How to remove Qdla ransomware

Qdla ransomware is a generic file-encrypting malware from the Djvu/STOP ransomware family. The group operating this ransomware has released hundreds of ransomware, all of which add their own extensions to encrypted files. This particular ransomware adds .qdla, which is why it’s known as Qdla ransomware. Once files are encrypted, you will not be able to open them unless you first use a decryptor on them. Unfortunately, the only working decryptor at this time is in the hands of the cybercriminals operating this ransomware.

 

 

Qdla ransomware is more or less identical to Irfk, Palq, Cool, and Rivd, as they all come from the same Djvu/STOP family. The cybercrime gang operating this ransomware releases new versions on a regular basis, with hundreds of versions released in the past couple of years. Like most ransomware, they target personal files, primarily photos, videos, documents, etc. You will know which files have been encrypted immediately because they will have extensions added to them. This ransomware adds .qdla. For example, image.jpg would become image.jpg.qdla.

The ransomware will show a fake Windows update window to distract you from the fact that your files are being encrypted. Once all targeted files are done being encrypted, a _readme.txt ransom note will be dropped in folders that contain encrypted files. The note is a generic version dropped by all ransomware from this family. It explains how you can get the decryptor, which, unfortunately, involves paying the ransom. The standard sum requested by this ransomware is $980 but if victims make contact within the first 72 hours, they can supposedly get a 50% discount. If you do not have a backup, paying may seem like a tempting option. However, keep in mind that you will not necessarily get the decryptor even if you pay. The people operating this ransomware are cybercriminals and there’s no way of knowing whether they will actually send you a decryptor. Many victims have not received decryptors after paying, and while it’s your decision, we feel it’s necessary to warn you about the risks.

If you have a habit of backing up your files regularly, you can access your backup as soon as the ransomware is no longer on your computer. Use anti-virus software to delete Qdla ransomware, and we don’t recommend attempting to do it manually. If the ransomware is still present when you connect to your backup, those backed-up files would become encrypted as well. This is why it’s highly recommended to use anti-virus software.

Unfortunately, options are very limited for users who do not have a backup. The only way they can recover files is by waiting for a free decryptor to become available. However, one will not necessarily be released because this ransomware uses online keys to encrypt files. That means that the keys are unique to each victim, and without those keys, malware researchers are unlikely to develop a working decryptor. Emsisoft has released a free Djvu/STOP decryptor but it mostly works on versions released before 2019 because offline keys were used for file encryption. However, it’s not impossible that the keys will be released at some point in the future, either by law enforcement if they ever catch those responsible, or by the cybercriminals themselves if they ever close shop. In the meantime, back up the encrypted files and wait. However, be careful when looking for a decryptor because there are a lot of fake ones. If you cannot find a decryptor on a legitimate source like NoMoreRansom, you won’t find a legitimate one anywhere else.

How is ransomware distributed?

The best way to fight ransomware is to be proactive. For regular users, that means having a backup, anti-virus, and developing good browsing habits. If you are one to open unsolicited email attachments without double-checking them, if you pirate via torrents or click on ads while browsing high-risk websites, you have a high chance of picking up some kind of malware infection.

Most users pick up ransomware infections via email attachments. Cybercriminals purchase thousands of email addresses from hacker forums and then use them to launch malicious spam campaigns to spread malware. Those emails are mostly harmless unless the email attachment is opened. The moment users open the malicious file, the malware initiates. Fortunately for users, the emails carrying malware are more or less obvious, unless someone is targeted specifically. One of the most noticeable signs of an email being potentially malicious is senders claiming to be from legitimate companies but their emails contain loads of grammar/spelling mistakes. Mistakes in official correspondence look very unprofessional so very rarely will you see them in legitimate emails. Another sign of a malicious email is you being addressed by generic terms like User, Member, Customer, etc. If you get an email from a company whose services you use, the email will address you by your name because it would look unprofessional otherwise. Emails that address you in generic terms despite the sender knowing your name should cause suspicion. In some cases, malicious emails can be much more sophisticated when someone specific is targeted. Thus, even when an email looks completely legitimate, all unsolicited email attachments should be scanned with anti-virus software or VirusTotal.

If you are one to pirate copyrighted content via torrents, you have a high chance of picking up a malware infection. Torrent sites are often poorly managed, which allows cyber crooks to upload malicious content disguised as torrents for popular movies, TV series, video games, software, etc. Not only is downloading pirated content essentially stealing, but it’s also dangerous for the computer.

Qdla ransomware removal

We don’t recommend trying to remove Qdla ransomware manually because you could end up causing even more damage. You may also not fully get rid of the ransomware, which could later allow it to recover. And if you connect to your backup while ransomware is present, the files in your backup would become encrypted as well. Thus, you should always use anti-virus programs to remove ransomware. Only when the infection is gone should you access your backup. If you do not have a backup, your only option is to wait for a free decryptor to become available.