.ZqVIkE file extension is placed on all of your files? .ZqVIkE Virus File is also known as Hidden Tear ransomware which locks files on a computer and demands money to be paid as a ransom fee.
Security reports indicate that there is a new .ZqVIkE Hidden Tear virus threat which is currently being used against computer users worldwide. It is otherwise known as .ZqVIkE Virus File is a ransomware-type virus. It encrypts files by appending the .ZqVIkE extension to them, making them inaccessible. All encrypted files will receive the new extension. The Hidden Tear ransom note gives instructions to victims on how they can allegedly restore their data by paying a ransom fee.
Hidden Tear Ransomware Virus
Hidden Tear Ransomware will encrypt all types of files such as audio, video, pictures, backups, banking data and other personal user files found on a compromised computer system.
.ZqVIkE virus Summary
| Name | .ZqVIkE virus |
| File Extension | .ZqVIkE |
| 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 Hidden Tear ransomware will encrypt your files by appending the .ZqVIkE extension to them. |
| Ransom Demanding Note | security_audit_.eml |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
| Detection Tool |
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss .ZqVIkE virus. |
.ZqVIkE Virus File – How Did It Infect My Computer?
The .ZqVIkE virus is a Hidden Tear ransomware that is specifically designed to infect computer users. At this time a very limited attack campaign has been detected, for this reason, we think that the hackers behind it are still optimizing it, it might be a test release or still be in development. There is no information available about the identity of the criminals, what we know is that they are probably not very experienced by modifying the Hidden Tear codebase. This is one of the oldest families of threats of this virus category and Hidden Tear malware is well-known for being sold on the underground marketplaces.
We anticipate that the most common infection techniques will be used to carry out the distribution. This stipulates that the .ZqVIkE virus can be embedded in different forms of payload carriers which is often seen as the most effective solution for this category of threats. This means that the criminals will insert the relevant code in common data that can be retrieved from the Internet. This includes documents across all-important office formats, and also software installers of popular programs. The infection will happen in the background without alerting the victim users. The virus can also be placed in small programs and executables such as patches, add-ons, and etc.
Of course the .ZqVIkE and all virus-related files can be pushed to the targets via manipulative tactics – this relies on the use of forged credentials and manipulative content to impersonate well-known companies and services to make the victims that they are accessing safe and legitimate content. The virus data is carried in email messages (prepared in bulk) or in hacker-created sites. Both of these two can use self-signed security certificates, forged content and design, and other elements that want to manipulate the victims. Virus files can also be shared on social networks, file-sharing networks, and other places where such data is commonly found.
Usually, Hidden Tear threats follow a prescribed behavior sequence which is common among most of them. This usually starts a data gathering procedure at the start. It is used to scan for the presence of security programs, advanced viruses can disable them based on the collected data. Any personal user’s information can be abused in identity-related crimes, as well as operating system-related data. The generated report of the installed hardware components can be used to create a unique identifier (ID) for each affected computer. It can be shown in the ransom note or used by the criminals to count the number of affected computers.
The .ZqVIkE virus like other Hidden Tear threats can also be used to cause dangerous system changes. This includes the installation of this ransomware as a persistent threat, an action that is very common with this type of ransomware. It will start automatically when the computer is powered on, and it may additionally disable access to the recovery system options.
This threat can change the Windows Registry values, this can result in the modification of already existing entries or the creation of new ones. This can lead to issues such as performance issues, the inability to run certain services, data loss, and the removal of important files such as backups and shadow volume copies.
Other viruses can also be installed through an existing .ZqVIkE malware infection. This may include the likes of Trojan horse infections, they are used to install a local agent that will connect to a hacker-controlled server. This allows the criminals to take over control of the infected hosts, steal user’s data, and spy on the victims.
When every module has finished running, the actual encryption action will take place. It will use a powerful cipher to process victim files and make them inaccessible. They will receive an extension called .ZqVIkEstrong> and in the folders where there are processed files, ransom notes, lockscreens, or wallpapers will be placed to blackmail the victims into paying a given fee.
Remove .ZqVIkE Virus File
In case your computer got infected with the .ZqVIkE Virus File, you should have a bit of experience in removing malware. You should get rid of this ransomware as quickly as possible before it can have the chance to spread further and infect other computers. You should remove the ransomware and follow the step-by-step instructions guide provided below.
Martin Beltov
Martin graduated with a degree in Publishing from Sofia University. As a cyber security enthusiast he enjoys writing about the latest threats and mechanisms of intrusion.
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Step 1: Scan for .ZqVIkE virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall .ZqVIkE 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:
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully delete most unwanted and malicious programs.
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by .ZqVIkE 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 .ZqVIkE virus there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
Tip: To find a virus-created value, you can right-click on it and click "Modify" to see which file it is set to run. If this is the virus file location, remove the value.
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 .ZqVIkE virus
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by .ZqVIkE 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 .ZqVIkE 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.
.ZqVIkE virus-FAQ
What is .ZqVIkE virus Ransomware?
.ZqVIkE 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 .ZqVIkE 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 .ZqVIkE virus Infect?
Via several ways..ZqVIkE 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 .ZqVIkE 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 ..ZqVIkE virus files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the ..ZqVIkE 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 ..ZqVIkE virus files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore "..ZqVIkE virus" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore ..ZqVIkE 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 .ZqVIkE 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 .ZqVIkE virus ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important ..ZqVIkE 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 .ZqVIkE 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 .ZqVIkE virus Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this .ZqVIkE 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 .ZqVIkE 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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