QP Ransomware

QP Ransomware comes from the Dharma/Crysis Ransomware family of malicious file-encrypting applications. This threat appends an additional extension called .aes to all victim’s personal data it manages to encrypt. The next malware’s step is to display a ransom note that explains how to contact the hackers. Of course, it should also say that the user would have to pay with Bitcoins to decrypt his files as well as explain how to obtain this particular cryptocurrency. Due to the fact it is possible the cybercriminals behind this malicious application may not hold on to their end of the bargain, we recommend against paying the ransom. Naturally, it is only up to you to decide what you should do. However, we recommend not to rush and to continue reading our article to learn more about this malware. A bit below the text you ought to see manual deletion instructions that can explain how t get rid of QP Ransomware manually if you choose to remove it.

For starters, we should tell how QP Ransomware could enter the system. Our researchers say there are a few possibilities. Nonetheless, the most likely distribution channels, the hackers behind this threat might use, are Spam emails and untrustworthy file-sharing websites. Files received through them may not look harmful, but you should never take your guard down if you do not want to put your system at risk. All data coming from unreliable sources should be canned with a reliable antimalware tool before it is opened unless the user is entirely sure it can be trusted. It might seem hard to believe, but investing a couple of minutes for scanning files from the Internet could help you protect the computer from various infections. Just looking at the files name cannot tell whether it is dangerous or not. For example, if it comes from Spam, it is often the sender's email address or the text that raises suspicion. Unfortunately, not all users think about checking such details first.

What is supposed to happen when you launch QP Ransomware? It is possible you will not notice anything strange before the malware itself decides to reveal its presence. As you see once it enters the system, it should start encrypting your documents, pictures, photos, and various other personal files with a robust encryption algorithm. It was already mentioned earlier that the threat was programmed to mark each enciphered file with a second extension, for example, concert_ticket.pdf.aes, childhood_photos.zip.aes, and so on. Files that have this extension should be unreadable, which means they cannot be opened. It is possible to restore them with the right decryption key and decryption software, but such means could be available only to the malicious application’s developers. Once the encryption process is over, QP Ransomware should display a ransom note in which you should find a proposition from the hackers.

The note says the user can get the needed decryption means if he pays a ransom. QP Ransomware’s developers even claim they can guarantee it by allowing the user to send a few small and unimportant files for free decryption. We are facing a couple of problems here. Firstly, even if the hackers prove they have the needed decryption means it does not guarantee they will deliver them whether you pay or not. Secondly, there is no mentioning of how huge the sum might be, which means there is a possibility the victim may have to risk losing a considerable sum. Therefore, we do not think paying a ransom is the best idea.

The best variant is to erase QP Ransomware and restore files from backup, although some users may not have this option. To eliminate the threat manually, you could complete the steps located below this text. As for users who want to use automatic features; instead, we recommend picking a trustworthy antimalware tool that could deal with the malicious application. Also, we would advise keeping the chosen tool active and up to date so it could defend the computer against various infections.

Erase QP Ransomware

1. Click Ctrl+Alt+Delete.
2. Choose Task Manager and select Processes.
3. Find a process belonging to the threat.
4. Mark it and click End Task.
5. Exit Task Manager.
6. Click Win+E.
7. Find these paths:
   %TEMP%
   %USERPROFILE%\Downloads
   %USERPROFILE%\Desktop
8. Locate the malicious application’s launcher (some suspicious file downloaded before the infection appeared).
9. Right-click it and select Delete.
10. Find these locations:
    %APPDATA%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup
    %ALLUSERSPROFILE%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup
    %ALLUSERSPROFILE%\Application Data\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup
    %WINDIR%\System32
    %APPDATA%
11. Locate files called INFORMATION.HTA, right-click them and select Delete.
12. Find these specific Startup directories:
    %WINDIR%\System32
    %APPDATA%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup
    %ALLUSERSPROFILE%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup
    %ALLUSERSPROFILE%\Application Data\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup
13. Find suspicious executable files, for example, file.exe; right-click them and choose Delete.
14. Exit File Explorer.
15. Press Win+R.
16. Insert Regedit and click Enter.
17. Find the given directory: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
18. Search for value names dropped by the threat, e.g., {random title}.exe, right-click them and select Delete.
19. Exit Registry Editor.
20. Empty Recycle Bin.
21. Restart the computer.