Qdla file virus (Easy Removal Guide) - Decryption Methods Included
Qdla file virus Removal Guide
What is Qdla file virus?
Qdla virus is the product from cybercriminals that creates much frustration with file-locking and money demands
Qdla ransomware is a threat designed to encode files found on the machine. It mainly locks data that is commonly used or seems valuable, so people are more eager to pay for the promised decryption tool. However, those claims are created to fake trust between the victim and extortionists.[1] The infection starts silently, but once those documents, images, video, or audio files receive the .qdla appendix, you can be sure that the virus is done altering the files. Malware creators then can deliver the _readme.txt file with the direct ransom demand message and ask victims to pay for the data recovery.
The ransom note gets placed on your desktop in addition to any other folder with locked documents. This is how the extortion message is delivered. Criminals start with informing about how much money you need to pay in order to restore access: $980 or the $490 if the payment is transferred in the first 72 hours.
All negotiations should happen via manager@mailtemp.ch or helprestoremanager@airmail.cc emails. These messages should not be ignored as there may still come times when criminals make contact again and deliver malware instead of helping you with file restoring. This is the Qdla file virus, and criminals care about their own profits, not your belongings.
The ransom note delivered right after the file encryption 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-dFmA3YqXzs
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:
manager@mailtemp.chReserve e-mail address to contact us:
helprestoremanager@airmail.cc
Ransomware are sophisticated programs that can pinpoint specific files on the system to lock them or steal particular data. Some examples of this include the family of Djvu ransomware, which locks up all the important information and makes it unopenable by law enforcement or people with access rights until you pay money for them to unlock it. This family has been known for a while, and each week developers release new variants for people to fall victim to.
| Name | Qdla ransomware |
|---|---|
| Type | File-locking, cryptocurrency-extortion virus |
| Family | Djvu/STOP ransomware |
| Appendix | .qdla is the extension that gets placed on files after the initial filetype indicator |
| Ransom amount | $490/$980 |
| Contact emails | manager@mailtemp.ch, helprestoremanager@airmail.cc |
| Ransom note | _readme.txt |
| Distribution | The payload of the infection gets added on the machine when game cheats, software cracks, and other pieces are downloaded from pirating platforms |
| Removal | Anti-malware tools are needed for thorough cleaning since the infection is one of the most dangerous threats |
| Repair | Affected parts on the system can be repaired with an app like FortectIntego |
The malware first searches for file formats, so the findings of more valuable files get encrypted. The threat is not affecting system data at this point, so most often used pieces get encrypted. Main types:
- Archive file types (.zip, .rar, etc).
- Documents (.docx, .pptx, etc.).
- Images (.jpg, .png, .etc).
- Music & Audio files (.mp3, .wav, etc.).
- Video files (.mp4, .avi, etc.).
- Others.
The family is known for a while and these tactics, ransom note file, its contents, contact emails, amount of the ransom are not changed. These quick changes of the file marker and other code details allow developers to release a new version after the other. Unfortunately, researchers and experts[2] have no time to analyze and come up with the decryption tool in time because of this. This is one of the more dangerous strains that is not decryptable. At least not at the moment.
Tactics of the Qdla ransomware virus
The developers of this threat have experience in this field, and the threat is not new in the sense of cryptocurrency-extortion-based infections. The previous versions on the list like Stax, Palq, Cool, and others come improved and changed to evade the easy termination and file recovery processes. Qdla ransomware is no different.
Other common features that all these Djvu versions have, include the fake Windows update pop-up that appears on the screen to mask the reason behind issues with speed and performance. This is how the infection manages to encode wiles unnoticed, and only after the file-locking, when the file marker is added to data, the victim can be sure that the Qdla file virus affected the machine.
Some ransomware might also modify Windows hosts’ files to prevent users from accessing certain websites online. For example, Djvu ransomware variants add dozens of entries containing URLs of security-related websites, such as 2-spyware.com. Each of the entries means that users will not be able to access the listed web addresses and will receive an error instead.
Here’s an example of “hosts” file entries that were injected by ransomware:
In order to restore your ability to access all websites without restrictions, you should either delete the file (Windows will automatically recreate it) or remove all the malware-created entries. If you have never touched the “hosts” file before, you should simply delete it by marking it and pressing Shift + Del on your keyboard. For that, navigate to the following location:
C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\
The threat can also alter various files and disable functions of the machine to ensure persistence. This is why we recommend eliminating the infection as soon as it is possible. That can be done with tools based on AV detection[3] like anti-malware programs, system security apps. There are free options for these solutions.
It is quite possible for the Qdla virus removal process to seem impossible when threats block some tools or disable features needed for the detection of an infection or file repair. However, applications like SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes, which find malware on your computer, can help. However, file recovery is not the same as eliminating the threat.
