Remove POHJ Ransomware Virus (DECRYPT .pohj FILES)
POHJ ransomware locks personal files, demands ransom payment to be made
Contents
POHJ ransomware is a newly discovered virus variant of STOP/DJVU file-encrypting malware family. It was designed by cybercriminals to attack personal files stored in computers; once it hits the system, it begins encrypting every file detected during the scan. One distinctive trait that will allow user to recognize encrypted data is .pohj extension that the virus appends to each affected file. To explain, files originally called 1.jpg, 2.txt and 3.docx will appear as 1.jpg.pohj, 2.txt.pohj, 3.docx.pohj after the attack. Encrypted files become inaccessible and there is no way to open them. Furthermore, the virus creates a ransom note called _readme.txt and saves its copy into each data folder.
This malicious file-encrypting threat aims to extort computer users after modifying their files in a malevolent way. The files on the computer become unusable, and naturally, regaining access to them becomes the biggest concern for the computer user. At this point, the victim discovers that the ransomware has dropped notes throughout the computer system, demanding to pay a ransom in exchange for data decryption tool.
The terms of the cybercriminals behind the ransomware
The _readme.txt file is a recognized version of the ransom note dropped by all STOP/DJVU versions, and the same goes for this latest variant. It asks for victim’s attention, and reassures that all files can be recovered – but only if the victim follows the instructions provided by the criminals. According to them, the only way to restore files is to purchase POHJ file decryption tool, or, in other words, make a ransom payment to ransomware operators.
The note suggests that the amount of money the criminals ask for is $980, however, if the victim attempts to contact the attackers within 72 hours, they will be willing to provide a 50%, slashing the ransom amount to $490. No matter the amount agreed to pay, the crooks will only accept transactions via cryptocurrency as this gives them some kind of identity protection. After all, they do not want to be tracked down by law enforcement agencies.
In order to convince the victim to pay sooner, they also introduce a “test decryption service.” In order to use it, the victim has to attach one small encrypted file to the email and also insert the personal ID that’s provided in the _readme.txt file. The email then should be sent to one of provided email addresses – either support@fishmail.top or datarestorehelp@airmail.cc. The criminals promise to respond and send decrypted test file version to the victim.
However, no matter what the cybercriminals promise, they might fail to provide functional data decryption tools even if you decide to pay up. Moreover, they might start demanding more and more money. There are no refunds, of course. Paying money to cybercriminals is wrong, because it encourages them and helps them to increase the capacity of their illegal operations. Finally, it might add you to a potential targets’ list, since you’ve already listened to their commands once. Our team recommends victims of ransomware to follow FBI recommendations and refrain themselves from paying up.
Additional risks involved
POHJ ransomware variants were spotted along hazardous Remote Access Trojans (RATs). What this means is that during analysis of the malicious files that are to blame for computer infections, several malware samples were observed to be installed on target systems. In simple terms, victim infects one’s computer with a variant of STOP/DJVU and typically VIDAR or/and Azorult Trojans. These threats are best known for their ability to extract passwords saved in web browsers, browsing history, cookies, offline crypto wallets, and send them to cybercriminals’ servers. On top of that, these illegal remote access tools can be used to navigate through victim’s computer, view, delete or download files.
In order to protect your computer as soon as possible, we strongly recommend that you follow the instructions provided below and boot your computer in Safe Mode with Networking. Following that, use an antivirus of your choice (we recommend INTEGO Antivirus) to remove malware automatically.
