Remove POWZ Ransomware Virus (DECRYPT .powz FILES)

remove POWZ ransomware virus and learn how to decrypt or repair files with .powz extension (free guide)

POWZ ransomware attacks unprotected computers to encrypt all files on them

Contents

POWZ ransomware attacks unprotected computers to encrypt all files on them
Ransomware distribution methods and how to avoid malware attacks
Remove POWZ Ransomware Virus and Restore Encrypted Data
Decrypt POWZ files
Frequently Asked Questions

POWZ ransomware is a computer virus that seeks to encrypt all files on the system. After launching its processes on compromised Windows OS, it begins encrypting each file and marks filenames with an additional .powz extension. Encrypted files are unusable since there is no way for the user to open or view these files. To illustrate, files named 1.jpg or 2.txt prior to the computer infection will appear as 1.jpg.powz and 2.txt.powz after the attack and attempts to open them will be efectless. This ransomware is known to be a variant of STOP/DJVU ransomware family and the ransom note it drops is named identically like in its previous version – _readme.txt.

The note dropped by the virus explains the cybercriminals intentions and the purpose of data encryption procedure. It soon becomes clear that the ransomware locked files in a way that they can no longer be opened by the computer user. At this point, the power is in the criminals’ hands because they possess the decryption key that is required to unlock victim’s data. Therefore, they try to extort the computer user, offering to purchase the decryption key from them for a large amount of money. In other words, they demand paying a ransom in exchange for data decryption tool and key.

Cybercriminals provide further terms in the ransom note

It must be mentioned that the ransomware authors leave the ransom note in many computer folders so that it would be easier for the victim to notice them. Each note is identical and holds a message from the malware authors.

Apparently, the cybercriminals expect the victim to pay a ransom to them. Furthermore, they explain that sending an email to them within 72 hours grants a 50% discount on the ransom amount, setting the price to $490. In general, the initial ransom amount is considered $980. The only way to contact the attackers is via email, and the note contains two email addresses: support@fishmail.top and datarestorehelp@airmail.cc.

The criminals also advise attaching one sample of encrypted file (one that doesn’t contain valuable information) and the personal ID that’s provided at the very end of the ransom note. The crooks promise to decrypt one .powz file for free to prove that they can actually restore user’s files back to their original state. However, cybersecurity experts advise against doing so. There are many reasons why computer users should refrain themselves from paying a ransom to cybercriminals. We suggest reading some recommendations by FBI or NSCS for further guidance.

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Prevent further damage by securing your computer

Another worrisome fact that isn’t mentioned in the ransom note is that this ransomware often arrives in tandem with AZORULT or VIDAR Trojans. These are some of well-known and widespread information-stealers today; they can be used by the cybercriminals to steal browser-saved passwords, offline cryptocurrency wallets, browsing history, cookies, and perform other illegal actions on user’s computer.

Victims affected by described malware are advised to remove POWZ ransomware virus and related threats with caution. The best way to remove malware is using a trusted antivirus solution, such as INTEGO Antivirus. However, it is recommended to boot the computer into Safe Mode with Networking first as this disables unnecessary computer processes, including those launched by the malware itself. Afterwards, you may consider scanning your PC with RESTORO (secure download link) to identify and repair virus damage to Windows OS files.

Ransomware Summary

Name	POWZ 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	581st
Extension	.powz
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 .powz 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. To repair virus damage on Windows OS files, consider scanning with RESTORO (secure download link).

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Ransomware distribution methods and how to avoid malware attacks

Ransomware typically targets either home computer users or enterprises; STOP/DJVU ransomware variants including POWZ virus are designed to target home computer users, therefore the distribution strategies are slightly different from those used when attacking large companies or government organizations. The cybercriminals typically put the malicious downloads online into websites that lure users with bad habits; particularly those that look for ways to access copyright-protected content for free. Most of the time, the attackers try to bait computer users with websites that claim to provide pirated versions of popular software for free.

Users who stumble upon these websites while looking for cracked versions of Adobe Photoshop, AutoCAD, Wondershare Filmora, Tenorshare 4ukey or other software risk infecting their computers with file-encrypting malware. The websites usually contain fake posts containing generated articles and buttons that allow accessing the download either via direct link or as a torrent file. Whichever option the victim chooses, one will receive a password-protected archive file that contains a deceptive setup.exe file. One run, this file launches a set of malware on the computer.

It is extremely important to understand that the only way to access premium software is to pay for their license – the developers work hard to create useful and secure software that many users could enjoy using. Attempts to cut corners and avoid paying for the license is nothing else but acts of copyright infringement, plus, such activity puts your files and personal information at risk. That said, you should only visit official websites or partner websites to get software deals and secure download links.

Another common way used by criminals to send malware to potential targets is via email spam. The perpetrators send unsolicited bulk emails to many users at once, mostly using leaked email address lists. Such emails are often designed to look like they were sent by a well-known company or a governmental organization and involves an urgent warning to take action quickly. For example, the message might suggest that a specific sum of money was charged from user’s bank account, or that the email password will expire soon; others claim there is an invoice that needs to be reviewed, etc.

Such deceptive emails either include a link or an email attachment, and if the user opens it, the malware can immediately compromise the computer system. Therefore, it is important to stay cautious and avoid opening emails that seem suspicious and arrive unexpectedly. Even if you’re curious, stay on the safe side and delete such messages without a hesitation.

Remove POWZ Ransomware Virus and Restore Encrypted Data

In order to eliminate malware from your computer, you should prepare it for this procedure first. This is easy and can be done using the instructions provided below. The instructions explain how to boot your PC in Safe Mode with Networking so that you could remove POWZ ransomware virus and other malware remains automatically. Make sure you use an up-to-date antivirus for this task. Our team’s choice is INTEGO Antivirus that has been rated as excellent choice by independent AV test labs. Additionally, our suggestion is to download RESTORO to repair virus damage on files of Windows OS system.

Once POWZ virus removal is completed, consider changing all of the passwords used or saved on the compromised computer.

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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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POWZ 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 POWZ 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 POWZ 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.

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Decrypt POWZ files

Fix and open large POWZ 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 POWZ 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. POWZ 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 POWZ 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 POWZ 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 POWZ 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 POWZ 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 POWZ 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 .POWZ files?

You can only open POWZ 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 POWZ 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 POWZ 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.