What Is QAZX Virus?
Qazx virus is a ransomware threat that belongs to the STOP/DJVU family and targets Microsoft Windows operating systems. It uses a powerful encryption algorithm to lock the files on the infected computer, adding the .qazx file extension to them. Next, a ransom note is displayed, asking the victims to pay a certain amount of money to get the decryption key and restore access to the encrypted files. If the ransom is not paid within the given timeframe, the files may be deleted forever.
Qazx Virus – Why Is My Windows Infected?
Ransomware associated with the Qazx virus is commonly acquired through opening malicious attachments sent in emails or from malicious webpages. It can also be obtained by downloading applications that contain malware, visiting malicious websites, or exploiting vulnerabilities in an operating system or other program through obfuscator.
Qazx Virus – How Did I Get Infected?
This malware is typically spread through emails and websites that contain malicious content, as well as by downloading malicious software. Additionally, security flaws in the operating system or other software can be exploited to contract the virus. The primary methods of dissemination for this ransomware include:
- If it is sent to you as an e-mail attachment or a URL.
- By being downloaded from a shady site.
Qazx Virus – Details
Name | Qazx 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 – more detections of this virus on VirusTotal |
File Extension | .qazx |
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 Qazx Virus ransomware will encrypt your files by appending the .qazx extension to them. |
Ransom Demanding Note | _readme.txt |
Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
Detection Tool |
See If Your Mac Has Been Affected by Qazx
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Malware Removal Tool
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Qazx Virus – What Does It Do?
Once the ransomware has infiltrated your computer, it will begin to encrypt your files. It will then display a message asking for payment in exchange for the decryption key that will unlock the encrypted files. The notice usually warns that the encrypted files will be deleted permanently if the ransom is not paid before an expiration date.
After infection, the malicious payload files of this ransomware will be placed and can be found in the following directories:
- %Local%
- %Temp%
- %Windows%
- %SystemDrive%
- %LocalLow%
- %AppData%
- %System%
- %system32%
The Qazx virus also drops its _readme.txt ransom note, which has the following contents:
Qazx virus may also create several different value entries, some of which may exist in the Run and RunOnce Windows Registries.
What Are .qazx Files
Files with the .qazx extension have been compromised by ransomware, making them inaccessible until the encryption is removed. To restore the files, either pay the ransom or employ a reliable data recovery tool. This virus targets the following file types and uses AES encryption algorithm to encrypt them:
- Videos (.mp4, .avi, etc.).
- Audio (.mp3, .wav, etc.).
- Picture file kinds (.jpg, .png, .etc).
- Archive file formats (.zip, .rar, etc).
- Documents of different types (.docx, .pptx, etc.).
- Others.
Picture.jpg.qazx
How to Open .qazx Files
If your system has been infected by .qazx virus ransomware, the most important thing to do is to remove the malicious virus and recover your files from a backup, as it is impossible to access the encrypted files without paying the ransom demanded by the cybercriminals. If it is DJVU ransomware that has encrypted your files, the same action should be taken as a priority.
What To Do If My Files Are .qazx?
The only guaranteed method of recovering files encrypted by Qazx virus ransomware is to restore them from a backup or by reversing the cipher. If no backup is available, data recovery software may be used in an effort to retrieve the files, as explained in the guide below. However, there is no guarantee that these methods will be effective.
How To Protect Windows from Qazx In The Future?
To protect your Windows system from the Qazx virus ransomware, make sure to regularly install the latest security patches and updates, safely store your files, be cautious when browsing the web, and be aware of the files you download.
How to Remove Qazx Virus?
To protect against further encryption of files by the Qazx virus ransomware, disconnect your computer from the internet. Subsequently, use an efficient anti-malware software to scan and delete any malicious files. If you have a backup, you can restore the files from it. Alternatively, you can try using data restoration tools to attempt to retrieve the encrypted files.
How to Decrypt / Fix .qazx Files?
If you want a solution to decode the files locked by this virus, our main suggestion is to use a tool that will help find your decryption key. You can find this tool in the STOP Ransomware decryption steps down below.
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for Qazx with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Qazx 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 Qazx 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 Qazx 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 Qazx
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Qazx.
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 Qazx 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.
Qazx-FAQ
What is Qazx Ransomware?
Qazx 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 Qazx 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 Qazx Infect?
Via several ways.Qazx 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 Qazx 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 .Qazx files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Qazx 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 .Qazx files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Qazx" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Qazx 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 Qazx 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 Qazx ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Qazx 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 Qazx 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 Qazx Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Qazx 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 Qazx 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.