Do you know what QP Ransomware is?
QP Ransomware is a file-encrypting infection designed for money extortion. You can recognize it from files called INFORMATION.HTA scattered among directories containing the malicious application's encrypted data. Also, the malware’s note ought to mention a particular email address (qpqpqpqp@rape.lol) belonging to the threat’s creators. If this all sounds familiar and you suspect you received this threat, we recommend reading this report carefully. Further, in it, we explain how the malicious application could be spread, how it works, and, of course, how it can be eliminated. Users interested in erasing QP Ransomware manually should also have a look at the removal guide available at the end of the main text. Needless to say, if you have other questions about the infection or its deletion, you should not hesitate to leave us a comment.
Threats like QP Ransomware often enter the system as email attachments, software installers, updates, and so on. In other words, hackers disguise their malicious installers so they would not appear to be harmful. Consequently, users who fall for such tricks infect their devices accidentally. Files bundled with malware can be distributed via Spam emails, questionable file-sharing websites, pop-ups/banners, etc. Thus, users who want to keep away from threats alike should try to avoid data coming from such sources. If it cannot be avoided, make sure you at least scan the suspicious file with a reputable antimalware tool first. If it appears to be harmful, the tool ought to help you remove it from the system safely. If not, opening the file might be not that scary anymore. Remember, you can acquire antimalware software at any time, so if not now, consider getting it next time you come across suspicious data.
QP Ransomware screenshot
Scroll down for full removal instructions
After entering the computer, it is possible QP Ransomware might create data that would relaunch it with the operating system. For example, the malware could drop its copies in several Startup directories or in the HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run location on the Windows Registry. Next, it should start encrypting various victim’s files. Each of it supposed to receive a second extension appended at the end of the file’s name, e.g., picture.jpg.aes. As for its final task, QP Ransomware should launch a window containing a ransom note. It does not say how much to pay, but it states the user would have to pay in Bitcoins if he wants to decrypt his data. The note may also offer “free decryption as a guarantee” services, which are supposed to reassure the user will have his files decrypted, but in reality, it only proves the hacks have the needed decryption software.
In other words, while QP Ransomware’s developers may have the needed tools, it does not mean they will deliver them. Therefore, paying the ransom is risky no matter what the hackers say. Provided, you do not wish to take any chances, we would recommend eliminating QP Ransomware. To show how to delete this malware manually, we prepared the instructions available below this paragraph. The other way to get rid of it is to install a reliable antimalware tool and scan the system with it. Once it detects all possible threats, it should allow removing them all at the same time.
Eliminate QP Ransomware
- Press Ctrl+Alt+Delete.
- Choose Task Manager and check the Processes tab.
- Locate a process belonging to the malware.
- Choose the malicious 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 when the system got infected, right-click the malicious file and select Delete.
- Find 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 - Locate 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 INFORMATION.HTA, right-click them and choose Delete.
- Exit File Explorer.
- Press Windows Key+R, type 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:
QP Ransomware is a threat that encrypts files located on the infected computer and then shows a ransom note demanding to pay in exchange for decryption tools. Once data is affected there is no other way to restore it except to use decryption software. The amount of money the hackers might want to receive could be considerable, and if you do not like the idea you would have to risk losing your savings, we recommend not to put up with any demands. Perhaps, you cannot decrypt your files, but you could delete them and drop your backup files in their places. Of course, for this to work, you must have a backup in the first place. It is always advisable to back up most essential data regularly as there are lots of various malicious applications that can encrypt, delete, or damage it in any other way. Another important thing for you to know is that before using backup copies or placing any new data on the computer, it is best to be cautious and erase the ransomware application.