Remove QQLC Ransomware Virus (+DECRYPT .qqlc Files)

Qqlc virus is a type of computer virus that injects your PC, encrypts your files, and then asks to pay the money for file decryption. Besides these unpleasant actions, that virus also changes some important settings and can even suspend your anti-malware program.

Qqlc ransomware – what is it?

Qqlc ransomware can correctly be described as a STOP/Djvu ransomware family. That sort of virus is targeted at individuals. This feature supposes that Qqlc does not bring any sort of additional malware, which sometimes helps virus of various other families to control your system. Since most people do not have anything valuable on their PCs, there is no reason to download other viruses that increases the risk of failure of the whole ransomware injection.

The typical signs of Qqlc ransomware activity is the emersion of .qqlc files in your folders, instead of the files you used to have. The photo.jpg turns into photo.jpg.qqlc, report.xlsx – into report.xlsx.qqlc and so on. You cannot to stop this operation, and can’t open these files – they are ciphered with quite strong cipher.

You can also see various other signs of virus activity. Spontaneously suspended Microsoft Defender and inability to open the famous anti-malware forums or sites, where the ransomware removal and file decryption guides are posted. You will see how it is conducted in the paragraph below. The malware removal and decryption guide are also available – check below how to remove Qqlc ransomware and get the .qqlc files back.

How did Qqlc ransomware encrypt my files?

After the injection, the Qqlc virus establishes a connection with its command and control server. This server is controlled by virus maintainers – crooks who manage the spreading of this malware. Another activity which is conducted by these crooks is answering the emails of victims, who intend to get their files back.

The documents are ciphered with one of the strongest encryption algorithm – AES-256. The “256” digit in the name of this algorithms means the power of two – 2^256 for this case. 78-digit number of possible password variations – it is impossible to brute force it. As analysts say, it will take more time than the Earth can estimate to exist, even if you use the most powerful computer system. In each folder that contains the encrypted documents, Qqlc ransomware leaves the _readme.txt file with the following contents:

ATTENTION!

Don't worry, you can return all your files!

All your files like photos, databases, documents and other important are encrypted with strongest encryption and unique key.
The only method of recovering files is to purchase decrypt tool and unique key for you.
This software will decrypt all your encrypted files.

What guarantees you have?

You can send one of your encrypted file from your PC and we decrypt it for free.
But we can decrypt only 1 file for free. File must not contain valuable information.

You can get and look video overview decrypt tool:

https://we.tl/t-WJa63R98Ku

Price of private key and decrypt software is $980.
Discount 50% available if you contact us first 72 hours, that's price for you is $490.

Please note that you'll never restore your data without payment.

Check your e-mail "Spam" or "Junk" folder if you don't get answer more than 6 hours.

To get this software you need write on our e-mail:

manager@mailtemp.ch

Reserve e-mail address to contact us:

managerhelper@airmail.cc

Your personal ID:
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Nevertheless, you can still use some of your documents. The Qqlc malware ciphers only the initial 150 KB of each file, but the other piece of this document can be opened. Primarily, it works best with audio/video files, which are likely larger than 150 kilobytes. Not each media player can open these files – WinAmp is the best choice, since it is free and well-tested. First seconds of each song or video will be missing – this part is encrypted – but the rest of the file will be accessible like nothing happened.

Is Qqlc ransomware dangerous for my PC?

As it was mentioned several paragraphs before, ransomware is not only about encrypting the files. Qqlc malware makes the changes in your operating system in order to prevent searching the malware removal and file decryption guides. Qqlc virus does not establish the software obstacle – it just modifies the settings, primarily – networking and security configurations.

Through the networking settings, the most changed item is the HOSTS configuration file. This text file keeps the DNS-address configurations, which are used by the browsers while requesting to the server. If you add a specific DNS-address for the certain website, your web browser will connect that website through this DNS next time. Ransomware alters that file, adding the non-existent DNS, so any of the web browsers will show you the “Unable to resolve the DNS-address” error.

Other alterations done by the ransomware are targeted on prevention of operative detection of itself, and also blocking the installation of the majority of anti-malware programs. Qqlc ransomware makes several modifications in Group Policies – the system setting application which allows to change the rights of each application. In such a way, malware stops the Microsoft Defender and several other anti-malware apps, and also disables the launch of anti-malware installation files.

How did I get infected?

Throughout the whole term while STOP/Djvu family existed, it was using questionable programs as a primary way of ransomware injection. Under the term of dubious applications I mean applications that are already not supported by the creator and spread through the file sharing websites. These applications may be hacked, to make them usable without purchasing any license. Another example of such a program type is different hacking tools – cheat engines, keygens, Windows activation tools and so on.

These applications may be distributed in different methods – through the website that offers a downloading link, as well as through the seeding networks – ThePirateBay, eMule and so on. All these sources are known as the most popular computer piracy websites. People use these sites to get different apps or games for free, even if they must be purchased. No one can stop the users who crack these apps from adding viruses of some sort to the files of the hacked app. Hacktools, however, are created for outlaw purposes, so their developers may easily embed the virus under the guise of some program part.

