The extension .piiq is associated with a strain of the ransomware infection called STOP. STOP Piiq virus is a data locker ransomware that infects computer systems with the purpose to encrypt personal files and extort a ransom fee for their recovery. Since the infection uses a strong cipher algorithm to corrupt target files, it leaves them inaccessible. In addition, the ransomware appends the extension .piiq to their names. When Piiq ransomware virus reaches its final attack stage it drops a ransom message file called _readme.txt 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 .piiq files. The Piiq virus as a representative of the STOP ransomware causes a lot of infections. Any existing infections should be removed as soon as possible to prevent further network attacks.
For the sake of your security, we recommend that you avoid any negotiations with cybercriminals and navigate to our Piiq virus removal guide. It presents information on how to get rid of malicious files, secure your PC and attempt to restore .piiq files with alternative data recovery approaches.
Manual Removal Guide
Files Recovery Approaches
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Distribution of Piiq Virus
Piiq 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 criminals to spread the payload of Piiq 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 which users open without hesitation. Once opened on a target host these compromised files trigger the ransomware payload and infect the device with Piiq cryptovirus. Another infection tactic related to emails is hyperlinks 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 Piiq 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 Piiq 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 Piiq Virus
The so-called Piiq 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 sophisticated cipher algorithm.
The beginning of the attack is marked by the execution of Piiq payload file. Soon after the occurrence of this event, the threat becomes able to pass through several attack stages. At first, it triggers the creation of additional malicious files that support all following operations. The ransomware could either create or drop them on the system. Typically, threats like Piiq Virus are designed to place malicious files in system folders like %Roaming% , %Windows% , %AppData% , %Local% , %Temp%
Once Piiq Virus establishes the files, it starts executing them in a predefined order. As a result, it affects some essential system settings. Affected could be some main registry keys stored by the Registry Editor, legitimate processes and other major components that control the regular system performance.
Following system corruption, Piiq ransomware 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 .piiq 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, Piiq STOP drops the text file _readme.txt which contains its ransom message. This file may automatically be loaded on the screen as its purpose is to blackmail you into paying hackers a ransom fee. Here is what its text usually informs:
ATTENTION!
Don’t worry, you can return all your files!
All your files like photos, databases, documents and other important are encrypted with strongest encryption and unique key.
The only method of recovering files is to purchase decrypt tool and unique key for you.
This software will decrypt all your encrypted files.
What guarantees you have?
You can send one of your encrypted file from your PC and we decrypt it for free.
But we can decrypt only 1 file for free. File must not contain valuable information.
You can get and look video overview decrypt tool:
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Price of private key and decrypt software is $980.
Discount 50% available if you contact us first 72 hours, that’s price for you is $490.
Please note that you’ll never restore your data without payment.
Check your e-mail “Spam” or “Junk” folder if you don’t get answer more than 6 hours.To get this software you need write on our e-mail:
Reserve e-mail address to contact us:
Our Telegram account:
Your personal ID:
095Asdjh74yiUSHdfh74ykkUbFA52cIgLpZiieAnKn5sJ4BLAYGyHGpdILKBk
Have in mind that even a successful ransom payment does not guarantee the recovery of .piiq files. Hackers could trick you once again by neglecting your messages or sending you a broken decryption tool.
Remove Piiq Ransomware Virus and Restore PC
Please note that paying the requested ransom fee to cybercriminals does not really solve your problem with Piiq crypto virus. 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 Piiq 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.
DOWNLOAD SpyHunter Anti-Malware ToolPiiq 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
-
– 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
-
– 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 Piiq 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.
SpyHunter is a Windows application designed to scan for, identify, remove and block malware, potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) and other objects. By purchasing the full version, you will be able to remove detected malware instantly. Additional information about SpyHunter / Help to uninstall SpyHunter
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
