Victims affected by this ransomware mostly report downloading illegal content from peer-to-peer file sharing networks (using torrents). Most of the time, the ransomware arrives in a form of a software crack. After being executed, QLKM ransomware performs the following tasks:

Deletes Volume Shadow Copies, preventing easy and free lost data recovery.Inputs a list of additional domains to the Windows HOSTS file, making them inaccessible to the computer user (learn how to reset this file).Attempts to establish connection with the Command&Control server and requests a unique encryption key for the host (also known as “online key” in this context). In case of failure, uses a hardcoded key for encryption instead (“offline key” in this context).Encrypts all files using asymmetric algorithm known as RSA.Installs AZORULT, a dangerous credential-stealing Trojan.

Ransomware encryption routine explained

Speaking of QLKM file decryption, you must understand which way – online or offline was used to encrypt your files. As mentioned previously, if the virus succeeds to establish connection with its Command&Control server, it obtains a unique encryption key to encrypt all files on victim’s computer. In this scenario, only that specific victim gets encrypted with that key, meaning that there is only one decryption key corresponding to the encryption key. In such scenario, it is extremely hard to recover files. In some cases, the virus might fail to connect to the C2 server, so it uses offline encryption key that is hardcoded into the specific STOP/DJVU version. That said, every victim affected with offline key is subject to the same decryption key as well. Although this gives hope to restore files in the future, you must understand that this can take months until a decryption key reaches the cybersecurity experts and it gets uploaded to the decryption software. To provide better explanation, we also must mention that each version – such as IGAL, OMFL, IGDM and others have their unique offline encryption key. Please read about possible data recovery solutions below this article, or in this detailed STOP/DJVU decryption guide.

What do the ransomware developers want?

QLKM ransomware virus aims to lock your files and make them inaccessible to you. The only purpose of doing this is because the virus’ developers know that your personal files, or at least part of them, are important to you. They put a encryption-based restriction on your files and drop ransom-demanding notes on the computer, named _readme.txt. These notes inform the victim that all documents, photos, videos, archives and other file formats have been encrypted, and that the only way to decrypt (restore) them is to purchase the private decryption key and software from the criminals. When it comes to the decryption software price, or, in other words, criminals’ ransom demand, it depends on how fast the victim completes the demands. The note suggests that the ransom price is $490 if the victim writes to the criminals within 72 hours from the infection timestamp. If the victim fails to contact with the criminals within 3 full days, the price rises to $980. Needless to say, the attackers won’t provide you with their personal bank account to get the transaction. They demand to purchase Bitcoins worth the stated sum and transfer it to their crypto wallet address. This helps to preserve their anonymity. Finally, the note includes a personal ID assigned to the victim. The criminals suggest sending it along one encrypted file for test .qlkm file decryption. They promise to reply with a decrypted version of the file to prove that their promises aren’t empty. However, we still do not recommend paying the ransom. You shouldn’t pay the ransom due to several logical reasons. First, paying the ransom never guarantees full or successful data decryption. Next, by sending cybercriminals money, you encourage them to continue their business and filthy activities, thus creating even more damage worldwide. Finally, if you pay, the criminals surely will try to target you again, either via phishing emails or hack via other computer’s security vulnerabilities. Remember that this ransomware distributes AZORULT password-stealer, which can grab your passwords and other important information and transfer it to criminals. If you have been infected with this malware, we strongly recommend you to remove QLKM virus using a robust anti-malware software. After that, scan with RESTORO to repair virus damage caused on Windows OS. Do not forget to change all of your passwords for accounts you previously stored in your browser’s memory. QLKM virus is part of STOP/DJVU malware, which currently has over 270th versions out there. It is considered the most widespread ransomware-type virus that is known to target home computer users. The version you’re infected is categorized as “new” STOP/DJVU, because it was issued post August 2019 (date of major virus update and encryption vulnerability fix).

Learn how ransomware spreads

The primary QLKM ransomware distribution vector is malicious torrents. To be more specific, all versions of STOP/DJVU malware are noticed to arrive in a form of a software crack or keygen. Victims typically download such files to avoid costs of legitimate software licenses, hoping to “crack” the software and use it for free. Unfortunately, developers of malware know this demand, therefore they disguise the malicious payloads as these files and upload them to various torrent-sharing sites. After downloading the file, victim usually gets Windows Defender alert for possible malware. Sadly, such alerts are often ignored as the computer users believe each crack or keygen gets flagged by security programs, and often is a false positive. Unfortunately, it isn’t in this case, which results in complete data encryption system-wide. Victims reported downloading the ransomware via Adobe Photoshop cracks, game cracks, KMSPico, and similar popular software. We advise you to head to the official software developer’s website to obtain its premium version legally. Often times it costs multiple times less than the hefty ransom prices that cyber criminals demand paying for data decryption software. Be very careful if you receive an email stating you got an invoice to review, or that you’re missing or have a pending payment for/from someone. During COVID-19 times, criminals leverage the whole online shopping situation and tend to send out fake emails claiming the victim needs to review parcel information or view its tracking route. Finally, we recommend you to be careful of what you download online. Scammers tend to provide fake Java update ads not only to install potentially unwanted programs (PUPs), but more severe malware like ransomware as well. That said, if you ran into an ad suggesting to update Java, check if you actually need it on the official JAVA website and download it from there.

