Qqqr ransomware removal

Qqqr ransomware is a file-encrypting malware, one of the more recent Djvu/STOP versions. The cybercriminals operating the Djvu/STOP ransomware family release new ransomware versions on a regular basis, with hundreds of versions released in the past couple of years. Qqqr ransomware is more or less identical to the other version but it adds the .qqqr extension to encrypted files. These extensions help identify which ransomware you are dealing with, as well as which files have been encrypted. If your files have the .qqqr extension, you will not be able to open them unless you first run them through a decryptor. However, acquiring the decryptor will be quite difficult because the only people who have it are the malicious actors operating this malware. They will not give it to you for free, and instead, try to sell it to you for $980.

 

 

Qqqr ransomware is more or less identical to the other versions released by the Djvu/STOP cybercrime gang. The ransomware will encrypt all your personal files, including photos, videos, images, documents, etc. All of the targeted files will have .qqqr added to them. You will not be able to open any of the files, unless you use a decryptor on them. But acquiring the decryptor will not be so easy because the only people who have it are the ones operating this ransomware.

When the ransomware finishes encrypting your files, it will drop a _readme.txt ransom note. The note explains how you can get the decryptor. As explained in the note, if you pay $980, you will supposedly get the decryptor. The cybercriminals even offer a 50% discount to those who make contact within the first 72 hours. While paying the ransom may seem like a good idea if you do not have backup, you need to know that there are a lot of risks. Most importantly, you are not guaranteed a decryptor just because you pay. You are dealing with cybercriminals, and there is nothing forcing them to send you the decryptor just because you pay. It is your decision to make but you need to know the risks.

You will have no issues with file recovery if you have a habit of backing up files on a regular basis. However, before you can safely access your backup, you need to make sure to fully remove Qqqr ransomware from your computer. We strongly recommend using anti-malware software and not trying to delete Qqqr ransomware manually. Do not access your backup while the ransomware is still present. If you do, your backed-up files would become encrypted as well.

If you don’t have a file backup, file recovery will be much more difficult. Your only option may be to wait for a free decryptor to be released. But making a universal decryptor that would work for all victims will be difficult for malware researchers. Qqqr ransomware uses online keys to encrypt files, and that means that all victims have unique keys. Unless researchers get their hands on those keys, they’re unlikely to develop a decryptor. However, it’s not impossible that those keys will eventually be released, either by the cybercriminals themselves or by law enforcement. So back up your encrypted files and wait for a free decryptor. In your searches, you may come across a free Djvu/STOP decryptor by Emsisoft but keep in mind that it only works on versions that use offline keys to encrypt files. Emsisoft needs to have those keys in order to make the decryptor work. Because Qqqr ransomware uses online keys, the decryptor will not work. However, it does not hurt to try.

Ransomware distribution

Users who have bad online habits are much more likely to pick up a malware infection. If you open unsolicited email attachments without double-checking them first, pirate copyrighted content using torrents, click on ads while browsing high-risk websites, etc., it was only a matter of time until you encountered malware. If you develop better browsing habits, you will be able to avoid a lot of malware in the future.

It’s no secret that torrent users are at a much higher risk of picking up a malware infection. Torrent sites are notoriously badly regulated, and torrents with malware are uploaded on a regular basis. If users don’t know how to recognize malicious torrents, it’s very easy for them to get infected. Malicious actors take advantage of unmoderated torrent platforms and users’ inexperience to distribute malware, and it’s very effective. This, and the fact that pirating copyrighted content is essentially stealing, is why it’s not a good idea to pirate via torrents.

Opening unsolicited email attachments is a very dangerous practice because malicious actors commonly attach malicious files to emails. These kinds of emails are called malspam. When users open the malicious attachments, they end up infecting their computers with the malware. Fortunately for users, these kinds of emails are usually easily recognizable as long as users know what to look for. Scammers and malicious actors often try to make the emails seem like they’re sent from legitimate companies whose services users use but they’re usually a very poor attempt. They’re full of grammar/spelling mistakes, address users with User, Customer, Member, etc., and pressure users to open the attachments by claiming they’re important documents that need to be reviewed immediately. Keep in mind that when you receive an email from a company whose services you use, you will always be addressed by your name. Otherwise, it would look unprofessional.

Some malspam campaigns may be more sophisticated, which is why it’s a good idea to always scan unsolicited email attachments with anti-virus software or VirusTotal before opening them. This will ensure that you don’t open any malware.

Qqqr ransomware removal

We don’t recommend you try to remove Qqqr ransomware manually because you could end up causing even more damage. Unless you know exactly what you’re doing, you might not fully remove the ransomware, which could allow it to recover later. If you connect to your backup while ransomware is still present on your computer, your backed-up files would become encrypted as well. Instead, you should delete Qqqr ransomware using reliable anti-malware software. When the ransomware is fully gone, you can safely start file recovery.

If you do not have a backup, your only option is to wait for a free decryptor to be released. Back up the encrypted files and occasionally check NoMoreRansom for a free Qqqr ransomware decryptor.