*[email protected]*.zq

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This document provides a comprehensive overview of the ransomware variant identified by the file extension *[email protected]*.zq. While the exact internal name of this specific variant may vary, the file extension is a clear indicator of its presence. Based on common ransomware trends, particularly the use of an email address within the extension and a unique suffix, this variant often aligns with characteristics of families like Phobos or Dharma.

Technical Breakdown:

1. File Extension & Renaming Patterns

  • Confirmation of File Extension: The exact file extension used by this ransomware is typically .[original_filename].[original_extension].ID.[unique_id][email protected]. For example, a file named document.docx would be renamed to something like [email protected].

    • The ID.[unique_id] segment represents a unique identifier generated for each infected system or encryption session.
    • The [email protected] part is the contact email address provided by the attackers for ransom payment negotiations.
    • The .zq is the final unique suffix appended by this specific variant, distinguishing it from others that might use a similar email address but a different final suffix.

  • Renaming Convention: The ransomware encrypts files and appends its specific extension to the end of the original filename, preserving the original filename and extension at the beginning. This allows victims to identify which files have been encrypted, though they remain inaccessible. The ransomware also typically drops a ransom note (e.g., info.txt, info.hta, How To Restore Your Files.txt) in affected directories.

2. Detection & Outbreak Timeline

  • Approximate Start Date/Period: Variants using similar email-based extensions, particularly with qq.com addresses, have been consistently observed since late 2018/early 2019, with a surge in specific Phobos/Dharma-like variants throughout 2020, 2021, and continuing into 2022-2024. While specific intelligence on this exact .zq variant’s first detection is proprietary to threat intelligence platforms, it likely emerged within this broader period, often as an iteration or custom build of an existing ransomware builder/family. It is a relatively persistent threat, indicating active development or distribution.

3. Primary Attack Vectors

This variant, like many similar strains, primarily relies on common attack vectors:

  • Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) Exploitation: This is one of the most prevalent methods. Attackers often:
    • Brute-force weak RDP credentials: Repeatedly try common or guessed usernames and passwords.
    • Utilize compromised RDP credentials: Purchase stolen credentials on dark web markets or obtain them through infostealer malware.
    • Exploit RDP vulnerabilities: Although less common for this type of ransomware (which prefers credential-based access), unpatched RDP vulnerabilities could be leveraged.
  • Phishing Campaigns: Malicious emails designed to trick users into:
    • Opening infected attachments: Often disguised as invoices, shipping notifications, or other legitimate documents, containing malicious macros or embedded scripts.
    • Clicking malicious links: Leading to drive-by downloads or credential harvesting sites that then facilitate the malware download.
  • Software Vulnerabilities: Exploitation of unpatched vulnerabilities in public-facing applications (e.g., unpatched web servers, VPNs, content management systems) to gain initial access to a network.
  • Cracked Software/Malvertising: Users downloading “cracked” versions of commercial software or clicking on malicious advertisements can inadvertently install the ransomware or a dropper.
  • Supply Chain Attacks: Though less frequent for individual ransomware attacks of this nature, compromise of a trusted third-party vendor’s software or update mechanism could serve as an entry point.

Remediation & Recovery Strategies:

1. Prevention

Proactive measures are crucial to mitigate the risk of *[email protected]*.zq infection:

  • Strong RDP Security:
    • Disable RDP entirely if not strictly necessary.
    • If RDP is required, place it behind a VPN.
    • Use strong, unique passwords for all accounts, especially those with RDP access.
    • Implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for RDP access.
    • Limit RDP access to specific IP addresses (IP whitelisting).
    • Enable Network Level Authentication (NLA) for RDP.
    • Monitor RDP logs for unusual activity or failed login attempts.
  • Regular, Offline Backups: Implement a robust backup strategy following the 3-2-1 rule (3 copies of data, on 2 different media, with 1 copy off-site/offline/immutable). Offline or immutable backups are critical as they cannot be encrypted by ransomware.
  • Patch Management: Regularly update operating systems, software, and applications, prioritizing security patches.
  • Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) / Antivirus (AV): Deploy and maintain reputable EDR/AV solutions with real-time protection and behavioral analysis capabilities. Ensure signatures are up-to-date.
  • Email Security: Use robust email filtering solutions to detect and block malicious attachments and links. Implement DMARC, DKIM, and SPF for email authentication.
  • User Awareness Training: Educate employees about phishing tactics, suspicious emails, and the dangers of opening unknown attachments or clicking unverified links.
  • Network Segmentation: Segment networks to limit the lateral movement of ransomware in case of a breach.
  • Disable Unnecessary Services: Turn off services and close ports that are not essential for business operations.

