Pohj – Ransomware
Pohj is a harmful software application functioning as common ransomware. Michael Gillespie, the well-known malware researcher, first discovered this new name in the DJVU ransomware family.
Pohj was developed for the sole function to encrypt all popular file types. Realistically, as soon as the encryption is successfully achieved, the users are not able to get access to them. Pohj virus adds its own “.pohj” to all the encrypted data. For instance, the file “price_list.xls”, when modified by Pohj, will be titled as “price_list.xls.pohj”. As soon as the file encryption is accomplished, Pohj puts its own special text document (_readme.txt) into all the folders that store the encrypted files.
The alert mentioned by _readme.txt asking for the random os extremely comparable to the alerts provided by other ransomware threats coming from the DJVU family. The warning essentially shows that the data has been secured and the only service to get access to it is to use a distinct standalone key. Regretfully, this statement is absolutely real.
The technique to secure the files used by Pohj is not entirely researched. Nevertheless, there is no doubt that each computer system owner might be issued an unique decryption key, which is absolutely special. It is very hard to recover the data without the appropriate type in place.
“Don’t worry, you can return all your files!”, from text file message:
One more peculiarity of the Pohj infection is that the users are not able to get access to the key. The decrypting key is hosted on an unique server under the complete control by the criminals who have introduced the Pohj virus into the web. In order to get the key and bring back the important data, the users are informed to get in touch with the frauds through email or by telegram and to pay the ransom in the quantity of $980.
The message likewise says that individuals need to contact the Pohj authors within 72 hours upon the moment of the information file encryption. The alert indicates that by doing so the people will obtain a 50% discount, for that reason, the ransom quantity drops down to $490.
Pohj modified your data, nevertheless, it might not be the only danger on your computer. Plus, the ransomware may be concealed deep in the system. To discover and delete the danger totally, we recommend you to describe the aid of GridinSoft Anti-Malware app.
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No matter what the quantity of the ransom is, we highly recommend that you do not pay the ransom. There is no warranty that these online scoundrels will keep their pledges, so they might not care at all what the victims feel about the file encryption, even when the amount of the ransom is gotten into their accounts. Hence, paying ransom frequently does not lead to an effective healing. So, the users might simply lose their money for absolutely nothing.
Similarly, we prompt you not to call the scams as they instruct. Do not move cash into their wallets. There are no applications that might break the Pohj ransomware or restore the information for free. For that reason, the only correct choice is to restore the data from possible backups (if available).
Virus Summary
| Name | Pohj Ransomware |
| File Extension | pohj |
| Type | Ransomware |
| Family | DJVU |
| Short Description | The ransomware encrypts all the data stored on your system and requires a ransom to be paid on your part supposedly to recover your important files. |
| Symptoms | File encryption by the ransomware is performed by means of the AES-256 algorithm (CFB mode) encryption algorithm. Once the encryption is completed, the ransomware adds its special .pohj extension to all the files modified by it. |
| Distribution Method | Adware bundles and software cracks |
| Similar Infections | Lokas, Besub, Nusar |
| Pohj Removal Tool | GridinSoft Anti-Malware |
| Pohj Decryption Tool | Emsisoft Djvu Decryptor |
Do not forget that the Internet is now full of infections similar to the Pohj virus. For example, this specific risk is essentially identical to Brusaf and other ransomware-type infections. These harmful energies have actually been developed in order to secure the essential data and reveal the demand for the users to pay the ransom. All these infections use the similar algorithm to produce the specific key for successful files decryption.
Unless the Pohj ransomware is still under the advancement process or has actually got some hidden bugs, it is not possible to bring back the information manually. Therefore, the only working option to prevent the loss of your important data is to regularly maintain updated backups of all your vital documents.
Another crucial piece of suggestions is to keep the backups on unique storage not connected to your primary PC. For example, you might save it on the USB Flash Drive, or some external drive, or by using the cloud data storage services. Keeping the backups on your system drive is extremely risky, considering that the backup might also be secured by the Pohj infection.
Leakages for the Pohj ransomware attack.
Pohj utilizes many paths to penetrate the susceptible computers. It is not certain what particular technique was utilized in your case, however, the intrusion might happen by means of the following channels:
- bundling with third-party programs, mainly free apps;
- spam emails from the unknown senders;
- websites providing free hosting;
- P2P (peer-to-peer) torrent software.
