How to delete Qbaa ransomware

Qbaa ransomware is a very generic file-encrypting malware infection, released by the same cybercrime gang operating the Djvu/STOP ransomware family. Qbaa ransomware is essentially identical to all other versions from the Djvu malware family. But you can recognize which version you’re dealing with by the extension added to encrypted files. If you cannot open your files and they have .qbaa added to them, your computer is infected with Qbaa ransomware. Unfortunately, it’s a very serious malware infection, and there currently is no free decryptor available. This may change in the future but at the moment, only those who have copies of files in a backup can successfully recover their files for free.

 

 

Qbaa ransomware is essentially identical to Iiof, Fgnh, Ckae, Eucy, and hundreds of others. They’re all released by the same cybercriminals operating Djvu/STOP. You can differentiate which ransomware you’re dealing with by the extensions added to encrypted files. This ransomware adds .qbaa, hence why it’s known as Qbaa ransomware. This ransomware will encrypt all your personal files, including photos, videos, documents, images, etc. For example, text.txt would become text.txt.qbaa. You will not be able to open any of these files unless you first use a decryptor on them. But acquiring the decryptor will not be so easy because it’s currently in the hands of cybercriminals operating this ransomware.

As soon as the ransomware is done with encrypting your files, it will drop a _readme.txt ransom note in all folders that have encrypted files. The note contains information for users who want to buy the decryptor. Unfortunately, getting the decryptor involves paying a ransom. At this moment, the price is $980 but a 50% discount is offered to users who make contact within the first 72 hours. If you’re considering paying for a decryptor, you need to be aware of the risks. First off, keep in mind that you are dealing with cybercriminals. Even if you pay the ransom, there are no guarantees that you will get the decryptor. Countless victims have not received decryptors despite paying the ransom. Cybercriminals feel no obligation to help users, so keep that in mind. Furthermore, one of the reasons why ransomware is still such a big issue is because victims pay the ransom.

At this moment, a backup is the only reliable way of recovering files. If you have copies of your files saved in a backup, you can start file recovery as soon as you remove Qbaa ransomware. It’s also worth mentioning that if you connect to your backup while the ransomware is still present, the files in the backup would become encrypted as well. To avoid that, make sure to use anti-malware software to delete Qbaa ransomware from your computer.

If you do not have copies in a backup, your only option may be to wait for a free decryptor to be released by malware researchers. However, creating one will be quite difficult for newer versions of the Djvu/STOP ransomware family. That’s mainly because these ransomware versions use only keys to encrypt files. That means the keys are unique to each user, and unless those keys are released, a decryptor is unlikely. There is a free Djvu/STOP decryptor by Emsisoft but it’s unlikely to work on Qbaa ransomware or other newer versions because Emsisoft does not have the necessary keys. However, if you don’t have any other options, we recommend backing up encrypted files and waiting for a free decryptor to be released. NoMoreRansom is a good source for free decryptors.

What you can do to avoid a malware infection

A variety of methods are used to distribute malware, but it’s possible to avoid infections in many cases. If you have poor online habits (e.g. opening unsolicited email attachments, using torrents to pirate content, clicking on ads, etc.), you have a much higher chance of picking up an infection. Thus, we strongly recommend taking the time to develop better browsing habits.

Cybercriminals often use malicious emails to distribute malware. It’s known as malspam (malicious spam). Cybercriminals purchase email addresses from various hacker forums and then spam them with poorly-written emails with malicious attachments. When users open these attachments, they accidentally initiate the ransomware. Fortunately for users, these malicious emails are usually pretty recognizable. For whatever reason, the emails are usually full of grammar/spelling mistakes. When senders claim to be from legitimate companies, the mistakes seem quite noticeable. The emails are also usually sent from email addresses that look quite random. Again, this is quite noticeable when senders claim to be emailing on behalf of legitimate companies. Lastly, one more thing to take note of is how an email addresses you. If the sender claims you use their services but addresses you with generic terms like User, Customer, Member, etc., that should cause you suspicion. If a legitimate company whose services you use were to email you, they would use your name to address you because it would look unprofessional otherwise.

Some malspam campaigns can be more sophisticated so it’s a good idea to scan all unsolicited email attachments with anti-virus software or VirusTotal before opening them. This will allow you to avoid a lot of malware infections.

Torrents are also a very common way malicious actors spread their malware threats. Torrent sites are often poorly regulated, which allows malicious actors to upload malicious content disguised as torrents for popular content like movies, TV series, video games, software, etc. We strongly recommend you avoid pirating via torrents because not only are you stealing content, it’s also dangerous for the computer.

Qbaa ransomware removal

Because ransomware is a serious malware infection, it’s not a good idea to try to remove Qbaa ransomware manually. If you don’t know exactly what to do, you could accidentally cause additional damage. Or you may not fully delete Qbaa ransomware, which could allow it to recover later. And if you access your backup while the ransomware is still present, your backed-up files would become encrypted as well. We strongly recommend using anti-malware software to take care of the infection. Once the infection is gone, you can safely connect to your backup and start file recovery.