What is a .LQQW file?
A .LQQW file is a type of file that has been taken over and locked by a specific kind of harmful software called LQQW ransomware. This ransomware is a type of computer virus created by cybercriminals. Originally, the file could have been any regular file like a photo or a text document. However, once the ransomware infects your computer, it changes the file's name and encrypts its contents, making it inaccessible. The new file extension added to these files is .lqqw.
The purpose of this ransomware is to force you to pay money to get access to your files again. After encrypting the files, the ransomware leaves a ransom note named _readme.txt in every affected folder. This note usually includes instructions on how you can pay the ransom to possibly get your files decrypted.
In terms of opening these files, it's important to note that .LQQW files cannot be simply opened or decrypted because they are locked by the ransomware. The only program that might help in this situation is a System Restore tool, but this is only effective if the ransomware hasn't already deleted the restore points, which it often tries to do.
The LQQW ransomware is a variant of the STOP ransomware and was first noticed affecting computers in August 2021. It not only encrypts files but also tries to delete system restore points and block access to certain websites. It might also install additional harmful software (a trojan) that allows the attackers to access your computer later.
Computers usually get infected with LQQW ransomware through the download and installation of programs that seem legitimate but are actually bundled with malicious software. If you've recently downloaded something from an untrustworthy source, that might be how the ransomware got onto your computer.
It's highly recommended to remove the ransomware from your computer as soon as possible to prevent further damage. However, recovering the encrypted files can be very challenging without the decryption key, which the cybercriminals hold. Always be cautious with downloading and installing new software, especially from unknown sources, to avoid such infections.
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