Do you know what Q1G Ransomware is?
Q1G Ransomware is one of the Crysis Ransomware’s family threats. Like any other malicious application from this particular family, the infection encrypts victims’ data with a robust encryption algorithm. Soon afterward, it should display a note in which hackers, who developed the malware, claim a user has only seven days to contact them and pay a ransom. After seven days the cybercriminals threaten to delete the unique decryption key that is needed to unlock encrypted files. However, we do not recommend rushing because dealing with hackers could end up hazardously and so you should consider it carefully. You can find out more about the malicious application further in this report. If you decide you do not wish to take any risks and want to erase Q1G Ransomware, we can offer the removal guide available at the end of this article.
Like many other threats from Crysis Ransomware family, Q1G Ransomware can be recognized from its unique and long extension that it appends to each encrypted file. For example, a file called apples.jpg could become apples.jpg.id-2A7E018C.[getbtc@aol.com].Q1G. The part with the ID number should be unique to each victim. According to our computer security specialists, the file types that the malicious application should encrypt ought to be images, videos, various, documents, archives, and so on. In other words, the threat may encipher each file except the data belonging to the infected computer’s operating system or other software installed on it.
Q1G Ransomware screenshot
Scroll down for full removal instructions
After encryption Q1G Ransomware should show ransom note on a pop-up window. It claims the only way a user can get his data back is by paying a ransom to get his unique decryption key. Cybercriminals threaten to delete the key after seven days if the user does not contact them and pay a ransom. Obviously, they are trying to force their victims to make fast decisions. What we recommend is not to panic, but think if you are prepared to lose not only your files but also the amount of money the hackers may ask you to pay. Even if they offer to decrypt one file free of charge and can prove they have the decryption means they offer, it still does not guarantee they will send them after you pay. Instead, it is possible they could demand more money or never contact you again. If you do not want to take any risks or you have backup copies, you can use to replace the encrypted files with, we advise deleting Q1G Ransomware.
There are a couple of ways to get rid of Q1G Ransomware. If you prefer erasing it manually, you could complete the steps provided in our removal guide. However, you should know that the process could be a bit long and complicated. If you do not think you are up to the task, you could install a reputable antimalware tool and let it remove Q1G Ransomware for you. In such a case, we recommend keeping your chosen security tool up to date so it could guard you against threats you may yet encounter. As to avoid ransomware, it is advisable to stay away from suspicious email attachments, unreliable installers, and content alike. Plus, we highly recommend making data backups, so you could quickly restore your files if they ever get encrypted or damaged.
Erase Q1G Ransomware
- Press Ctrl+Alt+Delete.
- Choose Task Manager and go to the Processes tab.
- Locate a process belonging to the malware.
- Choose the threat’s process and click End Task.
- Exit Task Manager.
- Click Windows Key+E.
- Navigate to the suggested paths:
%TEMP%
%USERPROFILE%Desktop
%USERPROFILE%Downloads - Identify a file launched at the time the system got infected, right-click the malicious file, and select Delete.
- Find these particular paths:
%APPDATA%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup
%ALLUSERSPROFILE%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup
%ALLUSERSPROFILE%\Application Data\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup
%WINDIR%\System32 - Find copies of the malware’s launcher (the title could be random), right-click them and select Delete.
- Navigate to these paths:
%APPDATA%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup
%ALLUSERSPROFILE%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup
%ALLUSERSPROFILE%\Application Data\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup
%WINDIR%\System32
%APPDATA% - Look for documents called Info.hta, right-click them and choose Delete.
- Exit File Explorer.
- Press Windows Key+R, insert Regedit and choose OK.
- Navigate to this path: HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- Look for value names that could be related to the malicious application.
- Right-click such value names and press Delete.
- Close the Registry Editor.
- Empty Recycle bin.
- Restart the computer.
In non-techie terms:
Q1G Ransomware is a threat that encrypts files that could be irreplaceable to a victim. Since the data can be decrypted with special tools, you can say that the hackers behind the malware take their victims’ files as hostages. In exchange for their decryption, they may ask to pay a particular amount of Bitcoins or other currency. Before you decide what to do you should know there are no guarantees the hackers will give you the promised decryption tools and so you should think about whether you are prepared to lose the sum they may demand you to pay in vain. If you are not, we advise deleting Q1G Ransomware. The removal guide provided a bit above can help you eliminate the threat manually, but if the task looks too complicated, you should employ a reputable antimalware tool instead. Once your system is malware-free, it ought to be safe to transfer backup copies of the files that got encrypted if you have them.