How to remove ZqVIkE ransomware and recover encrypted files

Delete ZqVIkE ransomware from the system

Hidden Tear open-source project based ZqVIkE ransomware is a cryptovirus that encodes stored files, changes their filenames and then drops ransom demanding message. At present, it is at developing stage and therefore, it might not encrypt all stored files on the compromised computer. However, all those files that get affected with this become inaccessible and start appearing with .ZqVIKE extension. For example, you would see a file originally named “1.jpg” would appear as “1.jpg.ZqVIkE”, “2.jpg” as “2.jpg.ZqVIkE”, and so on. The ransom note is dropped in “@[email protected].” Also, the malware changes the desktop wallpaper.

The text presented in the desktop wallpaper states that the victims’ data have been encrypted. To recover it, they have to pay 1000 EUR. They are asked to establish contact to the crooks (via provided email address) behind the ransomware for more information. The “@[email protected]” file provides further detailed information. It states the 1000 EUR ransom has to be paid in Bitcoin, although the crooks’ wallet address is not mentioned in it. Further, the note stresses the fact that the crooks are the only people who can help them in files recovery. Here, you can see the full text presented in ZqVIkE ransomware’s created .txt file:

Hello , all your files get encrypted !

if you need your files , pay 1000€ of bitcoin

you need to pay at this adress : idonthaveone

and contact [email protected]

Maybe you are busy and look a way to recorver your files

But dont waste time , nobody can recorver your files withouth

our decrypt software

Text presented in the desktop wallpaper:

All your files are encrypted

If you need your files , contact us at [email protected] you need to pay 1000€

Unfortunately, in most of the cases with ransomware infection, files decryption is not possible without the involvement of the crooks behind it. These people have the unique key/code that should be used to decode the encrypted code used during the encryption process. These people store such tools/keys on some remote server that only they can access to it. Whatever be the case, you should never contact/pay to the crooks under any circumstances. These people are not reliable-they will never provide the decryption tool.  Victims who send money to them will suffer financial loss and will have the files remain in the encrypted form.

To prevent further files encryptions, you must remove ZqVIkE ransomware from the system. However, the virus removal will not decrypt already encrypted files. To recover the data, you have to rely on existing backups or check if Volume Shadow Copies are available or not. You can use data recovery tools that are nowadays designed with special functionality added – check below the post under the data recovery section for more detailed guide on files recovery. There you will also find complete stepwise guide to perform ZqVIkE ransomware removal.

How did ZqVIkE ransomware intrude in?

Ransomware and other malicious malware are often distributed through Trojans, scam campaigns, illegal activation tools, illegitimate updaters and untrustworthy download channels. Trojans are malicious programs with a wide range of functionalities that include the capability to cause chain infections, i.e., to download/ install malware. Scam campaigns are used to send spam emails by thousands. The letters contain download links of infectious files and/or links are simply attached to them. The virulent files could be in any formats like archives, executables, Microsoft Office and PDF documents, JavaScript and etc and when they are opened- the infection process is initiated. Rather than activating licensed programs, cracking tools can download/ install malware. Fake updaters infect systems by exploiting bugs/flaws of outdated programs and/or by installing malicious software instead of promised updates. Untrustworthy downloading channels such as p2p networks, free file hosting sites and third party downloaders/ installers spread malware by presenting it as legit software.

How to prevent ransomware intrusion?

To avoid spreading emails through spam emails, it is strongly recommended against opening any suspicious/ irrelevant emails -especially the provided attachments in them. It is recommended to use only official websites and direct links. All programs must be activated and updated with tools/functions provided by legitimate developers. Third party activation tools and third party updaters commonly proliferate in malicious software. To protect the device integrity and personal safety, it is paramount to have a reputable antivirus tool installed. Further, this software must be updated, used to perform regular system scan and to remove any detected threats.

Complete ZqVIkE ransomware removal instructions

Easy step by step guide to remove ZqVIkE ransomware is provided below. However, proceeding to this, you should create a backup of all encrypted files so that you can use it in future when the decryption tool of this virus release. After removing the malware, you can use existing backup you have or try other data recovery methods provided below the post, under the data recovery section. At now, focus on removing ZqVIkE ransomware provided just below.

Antimalware Details And User Guide

Click Here For Windows

Click Here For Mac

Step 1: Remove ZqVIkE ransomware through “Safe Mode with Networking”

Step 2: Delete ZqVIkE ransomware using “System Restore”

Step 1: Remove ZqVIkE ransomware through “Safe Mode with Networking”

For Windows XP and Windows 7 users: Boot the PC in “Safe Mode”. Click on “Start” option and continuously press on F8 during the start process until the “Windows Advanced Option” menu appears on the screen. Choose “Safe Mode with Networking” from the list.

Now, a windows homescreen appears on the desktop and work-station is now working on “Safe mode with networking”.

