How to remove Qazx Ransomware and decrypt .qazx files

What is Qazx Ransomware

Qazx Ransomware is called so, because of .qazx extension, added to affected files, modifying original extensions of various types of sensitive data. This version appeared in the middle of March, 2023. In fact, technically it is STOP Ransomware, that uses AES encryption algorithms to encrypt user’s files. This suffix is one of the hundreds of different extensions used by this malware. Does it mean you lost your valuable data? Not necessarily. There are certain methods, that allow you to recover your files fully or partially. Also, there is free decryption utility called STOP Djvu Decryptor from EmsiSoft, that is constantly updated and is able to decrypt hundreds of types of this virus. After finishing its disastrous activity Qazx Ransomware creates _readme.txt file (ransom note), where it informs users about the fact of encryption, amount of ransom, and payment conditions:

The authors of the virus report that the victim’s files are encrypted and the only way to decrypt them is to buy a key and a decryptor, that is, to pay a ransom. Attackers demand $980, if the victim agrees to pay the ransom within 72 hours, then the ransom is reduced to $490. Criminals offer to decrypt one file for free and thus confirm that it is possible that the victim can return all his files. Of course, successful decryption of one file does not guarantee that after the ransom is paid in full, the victim will receive a key and a decryptor. We strongly recommend removing the STOP virus, using special anti-malware programs. Before proceeding with this, you need to know that when you start deleting a virus and attempting to independently recover files, you block the ability to decrypt files by paying the authors of the virus the amount they requested. After complete removal, you can try STOP Djvu Decryptor from EmsiSoft, the most comprehensive utility to decrypt files, encrypted by Qazx Ransomware. All standard Windows features to restore files are worth trying, although the threat technically reduces the prospects of a successful outcome. The final step is using file-recovery software. The experience shows, that this can be a workaround, that helps to return the information at least partially. Stellar Data Recovery Professional is one of the best file-recovery tools and, if used properly, may recover copies and duplicates of encrypted files, that were removed prior to infection. The only option for a successful 100% recovery is using existing backups. Read this tutorial to remove Qazx Ransomware and decrypt .qazx files for free in Windows 11, 10, 8, 7.

How Qazx Ransomware infected your computer

Qazx Ransomware, as subversion of STOP/Djvu Ransomware, is typically spread through spam email campaigns, malicious software downloads, fake software updates, and exploit kits. Here are some of the most common ways that the ransomware can infect computers:

• Spam email campaigns: The attackers may use email messages that appear to be legitimate, such as invoices, job offers, or shipping notifications, to trick the recipients into downloading an infected attachment or clicking on a malicious link.
• Malicious software downloads: The attackers may distribute the ransomware through fake software downloads or updates on various websites, including torrent and file-sharing sites.
• Fake software updates: The attackers may use pop-ups or other notifications that claim to be software updates or security patches, but are actually designed to trick users into downloading the ransomware.
• Exploit kits: The attackers may use exploit kits, which are software tools that identify and exploit vulnerabilities in computer systems, to deliver the ransomware.

Once the ransomware infects a computer, it will encrypt the files on the system and demand a ransom payment in exchange for the decryption key. It is important to note that paying the ransom does not guarantee that the attackers will provide the decryption key or that the files will be restored, so it is always best to avoid becoming infected in the first place by practicing safe browsing habits and keeping software up to date with the latest security patches.

1. Download Qazx Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .qazx files
3. Recover encrypted files with Stellar Data Recovery Professional
4. Restore encrypted files with Windows Previous Versions
5. Restore files with Shadow Explorer
6. Restore media files with Media Repair
7. How to protect from threats like Qazx Ransomware

Virus modifies “hosts” file to block Windows updates, downloading antivirus programs, and visiting sites related to security news or offering security solutions. Qazx Ransomware comes along with AZORult trojan, which was initially created to steal logins and passwords. The process of infection also looks like installing Windows updates, the malware shows a fake window, that mimics the update process.

It uses rdpclip.exe to replace a legal Windows file and to launch an attack on a computer network. After encrypting the files, the encrypter is deleted using the delself.bat command file. Qazx Ransomware virus is propagated via spam attack with malicious e-mail attachments and using manual PC hacking. Can be distributed by hacking through an unprotected RDP configuration, fraudulent downloads, exploits, web injections, fake updates, repackaged, and infected installers. The virus assigns a certain ID to the victims, which is used to name those files and supposedly to send a decryption key. Great tools to protect against Qazx Ransomware are: Emsisoft Anti-Malware and Malwarebytes Anti-Malware.

How to remove Qazx Ransomware manually

It is not recommended to remove Qazx Ransomware manually, for safer solution use Removal Tools instead.