These hacked apps, regardless of their source, are one of the most often carriers for various viruses, and definitely the most used one for Qqlc ransomware. The best solution is to avoid using of it, and not only because of malware injection risks. Avoiding the license purchase is an illegal action, and both hackers and folks who use cracked programs fall under the charge of piracy.

How do I remove Qqlc virus?

The Qqlc ransomware is extremely hard to wipe out manually. In fact, because of the number of changes it makes in your Windows, it is almost unreal to spot them all and fix. The best option is to use antivirus software. But which one to choose?

You may spectate the advices to make use of Microsoft Defender, that is already in your computer. However, as it was mentioned before, the majority of STOP/Djvu malware examples block it even before the ciphering procedure. Using the third-party tool is the only option – and I can advice you the GridinSoft Anti-Malware as a solution for this case. It has impressive detection abilities, so the malware will not be missed. It is also capable of system repairing, that is heavily needed after the Qqlc virus attack.

To remove Qqlc malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software.

After the ransomware removal, you can go to file decryption. Ransomware removal is required to prevent the repeating ciphering of your files: while Qqlc ransomware is active, it will not miss any unencrypted file.

How to decrypt the .qqlc files?

There are two ways to decrypt your files after a Qqlc malware attack. First one and the most popular is file decryption. It is performed with a special program, designed by Emsisoft, and called Emsisoft Decryptor for STOP/Djvu. This program is free. Analysts update its decryption keys databases as often as possible, so you will surely get your files back, sooner or later.

Another option to get your files back is to try to recover them from your disks. Since ransomware deletes them and substitutes with an encrypted copy, the residue of the documents are still kept on the disk. After the removal, the information about them is removed from the file system, but not from a disk drive. Special apps, like PhotoRec, are able to recover these files. It is free, too, and may also be used for file recovery in case when you have deleted something unintentionally.

Decrypting the .qqlc files with Emsisoft Decrypter for STOP/Djvu

Download and install Emsisoft Decrypter tool. Agree with its EULA and continue to the interface.

The interface of this program is extremely easy. All you have to do is to select the folder where the encrypted files are stored, and wait. If the program has the decryption key which corresponds to your ransomware case – it will decrypt it.

During the use of Emsisoft Decrypter for STOP/Djvu, you may observe various error messages. Don’t worry, that does not mean that you did something wrong or a program does not work properly. Each of these errors refer to a specific case. Here is the explanation:

Error: Unable to decrypt file with ID: [your ID]

The program does not have a corresponding key for your case. You need to wait for some time until the key database will be updated.

No key for new variant online ID: [your ID]

Notice: this ID appears to be an online ID, decryption is impossible.

This error means that your files are encrypted with an online key. In such a case, the decryption key is unique and stored on the remote server, controlled by crooks. Unfortunately, the decryption 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.

Ransomware uses the offline key to encrypt your files. This key is not unique, so you likely have it in common with another victim. Since offline keys must be collected, too, it is important to keep calm and wait until the analysts team finds one which will fit your case.

Remote name could not be resolved

This error indicates that the program has problems with DNS on your computer. That’s a clear sign of malicious alterations in your HOSTS file. Reset it using the official Microsoft guide.

Recovering the .qqlc files with PhotoRec tool

PhotoRec is an open-source tool, which is created to recover the deleted or lost files from the disk. It checks each disk sector for the residues of deleted files, and then attempts to recover them. That app is able to recover the files of more than 400 different extensions. Because of the described feature of ransomware encryption mechanism, it is possible to use this tool to get the original, unencrypted files back.

Download PhotoRec from the official website. It is absolutely free, however, its developer warns that he does not guarantee that this program will be 100% effective for file recovery purposes. Moreover, even paid apps can barely give you such a guarantee, because of the chain of random factors that can make the file recovery harder.

Unzip the downloaded archive to the folder you like. Don’t worry because of its name – TestDisk – this is the name of the utility developed by the same company. They decided to spread it together since PhotoRec and TestDisk are often used together. Among the unzipped files, search for qphotorec_win.exe file. Run this executable file.

Before you can start the recovery process, you need to specify several settings. In the drop-down list, choose the logic disk where the files were stored before the encryption.

Then, you need to specify the file formats you need to recover. It may be difficult to scroll all 400+ formats, luckily, they are sorted by alphabetical order.

Finally, name the folder you want to use as a container for recovered files. The program will likely dig out a lot of useless files, which were deleted intentionally, so desktop is a bad solution. The best option is to use the USB-drive.

After these easy manipulations, you may just press the “Search” button (it turns active if you specified all required parameters). The recovery process may take several hours, so keep patient. It is recommended not to use the computer during this term, since you may overwrite some files you are intending to recover.

Frequently Asked Questions