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MZQT Ransomware (.mzqt File Extension)

MZQT a strain within the STOP/Djvu Ransomware family, employing the Salsa20 encryption algorithm to encrypt files on compromised systems. Victims are coerced into paying a ransom ranging from $490 to $980 in Bitcoins for the decryption key.

You may be interested in taking a look at our other antivirus tools:
Trojan Killer, and Online Virus Scanner.

About Mzqt:


NameMzqt Virus
Version0794
File Extension.mzqt
Contact[email protected], [email protected]
FamilySTOP/Djvu Ransomware
Note_readme.txt
Offline ID64GZgS7xxeK837qu1w0KPUK0sweaDoAeJlv15vt1
Last seenOctober 10, 2023
AlgorithmSalsa20 encryption. If Mzqt cannot establish a connection to crooks server before starting the encryption process, it uses the offline key. This key is the same for all victims(!), making it possible to decrypt .mzqt files in the future.
RansomFrom $490 to $980 (in Bitcoins)
Damage
  1. โฎž Can delete Volume Shadow copies to make victimโ€™s attempts to restore data impossible;
  2. โฎž Adds a list of domains to HOSTS file to block access to certain security-related sites;
  3. โฎž Installs password-stealing trojan virus, like Redline Stealer, Vidar Stealer, Smokeloader, Azorult and others;
DistributionThird-party downloaders, installers, peer-to-peer networks, RDP exploits, etc.,
RSA Public Key-----BEGIN PUBLIC KEY----- MIIBIjANBgkqhkiG9w0BAQEFAAOCAQ8AMIIBCgKCAQEA19MvoZHZ+zpPJXyuAS2r Gzl9tPbcCnKa/Sirlsf+9RmJ+O2FQlKvRV8VYCvH884azxKxMae7oQvecZFIDNBF cYZ+EOIB68vTd6p0Fnla15C2SdweNlhizuIrqjAVqcc/TbbiPBOBtTfk0AKv9Kom Vy5VJ6DW/kw6Ok21Nk0v5cwHcIztmP955ad97PRl/2SZWESnIsCD+P7gQoKjntKf EtnLpuRiQ+ZbvelNe0l164zdDalONH0ffvbw/3bwBMC6+pAWwxpSO4hKPTv+lLNj 76dod8UIKMmRqs4usoG0cUb8tfKjokdq+KMtmPOwirpR5DyRxXapPPRqr5ELd+YQ 2QIDAQAB -----END PUBLIC KEY-----
Other variants
  • Azhi Ransomware (.azhi encrypted files)
  • Azop Ransomware (.azop encrypted files)
  • Azqt Ransomware (.azqt encrypted files)
  • MZQT Virus Removal Tool

    What is Mzqt?

    Ransomware manifests in numerous forms, with Mzqt ransomware representing a particularly insidious variant. This virus specifically targets individual users, encrypting any accessible files on the infected device. Moreover, it incapacitates your security defenses and significantly complicates networking activities.

    Recovering the encrypted files is an arduous task. The malware employs the formidable Salsa20 encryption algorithm, rendering brute-force hacking attempts futile. Subsequently, it transfers the decryption keys to a command server under cybercriminal control. These adversaries will only relinquish the decryption key upon receiving a ransom payment or if they are apprehended by law enforcement.

    The distribution of Mzqt ransomware follows conventional pathways common to many viruses. Software obtained from peer-to-peer networks (such as eMule or ThePirateBay), often touted as "free," serves as an ideal vector for ransomware dissemination. Users are likely to dismiss security warnings during download and installation, leaving them oblivious to the antivirus's incapacitation following the attack.

    Mzqt Encryption process

    The Mzqt uses the Salsa20 encryption algorithm. That is not the strongest method, but it still provides an overwhelming amount of possible decryption keys. To brute force the 78-digit number of keys, you need 3.5 unvigintillion years (1*10^65), even if you use the most powerful regular PC. Quantum computers can show a bit better results, but it is still too slow to get your files back while you are alive.

    The exact algorithm of encryption is next: malware scans each folder for the files it is able to encrypt. Then, when it finds the target, it makes a copy of your file, removes the original one, encrypts the copy and leaves it instead of the removed original. Such a procedure is done to prevent the situation when you have already opened the file, so ransomware is not able to read it because of the Windows restrictions. To each encrypted copy, the virus adds the specific extension - ".mzqt". Then, ransomware creates a _readme.txt file in the folder where the encrypted file is located, and goes to the next folder.

    .MZQT Files

    Such an encryption method can be exploited for file recovery. Since the original file is deleted, you may try to recover it using the file recovery tools. The less time is passed - the bigger the chance to get your files back, so hurry up!

    Another specific moment that can help you to use the files even after the encryption is the fact that Mzqt ransomware encrypts only the first 150KB of each file. Hence, you can try to run a big file, such as video or music, without the encryption. Similar feature also works with other ransomware families - Dharma, Conti and Makop encrypt the same 150KB.

    Mzqt note:

    Ransom note is the same for the whole STOP/DJVU family. In fact, it is one of the main signs of to which family the certain ransomware belongs. Here is the typical note for STOP/Djvu family:

    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-sxZWJ43EKx
    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:
    [email protected]

    Reserve e-mail address to contact us:
    [email protected]

    Your personal ID:
    ****************

    ๐Ÿ”— HowToFix.Guide: How To Decrypt .mzqt Files?

    Indicators of Compromise(IOC)

    File NameMD5File Size
    ๐Ÿ“œ SAMPLE.EXE9f4ac26459d135b50564cffe398ac384759808
    ๐Ÿ“œ SAMPLE.EXEb6f403d5d30036586f95721d97ad88e3759296
    ๐Ÿ“œ SAMPLE.EXE0b81ec059c1cc2eca188f02a917141a2784384
    ๐Ÿ“œ SAMPLE.EXE570a7f232077353256992635d3a27ec7673053
    ๐Ÿ“œ SAMPLE.EXE22f1df9d0c6aba374c91e17876916c72863232
    ๐Ÿ“œ SAMPLE.EXE3c309cb6e4c3be0806f98eb4910f3848758784
    ๐Ÿ“œ SAMPLE.EXEd90d3d59896e60d32bcbe02f0e286939779264
    ๐Ÿ“œ SAMPLE.EXE7736c1baa9cf854dfae11ee8bb1a1d46778752
    ๐Ÿ“œ SAMPLE.EXE0b44176a2ae36334ba08c46656f8906d786944
    ๐Ÿ“œ SAMPLE.EXEba77e2263bf16c873aaf69e499537b13786432