What Is Sspq?
Sspq virus is a ransomware virus that aims to encrypt your files and then leave the .sspq file extension after their names. The virus is part of a large ransomware family of threats, known as STOP Ransomware. These viruses all aim to extort victims to pay around $1000 in BitCoin if they want to see their files working once again and the instructions of the crooks are laid out in a _readme.txt ransom note file.
Read this article if you want to learn how to remove this instance of STOP Ransomware from your computer effectively.
Sspq Virus Summary
Name | Sspq also known as Trojan.GenericKD.35978248, Trojan.Win32.Stop.j!c, Trojan.Ransom.Stop, Trojan.Ransom.Stop, A Variant Of Win32/Kryptik.HIMQ, Trojan-Ransom.Win32.Stop.qq – VirusTotal |
File Extension | .sspq |
Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
Short Description | The ransomware encrypts files on your computer system and demands ransom to be paid to allegedly recover them. |
Symptoms | This variant of STOP ransomware will encrypt your files by appending the .sspq virus extension to them. |
Ransom Demanding Note | _readme.txt |
Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Torrent Files |
Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by Mppq Download
Malware Removal Tool
|
Sspq Ransomware Virus – How Does It Work?
Sspq is a STOP ransowmare variant. Just like other variants of this ransomware, like .mppq, .qscx and .pahd viruses, this ransomware may also cause an infection of your computer by several sneaky methods.
One of those methods is if the ransomware is sent to you via e-mail as an e-mail attachment and contains the following kinds of suspicious attached files, with the main goal to convince you to open them and get infected:
- Fake flight or other kinds of tickets.
- Document of grave importance.
- Receipts for some purchase you don’t remember making.
- Invoice documents.
Another tactic that may be utilized by the virus is to get you to download the files yourself. This usually happens when you search for some program to download from suspicious third-party sites or low-level torrent domains. There, you may find viruses, like the Sspq ransomware to be masked and look like the following files:
- Cracks for software or games.
- Key generators, also known as keygens.
- Patches for different apps.
- Software activation executable data.
Sspq virus can drop multiple malicious module files after it infects your computer. These files are often randomly named for each infection and could be left in the following Windows folders:
- %LocalLow%
- %AppData%
- %Roaming%
- %Local%
- %Temp%
The Sspq ransomware also makes sure you notice the ransom note it drops on your computer. The note looks like the following:
.sspq Files
Sspq virus aims to encrypt files by scanning for them based on the file suffixes they have (.jpg, .png, .doc, etc.). The virus is careful not to encrypt system files of Windows, but it aims to scan for the following types of objects:
- Image file.
- Video.
- Database file.
- Audio file.
- Document.
- Backup.
- Archives.
After this variant of STOP Ransowmare encrypts your files, be advised that removing the .sspq file extension will not help much in fixing them. The only way to solve the files is to reverse the encryption process using a decryption key that is generated after this virus encrypts the files. This key is either online or offline and it depends on the virus itself. If your key is offline, then researchers have the chance to update the STOP Ransomware decryptor tools posted online several weeks time after the virus is released. If the keys are offline, though, you can keep reading this article to see some alternative ways via which you can still get your files to work.
Delete Sspq and Try to Restore Data
Sspq virus is the type of threat that takes some malware removal experience to be eradicated from Windows. This is why we have created the removal guide below so that you can see more information on how to delete this nasty threat from your computer and remove all of its nasty files and registry objects it may create in Windows Registry Editor. Be advised, if you want this virus removed fast and effective, then the most recommended solution by experts is to scan your computer using an anti-malware program. Such a professional tool has been created to best help detect and delete any virus objects and files automatically and protect your computer from malicious software in the future.
For alternative methods to recover your files if decryption for this virus is not available, please make sure to check the alternative file recovery options listed in the guide below. They have been created with the main idea to best assist you in trying to get as many files back, even though they are not a 100% guarantee solution to the problem.
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for Sspq Virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Sspq Virus and related malware from Windows
Here is a method in few easy steps that should be able to uninstall most programs. No matter if you are using Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista or XP, those steps will get the job done. Dragging the program or its folder to the recycle bin can be a very bad decision. If you do that, bits and pieces of the program are left behind, and that can lead to unstable work of your PC, errors with the file type associations and other unpleasant activities. The proper way to get a program off your computer is to Uninstall it. To do that:
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by Sspq Virus on your computer.
The usually targeted registries of Windows machines are the following:
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
You can access them by opening the Windows registry editor and deleting any values, created by Sspq Virus there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
Before starting "Step 4", please boot back into Normal mode, in case you are currently in Safe Mode.
This will enable you to install and use SpyHunter 5 successfully.
Step 4: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove Sspq Virus
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Sspq Virus.
Method 1: Use STOP Decrypter by Emsisoft.
Not all variants of this ransomware can be decrypted for free, but we have added the decryptor used by researchers that is often updated with the variants which become eventually decrypted. You can try and decrypt your files using the instructions below, but if they do not work, then unfortunately your variant of the ransomware virus is not decryptable.
Follow the instructions below to use the Emsisoft decrypter and decrypt your files for free. You can download the Emsisoft decryption tool linked here and then follow the steps provided below:
1 Right-click on the decrypter and click on Run as Administrator as shown below:
2. Agree with the license terms:
3. Click on "Add Folder" and then add the folders where you want files decrypted as shown underneath:
4. Click on "Decrypt" and wait for your files to be decoded.
Note: Credit for the decryptor goes to Emsisoft researchers who have made the breakthrough with this virus.
