Popn – General Info
Popn is a harmful software application working as typical ransomware. Michael Gillespie, the popular malware researcher, very first discovered this new name in the DJVU ransomware family.
Popn was created for the sole purpose to encrypt all popular file types. Realistically, as quickly as the encryption is successfully achieved, the users are not able to get access to them. Popn ransomware includes its own “.popn” to all the encrypted data. For instance, the file “price_list.xls”, once crypted by Popn, will be entitled as “price_list.xls.popn”. Once the file encryption is accomplished, Popn puts its own distinct text document (_readme.txt) into all the folders that store the encrypted files.
The message mentioned by text file asking for the random os very comparable to the notifications given by other ransomware hazards belonging to the DJVU family. The warning essentially shows that the information has been secured and the only option to get access to it is to use a distinct standalone key. Regretfully, this statement is absolutely real.
The approach to encrypt the files utilized by Popn is not completely investigated. However, there is no doubt that each computer system owner may be provided a special decryption key, which is absolutely distinct. It is exceptionally tough to recuperate the data without the proper key in place.
“Don’t worry, you can return all your files!”, from text file message:
One more peculiarity of the Popn virus is that the users are not able to get access to the key. The decrypting key is hosted on a special server under the total control by the scoundrels who have introduced the Popn virus into the web. In order to get the key and bring back the essential data, the users are told to connect with the scams through e-mail or by telegram and to pay the ransom in the quantity of $980.
The message also states that the people ought to get in touch with the Popn authors within 72 hours upon the moment of the information encryption. The alert suggests that by doing so the people will get a 50% discount, for that reason, the ransom amount falls to $490.
Popn encrypted your files, nevertheless, it might not be the only risk on your computer. Plus, the ransomware may be hidden deep in the system. To find and erase the threat totally, we suggest you to refer to the aid of GridinSoft Anti-Malware tool.
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No matter what the quantity of the ransom is, we strongly advise that you do not pay the ransom. There is no assurance that these online scoundrels will keep their promises, so they might not care at all what the victims feel about the file encryption, even when the quantity of the ransom is gotten into their accounts. For this reason, paying ransom frequently does not lead to an effective healing. So, the users may merely lose their money for nothing.
Likewise, we prompt you not to call the frauds as they advise. Do not move cash into their wallets. There are no applications that might split the Popn virus or restore the information at no cost. For that reason, the only appropriate decision is to bring back the data from possible backups (if readily available).
Virus Summary
| Name | Popn Ransomware |
| File Extension | popn |
| 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 .popn extension to all the files modified by it. |
| Distribution Method | Adware bundles and software cracks |
| Similar Infections | Lokas, Besub, Nusar |
| Popn Removal Tool | GridinSoft Anti-Malware |
| Popn Decryption Tool | Emsisoft Djvu Decryptor |
Do not forget that the Web is now loaded with infections similar to the Popn ransomware. For instance, this particular hazard is essentially identical to Brusaf and other ransomware-type infections. These damaging utilities have actually been developed in order to secure the crucial data and reveal the demand for the users to pay the ransom. All these infections utilize the identical algorithm to create the specific key for effective files decryption.
Unless the Popn ransomware is still under the advancement procedure or has got some concealed bugs, it is not possible to restore the data by hand. Thus, the only working option to avoid the loss of your essential information is to regularly preserve current backups of all your important documents.
Another important piece of recommendations is to save the backups on unique storage not connected to your main device. For instance, you may keep it on the USB Flash Drive, or some external drive, or by using the cloud data storage services. Keeping the backups on your routine drive is really dangerous, since the backup may also be encrypted by the Popn ransomware.
Leaks for the Popn ransomware attack.
Popn uses many paths to penetrate the susceptible computers. It is not certain what particular method was used in your case, however, the invasion may happen by means of the following channels:
- bundling with third-party programs, mainly free apps;
- spam e-mails from the unknown senders;
- sites supplying complimentary hosting;
- P2P (peer-to-peer) torrent software.
There are times when the Popn may camouflage itself as some real application, for instance, through the deceptive notifies requiring setup of some software update. This is the most typical trick utilized by the scams to inject the Popn infection files into the system. By doing this users partially participate in its installation, without clearly understanding the risk.
Additionally, the scams might send unsolicited spam e-mail with challenging alerts encouraging individuals to open suspicious attachments or click on some download links, for example, those encouraging the people to open specific photos, text files, tax files and other info.
No doubt, opening these files or clicking on the destructive links may essentially harm the system. Fake Media Player update notifications may lead to the Popn ransomware infiltration. Similarly, downloading the broken software may furthermore consist of the ransomware installer. The last however not the least, installation of Popn may occur through some Trojan horses that might be installed stealthily into the system and without the user’s direct permission or perhaps consent.
Avoiding the Popn virus attack.
Naturally, there is no absolute warranty that your computer system will be always devoid of any malware attacks, nevertheless, we want to share some beneficial pointers with you to make it safer. Ensure to pay extremely attention while searching the web and specifically while getting cost-free programs. Do not open any suspicious email attachments, especially if the sender is not understood to you.
Do not forget that particular freeware installer may likewise contain some other additional apps in the package. These extra applications might be very damaging. It is of utmost value to keep your anti-virus software and your operating system in basic to be always appropriately updated.
It is quite sensible that downloading pirated software is prohibited, however, furthermore, such unauthorized software application usage may also bring severe damage to your system. For this reason, do not download any cracked programs. Plus, the reality that your present anti-virus did not secure the system from the Popn ransomware is an excellent factor for you to reassess your choices and switch to another program that can render the protecting functions on a better level.
Below please find the quotation from the Popn 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 “.popn” extension added by the virus:”
Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove Popn 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 popn files
You can download 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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