What Is Lqqw Virus?
Lqqw virus is a ransomware infection. It aims to encrypt your documents, images, videos and other such important data and add the .lqqw file extension. The virus is a part of a large ransomware family, called STOP/DJVU ransomware. After it encrypts your files, this virus leaves the _readme.txt file that contains the instructions for the ransom payoff to be made. This virus wants victims to pay a hefty ransom fee somewhere around 1000$ and threatens to double the amount if the victim does not cooperate.
Read this article to learn more about how the Lqqw virus works and how to remove it from your computer plus try to get your files to work again.
Lqqw Virus Summary
Name | Lqqw Virus, also known as UDS:Trojan.Win32.Chapak.gen, Ransom:Win32/StopCrypt.KM!MTB, Win32:PWSX-gen [Trj], Win32:PWSX-gen [Trj], A Variant Of Win32/GenKryptik.FHJB |
File Extension | .lqqw |
Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
Short Description | The ransomware encrypts files on your computer system and demands a ransom to be paid to allegedly recover them. |
Symptoms | The Lqqw Virus ransomware will encrypt your files by appending the .lqqw extension to them. |
Ransom Demanding Note | _readme.txt |
Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
Detection Tool |
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Lqqw Virus – What We Know About It
The Lqqw virus is very similar to other STOP Ransomware variants, like the recently appeared .muuq, .nooa and .hhqa ones.
There are two main ways via which you could get your computer infected by the Lqqw virus:
- If it is an e-mail attachment.
- If downloaded as a file from a third-party website.
If you get the infection via e-mail, there is a significant chance it could appear on your computer by pretending to be one of the following kinds of files:
- Invoices.
- Tickets.
- E-receipts.
- Work-related files.
Another very commonly used method that will get your computer infected by Lqqw ransomware is if you have downloaded the infection file from some low-reputation site. If this is the scenario, then the virus could appear as if it is:
- Hoax setup.
- Crack (activators).
- Patch.
- Portable app.
- Keygen (key generator activators).
The main problem with this ransomware is it evades any antivirus programs using new concealing scripts, known as obfuscators. Once this virus infects your computer it will then connect to a remote command and control server and download its payload. This payload may consist of more than one file and could be located in the following Windows directories:
- %Local%
- %LocalLow%
- %AppData%
- %Temp%
- %SystemDrive%
Among the dropped files is also the _readme.txt ransom note of this virus, which most likely appears like the following:
Another problem with Lqqw virus is it could also modify the following Windows registry sub-keys:
- RunOnce.
- Run.
These modifications are done so that the virus can run automatically each time you turn your PC on.
.lqqw Files
The Lqqw virus may target all commonly used files outside of Windows system folders, like:
- Document file types (.docx, .pptx, etc.).
- Audio (.mp3, .wav, etc.).
- Archives (.zip, .rar, etc).
- Image files (.jpg, .png, .etc).
- Video files (.mp4, .avi, etc.).
- Other.
When this malware encrypts your files, it adds its own file extension. The encrypted files no longer appear the same:
Example Picture.jpg.lqqw
These files are not merely with a changed name, but they also have data in them changed using the AES encryption algorithm. The outcome is that a decryptor key is generated and sent to criminals. There is two types of keys when we talk about this virus in partiuclar – online and offline keys. In case your decrypt key is from the online type, then chances at recovering files drop dramatically. If the key is offline-based, then there is a good chance that you can find a “STOP decryptor”, created by reseachers after some time passes that will help to recover your files.
Remove Lqqw Virus and Try to Restore Files
If you want to rget rid of the Lqqw virus from your computer system effectively, then we reccomend that you follow the removal instructions that have been posted underneath this article. These steps are made mainly to help you get rid of malware, like this one. For the best removal, security professionals do advise that you get rid of the Lqqw virus automatically from your PC by scanning it using anti-malware software. Such a program has been specifically designed to best assist you in deleting the Lqqw virus from your machine by automatically scanning it and also protect it from future infections, too.
In case you want to try and recovery .lqqw files, then we strongly recommend that you follow the recovery steps below. They may not be a 100% effective solution, but they could help recover some of your encoded files as a good alternative recovery method.
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for Lqqw virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Lqqw 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 Lqqw 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 Lqqw 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 Lqqw virus
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Lqqw 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 Lqqw 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.
Lqqw virus-FAQ
What is Lqqw virus Ransomware?
Lqqw 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 Lqqw 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 Lqqw virus Infect?
Via several ways.Lqqw 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 Lqqw 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 .Lqqw virus files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Lqqw 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 .Lqqw virus files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Lqqw virus" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Lqqw 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 Lqqw 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 Lqqw virus ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Lqqw 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 Lqqw 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 Lqqw virus Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Lqqw 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 Lqqw 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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