The extension .pcqq is associated with a new strain of the ransomware infection called STOP. The Pcqq virus is a data locker ransomware that infects computer systems with the goal to encrypt personal files and demand a ransom fee for their recovery. Since it corrupts target files with the help of a strong cipher algorithm, it leaves all .pcqq files inaccessible. When the attack ends, the Pcqq ransomware virus drops a ransom message file and loads it on the screen to extort a ransom payment. The file could be found on the desktop as well as in folders that contain encoded .pcqq files.
For the sake of your security, we recommend you avoid any negotiations with cybercriminals and navigate to our Pcqq ransomware removal guide. It presents information on how to get rid of malicious files, secure your PC and attempt to restore .pcqq files with alternative data recovery approaches.
Manual Removal Guide
Files Recovery Approaches
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Distribution of Pcqq Ransomware Virus
Pcqq virus is a new data locker ransomware that has been released in active attack campaigns against computer users worldwide. The threat could be utilizing common tactics of distribution to infect computer systems.
One of the easiest ways for the criminals to spread the payload of Pcqq ransomware is by attaching it to email messages that are later released in active attack campaigns. The method allows hackers to send the virus to large lists of potential victims. The attachments to malicious email spam messages usually have Word documents or other types of files that users open without hesitation. Once opened on a target host these compromised files trigger the ransomware payload and infect the device with Pcqq cryptovirus. Another infection tactic related to emails is the hyperlink inserted in the content of the messages. The links are usually labeled as leading to a familiar website or a file of user interest.
Computer criminals behind this new ransomware can be using malicious sites or download portals to distribute malware of different kinds, including Pcqq virus. A popular option is the use of infected documents which may be of different types ‒ spreadsheets, rich text documents, presentations, and databases. They are modified to initiate the virus once the built-in scripts are run. Usually when the files are opened a notification will ask the users to run the macros (scripts). If this is done the infection follows.
The hacker-controlled sites are specialist portals that have been created either manually or automatically by the criminals behind Pcqq virus. They can either directly distribute the threat by initiating various scripts or automated operations or link to such instances. Redirects are usually caused by email interaction, ad networks, or other browsing activity. However one of the main sources is the availability of browser hijackers. They are malicious add-ons made for the most popular web browsers ‒ Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, Opera, Microsoft Edge, and Safari. Once installed they not only infect the users with the malware but also redirect the victims to a hacker-controlled site. Depending on the configuration the browser hijackers can also steal sensitive information such as any stored passwords, account credentials, history, bookmarks, form data, and settings.
Impact of Pcqq Ransomware Virus
The so-called Pcqq virus has been detected in active attack campaigns. It is based on the code of the infamous ransomware family STOP. The code of this threat is designed to plague essential system settings with the purpose to reach target types of files and encode them with a sophisticated cipher algorithm.
The beginning of the attack is marked by the execution of the Pcqq ransomware payload file. Soon after this event occurs, the threat becomes able to pass through several stages. At first, it triggers the creation of additional malicious files that support all of the following infective operations. The ransomware could either create or drop them on the system. Typically, threats like Pcqq ransomware are designed to place malicious files in the following system folders – %Roaming% , %Windows% , %AppData% , %Local% , %Temp%
Afterward, Pcqq ransomware starts executing them in a predefined order. As a result, some essential system settings are heavily modified and misused by the cryptovirus. Affected could be also registry keys stored by the Registry Editor, legitimate processes, and other major components that control the regular system performance.
Following system corruption, the Pcqq virus utilizes a built-in encryption module to complete its main purpose – data encryption. Since this module is designed to transform the code of targeted files with a sophisticated cipher algorithm, the files remain unusable until their code is reverted back to its original state.
All files that are renamed with the extension .pcqq are encrypted by the ransomware. Unfortunately, they could be all files that store valuable data of your like:
- Documents
- Archives
- Backups
- Databases
- Images
- Videos
- Music
Following data corruption, the Pcqq STOP virus drops a text file that contains a ransom message. This file appears on the screen as its purpose is to blackmail you into paying hackers a ransom fee.
