The primary aim of STOP/DJVU ransomware variants including QQJJ virus is to extort the computer user by convincing him/her to pay a ransom once the personal data is made inaccessible. Computer users typically download this threat in a form of a setup file that is supposed to install a pirated software version. Victims usually find these downloads in rogue online websites promoting software cracks and other illegal content.

The message left in the ransom note asks for a payment

The ransom note briefly explains that the malware has encrypted all of the personal data stored on the computer and that there is no way to restore the data without the help of ransomware operators. They suggest a deal – purchasing a decryption tool and key from them for a specified price. However, victims should NOT follow commands of cybercriminals, despite the threats that they make. The note explains that the criminals want $980 as a ransom but are willing to slash the amount in half if the computer user sends them an email within 72 hours. This means the ransom amount would be lowered to $490. The note also recommends attaching one sample of encrypted file to the email and including the Personal ID (provided in the note) for victim identification. The victim is asked to send the email to one of the following email addresses provided at the very end of the ransom note: support@bestyourmail.ch, datarestorehelp@airmail.cc. Victims report that after contacting the perpetrators they were asked to purchase cryptocurrency worth the amount specified in USD and transfer it to the attackers’ virtual wallet address. The reason behind such payment method is anonymity – FBI can hardly trace such transactions and identify the cybercriminals or their location. Even if your files were encrypted and you feel hopeless to recover them in other way than paying the criminals, we DO NOT RECOMMEND PAYING THE RANSOM. You can read these recommendations for ransomware victims released by FBI and also take into account our arguments:

Paying the ransom doesn’t guarantee that criminals will fullfil their part and help you to decrypt locked data;Cybercriminals often try to repeatedly target victims who have paid the ransom;Transferring funds to ransomware operators helps them to continue their operations going.

Beware of Trojans that travel alongside this ransomware strain

Our research team warns victims of this threat to scan their computers with a genuine antivirus solution as soon as possible due to possibility that additional malware was installed alongside the main payload (the ransomware). Analysis shows that STOP/DJVU variants like this one travel along with VIDAR and AZORULT Trojans, both highly dangerous and capable to steal private information such as browser-saved passwords, cookies, browsing history and more. Therefore, to remove QQJJ ransomware virus, we recommend preparing your computer by booting it into Safe mode with Networking. The next step should be launching of a robust antivirus solution and starting a full system scan. Afterward, we recommend you to download RESTORO (official download link) and using it to identify and repair virus-damaged Windows OS files.

Ransomware Summary

REPAIR VIRUS DAMAGE The screenshot below shows how encrypted files look like in folders. You can see that there is a _readme.txt note dropped next to encrypted data.

Ransomware distribution techniques: know what to expect

Ransomware-type computer threats can be distributed either via email (in a form of malicious attachments), via rogue websites offering a wide range of downloads (mostly pirated software and other copyright-protected content) and via fake ads promoting malicious software update installers. The highest risk of becoming a victim of QQJJ ransomware or any other virus from the STOP/DJVU ransomware family is for those who have a tendency to search for cracked software versions to download and install. The cybercriminals upload the malicious setup files to rogue websites that promote all kinds of software and claim the user can download them via a generated link. Another way to get these files is via torrent downloads. However, as soon as the computer user launches the alleged setup, the ransomware along other malware begins attacking the unprotected computer system. Due to malware risks, computer users should never search for software on such rogue warez sites and instead visit the official and legitimate software developers’ websites only. It is the only way to avoid malware infections and ensure that a genuine software version is installed. Cybercriminals are also keen on promoting malware via phishing emails containing attachments. They often pretend to be someone they’re not (such as a well-known business, for example, e-commerce website or a parcel delivery company). Hiding behind a reputable entity’s name, they claim there is an invoice, order summary or parcel delivery details included in the email attachment. However, the attachment is a typical malware-injected file that contains scripts used to run malware on the victim’s computer. To avoid opening unsolicited emails, try to ask yourself whether the email was awaited and does the sender seems to be someone you can trust. Look out for warning signs such as unfamiliar greeting line, grammar and typo mistakes, low-quality logos, suspicious attachment type and similar to avoid getting infected. Finally, malware is often promoted via dubious ads that are designed to promote fake software update installers. These installers are modified to install a bunch of additional software (such as spyware or malware) along the promoted update. Therefore, if you suspect that you need a software update, you should check for it in legitimate websites only.

Remove QQJJ Ransomware Virus and Recover Data

Computer users who have fallen victim to a file-encrypting malware attack should endeavor to remove QQJJ ransomware virus and additional threats as soon as they can. To ensure a smooth removal without any malware interfering the procedure, we recommend booting the infected computer in Safe Mode with Networking first (instructions provided below). Ensure you use a genuine antivirus software to detect and eliminate malicious components automatically. Afterward, we recommend downloading this tool – RESTORO (secure and official download link) and running a full system scan to identify and repair virus-damaged Windows OS files. Additionally, we advise that you change all of the passwords for the online accounts that you used to access on the compromised computer. For data recovery options, scroll down to the instructions provided below. OUR GEEKS RECOMMEND Our team recommends a two-step rescue plan to remove ransomware and other remaining malware from your computer, plus repair caused virus damage to the system: GeeksAdvice.com editors select recommended products based on their effectiveness. We may earn a commission from affiliate links, at no additional cost to you. Learn more. Get INTEGO ANTIVIRUS for Windows to remove ransomware, Trojans, adware and other spyware and malware variants and protect your PC and network drives 24/7. This VB100-certified security software uses state-of-art technology to provide protection against ransomware, Zero-Day attacks and advanced threats, Intego Web Shield blocks dangerous websites, phishing attacks, malicious downloads and installation of potentially unwanted programs. Use INTEGO Antivirus to remove detected threats from your computer. Read full review here. RESTORO provides a free scan that helps to identify hardware, security and stability issues and presents a comprehensive report which can help you to locate and fix detected issues manually. It is a great PC repair software to use after you remove malware with professional antivirus. The full version of software will fix detected issues and repair virus damage caused to your Windows OS files automatically. RESTORO uses AVIRA scanning engine to detect existing spyware and malware. If any are found, the software will eliminate them. Read full review here.