The second step after the ransomware termination – recovery
Unfortunately, victims hoping that they could gain access to their files without paying are out of luck because there is no such thing. At this point, decryption tools take months or years to develop. These attacks can seriously damage devices. Some tools may exist online which would assist certain types or variants but unfortunately, the virus falls into the category of non-decryptable due to the recent change in online ID usage.
Since these criminals code the Qdla virus to connect to the server, unique IDs for the victim get formed during encoding. This means that the particular decryption key required for the file recovery cannot be used for a few machines. Offline keys allowed such an option, but criminals improved their techniques.
If your computer got infected with one of the Djvu variants, you should try using Emsisoft decryptor for Djvu/STOP. It is important to mention that this tool will not work for everyone – it only works if data was locked with an offline ID due to malware failing to communicate with its remote servers.
Even if your case meets this condition, somebody from the victims has to pay criminals, retrieve an offline key, and then share it with security researchers at Emsisoft. As a result, you might not be able to restore the encrypted files immediately. Thus, if the decryptor says your data was locked with an offline ID but cannot be recovered currently, you should try later. You also need to upload a set of files – one encrypted and a healthy one to the company’s servers before you proceed.
- Download the app from the official Emsisoft website.
- After pressing Download button, a small pop-up at the bottom, titled decrypt_STOPDjvu.exe should show up – click it.
- If User Account Control (UAC) message shows up, press Yes.
- Agree to License Terms by pressing Yes.
![Qdla file virus]( "Qdla file virus")
- After Disclaimer shows up, press OK.
- The tool should automatically populate the affected folders, although you can also do it by pressing Add folder at the bottom.
![Qdla file virus]( "Qdla file virus")
- Press Decrypt.
From here, there are three available outcomes:
- “Decrypted!” will be shown under files that were decrypted successfully – they are now usable again.
- “Error: Unable to decrypt file with ID:” means that the keys for this version of the virus have not yet been retrieved, so you should try later.
- “This ID appears to be an online ID, decryption is impossible” – you are unable to decrypt files with this tool.
Do not forget about the system damage
We try to advise people on removing the threat as soon as possible, so the damage can be avoided. Unfortunately, people ignore these messages and try to recover files before threat removal. This way, Qdla ransomware can run the second round of file encryption and permanently damage existing data.
The most important thing to remember is that threat removal procedures are essential when fighting any computer infections. If you do not have a plan for threats, your system might get encrypted again or be newly infected with a different virus. Virus activity on the machine could lead to performance issues or increase security risks.
Once a computer is infected with a threat like the Qdla virus, its system is changed to operate differently. For example, an infection can alter the Windows registry database, damage vital bootup, and other sections, delete or corrupt DLL files, etc. Once a system file is damaged by malware, antivirus software is not capable of doing anything about it, leaving it just the way it is. Consequently, users might experience performance, stability, and usability issues, to the point where a full Windows reinstallation is required.
Therefore, we highly recommend using a one-of-a-kind, patented technology of FortectIntego repair. Not only can it fix virus damage after the infection, but it can also remove malware that has already broken into the system thanks to several engines used by the program. Besides, the application is also capable of fixing various Windows-related issues that are not caused by malware infections, for example, Blue Screen errors, freezes, registry errors, damaged DLLs, etc.
- Download the application by clicking on the link above
- Click on the ReimageRepair.exe
- If User Account Control (UAC) shows up, select Yes
- Press Install and wait till the program finishes the installation process
![Reimage installation]( "Reimage installation")
- The analysis of your machine will begin immediately
- Once complete, check the results – they will be listed in the Summary
- You can now click on each of the issues and fix them manually
- If you see many problems that you find difficult to fix, we recommend you purchase the license and fix them automatically.
![Reimage results]( "Reimage results")
Cyber infection is not easy to deal with, especially when it comes to threats like ransomware. This threat is designed to affect files or permanently damage them, but people can still be hopeful and try to negotiate the file recovery with creators. However, that is not recommended since infection creators care about profits and never think about the outcome. Remove Qdla ransomware without hesitation and then thinks bout your files.
The threat elimination can be easier than you think if the proper tools like SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes get employed. The threat is detected, located, and removed properly, and the machine can work as smoothly as before. However, not that Qdla file virus removal is not the same as file recovery or decryption. These are two separate procedures.
Do not skip to file recovery if you are not sure that virus damage is also taken care of. Try to run FortectIntego, so the damage that is possibly causing performance issues can be indicated. This application repairs any virus alterations, restores system functions and files, so you can move to the data recovery safely and achieve the best possible results.