For the sake of your security, it is recommendable to refrain from contacting hackers. They may attempt to trick you once again by sending an inefficient decryption tool or additional malware. Furthermore, you will only encourage them to continue with their vicious operations, if you pay the demanded ransom. Security experts advise victims to remove malicious Pcqq ransomware files and wait patiently for a free decryption solution. The good news is that Emsisoft has released a free STOP ransomware decryption tool. It is not updated to support the Pcqq virus strain but chances are that it will be very soon. Don’t lose faith, remove Zobm ransomware, back up .pcqq files and wait until the decryptor is updated.
Remove Pcqq Ransomware Virus and Restore PC
Please note that paying the requested ransom fee to cybercriminals does not really solve your problem with Pcqq cryptovirus. In fact, you only encourage hackers to continue spreading ransomware of this kind. Instead, you must remove the threat immediately, and only then look for optional ways to recover your data.
WARNING! Manual removal of Pcqq ransomware virus requires being familiar with system files and registries. Removing important data accidentally can lead to permanent system damage. If you don’t feel comfortable with manual instructions, download a powerful anti-malware tool that will scan your system for malware and clean it safely for you.
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Pcqq Ransomware Virus – Manual Removal Steps
Start the PC in Safe Mode with Network
This will isolate all files and objects created by the ransomware so they will be removed efficiently. The steps below are applicable to all Windows versions.
1. Hit the WIN Key + R
2. A Run window will appear. In it, write msconfig and then press Enter
3. A Configuration box shall appear. In it Choose the tab named Boot
4. Mark Safe Boot option and then go to Network under it to tick it too
5. Apply -> OK
Show Hidden Files
Some ransomware threats are designed to hide their malicious files in the Windows so all files stored on the system should be visible.
1. Open My Computer/This PC
2. Windows 7
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– Click on Organize button
– Select Folder and search options
– Select the View tab
– Go under Hidden files and folders and mark Show hidden files and folders option
3. Windows 8/ 10
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– Open View tab
– Mark Hidden items option
4. Click Apply and then OK button
Enter Windows Task Manager and Stop Malicious Processes
1. Hit the following key combination: CTRL+SHIFT+ESC
2. Get over to Processes
3. When you find suspicious process right click on it and select Open File Location
4. Go back to Task Manager and end the malicious process. Right click on it again and choose End Process
5. Next, you should go folder where the malicious file is located and delete it
Repair Windows Registry
1. Again type simultaneously the WIN Key + R key combination
2. In the box, write regedit and hit Enter
3. Type the CTRL+ F and then write the malicious name in the search type field to locate the malicious executable
4. In case you have discovered registry keys and values related to the name, you should delete them, but be careful not to delete legitimate keys
Click for more information about Windows Registry and further repair help
Recover Encrypted Files
WARNING! All files and objects associated with Pcqq ransomware virus should be removed from the infected PC before any data recovery attempts. Otherwise the virus may encrypt restored files. Furthermore, a backup of all encrypted files stored on external media is highly recommendable.
More information SpyHunter 5 and steps to uninstall the program. The SpyHunter’s scanner feture is free. By purchasing the full version, you will be able to remove detected malware instantly. Additional information about SpyHunter – EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria.
1. Use present backups
2. Use professional data recovery software
Stellar Phoenix Data Recovery – a specialist tool that can restore partitions, data, documents, photos, and 300 more file types lost during various types of incidents and corruption.
3. Using System Restore Point
-
– Hit WIN Key
– Select “Open System Restore” and follow the steps
4. Restore your personal files using File History
-
– Hit WIN Key
– Type restore your files in the search box
– Select Restore your files with File History
– Choose a folder or type the name of the file in the search bar
– Hit the “Restore” button
