Qlocker QNAP ransomware removal and data recovery

In a recent clever move, the Qlocker ransomware group has been using 7zip tool to lock data on numerous QNAP NAS devices with critical vulnerabilities inside.

1. What is the Qlocker ransomware?
2. Qlocker ransomware automated removal and data recovery
3. Qlocker ransomware manual removal and file recovery
4. Ransomware Prevention Tips

What is the Qlocker ransomware?

An outbreak of a new unusual ransomware strain called Qlocker has demonstrated that cyber extortionists are good at outsmarting traditional security mechanisms and don’t mind taking shortcuts. The gang in charge has been exploiting vulnerabilities in several components of the QNAP network-attached storage (NAS) infrastructure to infiltrate the corresponding devices and remotely run the 7zip archive application to lock down data. The damage in this case goes beyond password-protecting victims’ files. With a fairly strong cryptographic algorithm being part of 7zip feature set, the target items undergo unauthorized encryption, which in turn allows Qlocker operators to set an ultimatum and demand money for decrypting files that suddenly became appended with the *.7z extension and, worst of all, inaccessible.

According to victims’ observations, the only conspicuous red flag is that numerous instances of the 7z process are visible in the Resource Monitor utility during the attack. Once this stage is completed, users cannot open their files that were moved into password-protected archive entities. Qlocker also drops a ransom note that explains what happened and provides an ID that must be entered to log into a specified Tor payment page uniquely associated with the victim. The site adds clarity to the blackmail by demanding 0.01 Bitcoin (worth about $500 at the time of writing) for the recovery password.

This is interesting because most ransomware actors want much bigger amounts reaching thousands or tens of thousands of dollars per device. In the Qlocker scenario, though, the relatively small ransom plays into crooks’ hands, as users are less hesitant when deciding whether or not to pay. Security researchers were able to track down the payments based on BTC addresses in ransom notes – they found that the malefactors received at least $260,000 as of April 24, 2021. Note that this was just five days since the campaign began. Pair the profit with the fact that the felons didn’t have to invest a penny in creating a separate ransomware program and are using an open-source archiver instead, and the whole extortion model gets really offbeat and crafty. Fellow-extortionists from other groups must be feeling jealous right now.

As is the case with any ransomware attack, the biggest issue with the Qlocker infection isn’t about the filename tweaking or scary-looking ransom demands. It’s about a dramatic change in the structure of every file at a deep level due to dodgy use of cryptography. This predatory program employs a cipher provided by 7zip to achieve a rock-solid degree of data scrambling. It means that the odds of recovering these items without the criminals-owned unique password is close to fiction. And yet, white hats were able to decrypt the keys for about 50 victims via a loophole in the criminals’ payment confirmation routine. Replacing a lowercase letter to uppercase in the “transaction ID” on Qlocker Tor site made the system misinterpret the event as if it were a new payment, when it was actually an edited string for a victimized user who had previously submitted the ransom. However, the threat actors fixed this bug shortly.

The Qlocker crew uses a series of security gaps in QNAP components to gain original foothold in NAS devices. The apps exposed to easy infiltration include the Media Streaming Add-on, Multimedia Console, and Hybrid Backup Sync. The most-exploited weakness is an SQL vulnerability documented as CVE-2020-36195. The service provider has released patches for all loopholes it could identify when investigating this stratagem, so it’s now up to users to apply these updates and stay protected. If you are a QNAP user and the Qlocker nasty is holding your data for ransom, try the following methods to clean the device and get those files back.

Qlocker ransomware automated removal and data recovery

When faced with ransomware like Qlocker, one of the best shortcuts in terms of removal is to use Combo Cleaner, a lightweight and incredibly effective application with PC security and optimization features under the hood. It detects and thoroughly deletes threats while giving you insights into the overall health of your computer.

This program’s protection power spans modules that forestall all known types of malware, including ransomware and browser hijackers, and take your online security to the next level by blocking phishing sites and other suspicious web pages. Follow these simple steps to eliminate the infection for good:

1. Download Combo Cleaner installer.

Download Qlocker ransomware remover

^{Combo Cleaner scans your PC with no strings attached, but you’ll have to buy its fully functional version to remove the threats it detects. The disk optimization tools that find large files and duplicates are free to use.}

2. Open the CCSetup.exe file to get started. Several subsequent screens will allow you to make initial customizations so that the program works exactly as you need from the get-go.

3. The installation will be followed by an update of malware signatures. Once this process is through, click the Start Scan button in the left-hand sidebar.

4. Combo Cleaner will then check system locations that are most often polluted by Windows malware. The first scan can take a while to finish.

5. Combo Cleaner will display a system tray notification as soon as the scan is over. Click the Resolve found threats button to view the results.

6. The scan summary shows the names and types of the detected threats as well as their statuses and locations. Click the Remove all threats button and follow further on-screen prompts to get rid of these items.

Data recovery toolkit to the rescue

Some strains of ransomware are known to delete the original files after the encryption routine has been completed. As hostile as this activity appears, it can play into your hands. There are applications designed to revive the information that was obliterated because of malfunctioning hardware or due to accidental removal. The tool called Stellar Data Recovery features this type of a capability and therefore it can be applied in ransom attack scenarios to at least get the most important files back. So use the app to get an idea of what data can be restored and let it do the recovery job. Here is a step-by-step walkthrough:

1. Download and install Stellar Data Recovery.

Download Stellar Data Recovery

2. Open the application, select the types of recoverable files to look for, and click Next.

3. Choose the areas you want the tool to recover from and click the Scan button.

4. Having scanned the specified locations, the program will display a notification about the total amount of recoverable data. Close the dialog and click the Recover button. This will hopefully help you get some of your valuable files back.

Qlocker ransomware manual removal and file recovery

Some ransomware strains terminate themselves after completing the encryption job on a computer, but some don’t. Furthermore, the Qlocker virus may prevent victims from using popular antimalware tools in order to stay on board for as long as possible. Under the circumstances, it may be necessary to utilize the Safe Mode with Networking or System Restore functionality.

Be advised that even after the ransomware is removed, files will still be encrypted and inaccessible. The malicious code cleanup part, however, is important because it keeps a relapse of the infection from occurring further on and eliminates all opportunistic malware.

Ways of non-ransom recovery of .7z files encrypted by Qlocker

Cracking the crypto used by this ransom Trojan is more of a science fiction thing rather than an attainable prospect for the masses. This is why the troubleshooting in predicaments of this sort is a matter of two approaches: one is to pay the ransom, which isn’t an option for many victims; and the other is to apply instruments that take advantage of the ransomware’s possible weaknesses. If the latter is your pick, the advice below is a must-try.

Ransomware Prevention Tips

To avoid Qlocker ransomware and other file-encrypting infections in the future, follow several simple recommendations:

These techniques are certainly not a cure-all, but they will add an extra layer of ransomware protection to your security setup.

Revise your security status

Post-factum assessment of the accuracy component in malware removal scenarios is a great habit that prevents the comeback of harmful code or replication of its unattended fractions. Make sure you are good to go by running an additional safety checkup. Another benefit of using the antimalware tool is that it will keep ransomware threats from intruding on your computer further on.

Download Qlocker ransomware removal tool