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ZQQW Ransomware (.zqqw File Extension)

ZQQW 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 Zqqw:


NameZqqw Virus
Version0312
File Extension.zqqw
Contact[email protected], [email protected]
FamilySTOP/Djvu Ransomware
Note_readme.txt
Offline IDvm44NzSFuQur9eHklQ3YBUraVfy1szN1yvv5Jwt1
Last seenOctober 15, 2024
AlgorithmSalsa20 encryption. If Zqqw 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 .zqqw files in the future.
RansomFrom $490 to $980 (in Bitcoins)
Damage
  1. ⮞ Can delete Volume Shadow copies to make victim’s attempts to restore data impossible;
  2. ⮞ Adds a list of domains to HOSTS file to block access to certain security-related sites;
  3. ⮞ 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----- MIIBIjANBgkqhkiG9w0BAQEFAAOCAQ8AMIIBCgKCAQEAw/5NoTMTLpRmYj5xN4oh 5XyR/4O3dsZN53+/reI5T5qgkxbbsaDHVELUHqz5WExGDmI7/wrhDeoZlcR5vB1I O4GGVO5M3Nqwbmqil9pZniQ3/ZcfHe9dkow2cK7RHJlCQ72mYlhNNjBIU1xlUlVb wpWfgZS0GAeyF8n7DOzBdXPeyzKlQ2EzFMlTsPUAA6UuHYWKP5cUrePuYmqhHKNV yosL/yPq5oVf1Z1myE2G1xMLiv5paSmBt/yjnRXLGw+P8WDJ1mZN3LCXLC1S7tVB dTXcdpKmqiQs8z3VWYXyZNKqY0iLXcT4sq7kQq/Kjky5VQc0TY1MYfz/NNHfcs6j bwIDAQAB -----END PUBLIC KEY-----
Other variants
  • Neer Ransomware (.neer encrypted files)
  • Piiq Ransomware (.piiq encrypted files)
  • Iqll Ransomware (.iqll encrypted files)
  • ZQQW Virus Removal Tool

    What is Zqqw?

    The Zqqw ransomware is a malicious program that encrypts your files and demands payment for their decryption. It not only locks your data but also alters system configurations, weakening your computer's defenses. Preventing its intrusion is far easier than dealing with its damaging effects.

    Most infections of Zqqw occur through the use of pirated software. Hackers bypass software license verifications, allowing unauthorized use without payment. In doing so, they often embed malware into the program's code. The Zqqw ransomware is a common example of malware distributed this way.

    This ransomware employs the Salsa20 encryption algorithm to encrypt your files. While Salsa20 isn't the most advanced encryption method, the decryption key is stored on a remote server controlled by the attackers. This makes decrypting your files without paying the ransom virtually impossible. Brute-force attempts are ineffective due to the immense number of possible keys. File decryption tools offer minimal hope, and recovering your files without the key is highly unlikely.

    The authors of the Zqqw have Russian roots. The frauds use the Russian language and Russian words written in English and related domains registered through Russian domain-registration companies.

    Zqqw Encryption process

    The Zqqw 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 - ".zqqw". Then, ransomware creates a _readme.txt file in the folder where the encrypted file is located, and goes to the next folder.

    .ZQQW 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 Zqqw 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.

    Zqqw 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-fhnNOAYC8Z
    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]

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    Indicators of Compromise(IOC)

    File NameMD5File Size
    📜 SAMPLE.EXE3c7ad9d140d2e5c7da26565eb851df15142343591