There are times when the Pohj virus may camouflage itself as some genuine application, for example, through the deceptive informs demanding setup of some software update. This is the most typical trick used by the frauds to inject the Pohj ransomware files into the system. By doing this users partly participate in its setup, without clearly understanding the danger.
Additionally, the frauds may send out unsolicited spam email with difficult notifies motivating individuals to open dubious attachments or click on some download links, for instance, those motivating the people to open particular images, text files, tax files and other information.
No doubt, opening these files or clicking on the malicious links may basically harm the system. Fake Acrobat Reader update alerts may cause the Pohj ransomware seepage. Likewise, downloading the broken software application may in addition include the ransomware installer. The last however not the least, setup of Pohj may happen through some Trojan horses that might be installed stealthily into the system and without the user’s direct approval or perhaps authorization.
Avoiding the Pohj virus injection.
Obviously, there is no outright warranty that your computer will be constantly free of any malware attacks, however, we want to share some helpful suggestions with you to make it much safer. Ensure to pay really close attention while searching the web and specifically while downloading cost-free programs. Do not open any suspicious email attachments, particularly if the sender is not understood to you.
Do not forget that certain freeware installer may likewise contain some other extra apps in the bundle. These additional applications may be very damaging. It is of utmost significance to keep your anti-virus software application and your os in basic to be always correctly upgraded.
It is rather logical that downloading pirated software is unlawful, nevertheless, in addition, such unauthorized software application use might likewise bring serious damage to your PC. Thus, do not download any broken programs. Plus, the reality that your current anti-virus did not secure the system from the Pohj ransomware is a good factor for you to reconsider your choices and change to another program that can render the securing functions on a far better level.
Below please find the quotation from the Pohj text file:
ATTENTION! Don't worry, you can return all your files! All your files like photos, databases, documents and other important are encrypted with strongest encryption and unique key. The only method of recovering files is to purchase decrypt tool and unique key for you. This software will decrypt all your encrypted files. What guarantees you have? You can send one of your encrypted file from your PC and we decrypt it for free. But we can decrypt only 1 file for free. File must not contain valuable information. You can get and look video overview decrypt tool: https://we.tl/t-2P5WrE5b9f Price of private key and decrypt software is $980. Discount 50% available if you contact us first 72 hours, that's price for you is $490. Please note that you'll never restore your data without payment. Check your e-mail "Spam" or "Junk" folder if you don't get answer more than 6 hours. To get this software you need write on our e-mail: restorealldata@firemail.cc Reserve e-mail address to contact us: gorentos@bitmessage.ch Our Telegram account: @datarestore
Screenshot of files with “.pohj” extension added by the virus:”
Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove Pohj ransomware from your computer
1.Download GridinSoft Anti-Malware.
You can download GridinSoft Anti-Malware by clicking the button below:
2. Double-click on the setup file.
When setup file has finished downloading, double-click on the setup-antimalware-ag.exe file to install GridinSoft Anti-Malware on your computer.
An User Account Control asking you about to allow GridinSoft Anti-Malware to make changes to your device. So, you should click “Yes” to continue with the installation.
3. Press Install button for run GridinSoft Anti-Malware.
3.Once installed, GridinSoft Anti-Malware will automatically run.
4. Wait for the GridinSoft Anti-Malware scan to complete.
GridinSoft Anti-Malware will automatically start scanning your computer for Win Speedup 2018 and other malicious programs. This process can take a 20-30 minutes, so we suggest you periodically check on the status of the scan process.
5. Click on “Clean Now”.
When the scan has completed, you will see the list of infections that GridinSoft Anti-Malware has detected. To remove them click on the “Clean Now” button in right corner.
Use Emsisoft Decryptor for restore pohj files
You can get Emsisoft Decryptor by clicking the button below:
- Run the decryptor as an administrator. The license terms will show up, which you have to agree to by clicking the “Yes” button.
- Once the license terms are accepted, the primary decryptor user interface opens.
- By default, the decryptor will pre-populate the locations to decrypt with the currently connected drives and network drives. Additional locations can be added using the Add” button.
- Decryptors typically offer various options depending on the particular malware family. The available options are located in the Options tab and can be enabled or disabled there. You can find a detailed list of the available Options below.
- After you have added all the locations you want to decrypt to the list, click the “Decrypt” button to start the decryption process. The screen will switch to a status view, informing you about the current process and decryption status of your files
- The decryptor will inform you once the decryption process is finished. If you require the report for your personal records, you can save it by clicking the “Save log” button. You can also copy it straight to your clipboard to paste it into emails or forum posts if you are asked to.
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