QUIETPLACE ransomware (virus) - Recovery Instructions Included

What is QUIETPLACE ransomware?

QUIETPLACE ransomware can encrypt important data on your computer and ask for ransom

Ransomware can cause serious damage to personal files and the entire system

QUIETPLACE ransomware is a virus that encrypts^[1] users' personal files, such as photos, videos, and documents, using complicated algorithms. This can result in permanent data loss if victims do not have backups of their files. The affected files are appended with the .quietplace extension, and their icons are changed to white pages, making them impossible to open or view. The primary goal of ransomware attackers is to obtain payment for a decryption key.^[2]

Ransom notes

Ransom notes are messages that are delivered to the victim of a ransomware attack, typically through a pop-up window or text file on the victim's computer. The purpose of a ransom note is to inform the victim that their device or files have been encrypted by the ransomware and to demand payment in exchange for a decryption key or tool to restore access to the affected data.

Ransom notes usually include specific instructions for how the victim can pay the ransom, such as the amount of money demanded, the preferred payment method (e.g., Bitcoin), and the deadline for payment. Some ransom notes may also include threats or intimidation tactics, such as warning the victim that the ransom will increase if it is not paid by a certain date or that the victim's data will be permanently destroyed if the ransom is not paid.

The ultimate goal of ransomware creators is to obtain payment from the victim. Ransomware attacks can be highly profitable for the attackers, as they often target individuals or organizations with valuable data that they are willing to pay to have restored. It is important to note that paying the ransom does not guarantee that the victim will receive a working decryption key or that their data will be restored. In fact, some ransomware attacks have been known to deliver fake decryption tools or to simply ignore the victim after payment has been made.

In general, it is best to avoid paying the ransom and instead focus on preventing ransomware attacks by keeping your system and antivirus software up to date and following safe browsing practices.

Cybercriminals want to get paid with crypto but it is not advised to pay

How to avoid ransomware?

To avoid ransomware infections, here are a few tips you can follow:

• Only download software from official and reputable sources. Avoid downloading from Torrent websites or peer-to-peer file-sharing platforms, as these sources may contain malicious files.
• Be cautious of emails from unknown sources or that contain suspicious attachments or links. Do not open attachments or click on links from unknown sources, as they may contain malware.
• Keep your operating system and software up to date with the latest security patches. Software developers regularly release updates to fix vulnerabilities that can be exploited by hackers.
• Enable firewalls and antivirus software on your device. These security measures can help to protect your system from ransomware and other types of malware.
• Regularly back up your important files. Having a backup of your data can help you to recover your files in the event of a ransomware attack.
• Be wary of unexpected or suspicious pop-ups or alerts, especially when visiting unfamiliar websites. These may be attempts to download malware onto your device.
• Use strong, unique passwords for all of your accounts and enable two-factor authentication whenever possible. This can help to prevent unauthorized access to your accounts and prevent ransomware attacks.
• Avoid using public Wi-Fi networks, as they may not be secure and can be vulnerable to hacking attempts.
• Avoid sharing personal or sensitive information online, especially on social media or with unknown parties.

By following these tips, you can help to protect your system from ransomware infections and keep your data safe.

Ransomware removal process

To effectively remove ransomware, it is important to first disconnect the affected machine from the local network. For home users, unplugging the ethernet cable should suffice. In a corporate environment, disconnecting the machine may be more complicated, so it is best to follow the instructions provided in this post.

It is important to prioritize removing the malicious program over attempting to recover your data, as trying to recover your data first can result in permanent loss and can even cause the ransomware to encrypt your files again. Removing the malware should be the first priority. Manual removal of ransomware is a complex process that should only be attempted by those with advanced IT skills.

Instead, it is recommended to use anti-malware tools like SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes to scan your system and remove malicious files and entries automatically. In some cases, malware may prevent you from using antivirus in normal mode, so you may need to access Safe Mode and perform a full system scan from there:

Windows 7 / Vista / XP

1. Click Start > Shutdown > Restart > OK.
2. 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.
3. Select Safe Mode with Networking from the list.

Windows 10 / Windows 8

1. Right-click on Start button and select Settings.
   
2. Scroll down to pick Update & Security.
3. On the left side of the window, pick Recovery.
4. Now scroll down to find Advanced Startup section.
5. Click Restart now.
6. Select Troubleshoot.
7. Go to Advanced options.
8. Select Startup Settings.
9. Click Restart.
10. Press 5 or click 5) Enable Safe Mode with Networking.

Repair corrupted system files

Malware infections can lead to serious performance, stability, and usability issues that may require a full Windows reinstall to fix. These viruses can alter the Windows registry database, damage vital bootup and other system files, delete or corrupt DLL files, and more.

Antivirus software is often unable to fix damage caused by malware, and manual troubleshooting can be time-consuming and complex. FortectIntego is a maintenance tool that can help to fix many of the issues caused by malware infections, such as Blue Screen errors,^[3] freezes, registry errors, and damaged DLLs. By using this tool, you may be able to avoid the need to reinstall Windows completely.

• 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
• 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.

Try recovering data with third-party software

Only hackers hold the decryption key, which can unlock your files, so if you did not back them up previously, there is a good chance that you will never get them back. You can try using data recovery software, but keep in mind that third-party programs cannot always decrypt files. Whatever the situation may be, we suggest at least trying this method. Before you proceed, copy the corrupted files and place them in a USB flash drive or another external storage device. And remember – only do this if you have already removed the QUIETPLACE ransomware.

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

1. Download Data Recovery Pro.
2. Double-click the installer to launch it.
3. Follow on-screen instructions to install the software.
4. As soon as you press Finish, you can use the app.
5. Select Everything or pick individual folders where you want the files to be recovered from.
6. Press Next.
7. At the bottom, enable Deep scan and pick which Disks you want to be scanned.
8. Press Scan and wait till it is complete.
9. You can now pick which folders/files to recover – don't forget you also have the option to search by the file name!
10. Press Recover to retrieve your files.