How to remove Qqkk ransomware, Decrypt .qqkk files.

What is Qqkk virus?

Qqkk virus is a ransomware that attacks the victim’s computer by encrypting files and demanding a ransom for decrypting them. The ransomware attack can lead to data loss and financial losses. Qqkk encrypts files, renames them by appending the .qqkk extension, and creates files named “_readme.txt” containing the ransom demand message. For example, a file named “document.docx” will be renamed to “document.docx.qqkk”, a “image.jpg” file to “image.jpg.qqkk”, “invoice.pdf” to “invoice.pdf.qqkk”, and so on.

Files encrypted by the Qqkk virus:

QUICK LINKS

• What is Qqkk virus?
• Remove Qqkk virus (ransomware)
• Decrypt .qqkk files
• Restore .qqkk files
• Video Guide

Qqkk ransomware in detail

Qqkk ransomware is the 549th version of STOP (djvu) ransomware. This ransomware is spread by malicious files that must be installed as an .exe by the user. Usually, such malicious files are disguised as freeware, key generators, activators, and cracked games, and are placed by criminals on file-sharing and torrents sites.

Upon execution, Qqkk creates a folder in the Windows system directory where it places a copy of itself and changes some Windows settings so that it starts up every time the computer is restarted or turned on. The virus collects information about the victim’s computer and then tries to establish a connection with its command server (C&C). If the connection has been established, then it sends information about the infected computer to the server, and in response receives the encryption key (the so-called ‘online key’) and additional commands and malware that must be executed on the victim’s computer. If the virus could not establish a connection with its command server, then it uses a fixed key (the so-called ‘offline key’).

The Qqkk ransomware encrypts files using a strong encryption algorithm and a key (‘offline key’ or ‘online key’, as described above). The virus tries to encrypt as many files as possible, for this it only encrypts the first 154kb of the contents of each file and thus significantly speeds up the encryption process. Qqkk has the ability to encrypt files on all drives connected to the computer: internal hard drives, flash USB disks, network storage, and so on. It skips without encryption: files located in the Windows system directories, files with the extension .ini, .bat, .dll, .lnk, .sys and files with the name ‘_readme.txt’. The remaining files located on the victim’s computer can be encrypted. For example, the following file types may be the target of ransomware attack:

.wav, .ff, .1, .csv, .crw, .dazip, .srf, .vpp_pc, .dmp, .zip, .menu, .wpw, .orf, .mov, .pdd, .rwl, .odp, .webp, .srw, .sum, .wpa, .ltx, .sid, .xpm, .ybk, .mp4, .xwp, .pfx, .m4a, .lbf, .kdb, .xld, .t12, .wbmp, .itl, .wp5, .7z, .xyw, .forge, .wbm, .css, .wn, .d3dbsp, .odm, .ws, .wpe, .pem, .psk, .xar, .rb, wallet, .big, .mrwref, .wdb, .wmf, .js, .db0, .2bp, .bik, .rtf, .hkdb, .dxg, .p7b, .wps, .3fr, .zi, .wsh, .avi, .vfs0, .esm, .vcf, .xls, .t13, .sis, .indd, .wmv, .qdf, .eps, .xmind, .doc, .jpg, .itdb, .ysp, .litemod, .mef, .mdbackup, .map, .wmv, .hplg, .wm, .vdf, .docm, .qic, .rar, .itm, .odt, .png, .cr2, .cas, .vpk, .3ds, .zdc, .yml, .wsd, .syncdb, .jpeg, .blob, .wpd, .lrf, .pkpass, .zdb, .xdl, .ai, .arch00, .wbd, .p12, .fsh, .erf, .dba, .sidd, .re4, .hkx, .tax, .tor, .xf, .mpqge, .wma, .layout, .mlx, .svg, .snx, .sie, .vtf, .lvl, .raf, .wpd, .arw, .dcr, .zabw, .py, .pptm, .xyp, .xlsb, .xls, .bkf, .bar, .asset, .bay, .x, .epk, .gdb, .ptx, .xlsx, .cer, .xxx, .ztmp, .m2, .wmd, .wpg, .docx, .w3x, .sidn, .wpt, .bkp, .wpb, .dbf, .xbdoc, .rgss3a, .sb, .wp6, .wsc, .dng, .wp7, .wgz, .txt, .p7c, .mdb, .wdp, .icxs, .wri, .nrw, .wbz, .pptx, .x3d, .kf, .rw2, .wp4, .odb, .zip, .ppt, .xml, .fpk, .odc, .wire, .bc6, .cfr, .pak, .wbk, .gho, .pef, .xlsx, .x3f, .ods, .sr2, .fos, .webdoc, .bsa, .xlk, .mddata, .rofl, .xbplate, .das, .z3d, .upk, .xx, .wps, .mdf, .raw, .mcmeta, .xy3, .x3f, .slm, .pdf, .wma, .zif, .wot, .accdb, .wpl, .apk, .cdr, .iwd, .bc7, .wp, .iwi, .1st, .sav, .flv, .psd, .xlsm, .3dm, .wotreplay, .der, .zw, .wmo, .wcf, .ntl, .ncf, .xlgc, .rim