Ransomware Summary
| Name | POHJ Ransomware Virus |
| Type | Ransomware; Crypto-malware; Virtual Extortion Virus |
| Family | STOP/DJVU |
| Encryption type | RSA 2048 + Salsa20 |
| Previous versions | TOWZ, TOHJ, OFOQ, OFLG, POHJ, POWZ (find full list here) |
| Version | 578th |
| Extension | .pohj |
| Cybercriminal emails | support@fishmail.top and datarestorehelp@airmail.cc |
| Additional malware dropped | Azorult or Vidar Trojan |
| Damage | The ransomware uses encryption to maliciously modify all files on the PC and marks their original names with .pohj extension. Ransom notes called as _readme.txt will be dropped in every computer folder. This piece of malware usually drags VIDAR Stealer alongside it and also eliminates VSS from the system. On top of that, it tends to modify Windows HOSTS file to restrict computer user’s access to cybersecurity-related websites online. |
| Ransom note | _readme.txt |
| Ransom demand | $490-$980 in Bitcoin |
| Distribution | Victims often download this ransomware along illegal torrent downloads, cracked software, activators, key generators or tools like KMSPico. |
| Known software cracks to contain this malware | Corel Draw, Tenorshare 4ukey, Adobe Photoshop, Cubase, Adobe Illustrator, Internet Download Manager, Tally, League of Legends. |
| Detection names | Ransom:Win32/StopCrypt.MK!MTB (Microsoft), Gen:Heur.Mint.Zard.52 (B) (Emsisoft), HEUR:Trojan.Win32.Scarsi.gen (Kaspersky), Gen:Heur.Mint.Zard.52 (BitDefender), Trojan.MalPack.GS (Malwarebytes), ML.Attribute.HighConfidence (Symantec) see all detection name variations on VirusTotal |
| Removal | Remove ransomware and related malware from your PC using trustworthy software like INTEGO Antivirus. |
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Ransomware distribution methods and ways to avoid getting attacked
Ransomware-type viruses are mostly distributed with the help of deceptive email attachments, illegal online downloads or fake ads. STOP/DJVU virus variants such as POHJ ransomware usually hide in rogue websites advertising fake pirated software copies. These websites aim to lure the potential victim into downloading the setup.exe file that contains malicious code and run it on their computers. While the victim expects the setup to activate the desired computer program and avoid paying for its genuine version, the file actually launches a set of illegal processes meant to encrypt victim’s files, steal sensitive information and wipe Volume Shadow Copies from the computer.
It is extremely important to choose the sources you download software from carefully. The ideal variant is to visit the official software developer’s website to access the legitimate and genuine version of the program; however, visiting affiliate websites is also a good idea, especially if you’re looking for good price deals. However, you should never go to rogue websites claiming they can miraculously provide 100% working and full versions of popular software for free.
Another way to distribute ransomware is via email spam; the criminals often compose convincing messages urging the target to open attached files or inserted links with hopes to infect one’s computer. Computer users should be careful because perpetrators often use official tone and name the attachments as regular documents, for instance, invoice/waybill/order summary or similar. It can be easy to fall for the criminals’ trickeries, but if you perform a couple of checks, you can easily spot the deception right away. We recommend that you look out for grammar mistakes in the email and overly general greeting line. Another tip is to watch out for urgent tone to take action – it typically signals about malevolent intentions of the email sender.
It is also a good idea to scan all of your downloads with a robust antivirus solution. It doesn’t matter whether the download comes from email or some site you visited – scanning it before opening it allows you to check whether it has similarities with already recognized malware.
Remove POHJ ransomware virus and restore data
Remove POHJ ransomware virus and any remaining malware threats from your computer with caution. To deactivate malicious processes, it is ideal to boot in Safe Mode with Networking first. The tutorial provided below explains how to do it.
Additionally, we recommend investing into a robust antivirus solution, one that provides real-time protection. Our team relies on INTEGO Antivirus for this matter.
After POHJ virus removal, we strongly recommend changing passwords on your computer due to the activity carried out by Trojans that accompany the described ransomware.
OUR GEEKS RECOMMEND
Our team recommends a two-step rescue plan to remove ransomware and other remaining malware from your computer, plus repair caused virus damage to the system:
STEP 1. REMOVE AUTOMATICALLY WITH ROBUST ANTIVIRUS
STEP 2. REPAIR VIRUS DAMAGE TO YOUR COMPUTER
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POHJ Ransomware Virus Removal Guidelines
Method 1. Enter Safe Mode with Networking
Step 1. Start Windows in Safe Mode with Networking
Before you try to remove POHJ Ransomware Virus virus, you must start your computer in Safe Mode with Networking. Below, we provide the easiest ways to boot PC in the said mode, but you can find additional ones in this in-depth tutorial on our website – How to Start Windows in Safe Mode. Also, if you prefer a video version of the tutorial, check our guide How to Start Windows in Safe Mode on Youtube.
