How to remove Pcqq ransomware

Pcqq ransomware – a hazardous parasite designed to make you transfer Bitcoins

Pcqq ransomware is a file-encrypting computer virus created to infect Windows PCs. When it infects a computer, it immediately starts the encryption process, locking all personal data, such as documents, videos, databases, pictures, etc. As evident, the main goal of criminals is not to compromise your device, so system files are almost not affected. Your files, while locked, can be recovered in some cases for free – our guide is designed to provide you with detailed instructions on how to take actions for the best possible outcome for you.

All encrypted files are appended with a .pcqq extension and are inaccessible until a necessary decryption key or software is used. According to the ransom note titled “_readme.txt” (which can be found on the desktop), the only way to get your data back is to contact the criminals via helpmanager@airmail.cc or helpteam@mail.ch emails and forward the required amount using bitcoin.

The asking price for the decryptor from the assailants depends on how fast you reply. The original price is $980, although it can be reduced to  $490, as long as the contact is made within 72 hours of the cyberattack. Interesting fact: cybercriminals rarely change their contact information or the contents of a ransom note, although file extension keeps getting altered with each new version of the virus – this one is 296th already.^[1]

Paying the criminals behind Pcqq virus should be the last thought coming to your head. There might be alternative ways to decrypt your files. Emsisoft has been creating free decryption software for Djvu ransomware family victims, to which this file-locking parasite belongs. In this article, we'll walk you through the removal and recovery options.

This cyber threat is very similar to its predecessors – Rejg virus, Wrui, Lmas, Urnb, and others, in many ways. All of the latest versions use RSA 2048 military strength encoding system, which is very hard to decrypt even for highly experienced professionals.

Also, all most recent versions use random four-letter combinations to append all encrypted data. That's where these cryptoviruses get their names from. Ransom notes slightly differ from time to time, but their main goal is obvious – convince the victim to forward the money.

Various scare and convincing tactics are used for that. First, the assailants assure that only their software is able to decrypt the victim files. Then they offer to send them one encrypted file from the infected PC directly to them via email so they could decrypt it and thus prove that the necessary tool exists.

They also include a link to a video where the victims could see how the required decryption software works in real life. And lastly, they offer a 50% discount for the ransom, as mentioned before. The whole Pcqq ransomware virus note reads:

ATTENTION!

Don't worry, you can return all your files!
All your files like pictures, databases, documents and other important are encrypted with strongest encryption and unique key.
The only method of recovering files is to purchase decrypt tool and unique key for you.
This software will decrypt all your encrypted files.
What guarantees you have?
You can send one of your encrypted file from your PC and we decrypt it for free.
But we can decrypt only 1 file for free. File must not contain valuable information.
You can get and look video overview decrypt tool:
hxxps://we.tl/t-9CYW99VhUR
Price of private key and decrypt software is $980.
Discount 50% available if you contact us first 72 hours, that's price for you is $490.
Please note that you'll never restore your data without payment.
Check your e-mail “Spam” or “Junk” folder if you don't get answer more than 6 hours.

To get this software you need write on our e-mail:
helpteam@mail.ch

Reserve e-mail address to contact us:
helpmanager@airmail.cc

Your personal ID:

If you decide to pay the criminals and forget about this nightmare, we cannot stop you, but we can advise against that. perpetrators can use that money to develop more advanced ransomware, research new distribution methods, and attack more innocent people. Hence, the cycle of infection continues (keep in mind that the attackers might ask you to pay more after you complete the bitcoin transaction).

Thus the only reasonable thing to do would be to remove Pcqq virus from your device. Before doing that, try our suggested data decryption methods at the bottom of the page. If none of them work, export all (or essential) encrypted files to an offline storage device because there's always hoping that someone will create a necessary tool sooner or later.

Then you're ready to begin the removal. Download reliable anti-malware software such as MalwarebytesMalwarebytes, SpyHunterCombo Cleaner, or similar and install it. If ransomware prevents you from opening security-related websites or launching your AV tool, do that in Safe Mode with Networking (instructions included below). Detection^[3] names can differ, but all threats need to be removed.

Once a security tool is operational, update its virus signatures with the latest releases. Then perform a full system scan. That should automatically detect and remove all malware that's infecting your computer. Afterward, run a system tune-up with reliable PC repair software like the FortectIntego to resolve all system-related issues.

Torrent websites – a preferred hiding spot of Djvu family ransomware

There are a bunch of torrent websites on the internet, and most of them have illegal material on them, whether it be pirated movies or cracked (unlocked) expensive software. Cybercriminals exploit user needs for free stuff by hiding their vile creations as such.

By downloading a crack for the latest and most anticipated game, you're not only breaking the law but could get much more than you ever thought. Apart from Djvu family viruses, you could be downloading Trojans, backdoors, keyloggers, or other malware.

User reports suggest that most infections were hidden in various cracks (game, other software), game cheat codes, unlocked expensive software, serial number files, and alike. Thus think twice before using such platforms. Support your beloved movie makers by going to the cinemas and your desired software developers by purchasing their products directly from them.

Detailed instructions to remove Pcqq ransomware safely

To begin the removal process, first, you have to download and install a trustworthy security tool such as MalwarebytesMalwarebytes, SpyHunterCombo Cleaner, or similar, as clearly your AV tool has let you down. In case Pcqq virus blocks downloading or opening such software, use our instructions below to reboot your device in Safe Mode with Networking and do it then.

Once the anti-malware software is opened, perform a full system scan. A proper AV tool will automatically identify the virus, locate all of its associated files, and remove them. Please make a habit of updating security software and scanning your device with it at least two times per week.

This malware family can block security-related websites and cause other system irregularities by editing the Registry, host files, and other core Windows attributes. You can resolve all system-related inconsistencies by performing system diagnostics with time-proven software like the FortectIntego app.

FAQ

Q: I am terrified. I have the assignments that I have been working on for weeks encrypted by the Pcqq virus. I tried opening my files with various programs but to no avail. Please help me, I am running out of options!

A: First and foremost, do not panic. The outcome is already there, so freaking out will not change anything. The best thing to do is figuring out how to deal with the cyberattack in the most efficient way. While ransomware is a rather terrifying malware, not all hope is lost.

First, you should transfer all locked files onto a different medium and then scan your device with security software to ensure no modules are left. Data recovery options are listed in our removal instructions for the virus, so make sure you check them out. With some luck, you might restore your data for free.

Q: I got infected with a ransomware virus, so I scanned my PC with antimalware – nothing was found. What am I supposed to do now?

A: Ransomware usually deletes itself after data locking is complete. This strain, however, was previously seen to be delivered along with other malware and was also injecting malicious data-scraping modules into web browsers. Thus, using security software is mandatory.

If you performed a full system scan and nothing was found, your Windows is likely clean. Just to make sure, we recommend a scan with another security tool from a different vendor.

Q: I used Emsisoft decryptor for my encrypted files. To my disappointment, I received a rather worrying answer – it said that the online key was used to lock my files and the tool won't be able to restore them. Is there a chance that in the future, my files can be restored with it?

A: If .pcqq files were locked with an online key, it means that only cybercriminals have access to it, so the decryptor working later is unlikely. However, if the law enforcement manages to catch the criminals behind the attack in the future or break into the attackers' servers where all victim keys are kept – it would be indeed possible.

Do not give up hope, as there are plenty of examples where such a scenario indeed occurred. Considering how prevalent the Djvu malware family is, catching culprits is the top priority for cybersecurity agencies worldwide.