Qqkk encrypts file-by-file. Each file that has been encrypted will be renamed, the .qqkk extension will be added at the end of its name. Thus, it marks all encrypted files. In every directory where there is at least one encrypted file, the virus places a file named ‘_readme.txt’. The file contains a message from the Qqkk authors. An example of the contents of this file is given below.

Qqkk ransomnote (‘_readme.txt’):

This message says that all files on the computer are encrypted and the only way to decrypt them is to purchase a key and a decryptor from the authors of the Qqkk ransomware. That is, criminals demand a ransom for unlocking the victim’s files. The size of the ransom is $980, but if the victim is ready to pay the ransom within 72 hours, then its size is halved to $490. Attackers offer victims to verify that encrypted files can be decrypted. To do this, the victim must send them a small file to one of the email addresses specified in the ‘_readme.txt’ file. Of course, it is obvious that a single decrypted file cannot guarantee that after paying the ransom, the criminals will provide the victim with a working key and decryptor.

Text presented in the Qqkk ransomnote:

ATTENTION!

Don’t worry, you can return all your files!
All your files like pictures, 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-USug3rryKI
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:
support@bestyourmail.ch

Reserve e-mail address to contact us:
datarestorehelp@airmail.cc

Your personal ID:
0549xxxxxxxx

Security researchers confirm the words of the authors of the Qqkk ransomware. All files with the extension ‘.qqkk’ are encrypted and thus cannot be read and used. The only way to decrypt them is to use the key and the decryptor. Fortunately, there is some good news. As we already reported above, the Qqkk virus belongs to the STOP ransomware family, which means that you can use the Qqkk File Decrypt Tool called “STOP Djvu decryptor” that is created by Emsisoft to decrypt encrypted files for free. Even if the decryptor does not help, there are some alternative ways that can help restore the contents of the encrypted files. To learn more about decrypting files, simply scroll down to section ‘How to decrypt .qqkk files’.

Threat Summary

Name	Qqkk ransomware, Qqkk file virus
Type	Ransomware, File locker, Filecoder, Crypto virus, Crypto malware
Files extension	.qqkk
Ransom note	_readme.txt
Contacts	support@bestyourmail.ch, datarestorehelp@airmail.cc
Ransom amount	$490 or $980 in Bitcoins
Detection Names	Trojan:Win32/Redline, Win32:PWSX-gen [Trj], Trojan.PWS.Stealer.33898, Trojan-Ransom.StopCrypt, Win32.Trojan.PSE.H1TZNQ, A Variant Of Win32/Kryptik.HQNO, W32/Kryptik.HHPX!tr, HEUR:Trojan.Win32.Scarsi.gen, Trojan.Win32.Save.a
Symptoms	Your photos, documents and music fail to open. Odd, new or missing file extensions. Your file directories contain a ‘ransom note’ file that is usually a .html, .jpg or .txt file. You have received instructions for paying the ransom.
Distribution methods	Phishing emails that contain malicious attachments. Exploit kits (cybercriminals use crypto virus packaged in an ‘exploit kit’ that can find a vulnerability in PDF reader, Adobe Flash Player, Browser, MS Windows operating system). Social media posts (they can be used to trick users to download malicious software with a built-in ransomware downloader or click a suspicious link). Suspicious web-sites.
Removal	Qqkk ransomware removal guide
Decryption	Qqkk File Decrypt Tool
Recovery	Qqkk File Recovery steps

How to remove Qqkk virus (ransomware)

Before you start decrypting or recovering .qqkk files, you need to remove Qqkk ransomware and its autostart entries. This must be done since otherwise the ransomware may re-encrypt the restored files. You can stop the ransomware from working, as it is not difficult to do. Another option is to perform a full system scan using free malware removal tools capable of detecting and removing ransomware infection. Read the entire manual carefully. To make it easier for you to follow the instructions, we recommend that you print it or open it on your smartphone.

