How to remove Qopz Ransomware and decrypt .qopz files

What is Qopz Ransomware

Qopz Ransomware is a high-risk file-encrypting computer virus, that belongs to notorious family of STOP/Djvu. This particular virus was released during the first days of May 2023. Here are some of its characteristics: it modifies files’ extensions with 4-letter code .qopz; it encrypts those files with strong combination of AES-256 and RSA-1024 cryptography; it creates ransom note _readme.txt, where authors demand $980/$490 ransom for decryption. Unfortunately, full decryption is not possible if the virus used online key (your PC was online during the whole process of encryption). But do not despair, there are still chances to restore data partially or even completely with instructions provided on this page and certain portion of luck. First of all lets observe the ransom note text file malefactors provide:

The hackers offer to decrypt 1 file for free, and we recommend not to miss this opportunity. Although, they say file must not contain important information, send them 1 crucial file, most important document or memorable photo. However, that should be all communication with them. Do not pay the ransom, because, in most cases, malefactors just stop responding. Before proceeding with any decryption instructions in this article, you need to remove the actual virus and make sure it will not return. Use one of the removal tools provided, or any decent antivirus of your choice. Then, we recommend copying any untouched data to an external drive. Now you can start attempts to recover the files. There are several methods, but start with STOP Djvu Decryptor from EmsiSoft. Read the instructions for it carefully, and if it shows that direct decryption is not possible, switch to other methods. According to our statistics, file recovery tools like Stellar Data Recovery Professional, featured on the page, are the next most effective method to restore the data. It can recover copies of files and folders, that you deleted during the previous days, months, sometimes years. Among those deleted files, you can easily find some documents or photos you need now. Please, perform instructions in the article to remove Qopz Ransomware and decrypt .qopz files in Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8 or Windows 7.

How Qopz Ransomware infected your computer

Qopz Ransomware is frequently propagated via different methods such as attachments or links in fraudulent emails, websites that offer pirated or cracked software, and dubious pages that promote downloading YouTube videos. As a result, users often unknowingly download and install harmful software. Moreover, ransomware can be distributed through deceitful installers, phony software updaters, Trojans, P2P networks, third-party downloaders, free file hosting sites, and similar mediums. Various types of files, such as malicious MS Office and PDF documents, JavaScript files, executables, ISO files, archives, and others, are employed to deceive users into launching the ransomware.

1. Download Qopz Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .qopz 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 Qopz Ransomware

Virus modifies “hosts” file to block Windows updates, downloading antivirus programs, and visiting sites related to security news or offering security solutions. Qopz 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. Qopz 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 Qopz Ransomware are: Emsisoft Anti-Malware and Malwarebytes Anti-Malware.

How to remove Qopz Ransomware manually

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

Qopz Ransomware files:

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

Qopz Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .qopz files

Use automated decryptors

Download STOP Djvu Decryptor from EmsiSoft (.qopz 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 .qopz files, encrypted by Qopz 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:

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 .qopz 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 Qopz 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 .qopz 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.

Use Media Repair to decrypt media files encrypted with .qopz

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 Qopz 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 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. Qopz 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.