Instructions for Windows XP/Vista/7 users
- First of all, turn off your PC. Then press the Power button to start it again and instantly start pressing F8 button on your keyboard repeatedly in 1-second intervals. This launches the Advanced Boot Options menu.
- Use arrow keys on the keyboard to navigate down to Safe Mode with Networking option and press Enter.
Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10/11 users
- Open Windows Start menu, then press down the Power button. On your keyboard, press down and hold the Shift key, and then select Restart option.
- This will take you to Windows Troubleshoot screen. Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings > Restart. Tip: If you can't find Startup Settings, click See more recovery options.
- In Startup Settings, press the right key between F1-F9 to enter Safe Mode with Networking. In this case, it is the F5 key.
Step 2. Remove files associated with the virus
Now, you can search for and remove POHJ Ransomware Virus files. It is very hard to identify files and registry keys that belong to the ransomware virus, Besides, malware creators tend to rename and change them repeatedly. Therefore, the easiest way to uninstall such type of a computer virus is to use a reliable security program such as INTEGO Antivirus, which also includes data recovery software. For virus damage repair, consider using RESTORO.
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Method 2. Use System Restore
In order to use System Restore, you must have a system restore point, created either manually or automatically.
Step 1. Boot Windows in Safe Mode with Command Prompt
Instructions for Windows XP/Vista/7 users
- Shut down your PC. Start it again by pressing the Power button and instantly start pressing F8 button on your keyboard repeatedly in 1-second intervals. You will see Advanced Boot Options menu.
- Using arrow keys on the keyboard, navigate down to Safe Mode with Command Prompt option and press Enter.
Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10/11 users
- Launch Windows Start menu, then click the Power button. On your keyboard, press down and hold the Shift key, and then choose Restart option with the mouse cursor.
- This will take you to Windows Troubleshoot screen. Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings > Restart. Tip: If you can't find Startup Settings, click See more recovery options.
- In Startup Settings, press the right key between F1-F9 to enter Safe Mode with Command Prompt. In this case, press F6 key.
Step 2. Start System Restore process
- Wait until system loads and command prompt shows up.
- Type cd restore and press Enter, then type rstrui.exe and press Enter. Or you can just type %systemroot%system32restorerstrui.exe in command prompt and hit Enter.
- This launches System Restore window. Click Next and then choose a System Restore point created in the past. Choose one that was created before ransomware infection.
- Click Yes to begin the system restoration process.
After restoring the system, we recommend scanning the system with antivirus or anti-malware software. In most cases, there won't be any malware remains, but it never hurts to double-check. In addition, we highly recommend checking ransomware prevention guidelines provided by our experts in order to protect your PC against similar viruses in the future.
Alternative software recommendations
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware
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Decrypt POHJ files
Fix and open large POHJ files easily:
It is reported that STOP/DJVU ransomware versions encrypt only the beginning 150 KB of each file to ensure that the virus manages to affect all files on the system. In some cases, the malicious program might skip some files at all. That said, we recommend testing this method on several big (>1GB) files first.
- Create a copy of encrypted file to a separate folder using Copy > Paste commands.
- Now, right-click the created copy and choose Rename. Select the POHJ extension and delete it. Press Enter to save changes.
- In the prompt asking whether you want to make the changes as file might become unusable, click OK.
- Try opening the file.
STOP/DJVU decryption tool usage guide
STOP/DJVU ransomware versions are grouped into old and new variants. POHJ Ransomware Virus is considered the new STOP/DJVU variant, just like TOWZ, TOHJ, OFOQ, OFLG, POHJ, POWZ (find full list here). This means full data decryption is now possible only if you have been affected by offline encryption key. To decrypt your files, you will have to download Emsisoft Decryptor for STOP DJVU, a tool created and maintained by a genius security researcher Michael Gillespie.
Note! Please do not spam the security researcher with questions whether he can recover your files encrypted with online key - it is not possible.
In order to test the tool and see if it can decrypt POHJ files, follow the given tutorial.
- Download the decryption tool from Emsisoft.
- Click the little arrow next to your download and choose Show in Folder.
- Now, right-click the file and choose Run as Administrator. If asked, enter administrator's password.