It is very important to scan the computer for malware, as security researchers found that spyware could be installed on the infected computer along with the Qqkk ransomware. Spyware is a very dangerous security threat as it is designed to steal the user’s personal information such as passwords, logins, contact details, etc. If you have any difficulty removing the Qqkk virus, then let us know in the comments, we will try to help you.

To remove Qqkk ransomware, follow the steps below:

1. Kill Qqkk virus
2. Disable Qqkk Start-Up
3. Delete Qqkk Task
4. Remove Qqkk virus

Kill Qqkk virus

Press CTRL, ALT, DEL keys together.

Click Task Manager. Select the “Processes” tab, look for something suspicious that is the Qqkk ransomware then right-click it and select “End Task” or “End Process” option. If your Task Manager does not open or the Windows reports “Task manager has been disabled by your administrator”, then follow the guide: How to Fix Task manager has been disabled by your administrator.

It is not difficult to detect a process related to the Qqkk ransomware. When looking for a malicious process, pay attention to the process icon and its name. Most often, this ransomware has a process name in the following format: 4-characters.tmp.exe or 4-characters.exe. For example: 7533.tmp.exe, A4b1.exe, CD15.tmp.exe, 19b2.exe. The process name can also contain “(32 bit)”. If you do not find a process with a similar name in the list of processes, then most likely the Qqkk ransomware has finished working. But keep in mind, if you do not remove the ransomware autostart entries, as demonstrated below, and do not delete its file, then after a while it may start again, and if it finds unencrypted files, immediately encrypt them.

Disable Qqkk Start-Up

Select the “Start-Up” tab, look for something similar to the one shown in the example below, right click to it and select Disable.

Close Task Manager.

Delete Qqkk Task

Type “Task Scheduler” in the search bar. Click Task Scheduler app in the search results. Click “Task Scheduler Library” in the left panel. On the right panel, right-click to “Time Trigger Task” and select Delete.

Close Task Scheduler.

Remove Qqkk virus

Run Task Manager and select the “Start-Up” tab. Right click to the Qqkk ransomware Start-Up entry and select Open File Location as shown below.

A directory containing one file will open in front of you, this file is the Qqkk virus. It needs to be removed. If you try to delete it immediately, then you will not succeed, since this file is protected from deletion.

To delete this file, you need to do the following. Right-click on the file, select Properties. In the window that opens, select Security tab. Next, click the Advanced button below. A window will open as shown in the following example.

Click Disable inheritance. In the Block inheritance dialog box that opens, select the first item (Convert inherited permissions…) as shown below.

In the Permission entries list, select “Deny Everyone”, click Remove button and then OK. Close the file properties window. You should now be able to remove the Qqkk virus. Right-click on the file and select Delete.

Scan computer for malware

MalwareBytes Anti-Malware (MBAM) is an antimalware software that can help you remove Qqkk virus. MalwareBytes can be used to uninstall almost all the forms of security threats including ransomware, trojans, worms, adware, browser hijackers, potentially unwanted software and other malicious software. MalwareBytes has real-time protection that can defeat most malicious software and ransomware. Despite so many features, it does not reduce the performance of your computer. You can use MalwareBytes Anti-Malware with any other antivirus without any conflicts.

First, please go to the link below, then click the ‘Download’ button in order to download the latest version of MalwareBytes AntiMalware.

When the downloading process is done, close all windows on your computer. Further, launch the file named MBSetup. If the “User Account Control” dialog box pops up like below, click the “Yes” button.

It will show the Setup wizard which will assist you install MalwareBytes on the computer. Follow the prompts and do not make any changes to default settings.

After the setup is complete successfully, press “Get Started” button. Then MalwareBytes AntiMalware will automatically run and you can see its main window such as the one below.

Next, click the “Scan” button for scanning your computer for the Qqkk ransomware and other security threats. A system scan can take anywhere from 5 to 30 minutes, depending on your computer. While the MalwareBytes program is scanning, you can see how many objects it has identified as threat.

When the scanning is done, the results are displayed in the scan report. In order to remove all threats, simply press “Quarantine” button.

The MalwareBytes Anti-Malware will remove Qqkk virus related folders,files and registry keys and move the selected threats to the program’s quarantine. Once that process is done, you can be prompted to reboot your computer.

