How to remove Qlocker Ransomware and decrypt .7z files

What is Qlocker Ransomware

Qlocker is a ransomware infection spotted in attacking and encrypting data on QNAP NAS (Network Attached Storage). The virus squeaks through security problems, encrypts the stored data, and clears the log traces during the process. This, therefore, helps intruders to cover their activity and prevent people from detecting the source of infection. Qlocker uses the short .7z extension to highlight the blocked data. Quite interesting is that Qlocker does not touch media files like videos or music in most cases. Its main target seems to be documents and similar types of data that could be valued by victims. During the encryption, all data will lose its access and change the name to something like 1.pdf.7z. Then, after this process is done, the virus creates a text note called !!!READ_ME.txt and containing ransom instructions.

The note says that all files have been encrypted. The only feasible way to recover the files is to purchase the private key (in BTC) stored on cybercriminals’ servers. To do this, users are asked to follow the Tor page and enter your so-called “client-key”. Once you visit the page, you will be able to process the payment and receive the recovery tools. Different victims reported different costs of the keys, but, on average, this amount can range up to 1000$. Unfortunately, trusting cyber criminals means a huge risk to be taken. They can scam you and do not send any promised tools after committing the transfer. Also, it is not recommended to trust some data recovery services claiming they have a way to decrypt your data. Note that there is no official tool that could unlock access to files encrypted by Qlocker at this moment. All other programs advertised to recover your data are more likely fake and not intended to help you. Despite this, high-tier experts are actively looking for a solution and may provide us with free decryption within some period of time. This is why it would be a good idea to save your files and wait for decryption to come. Also, if you have a backup copy of data, you can delete the virus and recover your files straight away. If this is not your case, monitoring updates and news might be the best option for you. In this article, we will show some traditional recovery methods, but note that they are not the ultimate solutions to decrypt your data.

Qlocker Ransomware (ransom note)

Qlocker Ransomware (decryption website)

How Qlocker Ransomware infected your computer

At this point, there are many people who have been infected with Qlocker Ransomware so far. In all cases, Qlocker infected QNAP NAS devices that are used to store large numbers of data. The discussion seems to agree on security issues within NAS storages themselves. So there is not a lot to do on the side of the users. Software developed for NAS devices might have a vulnerability that displays the code to cybercriminals. This problem should soon be fixed by the developers, but it will not revert the damage done by the virus. Also, there is information on QSYNC, which is a cross-device file ensuring efficient synchronization between a QNAP NAS and linked devices such as computers, laptops, and smartphones. Some experts suspected its link with security issues, but this is not binary as there are users who had been infected even without QSYNC. Although this is the only vector used by Qlocker Ransomware, there are other distribution channels that also exist. These include e-mail spam, trojans, fake software cracking tools and updates, keyloggers, backdoors, and more that capitalize on inexperienced users to penetrate systems.

1. Download Qlocker Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .7z 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. How to protect from threats like Qlocker Ransomware

Qlocker Ransomware files:


!!!READ_ME.txt
{randomname}.exe


Qlocker Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .7z files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

Use following tool from Kaspersky called Rakhni Decryptor, that can decrypt .7z files. Download it here:

There is no purpose to pay the ransom because there is no guarantee you will receive the key, but you will put your bank credentials at risk.

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 .7z files by uploading samples to Dr. Web Ransomware Decryption Service. Analyzing 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 Qlocker Ransomware and removed it from your computer you can try to decrypt 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 .7z 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.

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.

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

1. Get special anti-ransomware software

Use ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware

ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware Dashboard

ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware Alert

ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware Blocked

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.

2. Back up your files

As an additional way to save your files, we recommend online backup. Local storages, such as hard drives, SSDs, flash drives, or remote network storages can be instantly infected by the virus once plugged in or connected to. Qlocker 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.

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.