For Windows 8 Users: Go to the “Start Screen”. In the search results select settings, type “Advanced”. In the “General PC Settings” option, choose “Advanced startup” option. Again, click on the “Restart Now” option. The work-station boots to “Advanced Startup Option Menu”. Press on “Troubleshoot” and then “Advanced options” button.  In the “Advanced Option Screen”, press on “Startup Settings”. Again, click on “Restart” button. The work-station will now restart in to the “Startup Setting” screen. Next is to press F5 to boot in Safe Mode in Networking.

For Windows 10 Users: Press on Windows logo and on the “Power” icon. In the newly opened menu, choose “Restart” while continuously holding “Shift” button on the keyboard. In the new open “Choose an option” window, click on “Troubleshoot” and then on the “Advanced Options”. Select “Startup Settings” and press on “Restart”. In the next window, click on “F5” button on the key-board.

Step 2: Delete ZqVIkE ransomware using “System Restore”

Log-in to the account infected with ZqVIkE ransomware. Open the browser and download a legitimate anti-malware tool. Do a full System scanning. Remove all the malicious detected entries.

In case if you cannot start the PC in “Safe Mode with Networking”, Try using “System Restore”

• During the “Startup”, continuously press on F8 key until the “Advanced Option” menu appears. From the list, choose “Safe Mode with Command Prompt” and then press “Enter”

• In the new opened command prompt, enter “cd restore” and then press “Enter”.

• Type: rstrui.exe and Press “ENTER”

• Click “Next” on the new windows

• Choose any of the “Restore Points” and click on “Next”. (This step will restore the work-station to its earlier time and date prior to ZqVIkE ransomware infiltration in the PC.

• In the newly opened windows, press on “Yes”.

Once your PC gets restored to its previous date and time, download the recommended anti-malware tool and perform a deep scanning in order to remove ZqVIkE ransomware files if they left in the work-station.

In order to restore the each (separate) file by this ransomware, use “Windows Previous Version” feature. This method is effective when “System Restore Function” is enabled in the work-station.

Important Note: Some variants of ZqVIkE ransomware delete the “Shadow Volume Copies” as well hence this feature may not work all the time and is applicable for selective computers only.

How to Restore Individual Encrypted File:

In order to restore a single file, right click on it and go to “Properties”. Select “Previous Version” tab. Select a “Restore Point” and click on “Restore” option.

In order to access the files encrypted by ZqVIkE ransomware, you can also try using “Shadow Explorer”. In order to get more information on this application, press here.

Important: Data Encryption Ransomware are highly dangerous and it is always better that you take precautions to avoid its attack on your work-station. It is advised to use a powerful anti-malware tool in order to get protection in real-time. With this help of “SpyHunter”, “group policy objects” are implanted in the registries in order to block harmful infections like ZqVIkE ransomware.

Also, In Windows 10, you get a very unique feature called “Fall Creators Update” that offer “Controlled Folder Access” feature in order to block any kind of encryption to the files. With the help of this feature, any files stored in the locations such as “Documents”, “Pictures”, “Music”, “Videos”, “Favorites” and “Desktop” folders are safe by default.

It is very important that you install this “Windows 10 Fall Creators Update” in your PC to protect your important files and data from ransomware encryption. The more information on how to get this update and add an additional protection form rnasomware attack has been discussed here.

How to Recover the Files Encrypted by ZqVIkE ransomware?

Till now, you would have understood that what had happed to your personal files that got encrypted and how you can remove the scripts and payloads associated with ZqVIkE ransomware in order to protect your personal files that has not been damaged or encrypted until now. In order to retrieve the locked files, the depth information related to “System Restore” and “Shadow Volume Copies” has already been discussed earlier. However, in case if you are still unable to access the encrypted files then you can try using a data recovery tool.

Use of Data Recovery Tool

This step is for all those victims who have already tries all the above mentioned process but didn’t find any solution. Also it is important that you are able to access the PC and can install any software. The data recovery tool works on the basis of System scanning and recovery algorithm. It searches the System partitions in order to locate the original files which were deleted, corrupted or damaged by the malware. Remember that you must not re-install the Windows OS otherwise the “previous” copies will get deleted permanently. You have to clean the work-station at first and remove ZqVIkE ransomware infection. Leave the locked files as it is and follow the steps mentioned below.

Step1: Download the software in the work-station by clicking on the “Download” button below.

Step2: Execute the installer by clicking on downloaded files.

Step3: A license agreement page appears on the screen. Click on “Accept” to agree with its terms and use. Follow the on-screen instruction as mentioned and click on “Finish” button.

Step4: Once the installation gets completed, the program gets executed automatically. In the newly opened interface, select the file types that you want to recover and click on “Next”.

Step5: You can select the “Drives” on which you want the software to run and execute the recovery process. Next is to click on the “Scan” button.

Step6: Based on drive you select for scanning, the restore process begins. The whole process may take time depending on the volume of the selected drive and number of files. Once the process gets completed, a data explorer appears on the screen with preview of that data that is to be recovered. Select the files that you want to restore.

Step7. Next is to locate the location where you want to saver the recovered files.