BQTLOCK Ransomware

BQTLOCK is a recently discovered ransomware strain that targets Windows systems. It encrypts victims’ files using robust AES‑256 and RSA‑4096 encryption, appending the .BQTLOCK file extension and demanding payment for decryption via a note named READ_ME‑NOW_*.txt.

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Threat Overview

Attribute	Details
Threat type	Ransomware, Crypto Locker
Encrypted file extension	.BQTLOCK
Ransom note file name	READ_ME‑NOW_*.txt
Contact method	Telegram/Twitter: @ZeroDayX1
Detection names	Avast: Win64:MalwareX‑gen, ESET-NOD32: A Variant Of Win64/Filecoder_AGen.AQ, Kaspersky: HEUR:Trojan.Win32.Breakwin.gen, Symantec: Trojan.Gen.NPE, others
Symptoms of infection	Files inaccessible, renamed with .BQTLOCK; ransom note displayed
Damage	Full file encryption; potential additional malware installation
Distribution methods	Email attachments, pirated software, P2P networks, deceptive ads/scams
Danger level	High – leads to data loss and possible further infection
Removal tool	SpyHunter (Download here)

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Ransom Note Content

Victims see a note similar to:

ALL YOUR FILES HAVE BEEN ENCRYPTED BY BQTLOCK!
Your entire network has been penetrated, and all data is now encrypted using military‑grade AES‑256 and RSA‑4096 algorithms.
To begin the recovery process, contact us exclusively via: Telegram or Twitter: @ZeroDayX1
You have 48 hours to make contact. After that, the decryption price will double. After 7 days, your key will be destroyed permanently.
We are watching.

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Detailed Analysis

How I Got Infected

Victims often encounter BQTLOCK through common ransomware vectors: email attachments disguised as legitimate documents, malicious links in deceptive ads, infected torrents, or cracked software installers. Once opened, the payload executes silently in the background, initiating file encryption.

What Does It Do

The ransomware scans the system, encrypts files using AES‑256 for speed and RSA‑4096 to secure the keys, and appends the .BQTLOCK extension. It drops the ransom note and may disable or remove backups, cloud links, and shadow copies to prevent recovery.

Should You Be Worried

Yes. This is a high-risk threat:

• Strong encryption ensures you can’t access files without the private key held by the attacker.
• Tight deadlines: ransom doubles in 48 hours; key destruction after 7 days.
• Follow-on threats: it may download password stealers or other malware after encryption.

Manual Ransomware Removal Guide

Warning: Manual removal is complex and risky. If not done correctly, it can lead to data loss or incomplete removal of ransomware. Only follow this method if you are an advanced user. If unsure, proceed with Method 2 (SpyHunter Removal Guide).

Step 1: Disconnect from the Internet

1. Unplug your Ethernet cable or disconnect Wi-Fi immediately to prevent further communication with the ransomware’s command and control (C2) servers.

Step 2: Boot into Safe Mode

For Windows Users:

1. For Windows 10, 11:
   • Press Windows + R, type msconfig, and hit Enter.
   • Go to the Boot tab.
   • Check Safe boot and select Network.
   • Click Apply and OK, then restart your PC.
2. For Windows 7, 8:
   • Restart your PC and press F8 repeatedly before Windows loads.
   • Select Safe Mode with Networking and press Enter.

For Mac Users:

1. Restart your Mac and immediately press and hold the Shift key.
2. Release the key once you see the Apple logo.
3. Your Mac will start in Safe Mode.

Step 3: Locate and Terminate Malicious Processes

For Windows Users:

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
2. Look for suspicious processes (e.g., unknown names, high CPU usage, or random letters).
3. Right-click on the process and select End Task.

For Mac Users:

1. Open Activity Monitor (Finder > Applications > Utilities > Activity Monitor).
2. Look for unusual processes.
3. Select the process and click Force Quit.

Step 4: Delete Malicious Files

For Windows Users:

1. Press Windows + R, type %temp%, and hit Enter.
2. Delete all files in the Temp folder.
3. Navigate to:
   • C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Roaming
   • C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Local
   • C:\Windows\System32
4. Look for suspicious files related to the ransomware (random file names, recently modified) and delete them.

For Mac Users:

1. Open Finder and go to Go > Go to Folder.
2. Type ~/Library/Application Support and delete suspicious folders.
3. Navigate to ~/Library/LaunchAgents and remove unknown .plist files.

Step 5: Remove Ransomware from Registry or System Settings

For Windows Users:

Warning: Incorrect changes in the Registry Editor can damage your system. Proceed with caution.

1. Press Windows + R, type regedit, and hit Enter.
2. Navigate to:
   • HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software
   • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software
3. Look for unfamiliar folders with random characters or ransomware-related names.
4. Right-click and select Delete.

For Mac Users:

1. Go to System Preferences > Users & Groups.
2. Click on Login Items and remove any suspicious startup items.
3. Navigate to ~/Library/Preferences and remove malicious .plist files.

Step 6: Restore System Using System Restore (Windows) or Time Machine (Mac)

For Windows Users:

1. Press Windows + R, type rstrui, and hit Enter.
2. Click Next, choose a restore point before the infection, and follow the prompts to restore your system.

For Mac Users:

1. Restart your Mac and hold Command + R to enter macOS Utilities.
2. Select Restore from Time Machine Backup.
3. Choose a backup prior to the ransomware infection and restore your system.

Step 7: Use a Decryption Tool (If Available)

• Visit No More Ransom (www.nomoreransom.org) and check if a decryption tool is available for your ransomware variant.

Step 8: Recover Files Using Backup

• If you have backups on an external drive or cloud storage, restore your files.

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Automatic Ransomware Removal Using SpyHunter

If manual removal seems too risky or complicated, using a reliable anti-malware tool like SpyHunter is the best alternative.

Step 1: Download SpyHunter

Download SpyHunter from the official link: Download SpyHunter

Or follow the official installation instructions here:
SpyHunter Download Instructions

Step 2: Install SpyHunter

1. Open the downloaded file (SpyHunter-Installer.exe).
2. Follow the on-screen prompts to install the program.
3. Once installed, launch SpyHunter.

Step 3: Perform a Full System Scan

1. Click on Start Scan Now.
2. SpyHunter will scan for ransomware and other malware.
3. Wait for the scan to complete.

Step 4: Remove Detected Threats

1. After the scan, SpyHunter will list all detected threats.
2. Click Fix Threats to remove the ransomware.

Step 5: Use SpyHunter’s Malware HelpDesk (If Needed)

If you are dealing with a stubborn ransomware variant, SpyHunter’s Malware HelpDesk provides custom fixes to remove advanced threats.

Step 6: Restore Your Files

If your files are encrypted:

• Try No More Ransom (www.nomoreransom.org) for decryption tools.
• Restore from cloud storage or external backups.

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Preventing Future Ransomware Attacks

• Keep backups on an external hard drive or cloud storage.
• Use SpyHunter to detect threats before they infect your system.
• Enable Windows Defender or a trusted antivirus program.
• Avoid suspicious emails, attachments, and links.
• Update Windows, macOS & software regularly.

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Conclusion

BQTLOCK is a dangerous, highly destructive ransomware variant. At best, you’re left with encrypted data and at worst, further compromise of your system. Even if you pay, there is no guarantee of receiving a decryption key. The recommended action: use a reputable removal tool like SpyHunter to clean the system, restore backups, and strengthen your defenses.