Remove POOE Ransomware Virus (DECRYPT .pooe FILES)

remove pooe ransomware virus and decrypt your files (free guide)

POOE ransomware virus is a file-encrypting menace

Contents

POOE ransomware virus is a file-encrypting menace
- Damage caused by ransomware: explanation
- Ransomware Summary
Ransomware-type virus distribution in detail
Remove POOE ransomware virus and decrypt .pooe files
Decrypt POOE files
Frequently Asked Questions

POOE ransomware is a new variant of file-encrypting virus from STOP/DJVU malware family. Once executed on a target system, it starts scanning for target files, encrypts them using RSA Salsa20, and leaves _readme.txt file behind. For example, a file originally called 1.jpg appears as 1.jpg.pooe after the cyberattack and becomes impossible to open. The ransom notes saved in each folder explain what happened to the computer and instruct to contact cybercriminals via two given email addresses – manager@mailtemp.ch or helpmanager@airmail.cc. The attackers also mention that they want the victim to transfer money to them – either $490 in 3 days or $980 later for .pooe file decryption tools.

To put it differently, POOE ransomware operators want to receive a ransom from the computer user. They lock the most important files stored on the computer by using military-grade encryption algorithms. In fact, the virus is set to encrypt the very first 150KB of each file, which, under certain circumstances, allows restoring specific file formats with minimal data loss. Considering that people keep important work, study or personal files on their computers, the cybercriminals expect that the victim will be willing to pay up in order to unlock these files. The attackers promise to provide working decryption tools after receiving the money which they want to get in cryptocurrency.

The ransomware virus infects victim’s computer to take all files hostage and demand ransom for data decryption.

The criminals behind this malware also introduce to their conditions regarding file decryption software pricing. According to them, the victim has 3 days from the initial infection timestamp to contact the attackers via provided emails and pay the specified sum ($490). In order to do this, the victim needs to purchase cryptocurrency for the said amount first and transfer the corresponding amount to the criminals’ virtual wallet address. However, the _readme.txt note warns that victims who will fail to make the transaction within given time period will have to pay twice the amount ($980) in order to decrypt files. The attackers also suggest test decryption on one small file and if the victim decides to send one for the attackers, they promise to reply with a restored version of it.

Our team experts as well as FBI DO NOT RECOMMEND paying ransoms to cybercriminals. This can always go in an unexpected direction. Some of the reasons why you should waste your money by paying the cybercriminals are:

You might end up with encrypted files AND money loss as the cybercriminals are not obliged to provide you with decryption tools even if you pay up. Besides, there is no way to trace them down or get your money back once you pay up.
Cryptography-based virtual extortion viruses earn millions of US dollars to malevolent actors each year. This lures other people to join the illegal operations. Please, do not contribute to the growth of cybercrime by spending your hard-earned money!
Paying a ransom might be considered an illegal act in your country.
Threats that belong to STOP/DJVU ransomware family such as POOE virus run AZORULT Trojan on the infected computer. This is a well-known information stealer which can be remotely controlled by the attacker to perform illegal actions on victim’s PC.

Damage caused by ransomware: explanation

POOE ransomware virus gets launched after the victim downloads or opens a malicious file or simply visits a compromised link online. The ransomware then runs several processes at once, one of them being winupdate.exe. This process is responsible for displaying a fake Windows Update prompt to trick the victim into thinking that a sudden system slowdown was caused by ongoing OS updates. At the same time, the malware is already encrypting victim’s files all over the computer. The ransomware also deletes Volume Shadow Copies from the system by running this specific command via Command Prompt:

_{vssadmin.exe Delete Shadows /All /Quiet}

Deleting VSS helps to prevent the victim from restoring file copies using System Restore Points. In other words, the malware wants to make sure that the victim will have no way of restoring files for free. Additionally, it adds a list of domains to Windows HOSTS file and maps them to victim’s localhost IP. This helps to block access to these websites. If the victim attempts to visit them using any web browser, one will run into DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error. We believe that the ransomware authors use this trick to prevent the victim from reaching for help online, or finding any attack-related information. Finally, the malware drops bowsakkdestx.txt file that stores victim’s public encryption key and personal ID and also saves PersonalID.txt file that contains only the victim’s ID.

The virus saves public encryption key and victim’s personal ID in a separate file called bowsakkdestx.txt.

Like that wouldn’t be enough damage to the victim’s computer already, the virus drops AZORULT malware on the system and activates it. This is a well-known Remote Access Trojan (RAT) that can be used to perform various illegal tasks on victim’s computer remotely. It can be used for:

Downloading malware to the computer and running it;
Stealing Steam, Telegram login credentials;
Viewing or deleting files on victim’s computer;
Stealing cryptocurrency wallets;
Stealing browser cookies, saved passwords, browsing history and more.

Access to such kinds of information gives the attackers plenty of possibilities to blackmail the victim further. Therefore, we recommend you to remove POOE ransomware virus as soon as you can using professional INTEGO Antivirus. Our team suggests using RESTORO to repair virus damage to Windows OS files. You can find a detailed guide on how to remove computer threats from the system professionally down below.

