Ransomware Research

ZQ Ransomware

ZQ is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on March 1, 2019, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide. Security researchers also track this malware under the aliases: W_Decrypt24.

Quick Facts

Ransomware Family
ZQ
First Seen
March 1, 2019
Known Aliases
W_Decrypt24

How ZQ Ransomware Works

Targeted Files

NOSAMPLE Full extension -> .[w_decrypt24@qq.com].zq;.[w_unblock24@qq.com].ws

File Encryption Patterns

ZQ modifies encrypted files using specific patterns to mark them as encrypted:

File extensions added after encryption:

..zq..ws

Ransom Note and Payment Demands

After encrypting files, ZQ displays ransom notes demanding payment for file recovery:

file{HELP_DECRYPT}.txt

Ransom message:

notes/{HELP_DECRYPT}.txt
file{HELP24DECRYPT}.txt

Ransom message:

notes/{HELP24DECRYPT}.txt

Recovery and Decryption Tools

Good news! Decryption tools are available for ZQ ransomware:

0

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About This Analysis

This ZQ ransomware analysis is part of Elastio's comprehensive ransomware detection database. Elastio provides advanced ransomware protection and recovery solutions, helping organizations defend against and recover from ransomware attacks like ZQ.

Last updated: July 30, 2025