The ransom note _readme.txt detalizes the effect of the PCQQ ransomware attack. It explains that all of victim’s files, including photos, videos, databases and archives were encrypted with strongest encryption and unique key. According to the note, the only way to restore these files is to purchase file decryption software from the attackers. In other words, these crooks take your files hostage and expect you to pay a specified sum of money to set them free. They offer a 50% discount if one contacts them within 72 hours from the initial infection timestamp, meaning that the decryption software costs $490 instead of $980.  In order to hasten the victim to make the decision and pay up, they suggest testing the decryption tool for free first. They suggest sending one encrypted file to them (one that doesn’t contain important information) and wait to get a decrypted variant via email. The criminals also ask to provide unique victim’s ID to them along with the email. If you already started considering paying the ransom, we’d like to dissuade you from doing so. There are many reasons not to pay the ransom, not to mention that even FBI advises against it. Some of the arguments from our side are:

Paying ransom to cybercrooks doesn’t guarantee that you will get your side of the deal – file decryption. The tool they might send you can be faulty and damage your files for good. Cybercriminals only care about money, so they might vanish as soon as they receive the payment.Paying the ransom might be illegal in your country.Transferring money to cybercriminals means contributing to the cybercrime industry that is known to collect millions in ransoms each year. Not only it keeps the attackers thriving, but also fascinates other people to join the cybercrime world.In addition to encrypting your personal files, this ransomware also installed AZORULT information-stealer on your computer, yet didn’t mention it in the ransom note. This can lead to even more financial damage and private data loss – do you really want to pay the attackers who did this?

Virus’ activities on the compromised PC

PCQQ file virus is designed to target specific data formats stored on victims’ computers. It checks for these files in each folder and encrypts the first 150KB of file only to shorten the encryption procedure. Therefore, some files can be partly repaired (see the guide below). However, to prevent full data recovery, the virus deletes Volume Shadow Copies from the system by running a couple of Command Prompt commands. In addition, to make the victim panic and feel helpless, the virus adds a list of domains to block in Windows HOSTS file. As a result, these domains can’t be reached by the victim. To be specific, these domains all seem to be computer-related and useful when it comes to various IT-related how-to tutorials. The ransomware also installs AZORULT Trojan as a bonus to data encryption. This specific malware is a well-known illegal tool that can be used as a remote access trojan and information stealer capable of performing such activities:

Deleting, downloading or dropping files to/from victim’s computer;Stealing cryptocurrency wallets;Stealing browser cookies, history, saved passwords;Stealing Telegram, Steam and possibly other programs’ saved login credentials.

In order to secure your computer as soon as possible, we recommend you to remove PCQQ ransomware virus along with Azorult instantly. For this, we suggest using automatic malware removal software of your choice. Additionally, download and run to repair virus damage on Windows OS files and clean up malicious remains.

RANSOMWARE SUMMARY

Tips to avoid ransomware attacks and common infection vectors

PCQQ ransomware is one of almost 300 STOP/DJVU variants and all of these are distributed in a very similar pattern. The majority of victims who get infected with this, REJG, LMAS or other variant report downloading the malware along a shady torrent. Most of them get it via software or game cracks. Distributing malware via illegal downloads is an old and very successful technique, because victims are very eager to open such files in order to avoid legitimate software license fees. In fact, some users are even willing to ignore security software warnings, deeming these as false alarms. Unfortunately, such actions almost always end in a severe computer infection such as ransomware or frequently an unnoticeable virus, such as installation of a miner, Remote Access Trojan (RAT) or information stealer. For this reason, we strongly recommend avoiding such illegal downloads at all costs. Please support legitimate software developers by obtaining legitimate software versions. Unfortunately, the attached file holds a malicious script meant to download the ransomware from an external resource and execute it on the system. With usage of email spoofing, the attackers are capable of making such deceptive emails seem very convincing; our general tip is to avoid emails you did not expect to receive. Do not let your curiosity take over your sense of security. When in doubt, call the company itself and ask them if you were supposed to receive the email at all. Victims of ransomware also should beware that other ransomware groups, such as ZORAB, have been leveraging victims’ frustration to find a decryption tool online. They even upload fake ransomware decryptors to shady websites which are simply another ransomware in disguise. Be careful! If there is a real and working tool, the official sources will be first to announce it. There is no need to inspect shady websites all over the Internet.

Guide to remove PCQQ ransomware virus safely and recover/repair your files

A quick way to remove PCQQ ransomware virus easily and safely is described by our experts below. Please do not hesitate and do not delay the computer cleanse procedure as keeping any kind of malware on it leaves it vulnerable to further infections, especially with capabilities of Azorult’s Trojan. After PCQQ virus removal, we suggest reporting Internet crime incident to a respective institution in your country (see the references below) and try data decryption/repair tools provided below. 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 PCQQ 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 PCQQ 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.

Disclaimer. This site includes affiliate links. We may earn a small commission by recommending certain products, at no additional cost for you. We only choose quality software and services to recommend.

Decrypt PCQQ files

Fix and open large PCQQ 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. PCQQ 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 PCQQ files, follow the given tutorial.

Meanings of decryptor’s messages

The PCQQ 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 PCQQ 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 PCQQ 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.