This ransomware variant makes victim’s personal files inaccessible and causes frustration for the computer user. It aims to extort the user by offering to sell software that can decrypt one’s files back to their initial state and threatens that there is no other way to get files back.

Contents of the ransom note

The _readme.txt note is known as a “ransom note,” which is a file often dropped by ransomware-type computer threats. It explains what has happened to files on the computer and provides the cybercriminals’ offer. The attackers explain that the victim can still restore all of the data, however, one has to pay a specific price for it. According to the note, the default ransom amount the attackers demand is $980, however the crooks may provide a 50% discount and lower the price to $490 if the victim writes to the attackers within 3 days (72 hours) starting from the infection timestamp. The only way to contact the attackers is to write a message to them via email addresses dropped in the ransom note: support@bestyourmail.ch or datarestorehelp@airmail.cc. It is typical for ransomware operators to promise a “guarantee” that files will be recovered after the victim pays the ransom. For this matter, the note suggests sending one encrypted file via email to the attackers and expect a decrypted file version in return. In general, cybersecurity professionals recommend following FBI’s guidance to ransomware victims and the main idea of it is not paying the ransom to cybercriminals. It hardly solves the problem: even after paying computer user may not recover the data (despite the perpetrators’ promises to do so), it funds further malicious actions, plus it makes the victim a potential target in future attacks due to crooks’ tendency to target those who are willing to pay up.

Beware of additional threats dropped by the virus

Computer users hit by this virus should be aware that variants from this ransomware strain usually drop information-stealing Trojans on the system. Two of the spotted ones in recent attacks are known under names of VIDAR and AZORULT. Both of them are extremely dangerous and can transmit various sensitive data from victim’s computer to the criminals’ servers, including browser-saved passwords, browsing history, cookies and more. Those who were affected by the described malware are advised to remove QQLC ransomware virus as soon as possible. To ensure that all damaging pieces of software are detected, we recommend using a genuine version of a reputable antivirus to scan and cleanse the computer system automatically. However, users should first boot the system in Safe Mode with Networking as explained in the tutorial below this article. Afterward, you may want to download RESTORO (secure and official download link) to identify and repair virus damage to Windows OS files. This tool is trusted and recommended by our team.

Ransomware Summary

REPAIR VIRUS DAMAGE The ransomware locks each file and appends new extension as shown in the screenshot below.

Ransomware distribution and ways to avoid getting infected

There are many ways to deliver ransomware to targets, and sometimes the cybercriminals use a combination of several methods to achieve a greater success in attacks. When it comes to STOP/DJVU ransomware family, these threats usually await for victims in rogue websites claiming to provide cracked software versions and other illegal downloads. Once the victim downloads the file (either directly via link or via torrent agent) and launches the alleged setup, the system gets compromised instantly. Another common ransomware distribution method is email spam with attached files. Cybercriminals name these attachments as regular documents used in day-to-day communications, for example, invoices, waybills, order summaries and so on. Unfortunately, the crooks exploit file formats that support scripting. When such features are put to bad use, users can get infected simply by launching a specifically crafted document. Finally, the cybercriminals may distribute the ransomware via deceptive ads promoting fake software updates. These ads usually appear quite aggressive and claim there is a problem with your computer. The downloaded installer usually contains several programs to install (even the alleged update sometimes), however, some of these can be very harmful. To avoid getting infected by ransomware, we recommend users to download software from trusted and official sources only and be cautious when checking email. On top of that, a good antivirus with 24/7 real-time protection feature should be active at all times on your computer.

Remove QQLC Ransomware Virus and Recover Your Files

Users whose computers were compromised by this threat should remove QQLC ransomware virus and any remaining threats as soon as they can. Please follow the tutorial provided below. It explains how to set up your computer in a secure environment for malware removal. Next, download and run a chosen antivirus solution and get rid of malware rooted in your computer. Additional tip is to download a useful software known as RESTORO (secure download link). It can identify and repair various malware damage to Windows OS files and keep your computer at peak performance. After taking care of your computer’s security and completing QQLC virus removal, we strongly recommend that you change all of the passwords used on the compromised computer. You can recover all of your files if you had a backup, or you can try tips to repair/decrypt your files as explained in this guide. OUR GEEKS RECOMMEND Our team recommends a two-step rescue plan to remove ransomware and other remaining malware from your computer, plus repair caused virus damage to the system: GeeksAdvice.com editors select recommended products based on their effectiveness. We may earn a commission from affiliate links, at no additional cost to you. Learn more. Get INTEGO ANTIVIRUS for Windows to remove ransomware, Trojans, adware and other spyware and malware variants and protect your PC and network drives 24/7. This VB100-certified security software uses state-of-art technology to provide protection against ransomware, Zero-Day attacks and advanced threats, Intego Web Shield blocks dangerous websites, phishing attacks, malicious downloads and installation of potentially unwanted programs. Use INTEGO Antivirus to remove detected threats from your computer. Read full review here. RESTORO provides a free scan that helps to identify hardware, security and stability issues and presents a comprehensive report which can help you to locate and fix detected issues manually. It is a great PC repair software to use after you remove malware with professional antivirus. The full version of software will fix detected issues and repair virus damage caused to your Windows OS files automatically. RESTORO uses AVIRA scanning engine to detect existing spyware and malware. If any are found, the software will eliminate them. Read full review here.

Method 1. Enter Safe Mode with Networking

Before you try to remove QQLC 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 Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10/11 users Now, you can search for and remove QQLC 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. For virus damage repair, consider using RESTORO.

Method 2. Use System Restore

In order to use System Restore, you must have a system restore point, created either manually or automatically. Instructions for Windows XP/Vista/7 users Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10/11 users 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

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Removing spyware and malware is one step towards cybersecurity. To protect yourself against ever-evolving threats, we strongly recommend purchasing a Premium version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware, which provides security based on artificial intelligence and machine learning. Includes ransomware protection. See pricing options and protect yourself now.

System Mechanic Ultimate Defense If you’re looking for an all-in-one system maintenance suite that has 7 core components providing powerful real-time protection, on-demand malware removal, system optimization, data recovery, password manager, online privacy protection and secure driver wiping technology. Therefore, due to its wide-range of capabilities, System Mechanic Ultimate Defense deserves Geek’s Advice approval. Get it now for 50% off. You may also be interested in its full review.

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Decrypt QQLC files

Fix and open large QQLC 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.

STOP/DJVU decryption tool usage guide

STOP/DJVU ransomware versions are grouped into old and new variants. QQLC Ransomware Virus is considered the new STOP/DJVU variant, just like BPTO, ISWR, ISZA, BPSM, ZOUU, MBTF, ZNSM (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 QQLC files, follow the given tutorial.

Meanings of decryptor’s messages

The QQLC 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 QQLC 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.

Victims of QQLC 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.