTORO to remove malware remains and repair virus damage on Windows OS files.

Once ZQQW ransomware virus removal is complete, take the following actions:

Inform your local authority resposible for handling Internet crime about this ransomware attack. You can find some references below the article.
Use data backups to restore your files in case you have created them prior to the attack.
Follow the given instructions to decrypt or repair files affected by STOP/DJVU versions.
Change your passwords for sites saved in your browser. This is recommended due to the fact that Azorult Trojan is capable of stealing them. Do not forget to change Steam, Telegram and Skype passwords as well.

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ZQQW 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 ZQQW 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 ZQQW 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

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Decrypt ZQQW files

Fix and open large ZQQW 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 ZQQW 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. ZQQW ransomware virus is considered the new STOP/DJVU variant, just like VYIA, QBAA, FOPA, VTYM, KQGS, XCBG, BPQD (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 ZQQW 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 ZQQW 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 ZQQW 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 ZQQW 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 ZQQW 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 .ZQQW files?

You can only open ZQQW 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 ZQQW 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 ZQQW 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.