- In UAC window, click Yes.
- Click Yes to agree to software terms in both windows.
- The tool will automatically include C:// disk as a location to decrypt. The file recovery tool will prepopulate the locations to scan, including connected data storage drives or network drives. Click Add folder if you wish to add additional locations.
In Options tab, you can choose to keep encrypted file copies. We recommend leaving this option selected, especially if you do not know if the decryption tool will work. - Click Decrypt to start restoring POHJ files. You will see the progress in the Results tab. Here, you can see messages from the tool, such as whether the decryption procedure is successful, or you need to wait for an update.
You might also be informed that online key was used to encrypt your files. In such case, the decryption tool won't work for you, and the only way to recover your files is to use a data backup.
Meanings of decryptor's messages
The POHJ decryption tool might display several different messages after failed attempt to restore your files. You might receive one of the following messages:
Error: Unable to decrypt file with ID: [example ID]
This message typically means that there is no corresponding decryption key in the decryptor's database.
No key for New Variant online ID: [example ID]
Notice: this ID appears to be an online ID, decryption is impossible
This message informs that your files were encrypted with online key, meaning no one else has the same encryption/decryption key pair, therefore data recovery without paying the criminals is impossible.
Result: No key for new variant offline ID: [example ID]
This ID appears to be an offline ID. Decryption may be possible in the future.
If you were informed that an offline key was used, but files could not be restored, it means that the offline decryption key isn't available yet. However, receiving this message is extremely good news, meaning that it might be possible to restore your POHJ extension files in the future. It can take a few months until the decryption key gets found and uploaded to the decryptor. We recommend you to follow updates regarding the decryptable DJVU versions here. We strongly recommend backing up your encrypted data and waiting.
Report Internet crime to legal departments
Victims of POHJ Ransomware Virus should report the Internet crime incident to the official government fraud and scam website according to their country:
- In the United States, go to the On Guard Online website.
- In Australia, go to the SCAMwatch website.
- In Germany, go to the Bundesamt für Sicherheit in der Informationstechnik website.
- In Ireland, go to the An Garda Síochána website.
- In New Zealand, go to the Consumer Affairs Scams website.
- In the United Kingdom, go to the Action Fraud website.
- In Canada, go to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
- In India, go to Indian National Cybercrime Reporting Portal.
- In France, go to the Agence nationale de la sécurité des systèmes d’information.
If you can't find an authority corresponding to your location on this list, we recommend using any search engine to look up "[your country name] report cyber crime". This should lead you to the right authority website. We also recommend staying away from third-party crime report services that are often paid. It costs nothing to report Internet crime to official authorities.
Another recommendation is to contact your country's or region’s federal police or communications authority.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can only open POHJ files if you have the decryption key, or if you were affected by offline encryption type.
To figure out whether you were affected by offline encryption, please go to C:/SystemID/PersonalID.txt and see if the string inside of it ends in t1. You can also try using Emsisoft Decryptor for STOP/DJVU.
Please follow the guidances provided by the official POHJ decryption tools and believe what they say. If they say it is impossible to decrypt, it really is so. There is no magic tool or human capable of decrypting your files hiding somewhere. Encryption is a technique created to be nearly impossible to decrypt without a special private key (held by the criminals).
We advise scanning with anti-virus, anti-malware, malware removal tools or software like RESTORO to eliminate virus damage on the system. If you do not trust using a single tool, try running one after another. However, we do not recommend keeping several security programs on a computer at once as they can interfere with each other's work.
Beware of fake POHJ decryption tools circulating around the web. Cyber criminals are uploading them to various shady websites, also might be promoting them via suspicious Youtube videos. These programs can infect your computer even more heavily (Trojans, miners, etc.). We suggest being extremely cautious around the web. If there will be an official STOP/DJVU decryption tool available, it will be widely discussed in public media.
Norbert Webb is the head of Geek’s Advice team. He is the chief editor of the website who controls the quality of content published. The man also loves reading cybersecurity news, testing new software and sharing his insights on them. Norbert says that following his passion for information technology was one of the best decisions he has ever made. “I don’t feel like working while I’m doing something I love.” However, the geek has other interests, such as snowboarding and traveling.
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