Getting rid of Qdla file virus. Follow these steps
Important steps to take before you begin malware removal
File encryption and ransomware infection are two independent processes (although the latter would not be possible without the former). However, it is important to understand that malware performs various changes within a Windows operating system, fundamentally changing the way it works.
IMPORTANT for those without backups! →
If you attempt to use security or recovery software immediately, you might permanently damage your files, and even a working decryptor then would not be able to save them.
Before you proceed with the removal instructions below, you should copy the encrypted files onto a separate medium, such as USB flash drive or SSD, and then disconnect them from your computer. Encrypted data does not hold any malicious code, so it is safe to transfer to other devices.
The instructions below might initially seem overwhelming and complicated, but they are not difficult to understand as long as you follow each step in the appropriate order. This comprehensive free guide will help you to handle the malware removal and data recovery process correctly.
If you have any questions, comments, or are having troubles with following the instructions, please do not hesitate to contact us via the Ask Us section.
IMPORTANT! →
It is vital to eliminate malware infection from the computer fully before starting the data recovery process, otherwise ransomware might re-encrypt retrieved files from backups repeatedly.
Restore files using data recovery software
Since many users do not prepare proper data backups prior to being attacked by ransomware, they might often lose access to their files permanently. Paying criminals is also very risky, as they might not fulfill the promises and never send back the required decryption tool.
While this might sound terrible, not all is lost – data recovery software might be able to help you in some situations (it highly depends on the encryption algorithm used, whether ransomware managed to complete the programmed tasks, etc.). Since there are thousands of different ransomware strains, it is immediately impossible to tell whether third-party software will work for you.
Therefore, we suggest trying regardless of which ransomware attacked your computer. Before you begin, several pointers are important while dealing with this situation:
- Since the encrypted data on your computer might permanently be damaged by security or data recovery software, you should first make backups of it – use a USB flash drive or another storage.
- Only attempt to recover your files using this method after you perform a scan with anti-malware software.
Install data recovery software
- Download Data Recovery Pro.
- Double-click the installer to launch it.
- Follow on-screen instructions to install the software.
- As soon as you press Finish, you can use the app.
- Select Everything or pick individual folders where you want the files to be recovered from.
- Press Next.
- At the bottom, enable Deep scan and pick which Disks you want to be scanned.
- Press Scan and wait till it is complete.
- You can now pick which folders/files to recover – don't forget you also have the option to search by the file name!
- Press Recover to retrieve your files.
Create data backups to avoid file loss in the future
One of the many countermeasures for home users against ransomware is data backups. Even if your Windows get corrupted, you can reinstall everything from scratch and retrieve files from backups with minimal losses overall. Most importantly, you would not have to pay cybercriminals and risk your money as well.
Therefore, if you have already dealt with a ransomware attack, we strongly advise you to prepare backups for future use. There are two options available to you:
- Backup on a physical external drive, such as a USB flash drive or external HDD.
- Use cloud storage services.
The first method is not that convenient, however, as backups need to constantly be updated manually – although it is very reliable. Therefore, we highly advise choosing cloud storage instead – it is easy to set up and efficient to sustain. The problem with it is that storage space is limited unless you want to pay for the subscription.
Using Microsoft OneDrive
OneDrive is a built-in tool that comes with every modern Windows version. By default, you get 5 GB of storage that you can use for free. You can increase that storage space, but for a price. Here's how to setup backups for OneDrive:
- Click on the OneDrive icon within your system tray.
- Select Help & Settings > Settings.
- If you don't see your email under the Account tab, you should click Add an account and proceed with the on-screen instructions to set yourself up.
- Once done, move to the Backup tab and click Manage backup.
- Select Desktop, Documents, and Pictures, or a combination of whichever folders you want to backup.
- Press Start backup.
After this, all the files that are imported into the above-mentioned folders will be automatically backed for you. If you want to add other folders or files, you have to do that manually. For that, open File Explorer by pressing Win + E on your keyboard, and then click on the OneDrive icon. You should drag and drop folders you want to backup (or you can use Copy/Paste as well).
Using Google Drive
Google Drive is another great solution for free backups. The good news is that you get as much as 15GB for free by choosing this storage. There are also paid versions available, with significantly more storage to choose from.
You can access Google Drive via the web browser or use a desktop app you can download on the official website. If you want your files to be synced automatically, you will have to download the app, however.
- Download the Google Drive app installer and click on it.
- Wait a few seconds for it to be installed.
- Now click the arrow within your system tray – you should see Google Drive icon there, click it once.
- Click Get Started.
- Enter all the required information – your email/phone, and password.
- Now pick what you want to sync and backup. You can click on Choose Folder to add additional folders to the list.
- Once done, pick Next.
- Now you can select to sync items to be visible on your computer.
- Finally, press Start and wait till the sync is complete. Your files are now being backed up.
