QuirkyLoader Ransomware

QuirkyLoader disguises itself within seemingly harmless email attachments—archives containing a genuine executable, a malicious DLL, and an encrypted payload. Once executed, it uses advanced DLL side-loading to inject additional malware into your system with minimal detection, posing serious risks such as data theft, identity compromise, and financial loss.

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Threat Summary

Threat Type	Loader / Trojan (chain infection facilitator)
Encrypted File Extension	— (uses archive attachments, not specific filetype)
Ransom Note Filename	N/A (does not employ traditional ransom notes)
Email Contact (if any)	N/A
Detection Names	Avast (Win64:MalwareX‑gen [Misc]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Midie.169264), ESET‑NOD32 (Variant Of Win64/Agent.ECK), Kaspersky (HEUR:Trojan.Win64.DllHijacking.gen), Microsoft (Trojan:Win32/Etset!rfn)
Symptoms	Silent infiltration—no visible symptoms; operates stealthily
Damage + Distribution Methods	Leads to stolen credentials, banking info, identity theft, botnet enlistment; distributed via malicious email attachments, malvertising, fake cracks and updates, social engineering
Danger Level	High—facilitates secondary payloads (info-stealers, RATs) with stealthy deployment and advanced evasion
Removal Tool →	SpyHunter

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How Did I Get Infected With QuirkyLoader?

QuirkyLoader spreads mainly through malspam—fraudulent email campaigns delivering archive files. These archives include a legitimate executable, a malicious DLL, and an encrypted payload (and sometimes extra benign DLLs). Once the executable runs, it triggers DLL side-loading, initiating the hidden infection chain.

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What QuirkyLoader Ransomware Does to Your Files

Although not encrypting files directly (and thus not demanding ransom), QuirkyLoader enables the delivery of follow‑on malware like Agent Tesla, AsyncRAT, FormBook, MassLogger, Remcos RAT, Rhadamanthys, and Snake Keylogger. These payloads can harvest sensitive data, capture keystrokes and clipboard activity, monitor network traffic, and allow remote access—leading to identity theft, data breaches, and further compromise.

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Should You Be Worried About QuirkyLoader?

Absolutely. This loader is highly stealthy and technically advanced:

• DLL side-loading and process hollowing make detection difficult
• Compiled with .NET AOT to mimic native C/C++ binaries, evading .NET checks
• Targeted campaigns have already delivered high-risk payloads to businesses and individual users globally

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Ransom Note Dropped by QuirkyLoader

QuirkyLoader does not drop any ransom notes—it’s not a ransomware but a loader that sets the stage for other malware.

Manual Ransomware Removal Process

Important: Manual removal is recommended only for experienced users, as incorrect actions can lead to data loss or incomplete removal of the ransomware. If unsure, consider the SpyHunter Removal Method for a guided, automated solution.

Step 1: Disconnect from the Internet

1. Immediately disable Wi-Fi or unplug the Ethernet cable to prevent the ransomware from communicating with remote servers.
2. This can prevent additional encryption or further infections.

Step 2: Boot into Safe Mode

For Windows Users

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

For Mac Users

1. Restart your Mac and hold the Shift key immediately after the startup chime.
2. Release the key when the Apple logo appears.
3. Your Mac will boot in Safe Mode.

Step 3: Identify and Terminate Malicious Processes

Windows

1. Open Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
2. Look for unusual processes consuming high CPU or memory.
3. Right-click on the suspicious process and select End Task.

Mac

1. Open Activity Monitor (Finder > Applications > Utilities > Activity Monitor).
2. Look for unknown or high-resource-consuming processes.
3. Select the suspicious process and click Force Quit.

Step 4: Delete Ransomware Files

Windows

1. Open File Explorer and navigate to:
   • C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Local
   • C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Roaming
   • C:\Windows\System32
2. Identify and delete suspicious files (randomly named or recently modified items).
3. Clear temporary files:
   • Press Windows + R, type %temp%, and hit Enter.
   • Delete all files in the Temp folder.

Mac

1. Open Finder and select Go > Go to Folder.
2. Type ~/Library/Application Support and check for unfamiliar files or folders.
3. Remove unknown .plist files from ~/Library/LaunchAgents.

Step 5: Remove Ransomware Entries from Registry or System Settings

Windows

1. Press Windows + R, type regedit, and hit Enter.
2. Navigate to:
   • HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software
   • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software
3. Identify and delete ransomware-related registry entries.

Mac

1. Open System Preferences > Users & Groups.
2. Select the Login Items tab and remove any unknown startup programs.
3. Check ~/Library/Preferences for malicious settings.

Step 6: Restore System Using a Backup or Restore Point

Windows

1. Press Windows + R, type rstrui, and press Enter.
2. Choose a restore point from before the infection and proceed.

Mac

1. Restart your Mac and enter macOS Utilities by holding Command + R.
2. Select Restore from Time Machine Backup and restore a safe backup.

Step 7: Attempt to Decrypt Files

• Check No More Ransom (www.nomoreransom.org) for available decryption tools.
• If unavailable, restore files from backups.

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Automated Ransomware Removal with SpyHunter

If manual removal is too complex or risky, SpyHunter offers a safer, automated method for detecting and removing ransomware.

Step 1: Download SpyHunter

• Get SpyHunter from the official Enigma Software website.

Step 2: Install SpyHunter

1. Open the downloaded file (SpyHunter-Installer.exe or .dmg for Mac users).
2. Follow the installation prompts.
3. Launch SpyHunter upon completion.

Step 3: Run a Full System Scan

1. Click Start Scan Now to detect malware and ransomware.
2. Wait for the scan to complete and review detected threats.

Step 4: Remove Detected Ransomware

1. Click Fix Threats to remove identified ransomware components.
2. SpyHunter will clean your system automatically.

Step 5: SpyHunter’s Custom Malware HelpDesk

1. If ransomware persists, use SpyHunter’s Malware HelpDesk for custom malware fixes.

Step 6: Restore Files

• Use backups stored on external drives or cloud storage.
• If no backup is available, check No More Ransom for decryption tools.

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Preventing Future Ransomware Attacks

• Keep backups: Use cloud storage or an external hard drive.
• Install a reliable security tool: SpyHunter offers real-time protection against malware.
• Enable Windows Defender or Mac security features for additional protection.
• Avoid phishing emails and unknown attachments.
• Regularly update Windows, macOS, and installed applications.

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Conclusion

QuirkyLoader is a stealthy, high-risk loader malware first observed in late 2024 and actively deployed through 2025 to spread dangerous infostealers and RATs. It combines advanced DLL side-loading and AOT‑compiled .NET modules to evade detection, injecting malicious payloads silently into targeted systems via email. Avoiding infection demands vigilance—don’t open untrusted attachments, keep systems updated, and monitor outbound traffic. If you suspect an infection, use reputable antivirus tools like SpyHunter or Combo Cleaner, or consult cybersecurity professionals for help.