Remove POZQ Ransomware Virus (DECRYPT .pozq FILES)
Beware Of POZQ Ransomware Virus Attack
Contents
POZQ ransomware virus is a file-encrypting malware that has been observed to be a variant of STOP/DJVU ransomware. Once it infects a computer, the first thing it does is to commence the encryption process which entails locking stored data. Such encrypted files now become so corrupted so that they can’t be read anymore. In other words, written words can’t be read, pictures can’t be viewed, and videos can’t be watched. Afterward, the ransomware virus will also append .pozq extension on each encrypted file which sets them apart from other files that are yet to be encrypted. E.g. files that previously had names like 1.jpg or 2.png now becomes 1.jpg.pozq and 2.png.pozq respectively.
It is risky and quite destructive when such ransomware virus infects a computer but even more dangerous when it is allowed to fester. Therefore, it should be removed immediately to avoid further damage.
Contents of the ransom note
After a computer has become infected, those behind the cyber-attack will also send notifications called _readme.txt to the infected computer. They will warn the victim that they’ve taken possession of all their files via encryption and they can’t have access to it anymore except for the ransom fee. To enable the victim to start further discussions with the attackers, two email addresses are also dropped, namely support@fishmail.top and datarestorehelp@airmail.cc.
At this point, victims should understand that the worst has already happened, and the only viable option left is to count their losses, get rid of the ransomware virus ASAP, and then begin the process of restoring lost files. Any attempt to reach out to cybercriminals because they promise to make available decryption tools is an effort in futility. They are only desperate to extort money from the victim and would either disappear after collecting it or forward a fake decryption tool that is ineffective.
However, if the victim decides to write to them using any of the two emails, they will respond by informing the victim to pay $980 as a ransom fee before they would send the decryption tool. But in their desperation to receive payment, they will offer a 50% ransom fee slash (which brings it down to $490) provided the victim is able to pay within three days.
The conditions won’t end there, considering they don’t accept the conventional payment method. Rather, they will insist that cryptocurrency of an equivalent amount has to be bought and transferred to their wallet address. The obvious reason why cybercriminals only accept payment via crypto is to avoid being traced and arrested. Yet, once the 72 hours deadline given by them elapses, they will insist that the maximum ransom fee must be paid before they release the decryption tool.
We generally advise victims of ransomware virus attacks never to pay the ransom because it is counterproductive. Other top security organizations equally warn against paying ransom to cybercriminals, and below are some of the reasons given:
- Most existing state laws make it illegal to pay the ransom.
- Ransom funds help cybercriminals to expand their operations.
- Victims that pay a ransom are often targeted again in the future.
- It makes ransomware attacks profitable to cybercriminals.
Use the guide provided below this article to remove POZQ ransomware virus securely. Our tip is to boot your PC in Safe Mode with Networking, then proceed with a reliable antivirus like INTEGO Antivirus for a successful malware removal.
Ransomware Summary
| Name | POZQ Ransomware Virus |
| Type | Ransomware; Crypto-malware; Virtual Extortion Virus |
| Family | STOP/DJVU |
| Encryption type | RSA 2048 + Salsa20 |
| Previous versions | POWD, TOHJ, TUIS, TURY, POHJ, POWZ (find full list here) |
| Version | 593rd |
| Extension | .pozq |
| 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 .pozq 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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How cybercriminals distribute ransomware
Cybercriminals make use of deceptive means to spread malware, thereby making their victims unaware. Here are some of them and how to avoid becoming a victim.
Emails and attachments
The use of email and accompanying attachments is one of the most common ways cybercriminals spread malware. In this method, they will pretend to be a close associate or even claim to be a representative of globally recognized brands like DHL, eBay, Alibaba, or Yahoo and may use business terms like Invoice, Order Summary or Tracking Number to label the attachment. When you see such an email and attachment, delete it without trying to open it.
P2P sharing method and torrents
When some individuals are in need of software, they would prefer to look for ways to download it illegally instead of subscribing to it legitimately. They prefer cutting corners because they feel it’s cheap to do so. But such activity is illegal and quite risky. Cybercriminals use the opportunity to spread malware embedded in pirated software copies. To avoid becoming a victim of ransomware viruses, do not source for software through torrents; instead, go to the official sites of the producers or their third-party agents to subscribe to it.
Torrenting is also quite dangerous because cybercriminals often upload fake downloads to torrent listings. When prospective users download such compromised software installers on their computer, they execute ransomware. Therefore, online torrent platforms should be avoided. Instead, make use of the officially endorsed channels and pay the requisite subscription fees.
Granted that cybercriminals can clone virtually any software out there, but they usually target the popular ones that are often demanded. The idea is to get as many victims as possible.
We have conducted research on how victims of cybercriminals ended up infecting their computers and came up with a list of software copies that appeared the most, as listed below:
- Adobe Photoshop;
- Corel Draw;
- Cubase;
- Microsoft Office;
- VMware Workstation;
- FIFA 22;
- League of Legends;
- HP Printer Drivers;
- Internet Download Manager;
- Adobe Illustrator;
- Tenorshare 4ukey.
To make matters worse, cybercriminals also add Remote Access Trojans as secondary attachments. RAT is another form of malware but is quite different from ransomware viruses. Cybercriminals use them to steal sensitive personal information such as banking details, software login information, browsing history, etc. RATs can even hide in a computer for a long time if there is no strong antivirus installed on it.
In actual sense, every computer is vulnerable to malware infection but what makes the difference is how the owner/operator makes use of it. For instance, if User A only subscribes for software legitimately, does not open emails/attachments from questionable sources, and has strong antivirus installed, his computer will be largely safe, unlike User B, who does the exact opposite.
The importance of removing POZQ ransomware virus ASAP
Computer owners need to remove POZQ ransomware virus once it is discovered. It will stop the spread and possibly protect other files that are not yet encrypted. Also, it will prevent Remote Acces Trojans from further stealing of vital information. Above all, you should ensure that reliable antivirus software is installed on the computer. At the moment, INTEGO Antivirus is one of the best and is tested and trusted. Other steps you should take include:
- Change all passwords ASAP.
- Recover lost data using backup.
- Report the incident to relevant local authorities for possible action.
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
GeeksAdvice.com editors select recommended products based on their effectiveness. We may earn a commission from affiliate links, at no additional cost to you. Learn more.
POZQ 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 POZQ 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 POZQ 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
Removing spyware and malware is one step towards cybersecurity. To protect yourself against ever-evolving threats, we strongly recommend purchasing a Premium version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware, which provides security based on artificial intelligence and machine learning. Includes ransomware protection. See pricing options and protect yourself now.
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Disclaimer. This site includes affiliate links. We may earn a small commission by recommending certain products, at no additional cost for you. We only choose quality software and services to recommend.
Decrypt POZQ files
Fix and open large POZQ 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 POZQ 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. POZQ Ransomware Virus is considered the new STOP/DJVU variant, just like POWD, TOHJ, TUIS, TURY, 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 POZQ 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 POZQ 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 POZQ 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 POZQ 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 POZQ 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 POZQ 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 POZQ 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 POZQ 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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