Remove QLKM ransomware and secure your computer

Begin QLKM ransomware removal using steps provided below. Our security experts have put up this free guide for computer users who accidentally get infected with ransomware. Moreover, it includes suggestions on how to decrypt your files. Finally, do not forget to report Internet crime incident to corresponding authority in your country. Once you remove QLKM virus, it is also important to repair virus damage caused for the computer system. For this matter, we strongly suggest scanning with RESTORO and repair corrupt Windows system entries. OUR GEEKS RECOMMEND Our team recommends a two-step rescue plan to remove ransomware and other remaining malware from your computer, plus repair caused virus damage to the system: GeeksAdvice.com editors select recommended products based on their effectiveness. We may earn a commission from affiliate links, at no additional cost to you. Learn more. Get INTEGO ANTIVIRUS for Windows to remove ransomware, Trojans, adware and other spyware and malware variants and protect your PC and network drives 24/7. This VB100-certified security software uses state-of-art technology to provide protection against ransomware, Zero-Day attacks and advanced threats, Intego Web Shield blocks dangerous websites, phishing attacks, malicious downloads and installation of potentially unwanted programs. Use INTEGO Antivirus to remove detected threats from your computer. Read full review here. RESTORO provides a free scan that helps to identify hardware, security and stability issues and presents a comprehensive report which can help you to locate and fix detected issues manually. It is a great PC repair software to use after you remove malware with professional antivirus. The full version of software will fix detected issues and repair virus damage caused to your Windows OS files automatically. RESTORO uses AVIRA scanning engine to detect existing spyware and malware. If any are found, the software will eliminate them. Read full review here.

Method 1. Enter Safe Mode with Networking

Before you try to remove QLKM ransomware virus virus, you must start your computer in Safe Mode with Networking. Below, we provide the easiest ways to boot PC in the said mode, but you can find additional ones in this in-depth tutorial on our website – How to Start Windows in Safe Mode. Also, if you prefer a video version of the tutorial, check our guide How to Start Windows in Safe Mode on Youtube. Instructions for Windows XP/Vista/7 users Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10/11 users Now, you can search for and remove QLKM ransomware virus files. It is very hard to identify files and registry keys that belong to the ransomware virus, Besides, malware creators tend to rename and change them repeatedly. Therefore, the easiest way to uninstall such type of a computer virus is to use a reliable security program such as INTEGO Antivirus. For virus damage repair, consider using RESTORO.

Method 2. Use System Restore

In order to use System Restore, you must have a system restore point, created either manually or automatically. Instructions for Windows XP/Vista/7 users Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10/11 users After restoring the system, we recommend scanning the system with antivirus or anti-malware software. In most cases, there won’t be any malware remains, but it never hurts to double-check. In addition, we highly recommend checking ransomware prevention guidelines provided by our experts in order to protect your PC against similar viruses in the future.

Alternative software recommendations

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Decrypt QLKM files

Fix and open large QLKM files easily:

It is reported that STOP/DJVU ransomware versions encrypt only the beginning 150 KB of each file to ensure that the virus manages to affect all files on the system. In some cases, the malicious program might skip some files at all. That said, we recommend testing this method on several big (>1GB) files first.

STOP/DJVU decryption tool usage guide

STOP/DJVU ransomware versions are grouped into old and new variants. QLKM ransomware virus is considered the new STOP/DJVU variant, just like BPTO, ISWR, ISZA, BPSM, ZOUU, MBTF, ZNSM (find full list here). This means full data decryption is now possible only if you have been affected by offline encryption key. To decrypt your files, you will have to download Emsisoft Decryptor for STOP DJVU, a tool created and maintained by a genius security researcher Michael Gillespie. Note! Please do not spam the security researcher with questions whether he can recover your files encrypted with online key - it is not possible. In order to test the tool and see if it can decrypt QLKM files, follow the given tutorial.

Meanings of decryptor’s messages

The QLKM decryption tool might display several different messages after failed attempt to restore your files. You might receive one of the following messages: Error: Unable to decrypt file with ID: [example ID] This message typically means that there is no corresponding decryption key in the decryptor’s database. No key for New Variant online ID: [example ID]Notice: this ID appears to be an online ID, decryption is impossible This message informs that your files were encrypted with online key, meaning no one else has the same encryption/decryption key pair, therefore data recovery without paying the criminals is impossible. Result: No key for new variant offline ID: [example ID]This ID appears to be an offline ID. Decryption may be possible in the future. If you were informed that an offline key was used, but files could not be restored, it means that the offline decryption key isn’t available yet. However, receiving this message is extremely good news, meaning that it might be possible to restore your QLKM extension files in the future. It can take a few months until the decryption key gets found and uploaded to the decryptor. We recommend you to follow updates regarding the decryptable DJVU versions here. We strongly recommend backing up your encrypted data and waiting.

Victims of QLKM ransomware virus should report the Internet crime incident to the official government fraud and scam website according to their country:

In the United States, go to the On Guard Online website.In Australia, go to the SCAMwatch website.In Germany, go to the Bundesamt für Sicherheit in der Informationstechnik website.In Ireland, go to the An Garda Síochána website.In New Zealand, go to the Consumer Affairs Scams website.In the United Kingdom, go to the Action Fraud website.In Canada, go to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.In India, go to Indian National Cybercrime Reporting Portal.In France, go to the Agence nationale de la sécurité des systèmes d’information.

If you can’t find an authority corresponding to your location on this list, we recommend using any search engine to look up “[your country name] report cyber crime”. This should lead you to the right authority website. We also recommend staying away from third-party crime report services that are often paid. It costs nothing to report Internet crime to official authorities. Another recommendation is to contact your country’s or region’s federal police or communications authority.