Method 1. Enter Safe Mode with Networking

Before you try to remove QQJJ Ransomware Virus virus, you must start your computer in Safe Mode with Networking. Below, we provide the easiest ways to boot PC in the said mode, but you can find additional ones in this in-depth tutorial on our website – How to Start Windows in Safe Mode. Also, if you prefer a video version of the tutorial, check our guide How to Start Windows in Safe Mode on Youtube. Instructions for Windows XP/Vista/7 users Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10/11 users Now, you can search for and remove QQJJ Ransomware Virus files. It is very hard to identify files and registry keys that belong to the ransomware virus, Besides, malware creators tend to rename and change them repeatedly. Therefore, the easiest way to uninstall such type of a computer virus is to use a reliable security program such as INTEGO Antivirus. For virus damage repair, consider using RESTORO.

Method 2. Use System Restore

In order to use System Restore, you must have a system restore point, created either manually or automatically. Instructions for Windows XP/Vista/7 users Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10/11 users After restoring the system, we recommend scanning the system with antivirus or anti-malware software. In most cases, there won’t be any malware remains, but it never hurts to double-check. In addition, we highly recommend checking ransomware prevention guidelines provided by our experts in order to protect your PC against similar viruses in the future.

Alternative software recommendations

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Removing spyware and malware is one step towards cybersecurity. To protect yourself against ever-evolving threats, we strongly recommend purchasing a Premium version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware, which provides security based on artificial intelligence and machine learning. Includes ransomware protection. See pricing options and protect yourself now.

System Mechanic Ultimate Defense If you’re looking for an all-in-one system maintenance suite that has 7 core components providing powerful real-time protection, on-demand malware removal, system optimization, data recovery, password manager, online privacy protection and secure driver wiping technology. Therefore, due to its wide-range of capabilities, System Mechanic Ultimate Defense deserves Geek’s Advice approval. Get it now for 50% off. You may also be interested in its full review.

Disclaimer. This site includes affiliate links. We may earn a small commission by recommending certain products, at no additional cost for you. We only choose quality software and services to recommend.

Decrypt QQJJ files

Fix and open large QQJJ files easily:

It is reported that STOP/DJVU ransomware versions encrypt only the beginning 150 KB of each file to ensure that the virus manages to affect all files on the system. In some cases, the malicious program might skip some files at all. That said, we recommend testing this method on several big (>1GB) files first.

STOP/DJVU decryption tool usage guide

STOP/DJVU ransomware versions are grouped into old and new variants. QQJJ Ransomware Virus is considered the new STOP/DJVU variant, just like BPTO, ISWR, ISZA, BPSM, ZOUU, MBTF, ZNSM (find full list here). This means full data decryption is now possible only if you have been affected by offline encryption key. To decrypt your files, you will have to download Emsisoft Decryptor for STOP DJVU, a tool created and maintained by a genius security researcher Michael Gillespie. Note! Please do not spam the security researcher with questions whether he can recover your files encrypted with online key - it is not possible. In order to test the tool and see if it can decrypt QQJJ files, follow the given tutorial.

Meanings of decryptor’s messages

The QQJJ decryption tool might display several different messages after failed attempt to restore your files. You might receive one of the following messages: Error: Unable to decrypt file with ID: [example ID] This message typically means that there is no corresponding decryption key in the decryptor’s database. No key for New Variant online ID: [example ID]Notice: this ID appears to be an online ID, decryption is impossible This message informs that your files were encrypted with online key, meaning no one else has the same encryption/decryption key pair, therefore data recovery without paying the criminals is impossible. Result: No key for new variant offline ID: [example ID]This ID appears to be an offline ID. Decryption may be possible in the future. If you were informed that an offline key was used, but files could not be restored, it means that the offline decryption key isn’t available yet. However, receiving this message is extremely good news, meaning that it might be possible to restore your QQJJ extension files in the future. It can take a few months until the decryption key gets found and uploaded to the decryptor. We recommend you to follow updates regarding the decryptable DJVU versions here. We strongly recommend backing up your encrypted data and waiting.

Victims of QQJJ Ransomware Virus should report the Internet crime incident to the official government fraud and scam website according to their country:

In the United States, go to the On Guard Online website.In Australia, go to the SCAMwatch website.In Germany, go to the Bundesamt für Sicherheit in der Informationstechnik website.In Ireland, go to the An Garda Síochána website.In New Zealand, go to the Consumer Affairs Scams website.In the United Kingdom, go to the Action Fraud website.In Canada, go to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.In India, go to Indian National Cybercrime Reporting Portal.In France, go to the Agence nationale de la sécurité des systèmes d’information.

If you can’t find an authority corresponding to your location on this list, we recommend using any search engine to look up “[your country name] report cyber crime”. This should lead you to the right authority website. We also recommend staying away from third-party crime report services that are often paid. It costs nothing to report Internet crime to official authorities. Another recommendation is to contact your country’s or region’s federal police or communications authority.