In order to be 100% sure that the computer no longer has the Qqkk virus, we recommend using the Kaspersky virus removal tool (KVRT). This utility, as its name suggests, is developed by the Kaspersky lab and uses the core of the Kaspersky Antivirus. Unlike the Kaspersky Antivirus, KVRT has a smaller size and, most importantly, it can work together with an already installed antivirus. This utility has great capabilities and therefore we suggest using KVRT in the last turn to be sure that the Qqkk ransomware virus has been removed.

Download Kaspersky virus removal tool by clicking on the link below. Save it on your Windows desktop or in any other place.

Once downloading is done, double-click on the KVRT icon. Once initialization procedure is finished, you will see the Kaspersky virus removal tool screen as displayed in the figure below.

Click Change Parameters and set a check near all your drives. Click OK to close the Parameters window. Next click Start scan button to perform a system scan with this tool for the Qqkk virus. When ransomware, malware, adware software or potentially unwanted apps are found, the number of the security threats will change accordingly. Wait until the the scanning is done.

Once the scan is complete, the results are displayed in the scan report as shown below.

You may delete items (move to Quarantine) by simply click on Continue to begin a cleaning process.

How to decrypt .qqkk files

As we already reported above, files with .qqkk extension are files that have been encrypted by the Qqkk ransomware. Their contents will remain locked until decrypted using the decryptor and the key. Fortunately, there is a free Qqkk File Decrypt Tool that can decrypt .qqkk files. Below we provide instructions on where to download and how to use this decryptor.

To decrypt .qqkk files, use Qqkk File Decrypt Tool

• Download Qqkk File Decrypt Tool from the following link.
  STOP Djvu decryptor
• Scroll down to ‘New Djvu ransomware’ section.
• Click the download link and save the decrypt_STOPDjvu.exe file to your desktop.
• Run decrypt_STOPDjvu.exe, read the license terms and instructions.
• On the ‘Decryptor’ tab, using the ‘Add a folder’ button, add the directory or disk where the encrypted files are located.
• Click the ‘Decrypt’ button.

Qqkk File Decypt Tool is a free software that can decrypt files that were encrypted with an offline key, as Emsisoft found a way to determine this key. Unfortunately, files encrypted with an online key cannot yet be decrypted. The online key is unique to each infected computer, and at the moment there is no way to obtain this key. Of course, criminals have this key, but we do not think that paying a ransom is a way to decrypt .qqkk files. In the case when the files are encrypted with an online key, there is a chance to restore the encrypted files using alternative methods, which are described below.

How to find out which key was used to encrypt files

Below we will demonstrate how to find out the type of key with which files were encrypted. This is very important, since knowing the type of key you can understand if you can decrypt .qqkk files for free using the Qqkk File Decypt Tool. We recommend using the second method, as it is more accurate.

How to find out the type of a key using ‘_readme.txt’ file

• Open the ransom demand message (‘_readme.txt’ file).
• Scroll down to the end of the file.
• There you will see a line with the text ‘Your personal ID’.
• Below is a line of characters – this is your personal id.

How to find out the type of a key using ‘PersonalID.txt’ file

• Open disk C.
• Open directory ‘SystemID’.
• Open file named ‘PersonalID.txt’. This file lists ‘Personal ID’s that match the keys that the virus used to encrypt files.

The ‘Personal ID’ is not a key, it is an identifier related to a key that was used to encrypt files. If the ID ends with ‘t1’, then the files are encrypted with an offline key. If the ID does not end with ‘t1’, Qqkk virus used an online key. If you could not figure out how to determine which key was used to encrypt files, then we can help. Just write a request here or in the comments below.

Qqkk File Decrypt Tool : “No key for New Variant online ID”

If, when you try to decrypt .qqkk files, Qqkk File Decrypt Tool reports:

No key for New Variant online ID: *
Notice: this ID appears to be an online ID, decryption is impossible

It means that your files are encrypted with an ‘online key’ and their decryption is impossible, since only the qqkk authors have the key necessary for decryption. In this case, you need to use alternative methods listed below to restore the contents of encrypted files.

Qqkk File Decrypt Tool : “No key for New Variant offline ID”

If, during decryption of .qqkk files, Qqkk File Decrypt Tool reports:

No key for New Variant offline ID: *t1
Notice: this ID appears be an offline ID, decryption MAY be possible in the future.

It means the following: your files are encrypted with an ‘offline key’, but the key itself has not yet been obtained by security researchers, in this case, you need to be patient and wait a while, in addition, you can also use alternative ways for recovering encrypted data.

