Remove Qqpp file virus (Decrypt files)

What is Qqpp?

Qqpp file virus is a variant of the notorious STOP/Djvu Ransomware family. This dubious file-encrypting malware has the ability to encrypt all the files on your PC. It renames files to mark them locked by appending the “.qqpp” extension after rendering your files useless.

For example, a file named “sample.jpg” will appear as “sample.jpg.qqpp”.  Victims will need decryption tools and private keys to regain access to such files. Cybercriminals demand huge ransom money in BitCoin (cryptocurrency) to provide those tools.

After Qqpp File Virus attack, victims cannot access their documents, pictures, videos, audio, archives, databases, backups, and more. This virus places a ransom note “_readme.txt” on the desktop and in compromised folders to demand ransom from users. This guide is aimed to help you remove this virus and restore your files without paying money to ransomware creators.

Qqpp Ransomware Overview

Qqpp Ransomware is a dangerous threat that blackmails innocent users by taking their files hostage. It uses a powerful encryption algorithm to restrict access to your personal data. As mentioned above, it is a part of STOP/Djvu family and unfortunately, it is not decryptable. Victims are advised to remove the infection and explore data recovery alternatives other than paying ransom fees.

Creators of this threat advise victims to purchase the decryption tool and unique key. They launch a new variant almost every week, making it difficult to find a permanent solution. It will keep encrypting new files until you remove this threat completely from your PC. Removing this threat will not restore your files, but it will prevent further damage. You cannot recover data from backup until you get rid of this infection.

We strongly advise you not to make any contact with attackers. They will try to convenience you to pay the ransom money without even trying alternate methods. This virus also suggests that trying anything will completely destroy your files and you will never be able to recover your data. Cybercriminals might also send more threats to infect your other devices.

How does Ransomware operate?

When your computer gets infected by ransomware, your access to your files is ceased immediately. It is the primary work of any file-encrypting malware. This is a scare technique used by cyber criminals to create Panic among victims.

Users normally lose their minds when they suddenly lose access to all of their important files and documents all at once. When a ransomware threat gets into your PC, it does not cause any alarms or errors. It silently scans your entire system and then encrypts all of your data once.

Then it will strategically place the ransom notes on your computer where you can easily notice them. Some threats place notes in text format, some as pop-up windows, and some even change the desktop wallpaper. This particular Qqpp virus is a strain of Stop/Djvu family and it places ransom notes in text format in all the compromised folders.

After notifying victims’ about the encryption, attackers force them to pay the ransom money quickly. This is why note contains threatening messages, and offers. This virus offers a 50% discount on ransom price to victims who pay within 72 hours.

Ransomware threats might also offer free decryption of some of the files as proof. It is another technique to get victims to establish communication with cybercriminals. Once the negotiations start, they easily lure innocent users to pay the money by using various threats.

How does Ransomware spread?

Creators of threats like Qqpp Virus use various methods to spread their creation. Spam emails are one of the most used methods to target innocent users. Emails containing malicious attachments and links are used as carriers to distribute harmful threats. When you get an email from an unknown person or organization that carries some attachments, do not open them.  Do not click on links without verifying the sender and always scan attached files before opening.

Qqpp File Virus can also get distributed via bundled freeware downloads and Peer-to-Peer sharing networks. Cracked software or illegal patches (activation tools) and fake software updates are also used to spread infections. Visiting porn or torrent sites can also expose your system to lots of unwanted threats and viruses.

Threat Analysis

Name	Qqpp
Type	Ransomware, File-Encrypting virus
Family	STOP/DJVU Ransomware
Extension	.Qqpp
Threat Level	High (Encrypt all your data and Restrict access to your files).
Symptoms	Victims cannot access any files on their PC and find Ransom notes asking for money.
Damage	It will encrypt your data by adding “.qqpp” extension to file names and demand ransom money for the decryption key
Ransom Note	_Readme.txt
Ransom Amount	$490 USD to $980 USD
Distribution	It is mainly distributed through spam emails, bundled freeware, porn, or torrent sites.
Removal	Download SpyHunter 5 Anti-Malware
File Recovery	Download Data Recovery Software

Do Not Pay Ransom to Qqpp Virus

The note left by the Qqpp Ransomware says that the price of the decryptor is set to $980 USD in Bitcoins. But there is bait too. Virus creators are offering a 50% discount to victims who are willing to pay within 72 hours. So if the user agrees to pay during the first 72 hours of the infection, the ransom fee will be $490USD.

It is a trick used by cybercriminals to force their victims to pay money quickly without seeking advice from anyone else. In most cases, it is hard to restore files without a decryption key but it is also not guaranteed that you will get that after paying.

We advise our readers not to trust the attackers. It is all a scam and they are only interested in money. You cannot trace Bitcoin payments and it is also not reversible. So in case of fraud, you will lose both your money and the data. Stop/Djvu variants are also known to leave Trojans behind to steal users’ personal and financial information. It is also used to open backdoors through which the next variant can attack your PC again.

How to Remove Qqpp Virus

As you already know, Qqpp Virus is a notorious and cunning malware that is quite hard to remove through manual means. This virus can keep coming back on the infected computer through files and shortcuts or settings that it has already created on your machine. Removing all those at once is the only way to get rid of this infection and stop it from getting into your system ever again.