2. Removal

If an infection is suspected or confirmed, follow these steps immediately:

  1. Isolate Infected Systems: Immediately disconnect infected computers from the network (physically unplug the Ethernet cable or disable Wi-Fi). This prevents the ransomware from spreading to other devices.
  2. Identify the Ransomware Process: Use Task Manager (Windows) or process monitoring tools to identify suspicious processes. Ransomware processes often consume high CPU or disk I/O.
  3. Boot into Safe Mode: For thorough removal, boot the infected system into Safe Mode with Networking (if necessary for updates, but use extreme caution). This often prevents the ransomware from fully executing.
  4. Scan and Remove:
    • Update your antivirus/anti-malware software to the latest definitions.
    • Perform a full system scan using your primary AV/EDR.
    • Consider using reputable secondary malware removal tools (e.g., Malwarebytes, HitmanPro) for a deeper scan.
    • Remove all identified malicious files, processes, and registry entries.
  5. Check for Persistence Mechanisms: Manually check common persistence locations (e.g., Startup folders, Run registry keys, Scheduled Tasks, WMI event subscriptions) for any remnants of the ransomware or its droppers.
  6. Review System Logs: Examine event logs (Security, System, Application) for clues about the initial infection vector and any actions taken by the ransomware.
  7. Change Credentials: After ensuring the system is clean, change all passwords, especially for administrator accounts and any accounts potentially compromised during the attack (e.g., RDP credentials).

3. File Decryption & Recovery

  • Recovery Feasibility: Unfortunately, files encrypted by ransomware variants similar to *[email protected]*.zq (often associated with Phobos or Dharma families) are generally not decryptable without the private key from the attackers. As of the knowledge cut-off, there is no publicly available, universal decryptor tool for this specific variant.
    • Ransom Payment: While paying the ransom might lead to decryption, it is strongly discouraged. There is no guarantee the attackers will provide a working decryptor, and paying fuels the ransomware economy, encouraging more attacks.
    • No More Ransom Project: Check websites like No More Ransom Project (nomoreransom.org) periodically. They provide free decryptors for various ransomware families, but it’s unlikely for very recent, customized variants or those where the encryption scheme remains unbroken.
  • Essential Tools/Patches:
    • Reliable Backups: The most crucial tool for recovery. If you have clean, unencrypted backups, you can restore your data.
    • System Restore Points: While ransomware often deletes Volume Shadow Copies, check if any System Restore Points exist from before the infection. This might allow for system recovery, but not necessarily file recovery.
    • Data Recovery Software: In rare cases, for very small, unencrypted remnants, data recovery software might help, but it will not decrypt encrypted files.
    • Operating System Installation Media: For a clean reinstall if the system is too heavily compromised or the ransomware persists.

4. Other Critical Information

  • Additional Precautions:
    • Avoid Contacting Attackers: Unless advised by law enforcement or a professional incident response team, avoid directly contacting the [email protected] email address. This confirms your active infection status and might prompt further harassment or negotiation tactics.
    • Digital Forensics: For organizations, consider engaging a professional digital forensics and incident response (DFIR) firm. They can help identify the root cause, determine the extent of the breach, and ensure complete eradication.
    • Reporting: Report the incident to relevant authorities (e.g., FBI, IC3, local law enforcement) or cybersecurity agencies in your country.
  • Broader Impact:
    • Significant Data Loss: Without proper backups or a decryptor, victims face permanent loss of encrypted data.
    • Operational Disruption: Business operations can be severely impacted or halted entirely, leading to significant financial losses.
    • Financial Costs: Beyond potential ransom payments, recovery costs include system rebuilding, incident response, legal fees, and reputational damage control.
    • Reputational Damage: Organizations that suffer ransomware attacks may experience a loss of customer trust and damage to their public image.
    • Compliance & Legal Ramifications: Depending on the type of data compromised (e.g., PII, healthcare records), there may be legal and regulatory reporting requirements and potential fines.

This *[email protected]*.zq variant, while specific in its identifier, fits the profile of many contemporary ransomware threats. A layered security approach focusing on prevention, robust backups, and rapid incident response is paramount for protection and recovery.