If for some reason you were unable to decrypt the encrypted files, then We recommend to follow the news on our Facebook or YouTube channels. So you ‘ll know right away that it ‘s possible to decrypt .qqkk files.

This video step-by-step guide will demonstrate How to use STOP Djvu decryptor to decrypt encrypted files.

How to restore .qqkk files

As we mentioned above, in addition to using the free decryptor, there are several more methods for recovering encrypted files. These methods do not require the use of a decryptor and a key, and therefore are suitable for all cases when the virus used an online key, and for the case when the virus used an offline key. It is very important to check your computer for malware before you try to recover encrypted files. You must be 100% sure that Qqkk virus is completely removed. To scan your computer for ransomware, use free malware removal tools.

Use ShadowExplorer to recover .qqkk files

The Microsoft Windows has a feature called ‘Shadow Volume Copies’ that can help you to recover .qqkk files encrypted by the ransomware. A small tool called ShadowExplorer will allow you to easily access the Shadow copies and restore the encrypted files to their original state. Unfortunately, the ransomware can delete these Shadow copies before it starts encrypting files. Therefore, if ShadowExplorer did not help you, then try another method, which is given below.

Visit the following page to download the latest version of ShadowExplorer for Microsoft Windows. Save it to your Desktop.

When the downloading process is done, open a directory in which you saved it. Right click to ShadowExplorer-0.9-portable and select Extract all. Follow the prompts. Next please open the ShadowExplorerPortable folder as shown on the image below.

Double click ShadowExplorerPortable to launch it. You will see the a window as shown on the image below.

In top left corner, select a Drive where encrypted documents, photos and music are stored and a latest restore point such as the one below (1 – drive, 2 – restore point).

On right panel look for a file that you wish to restore, right click to it and select Export as shown in the figure below.

This video step-by-step guide will demonstrate How to recover encrypted files using Shadow Explorer.

Restore .qqkk files with PhotoRec

The last chance to restore encrypted files to their original state is using data recovery tools. We recommend a program called PhotoRec. It has all the necessary functions to restore the contents of encrypted files. It helped many victims recover data when it seemed like there was no more hope.

Download PhotoRec from the following link. Save it to your Desktop.

After the downloading process is complete, open a directory in which you saved it. Right click to testdisk-7.0.win and select Extract all. Follow the prompts. Next please open the testdisk-7.0 folder as displayed in the following example.

Double click on qphotorec_win to run PhotoRec for Windows. It will display a screen as shown below.

Choose a drive to recover as on the image below.

You will see a list of available partitions. Choose a partition that holds encrypted files as displayed in the following example.

Press File Formats button and select file types to restore. You can to enable or disable the recovery of certain file types. When this is finished, click OK button.

Next, click Browse button to choose where restored documents, photos and music should be written, then click Search. We strongly recommend that you save the recovered files to an external drive.

Count of recovered files is updated in real time. All recovered personal files are written in a folder that you have selected on the previous step. You can to access the files even if the restore process is not finished.

When the restore is finished, press on Quit button. Next, open the directory where restored documents, photos and music are stored. You will see a contents as shown on the image below.

All restored documents, photos and music are written in recup_dir.1, recup_dir.2 … sub-directories. If you’re looking for a specific file, then you can to sort your restored files by extension and/or date/time.

This video step-by-step guide will demonstrate How to recover encrypted files using PhotoRec.

How to protect your computer from Qqkk ransomware

Most antivirus programs already have built-in protection system against the crypto malware. Therefore, if your computer does not have an antivirus application, make sure you install it. As an extra protection, run the HitmanPro.Alert. All-in-all, HitmanPro.Alert is a fantastic utility to protect your computer from any ransomware. If ransomware is detected, then HitmanPro.Alert automatically neutralizes malware and restores the encrypted files. HitmanPro.Alert is compatible with all versions of Windows operating system from Windows XP to Windows 10.

Visit the following page to download HitmanPro Alert. Save it to your Desktop so that you can access the file easily.

After the downloading process is done, open the folder in which you saved it. You will see an icon like below.

Double click the HitmanPro Alert desktop icon. After the utility is opened, you will be shown a window where you can select a level of protection, as on the image below.

Now press the Install button to activate the protection.

Finish words

This guide is created to help all victims of Qqkk ransomware virus. We tried to give answers to the following questions: how to remove ransomware; how to decrypt .qqkk files; how to recover encrypted files; what is an online key and what is an offline key. We hope that the information presented in this manual has helped you.

If you have questions, then write to us, leaving a comment below. If you need more help with Qqkk related issues, go to here.