Ransomware Summary

Name	POOE Ransomware Virus
Type	Ransomware; Crypto-malware; Virtual Extortion Virus
Family	STOP/DJVU
Encryption type	RSA Salsa20
Previous versions	VTYM, KQGS, XCBG, BPQD, EYRV, UIGD, VLFF (find full list here)
Version	312th
Extension	.pooe
Dropper	SmokeLoader (see VirusTotal details)
Damage	The ransomware uses RSA Salsa20 to encrypt all files on victim’s computer and connected drives. As a result, such files become impossible to open. The virus marks such files with an additional .pooe extension. The malware also deletes Volume Shadow Copies and adds a list of restricted domain names to Windows HOSTS file.
Ransom note	_readme.txt
Ransom demand	$490-$980 in Bitcoin
Distribution	Hides in illegal torrent downloads, cracked software, key generators or tools like KMSPico.
Detection names	Trojan:Win32/Glupteba (Microsoft), Glupteba.Backdoor.Bruteforce.DDS (Malwarebytes), TR/AD.InstaBot.bfsbw (Avira), HEUR:Exploit.Win32.Shellcode.gen (Kaspersky), Trojan.GenericKD.36669904 (B)(Emsisoft), Trojan.GenericKDZ.76128 (BitDefender), W32.Trojan.Gen (Webroot) see all detection name variations on VirusTotal
Removal	Remove ransomware and related malware from your PC using professional software of your choice. We highly recommend using INTEGO Antivirus. To repair virus damage on Windows OS files, consider scanning with RESTORO.

REMOVE MALWARE & REPAIR VIRUS DAMAGE

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REPAIR VIRUS DAMAGE

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_readme.txt note provides criminals’ message for the ransomware victim.

Ransomware-type virus distribution in detail

It is important to learn the tricks used by malware distributors in order to avoid getting infected again. When it comes to ransomware-type threats, they are mostly distributed in 4 main ways – illegal downloads, infected ad networks, email spam and fake tools.

Speaking of STOP/DJVU ransomware family, its primary distribution method relies on illegal downloads. The attackers insert malicious scripts into fake software cracks, keygens or tools like KMSPico. Computer users who look for ways to activate paid software for free can easily get infected because they also tend to ignore their security software warnings as well. Some of the victims have reached out to us and reported getting the virus along software cracks for these popular programs:

Adobe Photoshop;
Corel Draw;
Cubase;
Adobe Illustrator.

We strongly recommend you to avoid downloading such programs from suspicious websites and instead support legitimate software developers. Please remember that software licenses cost much less than hefty ransoms asked by cybercriminals. Besides, there are a lot of free software alternatives that you can use.

Speaking of other ransomware distribution channels, we must speak about malicious email spam. The attackers compose convincing email messages and attach files to them. Typically, cybercriminals compromise files of DOCX, XLS or PDF format. Such emails usually urge the victim to view the attached document and reply as soon as possible. Unfortunately, opening such malicious contents can result in an immediate computer infection, data and private information loss. What is even more scary is that the attackers get even more creative and they manage to spoof the sender’s email address (this technique allows displaying fake sender’s email address rather than the real one). We strongly advise you to inspect each email that grabs your attention and think whether you were expecting for such a message to arrive. If not, maybe it is better to ignore such email altogether.

Finally, STOP/DJVU ransomware victims should beware of fake decryption tools that cybercriminals upload to various websites. If the victim opens such tool, one’s files can get double encrypted with another ransomware strain variant. One of ransomware families known for such shady attack technique is called ZORAB.

Remove POOE ransomware virus and decrypt .pooe files

We have prepared in-detail instructions how to remove POOE ransomware virus and other threats from your computer professionally. In addition, we highly recommend scanning with RESTORO to remove malware remains and repair virus damage on Windows OS files.

Once POOE ransomware virus removal is done, you should take the following actions:

Let your local cybersecurity authority know about a case of a STOP/DJVU ransomware attack.
Search for data backups and use them after removing the virus.
Follow the given instructions to decrypt or repair files affected by STOP/DJVU versions.
Change your passwords for websites you have accounts for and have login credentials saved in your browser. This is recommended due to the fact that Azorult Trojan is capable of stealing them. Do not forget to change Steam, Telegram and Skype passwords as well.

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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:

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POOE 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 POOE 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 POOE 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 POOE files

Fix and open large POOE 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 POOE 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. POOE ransomware virus is considered the new STOP/DJVU variant, just like VTYM, KQGS, XCBG, BPQD, EYRV, UIGD, VLFF (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 POOE 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 POOE 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 POOE 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 POOE 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 POOE 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

✓ How can I open .POOE files?

You can only open POOE files if you have the decryption key, or if you were affected by offline encryption type.

✓ How do I know if my files were encrypted with offline or online encryption?

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.

✓ My files contain very important information (family memories). Every tool I used says it is impossible to decrypt. What should I do?

Please follow the guidances provided by the official POOE 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).

✓ I am afraid virus is still in my computer system. What should I do?

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.

✓ I saw several Youtube videos suggesting secret decryption tools. Can I trust them?

Beware of fake POOE 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

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.