MZQT Virus (.MZQT File) Decrypt + Ransomware Removal

The Mzqt virus is a ransomware infection, a part of the STOP family. The key action this malware performs is malignant file encryption. When the Mzqt virus gets into a computer, it targets various types of files, such as documents, videos, photos, and more. It modifies the file structure and appends the “.mzqt” extension to each file, making them unusable without the decryptor.

Mzqt Virus Overview

The Mzqt virus is a malicious program that ciphers your files and forces you to pay for their recovery. This malware encrypts different file types. You can distinct ciphered files by an “.mzqt” extension. These files are no longer accessible and usable due to the application of a cipher.

After that, the ransomware demands a ransom payment in Bitcoin from the victims, ranging from $490 to $980. Typically, it creates a text file with ransom payment guidances – “_readme.txt“.

The encryption algorithm in STOP/Djvu ransomware is AES-256. So, if your data got encrypted with an online decryption key, the chances to get your files back are quite low. Thing is, the key is unique for each victim, and picking it will take exceptionally big amount of time.

Retrieving the online decryption key in any way is merely impossible. It remains on a command server under the rule of crooks who spread the Mzqt malware. For receiving unlocking key the payment should be $980. Hackers offer to reach them on the email ([email protected]) for payment and decryption instructions.

Once Mzqt malware finishes the encryption, it shows a ransom note to the victim, demanding a ransom payment in exchange for the decryption key. The ransom note provides instructions on how to make the payment and also often contains threats of system wipeout or ransom amounts surge if the demands are not met within a specified timeframe.

This message asking payment is for restore files via decryption key:

_readme.txt (STOP/DJVU Ransomware) – The frightening warning demanding users to pay off the ransom to decrypt the encrypted data contains these exasperating admonitions.

I have made an all-encompassing list of potential solutions, tips, and practices to remove the Mzqt virus and decrypt your files. In some cases, it may be feasible to restore your files, while sometimes, it may be impossible.

The Mzqt virus is highly similar to other DJVU ransomware samples such as Azop, Azqt, Azhi, and Wwhu. This virus encrypts a wide range of common file types and appends its distinct “.mzqt” extension to all files. For instance, a file named “1.jpg” would be altered to “1.jpg.mzqt” and “2.png” to “2.png.mzqt“.

After successful encryption, the virus spawns a special text file named “_readme.txt” and places it in every folder containing the encrypted files. It also adds this file to the desktop, so the victim will not miss the attack even without opening folders.

The image below provides a visual representation of files with the “mzqt” extension:

Encrypted Files by STOP/DJVU Ransomware

The message by the ransomware states the following information:

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:

https://we.tl/t-WJa63R98Ku

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:

[email protected]

Reserve e-mail address to contact us:

[email protected]

Your personal ID:
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Do not pay the ransom!

The _readme.txt document also demands that the computer owners should contact the hackers within 72 hours starting from the moment of files were encrypted. On the condition of getting in touch within 72 hours, hackers grant a 50% off. Thus the ransom amount will be minimized down to $490.

Yet, stay away from paying the ransom! I highly recommend that you to avoid contacting these frauds and do not pay. A highly effective solution to retrieve the lost data is just using the available backups, or using Decrypter tool from Emsisoft.

The peculiarity of all such viruses is the application a similar set of actions for decryption key generation. Thus, unless the ransomware is still under the stage of development or has some hard-to-track encryption, manual data recovery is a thing you can’t perform. The sole remedy to prevent the loss of your valuable data is to regularly make backups of your crucial files.

Note that even if you do create such backups regularly, you should keep them in a specific location without loitering. Do not connect them to your main workstation. For instance, keeping the backup on the USB flash drive or some alternative external hard drive storage. Alternatively, you may turn to the help of online (cloud) information storage.

Needless to say, when you keep your backup on your device, it may be similarly ciphered along with other data. For this reason, placing the backup on your computer’s disk is surely not a wise idea.

How I was infected?

Ransomware attack following a successful phishing attempt.

Ransomware attacks use ways similar to other cyberattacks that happen around the world. In particular, hackers exploit social engineering tricks and third-party software sources as their key spreading ways. Most of times, malware comes along with a cracked application or within an infected Microsoft Office/PDF document.

In some situations, it may be not ransomware that starts an attack chain. Aforementioned spreading methods may inject dropper malware, that further downloads and launches other malware. In particular, our research uncovered the use Amadey Dropper as an entry point of Mzqt ransomware attack. Aside from DJVU ransomware, this dropper delivers a wide range of other malware.

Another method that ransomware started using recently is malvertising on the search engines. Hackers particularly prefer Google, as it allows placing paid promos of some websites above other search results. Searching for freeware or device drivers may throw you to the fake of their legit source, making you voluntarily download and run the malware.

How To Remove Ransomware?

Video Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

1. My files are encrypted by ransomware, what should I do now?
2. About DJVU (STOP) Ransomware.

German Japanese Spanish Portuguese (Brazil) French Turkish Chinese (Traditional) Korean Indonesian Hindi Italian