Report the incident to your local authorities
Ransomware is a huge business that is highly illegal, and authorities are very involved in catching malware operators. To have increased chances of identifying the culprits, the agencies need information. Therefore, by reporting the crime, you could help with stopping the cybercriminal activities and catching the threat actors. Make sure you include all the possible details, including how did you notice the attack, when it happened, etc. Additionally, providing documents such as ransom notes, examples of encrypted files, or malware executables would also be beneficial.
Law enforcement agencies typically deal with online fraud and cybercrime, although it depends on where you live. Here is the list of local authority groups that handle incidents like ransomware attacks, sorted by country:
- USA – Internet Crime Complaint Center IC3
- United Kingdom – ActionFraud
- Canada – Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre
- Australia – ScamWatch
- New Zealand – ConsumerProtection
- Germany – Polizei
- France – Ministère de l'Intérieur
If your country is not listed above, you should contact the local police department or communications center.
Manual removal using Safe Mode
Important! →
Manual removal guide might be too complicated for regular computer users. It requires advanced IT knowledge to be performed correctly (if vital system files are removed or damaged, it might result in full Windows compromise), and it also might take hours to complete. Therefore, we highly advise using the automatic method provided above instead.
Step 1. Access Safe Mode with Networking
Manual malware removal should be best performed in the Safe Mode environment.
Windows 7 / Vista / XP
- Click Start > Shutdown > Restart > OK.
- When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 button (if that does not work, try F2, F12, Del, etc. – it all depends on your motherboard model) multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
- Select Safe Mode with Networking from the list.
Windows 10 / Windows 8
- Right-click on Start button and select Settings.
- Scroll down to pick Update & Security.
- On the left side of the window, pick Recovery.
- Now scroll down to find Advanced Startup section.
- Click Restart now.
- Select Troubleshoot.
- Go to Advanced options.
- Select Startup Settings.
- Press Restart.
- Now press 5 or click 5) Enable Safe Mode with Networking.
Step 2. Shut down suspicious processes
Windows Task Manager is a useful tool that shows all the processes running in the background. If malware is running a process, you need to shut it down:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
- Click on More details.
- Scroll down to Background processes section, and look for anything suspicious.
- Right-click and select Open file location.
- Go back to the process, right-click and pick End Task.
- Delete the contents of the malicious folder.
Step 3. Check program Startup
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
- Go to Startup tab.
- Right-click on the suspicious program and pick Disable.
Step 4. Delete virus files
Malware-related files can be found in various places within your computer. Here are instructions that could help you find them:
- Type in Disk Cleanup in Windows search and press Enter.
- Select the drive you want to clean (C: is your main drive by default and is likely to be the one that has malicious files in).
- Scroll through the Files to delete list and select the following:
Temporary Internet Files
Downloads
Recycle Bin
Temporary files - Pick Clean up system files.
- You can also look for other malicious files hidden in the following folders (type these entries in Windows Search and press Enter):
%AppData%
%LocalAppData%
%ProgramData%
%WinDir%
After you are finished, reboot the PC in normal mode.
Finally, you should always think about the protection of crypto-ransomwares. In order to protect your computer from Qdla file and other ransomwares, use a reputable anti-spyware, such as FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes
How to prevent from getting ransomware
Access your website securely from any location
When you work on the domain, site, blog, or different project that requires constant management, content creation, or coding, you may need to connect to the server and content management service more often. The best solution for creating a tighter network could be a dedicated/fixed IP address.
If you make your IP address static and set to your device, you can connect to the CMS from any location and do not create any additional issues for the server or network manager that needs to monitor connections and activities. VPN software providers like Private Internet Access can help you with such settings and offer the option to control the online reputation and manage projects easily from any part of the world.
Recover files after data-affecting malware attacks
While much of the data can be accidentally deleted due to various reasons, malware is one of the main culprits that can cause loss of pictures, documents, videos, and other important files. More serious malware infections lead to significant data loss when your documents, system files, and images get encrypted. In particular, ransomware is is a type of malware that focuses on such functions, so your files become useless without an ability to access them.
Even though there is little to no possibility to recover after file-locking threats, some applications have features for data recovery in the system. In some cases, Data Recovery Pro can also help to recover at least some portion of your data after data-locking virus infection or general cyber infection.
If this free guide helped you and you are satisfied with our service, please consider making a donation to keep this service alive. Even a smallest amount will be appreciated.
- ^ Lily Hay Newman. Ransomware’s Dangerous New Trick Is Double-Encrypting Your Data. Wired. Business, culture, science and security news.
- ^ Senzavirus. Senzavirus. Spyware related news.
- ^ Virus detection. VirusTotal. Malware detection rate.