What Is Piiq Virus?
Piiq Virus is the name of a ransomware virus, whose main purpose of activity is to get in the computers of victims and then encrypt their important images, documents, and other kinds of files. This virus aims to use the .piiq file extension and the AES encryption mode to scramble your files. It then leaves a _readme.txt ransom note file, whose main idea is to contain instructions on how you should pay ransom to the cyber-criminals who are behind this threat. The ransom is to be paid in BitCoin with the main idea of it being somewhere around $900 to $1000 USD in cryptocurrency money, or else the criminals threaten to not give you the AES decryption key for the .piiq files.
Read this article to learn more about how Piiq Virus functions and how to remove it from your computer effectively.
Piiq Virus Summary
Name | Piiq Virus 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 | .piiq |
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 .mppq virus extension to them. |
Ransom Demanding Note | _readme.txt |
Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Torrent Files |
Detection Tool |
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Piiq Virus – How Does It Work?
Piiq is a STOP/DJVU variant, which means it shares the same code as the other variants of the virus, like the recently appeared .igvm, .sspq and .iqll ones. These viruses may end up on your computer by being either sent to you via e-mail or by you downloading them from some suspicious website.
In case you have received an e-mail containing the virus, then it is most likely containing an attachment that poses as a seemingly legitimate form of document, for example:
- Flight or train tickets invoices.
- Documents that are important for you.
- Receipts for orders.
- Invoices for purchases you do not remember making.
If you have downloaded the virus yourself, then there is a good chance that it could reside on websites that promote different software for free download, such as:
- Cracks for software.
- Software activation files.
- Key generators or keygens.
- Patches for games or software.
Either way, once the infection-causing file is downloaded and executed, this ransomware may run scripts that connect to a remote host and download its payload files. They could have different names and often are located in the following Windows directories:
- %LocalLow%
- %AppData%
- %Roaming%
- %Local%
- %Temp%
Among the files which are left by this virus on your computer, problably the most important is the ransom note, called _readme.txt. It contains the following extortion message written by the criminals behind this virus:
.piiq Files
The crooks behind the .piiq ransomware have set it up to encrypt your files using Advanced Encryption Standard. This is an encryption mode that changes the key data of the file to make it seem broken or scrambled. The encryption ends with a unique decryption key being generated and the .piiq file extension is added at the end of each file. The virus may target the following files to encrypt them:
- Document files.
- Backups of Windows.
- Image file types (.jpg, .bmp, .png).
- Video file types.
- Database files
- Audio file kinds.
- Archive types of files.
The encrypted files may look like the following example:
Document.doc.piiq
After encryption, the files cannot be unlocked if you do not have a unique asymmetric decryption key that is held only by the criminals. If this key is an offline key, then the chances there will be a free decryptor for the .Piiq files in the near future is significantly higher. If the key is online, however, the chances drop drastically.
Delete Piiq virus Virus and Try to Restore Data
In order to be able to get rid of all variants of Piiq virus from your computer, we would strongly recommend that you follow the instructions that are laid out beneath this article. They have been created with the primary idea to help you delete any instances of this ransomware running on your computer plus they contain alternative methods via which you can try and get your files back if no free decryptor is available. For the best removal, security professionals strongly recommend using advanced anti-malware software. Such a program is created to automatically scan your computer and delete any virus file belonging to this ransomware in a safe way and protect it in the future as well.
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for Piiq virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Piiq 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 Piiq 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 Piiq 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 Piiq virus
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Piiq 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 Piiq 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.
Piiq virus-FAQ
What is Piiq virus Ransomware?
Piiq 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 Piiq 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 Piiq virus Infect?
Via several ways.Piiq 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 Piiq 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 .Piiq virus files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Piiq 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 .Piiq virus files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Piiq virus" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Piiq 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 Piiq 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 Piiq virus ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Piiq 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 Piiq 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 Piiq virus Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Piiq 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 Piiq 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.
As a site that has been dedicated to providing free removal instructions for ransomware and malware since 2014, SensorsTechForum’s recommendation is to only pay attention to trustworthy sources.
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- Always check "About Us" web page.
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