Qual ransomware (virus) - Recovery Instructions Included

What is Qual ransomware?

Qual ransomware – a dangerous Windows virus that can lock you out of accessing your files

Qual ransomware poses a significant threat in the cyber realm due to its powerful encryption techniques, which are notorious for making files completely inaccessible. Belonging to the Djvu malware family, this virus appends “.qual” to the filenames it encrypts, using the robust RSA encryption method. Upon infiltrating a system, it promptly initiates the encryption process, preventing users from accessing their data. Subsequently, the malware leaves a “readme.txt” note in the affected directories, detailing the attackers' demands for a $999 ransom in exchange for a decryption tool to recover the encrypted files.

In an apparent effort to prompt swift communication, the note also provides a 50% discount, reducing the ransom to $499 if victims reach out within a specified time frame. The ransom note includes contact details (support@freshingmail.top and datarestorehelpyou@airmail.cc) through two email addresses provided for initiating communication. This method of extortion brings significant distress to affected users and indicates a troubling trend in cyber threats. Further information on the Qual ransomware, including advice on removal and data recovery options, can be found in the following sections.

The ransom note

When victims fall prey to a ransomware attack, they are often faced with a communication known as a ransom note. This note typically contains instructions on how the victim can send a ransom to the attackers in exchange for decrypting their data, which has been locked by the ransomware.

The note may include a deadline for the ransom payment, along with threats of further harm or data destruction if the payment is not made promptly. However, Djvu variants take a different approach, opting for a more professional tone. These ransom notes can appear as text files, images, or web pages on the victim's device. In the case of Qual ransomware, the ransom note appears immediately after the files are encrypted, stating the following message.

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.
Do not ask assistants from youtube and recovery data sites for help in recovering your data.
They can use your free decryption quota and scam you.
Our contact is emails in this text document only.
You can get and look video overview decrypt tool:
https://wetransfer.com/downloads/a832401adcd58098c699f768ffea4f1720240305114308/7e601a
Price of private key and decrypt software is $999.
Discount 50% available if you contact us first 72 hours, that's price for you is $499.
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:
support@freshingmail.top

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

Your personal ID:

Cybercriminals commonly employ various strategies to build trust with their victims, such as offering discounts on decryption tools or providing a “complimentary” test decryption service. However, these tactics are deceptive maneuvers designed to lure victims into a false sense of security and cooperation.

Despite the seemingly considerate gestures, it is crucial to remember that such offers do not guarantee any reliable or ethical conduct from these attackers. Specifically, in the case of Qual ransomware, there is no concrete assurance that the perpetrators will uphold their promises and deliver the necessary recovery tool after payment is made. These hackers operate within an illegal framework, and their primary goal is personal gain, making their assurances highly unreliable.

Remove the virus from the system and attempt to recover files

Misconceptions often cloud the understanding of ransomware's encryption process and malware functionality. Many believe that running a full system scan or renaming files can easily restore encrypted data, but the reality is far more intricate. Ransomware employs a complex alphanumeric sequence to lock data within files, making it nearly impossible to decrypt. This poses a serious threat, potentially resulting in irreversible data loss.

Despairing will not be beneficial, as there is still a chance for data recovery. Although it may not happen right away, there remains a possibility in the future. To start the recovery process, it is crucial to first remove Qual ransomware completely using reliable security software such as SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes. If the malware persists in causing issues, transitioning to Safe Mode and performing the removal from there could be a viable solution (instructions for this can be found at the conclusion of this article).

Upon successful removal of the malware, you can proceed to concentrate on data recovery. It is advised to start with Emsisoft's decryption tool, which has shown effectiveness in decrypting files encrypted by Djvu variants in specific instances. Please be aware that there might be a delay before this recovery method is accessible to you.

• 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.
  
  
• 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.
  
• Press Decrypt.
  
  

From here, there are three available outcomes:

1. “Decrypted!” will be shown under files that were decrypted successfully – they are now usable again.
2. “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.
3. “This ID appears to be an online ID, decryption is impossible” – you are unable to decrypt files with this tool.

You could always resort to specialized data recovery software if this method is unsuccessful.

• 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 which 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.

Additional tips

Qual ransomware is capable of altering your “hosts” file, which can block your access to security-focused websites. To overcome this obstacle, you should delete the compromised file. After deletion, Windows will generate a new hosts file, thereby removing the restrictions on specific website access. Follow the steps below to resolve the issue:

• Ensure that “Hidden files” are configured to be displayed.
• Navigate to the following location: C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc.
• Locate the “hosts” file and remove it by pressing Shift + Del on your keyboard.

Addressing system damages caused by malware promptly is crucial. FortectIntego is a robust software tool designed to combat the effects of malicious software. By performing a detailed scan of your computer, it detects corrupted or missing files and restores them with operational versions. This process helps alleviate the harmful impacts of malware, such as changes to the Windows Registry or the loss of essential system files.