So the best way to remove Qqpp effectively is to use a powerful Automatic Removal Tool and save your time and efforts. This software is a well-trusted and very powerful anti-malware program that can detect all hidden threats like Trojan, Ransomware, Worms, Spyware, Rootkits, and many others. It also provides 24X7 customer support and one-on-one Spyware HelpDesk support for Custom Malware removal. Advanced System Guard feature detects and removes threats in real-time. It has a very User-Friendly Interface and regular Malware updates make it most effective against the latest malware attacks.

How SpyHunter 5 Anti-Malware Works

• First, you need to click on the below download button to get the software.

Geek’s Recommendation

• Then double-click on the installer you downloaded to install the program.

• Launch the Anti-Malware application and click on Start Scan Now button.

• The software will scan your PC for all hidden threats and viruses on your system.

• Click on the Next button to see results and delete all the threats and viruses.

How To Decrypt .Qqpp Files

As all your files are encrypted, you need to recover your data without paying ransom money to hackers. If your files are important then you must have created a backup and you can use that backup to recover your files. If you don’t have a backup or this virus has encrypted your backup files, then you are left to seek professional help.

As there is no Qqpp ransomware decryptor available, we recommend you use powerful data recovery software to decrypt Qqpp virus files. It is a risk-free and smart way. You can just download the free version and scan your PC for files. There is a high probability that it can recover most of your files in a fraction of the amount that hackers are demanding. It is also needless to say that paying hackers will only motivate hackers to carry out more attacks.

• First, you need to download Data Recovery software on your PC.

Download Data Recovery Software Now

• Install the program, launch it then select the Data type to recover, and click the Next button.

• Select the location from where you want to recover data and click the Scan button.

• After the scan, the software will list all files, select them and click the Recover button.

Manual Qqpp Virus Removal Guide

 

Start PC in safe mode with networking

• Press Windows Key + R buttons together on the keyboard.
• Type msconfig in the Run Box then click the OK button.
• Click on the Boot tab then the System configuration window will appear.
• Choose Safe Boot, check the network box, Click Apply, and press the OK button.

Kill Malicious Process From Task Manager

• Press Windows Key + R buttons together on the keyboard.
• Type taskmgr in Run Box and then click the OK button.
• Find the virus related or unknown malicious process.
• Now right-click on it then click End process.

Remove Qqpp Ransomware Virus from PC

• First of all Press Windows Key + R buttons together.
• Type appwiz.cpl in the Run box and then click the OK button.
• Now Programs and Features windows will appear on the screen.
• Find and remove all virus related or malicious programs.

Remove Virus related IP addresses from Hosts’ Files

• Press Windows Key + R buttons together on the keyboard.
• Type C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc in Run Box and then click the OK button.
• Now open the host file with Notepad.
• Look for any suspicious IP addresses that might be related to the Virus.
• Delete all the malicious IP addresses and save the host files.

Remove Virus related Windows Registry entries

• Press Windows Key + R buttons together on the keyboard.
• Type regedit in Run Box and then click the OK button.
• Registry Editor will open, then press CTRL +F buttons together.
• Now type Qqpp and then click on Find Next button.
• Find all the related entries and delete them one by one

Delete Virus related files from your PC

When a threat gets on to a PC, it most likely creates some files at different locations on the system. These files are used to perform a specific action and also help malware in getting back to the computer once it’s removed. So you just need to find also delete all those files associated with the virus. Carefully follow the below instruction :

• Press Windows Key + R buttons together on the keyboard
• Type each of the following in Run Box and press the OK button

1. %AppData%
2. %LocalAppData%
3. %ProgramData%
4. %WinDir%
5. %Temp%

For the first four options, look for any recent folder related to the .Qqpp File Virus and remove them. For the Temp folder, you can delete all the files.

Remove Qqpp Virus via system restore

• Press Windows Key + R buttons together on the keyboard.
• Type cmd in Run Box and then click the OK button.
• Type cd restore and press Enter, then type rstrui.exe and press Enter.
• When the System Restore window opens on your computer screen click the Next button, then choose a System Restore point you have created in the past and click the Next button.
• Finally, click on the Yes button to start the system restoration process.

Note: This will only work if you have a restore point set on your PC or it will give an error message. Restoring the computer to a previous version may or may not remove this virus. Most of the time, viruses just delete all the restore points. If this trick does not work for you then don’t get disappointed.

Tips To Prevent Qqpp Virus in Future

• Use a good anti-virus, be it a free version but don’t use cracked security programs.
• Make sure that your Windows firewall is active, so it can block upcoming threats.
• Keep your Windows/Mac OS and other programs updated to avoid vulnerabilities.
• Download updates only from official websites, don’t use suspicious sites.
• Never download and install pirated software, games, or illegal patches on your PC.
• Do not open spam emails from an unknown sender and scan all attachments before opening.
• Never download freeware third-party programs from unreliable sources or websites.
• Avoid connecting your PC to unsafe public Wi-Fi to protect your privacy.
• You can also use a VPN to spoof your connection and avoid malicious sites.
• Create a system restore point on your system for security purposes.
• Keep a backup of all your important files to avoid data loss.