Qazx Ransomware files:

_readme.txt
rdpclip.exe
delself.bat
{randomname}.exe

Qazx Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .qazx files

Use automated decryptors

Download STOP Djvu Decryptor from EmsiSoft (.qazx variations)

IMPORTANT: Read this detailed guide on using STOP Djvu Decryptor to avoid file corruption and time wasting.

STOP Djvu Decryptor is able to decrypt .qazx files, encrypted by Qazx Ransomware. This tool was developed by EmsiSoft. It works in automatic mode, but in most cases works only for files encrypted with offline keys. Download it here:

Download STOP Djvu Decryptor

Dr.Web Rescue Pack

Famous antivirus vendor Dr. Web provides free decryption service for the owners of its products: Dr.Web Security Space or Dr.Web Enterprise Security Suite. Other users can ask for help in the decryption of .qazx files by uploading samples to Dr. Web Ransomware Decryption Service. Analysis of files will be performed free of charge and if files are decryptable, all you need to do is purchase a 2-year license of Dr.Web Security Space worth $120 or less. Otherwise, you don’t have to pay.

If you are infected with Qazx Ransomware and removed it from your computer, you can try decrypting your files. Antivirus vendors and individuals create free decryptors for some crypto-lockers. To attempt to decrypt them manually you can do the following:

Use Stellar Data Recovery Professional to restore .qazx files

1. Download Stellar Data Recovery Professional.
2. Click Recover Data button.
3. Select type of files you want to restore and click Next button.
4. Choose location where you would like to restore files from and click Scan button.
5. Preview found files, choose ones you will restore and click Recover.

Download Stellar Data Recovery Professional

Using Windows Previous Versions option:

1. Right-click on infected file and choose Properties.
2. Select Previous Versions tab.
3. Choose particular version of the file and click Copy.
4. To restore the selected file and replace the existing one, click on the Restore button.
5. In case there is no items in the list choose alternative method.

Using Shadow Explorer:

1. Download Shadow Explorer program.
2. Run it and you will see screen listing of all the drives and the dates that shadow copy was created.
3. Select the drive and date that you want to restore from.
4. Right-click on a folder name and select Export.
5. In case there are no other dates in the list, choose alternative method.

If you are using Dropbox:

1. Login to the DropBox website and go to the folder that contains encrypted files.
2. Right-click on the encrypted file and select Previous Versions.
3. Select the version of the file you wish to restore and click on the Restore button.

Use Media Repair to decrypt media files encrypted with .qazx

1. Download Media Repair tool.
2. Right-click on the downloaded archive, and select Extract to Media_Repair\.
3. Then double-click on the extracted .exe file to launch the utility.
4. At first, you have to choose which file type you want to decrypt. You can do it from the drop-down menu in the utility.
5. Next, browser the folder with encrypted or reference files. Choose any of them and click on the Test icon located in the top right corner.
6. Media Repair will display a pop-up message with information on whether it can repair the selected file or not.
7. After checking if it is possible or not, select your reference file and click on the icon right under the Test button we used in step #5.
8. If the file pair is properly matched, you can move on and hit the Play button to start repairing. You can also stop the process anytime by clicking on the Stop button.

How to protect computer from viruses, like Qazx Ransomware, in future

1. Get special anti-ransomware software

Use ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware

Famous antivirus brand ZoneAlarm by Check Point released a comprehensive tool, that will help you with active anti-ransomware protection, as an additional shield to your current protection. The tool provides Zero-Day protection against ransomware and allows you to recover files. ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware is compatible with all other antiviruses, firewalls, and security software except ZoneAlarm Extreme (already shipped with ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware) or Check Point Endpoint products. The killer features of this application are: automatic file recovery, overwrite protection that instantly and automatically recovers any encrypted files, file protection that detects and blocks even unknown encryptors.

Download ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware

2. Back up your files

As an additional way to save your files, we recommend online backup. Local storage, such as hard drives, SSDs, flash drives, or remote network storage can be instantly infected by the virus once plugged in or connected to. Qazx Ransomware uses some techniques to exploit this. One of the best services and programs for easy automatic online backup is iDrive. It has the most profitable terms and a simple interface. You can read more about iDrive cloud backup and storage here.

Download iDrive

3. Do not open spam e-mails and protect your mailbox

Malicious attachments to spam or phishing e-mails are the most popular method of ransomware distribution. Using spam filters and creating anti-spam rules is good practice. One of the world leaders in anti-spam protection is MailWasher Pro. It works with various desktop applications and provides a very high level of anti-spam protection.

Download MailWasher Pro