Qilra Ransomware

Qilra is a recently discovered ransomware threat that encrypts victims’ files and demands a ransom in exchange for decryption. First spotted in samples uploaded to VirusTotal, this file-locking malware appends the “.qilra” extension to all encrypted data and drops a ransom note titled “RESTORE-MY-FILES.TXT.” In the note, the attackers claim to have both encrypted and stolen the victim’s files. Victims are threatened with public exposure of their data if they do not pay within 72 hours.

The malware renames files such as photo.jpg to photo.jpg.qilra and document.pdf to document.pdf.qilra, rendering them unusable without a decryption key. Unfortunately, there is no free decryption tool currently available for Qilra.

The ransom note also provides an email address — RestoreMyData@protonmail.com — and offers to decrypt one file for free as “proof” of their ability to restore your files. However, security experts strongly discourage contacting the attackers or paying the ransom, as this rarely results in actual file recovery and often leads to further exploitation.

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Qilra Ransom Note – RESTORE-MY-FILES.TXT

-- Qilra

All of your important files have been encrypted and stolen and only us can decrypt your files.
If you refuse to cooperate, your decryption software will be permanently deleted, and your stolen files will be published publicly.

contact us:
RestoreMyData@protonmail.com

Decryption ID: -

How Can You Trust Us?

If we do not provide the decryption tool after payment, no one will ever trust us again. We rely on our reputation.
To prove we can decrypt your files, you can send us 1 encrypted file.

You have 72 hours to pay and contact us.

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Threat Summary: Qilra Ransomware

Category	Details
Threat Type	Ransomware, Crypto Virus, Files Locker
Encrypted Extension	.qilra
Ransom Note File	RESTORE-MY-FILES.TXT
Email for Contact	RestoreMyData@protonmail.com
Symptoms	Files unreadable, renamed with .qilra, ransom note displayed
Damage	File encryption, data exfiltration, possible further malware infections
Distribution Methods	Malicious email attachments, torrent files, infected ads, cracked software
Detection Names	Avast (Win64:Malware-gen), Cynet (Malicious (score: 99)), ESET (Generik.GGJIXWZ), Kaspersky (Encoder.acun), Sophos (Mal/Generic-S)
Danger Level	Critical – High risk of permanent data loss and data leak
Removal Tool	SpyHunter

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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.

Conclusion

Qilra is just one of many ransomware strains threatening users’ personal and professional data. Others like PetyaX, Hudson, and Hero operate similarly, showing a rising trend in double-extortion tactics where files are both encrypted and stolen.

If you’ve been infected by Qilra, immediate disconnection from your network is recommended. To eliminate this threat and other potential malware payloads, use a reliable antivirus tool like SpyHunter, which is specifically designed to detect and remove ransomware-related infections.