What Is Palq Virus?
Palq is the name of a dangerous ransom ware infection that is part of the STOP/DJVU Family of viruses. This infections main purpose is to get into your computer and scan for an encrypted the important files that you store in it so that it can hold them hostage for profit. The main way this works is that the fires are encrypted using a sophisticated encryption algorithm and after that, the .palq file extension is added. Then, the virus drops a _readme.txt ransom note file which contains the ransom instructions that are sent by the cyber criminals who are operating this virus.
Read this article to learn more about how to remove the virus and how you can try and get back your files safely.
Palq Virus Virus Summary
Name | Palq 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 | .palq |
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 Palq Virus ransomware will encrypt your files by appending the .palq extension to them. |
Ransom Demanding Note | _readme.txt |
Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
Detection Tool |
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Palq Virus – What Is Known So Far
Being a STOP Ransomware variant, the Palq virus is similar to the latest versions, including the Guer, Irjg and Vtua ones. This means that this malware may have ended up on your computer via one of the two main ways used by this virus family:
- If you have received it as an e-mail attachment or a link sent in a spam message.
- In case you have downloaded it from some third-party websites offering freeware executables.
In case you have received an email that may have contained the virus in some form then there is a good chance that the virus may be existing in one of the following formats:
- Work-related documents.
- Invoice of some sort.
- Tickets for flights.
- Purchase e-receipt.
In addition to this you may have also downloaded the virus file from some type of shady website. If so, the most often suspected files which the virus imitates are the following:
- Fake setups.
- Cracks or activators.
- Keygen (key generator activator).
- Patches for apps or games.
- Portable software.
Once the Palq virus has infected your computer it may connect to a remote command and control server from which it could download the virus files. These files may be of all kinds it could be located in the following windows system directories:
- %Temp%
- %SystemDrive%
- %LocalLow%
- %AppData%
- %Local%
The _readme.txt ransom note is also among the files that are dropped on your computer and it is laid out in a way that you can see the extortionists’ message, which is the following:
Not just this but the ransomware may also tamper with the Windows Registry Editor. This means that it could modify the following windows sub-keys by adding value with data in them:
- 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
When the virus finishes with all these malicious activities it may begin in creating your files without your consent.
.palq Files
The Palq virus begins encrypting files by scanning for their type based on the file extension they have. Usually the most important files are targeted, such as:
- Audio (.mp3, .wav, etc.).
- Archives (.zip, .rar, etc).
- Document file types (.docx, .pptx, etc.).
- Image files (.jpg, .png, .etc).
- Video files (.mp4, .avi, etc.).
- Other.
As soon as this virus scrambles your files, you may start seeing them appearing like the following example:
Picture.jpg.palq
Paying the ransom to the cyber criminals is strongly in advisable as you cannot trust these people.
Remove Palq Virus and Try to Restore Files
Palq virus can be removed from your computer system via several ways which we have mentioned in the removal guide below we have created for ransomware viruses like this one. If you like the experience and virus removal then we would strongly recommend that you remove this infection automatically by downloading and running a scan of your computer using an advanced anti-malware software. It has been created to effectively scan your machine and delete any malicious files and other objects from your device.
If you want to recover files that have been encrypted by this nasty infection, then a good idea would be to check out the other alternatives mentioned beneath this article. They are not as good as a free decryptor for this virus but they may help recover at least some of your files.
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for Palq Virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Palq 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 Palq 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 Palq 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 Palq Virus
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Palq 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 Palq 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.
Palq Virus-FAQ
What is Palq Virus Ransomware?
Palq 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 Palq 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 Palq Virus Infect?
Via several ways.Palq 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 Palq 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 .Palq Virus files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Palq 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 .Palq Virus files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Palq Virus" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Palq 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 Palq 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 Palq Virus ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Palq 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 Palq 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 Palq Virus Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Palq 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 Palq 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.
How to recognize trustworthy sources:
- Always check "About Us" web page.
- Profile of the content creator.
- Make sure that real people are behind the site and not fake names and profiles.
- Verify Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter personal profiles.