Method 2: Use data recovery software
Ransomware infections and Sspq Virus aim to encrypt your files using an encryption algorithm which may be very difficult to decrypt. This is why we have suggested a data recovery method that may help you go around direct decryption and try to restore your files. Bear in mind that this method may not be 100% effective but may also help you a little or a lot in different situations.
Simply click on the link and on the website menus on the top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.
Sspq Virus-FAQ
What is Sspq Virus Ransomware?
Sspq Virus is a ransomware infection - the malicious software that enters your computer silently and blocks either access to the computer itself or encrypt your files.
Many ransomware viruses use sophisticated encryption algorithms to make your files inaccessible. The goal of ransomware infections is to demand that you pay a ransom payment to get access to your files back.
What Does Sspq Virus Ransomware Do?
Ransomware in general is a malicious software that is designed to block access to your computer or files until a ransom is paid.
Ransomware viruses can also damage your system, corrupt data and delete files, resulting in the permanent loss of important files.
How Does Sspq Virus Infect?
Via several ways.Sspq Virus Ransomware infects computers by being sent via phishing emails, containing virus attachment. This attachment is usually masked as an important document, like an invoice, bank document or even a plane ticket and it looks very convincing to users.
Another way you may become a victim of Sspq Virus is if you download a fake installer, crack or patch from a low reputation website or if you click on a virus link. Many users report getting a ransomware infection by downloading torrents.
How to Open .Sspq Virus files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Sspq Virus files are encrypted. You can only open them once they are decrypted using a specific decryption key for the particular algorithm.
What to Do If a Decryptor Does Not Work?
Do not panic, and backup the files. If a decryptor did not decrypt your .Sspq Virus files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Sspq Virus" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Sspq Virus files.
These methods are in no way 100% guaranteed that you will be able to get your files back. But if you have a backup, your chances of success are much greater.
How To Get Rid of Sspq Virus Virus?
The safest way and the most efficient one for the removal of this ransomware infection is the use a professional anti-malware program.
It will scan for and locate Sspq Virus ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Sspq Virus files.
Can I Report Ransomware to Authorities?
In case your computer got infected with a ransomware infection, you can report it to the local Police departments. It can help authorities worldwide track and determine the perpetrators behind the virus that has infected your computer.
Below, we have prepared a list with government websites, where you can file a report in case you are a victim of a cybercrime:
Cyber-security authorities, responsible for handling ransomware attack reports in different regions all over the world:
Germany - Offizielles Portal der deutschen Polizei
United States - IC3 Internet Crime Complaint Centre
United Kingdom - Action Fraud Police
France - Ministère de l'Intérieur
Italy - Polizia Di Stato
Spain - Policía Nacional
Netherlands - Politie
Poland - Policja
Portugal - Polícia Judiciária
Greece - Cyber Crime Unit (Hellenic Police)
India - Mumbai Police - CyberCrime Investigation Cell
Australia - Australian High Tech Crime Center
Reports may be responded to in different timeframes, depending on your local authorities.
Can You Stop Ransomware from Encrypting Your Files?
Yes, you can prevent ransomware. The best way to do this is to ensure your computer system is updated with the latest security patches, use a reputable anti-malware program and firewall, backup your important files frequently, and avoid clicking on malicious links or downloading unknown files.
Can Sspq Virus Ransomware Steal Your Data?
Yes, in most cases ransomware will steal your information. It is a form of malware that steals data from a user's computer, encrypts it, and then demands a ransom in order to decrypt it.
In many cases, the malware authors or attackers will threaten to delete the data or publish it online unless the ransom is paid.
Can Ransomware Infect WiFi?
Yes, ransomware can infect WiFi networks, as malicious actors can use it to gain control of the network, steal confidential data, and lock out users. If a ransomware attack is successful, it could lead to a loss of service and/or data, and in some cases, financial losses.
Should I Pay Ransomware?
No, you should not pay ransomware extortionists. Paying them only encourages criminals and does not guarantee that the files or data will be restored. The better approach is to have a secure backup of important data and be vigilant about security in the first place.
What Happens If I Don't Pay Ransom?
If you don't pay the ransom, the hackers may still have access to your computer, data, or files and may continue to threaten to expose or delete them, or even use them to commit cybercrimes. In some cases, they may even continue to demand additional ransom payments.
Can a Ransomware Attack Be Detected?
Yes, ransomware can be detected. Anti-malware software and other advanced security tools can detect ransomware and alert the user when it is present on a machine.
It is important to stay up-to-date on the latest security measures and to keep security software updated to ensure ransomware can be detected and prevented.
Do Ransomware Criminals Get Caught?
Yes, ransomware criminals do get caught. Law enforcement agencies, such as the FBI, Interpol and others have been successful in tracking down and prosecuting ransomware criminals in the US and other countries. As ransomware threats continue to increase, so does the enforcement activity.
About the Sspq Virus Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Sspq Virus how-to removal guide included, is the outcome of extensive research, hard work and our team’s devotion to help you remove the specific malware and restore your encrypted files.
How did we conduct the research on this ransomware?
Our research is based on an independent investigation. We are in contact with independent security researchers, and as such, we receive daily updates on the latest malware and ransomware definitions.
Furthermore, the research behind the Sspq Virus ransomware threat is backed with VirusTotal and the NoMoreRansom project.
To better understand the ransomware threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.
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