Pouu – Ransomware
Pouu is a harmful software working as typical ransomware. Michael Gillespie, the widely known malware researcher, very first found this new name in the DJVU ransomware family.
Pouu was created for the sole function to encrypt all popular file types. Rationally, as quickly as the file encryption is successfully achieved, the users are not able to get access to them. Pouu virus adds its own “.pouu” to all the encrypted files. For example, the file “price_list.xls”, once modified by Pouu, will be titled as “price_list.xls.pouu”. Once the encryption is accomplished, Pouu puts its own distinct text file (_readme.txt) into all the folders that keep the encrypted files.
The message mentioned by text file asking for the random os very comparable to the alerts provided by other ransomware risks coming from the DJVU family. The warning basically indicates that the information has been secured and the only option to get access to it is to use a distinct standalone key. Regretfully, this declaration is absolutely true.
The technique to encrypt the files used by Pouu is not totally looked into. Nevertheless, there is no doubt that each computer system owner might be issued a special decryption key, which is definitely special. It is exceptionally hard to recuperate the data without the appropriate key in place.
“Don’t worry, you can return all your files!”, from text file message:
One more peculiarity of the Pouu ransomware 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 crooks who have launched the Pouu infection into the internet. In order to obtain the key and restore the important information, the users are informed to contact the scams through e-mail or by telegram and to pay the ransom in the quantity of $980.
The message also says that the people need to contact the Pouu authors within 72 hours upon the minute of the information encryption. The alert suggests that by doing so the people will obtain a 50% discount rate, therefore, the ransom amount drops down to $490.
Pouu crypted your information, nevertheless, it may not be the only hazard on your computer. Plus, the ransomware may be concealed deep in the system. To discover and erase the risk entirely, we suggest you to describe the help of GridinSoft Anti-Malware tool.
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No matter what the amount of the ransom is, we highly encourage that you do not pay the ransom. There is no guarantee that these online criminals will keep their guarantees, so they might not care at all what the victims feel about the encryption, even when the quantity of the ransom is gotten into their accounts. Hence, paying ransom often does not result in an effective recovery. So, the users might merely lose their money for absolutely nothing.
Likewise, we urge you not to call the scams as they advise. Do not transfer money into their wallets. There are no applications that might break the Pouu ransomware or bring back the data at no cost. Therefore, the only appropriate choice is to bring back the information from possible backups (if readily available).
Virus Summary
| Name | Pouu Ransomware |
| File Extension | pouu |
| 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 .pouu extension to all the files modified by it. |
| Distribution Method | Adware bundles and software cracks |
| Similar Infections | Lokas, Besub, Nusar |
| Pouu Removal Tool | GridinSoft Anti-Malware |
| Pouu Decryption Tool | Emsisoft Djvu Decryptor |
Do not forget that the Internet is now loaded with infections similar to the Pouu virus. For instance, this particular risk is essentially identical to Brusaf and other ransomware-type infections. These destructive energies have been established in order to secure the essential information and reveal the demand for the users to pay the ransom. All these infections utilize the identical algorithm to generate the particular key for successful data decryption.
Unless the Pouu ransomware is still under the development procedure or has actually got some concealed bugs, it is not possible to bring back the data by hand. Therefore, the only working service to prevent the loss of your crucial data is to frequently keep updated backups of all your important data.
Another crucial piece of guidance is to store the backups on unique storage not connected to your primary device. For instance, you may save it on the USB Flash Drive, or some external hard disk, or by using the cloud data storage services. Keeping the backups on your system drive is really dangerous, since the backup might also be encrypted by the Pouu virus.
Leaks for the Pouu ransomware attack.
Pouu uses many courses to penetrate the susceptible computers. It is not particular what specific approach was used in your case, however, the intrusion may happen by means of the following channels:
- bundling with third-party programs, mainly free software;
- spam e-mails from the unidentified senders;
- sites providing complimentary hosting;
- P2P (peer-to-peer) torrent downloads.
There are times when the Pouu virus might disguise itself as some genuine application, for instance, through the misleading notifies requiring installation of some software upgrade. This is the most typical technique used by the scams to inject the Pouu ransomware files into the system. In this manner users partially take part in its setup, without plainly comprehending the risk.
Moreover, the frauds might send unsolicited spam email with difficult informs motivating the people to open dubious attachments or click some download links, for instance, those encouraging the people to open specific pictures, text files, tax documents and other info.
No doubt, opening these files or clicking the destructive links may essentially damage the system. Fake Acrobat Reader upgrade notices may cause the Pouu ransomware seepage. Similarly, downloading the broken software may additionally include the ransomware installer. The last however not the least, setup of Pouu may happen through some Trojan horses that may be set up stealthily into the system and without the user’s direct permission or even authorization.
Preventing the Pouu injection.
Obviously, there is no absolute warranty that your computer will be constantly devoid of any malware attacks, however, we would like to share some useful suggestions with you to make it safer. Ensure to pay extremely close attention while searching the web and particularly while downloading cost-free programs. Do not open any suspicious e-mail attachments, especially if the sender is not understood to you.
Do not forget that certain freeware installer might likewise contain some other additional apps in the bundle. These extra applications might be really harmful. It is of utmost significance to keep your anti-virus software application and your os in general to be constantly appropriately upgraded.
It is rather logical that downloading pirated software is prohibited, nevertheless, additionally, such unauthorized software use might also bring serious damage to your computer. For this reason, do not download any split programs. Plus, the reality that your existing anti-virus did not secure the system from the Pouu ransomware is a good reason for you to reconsider your choices and change to another program that can render the safeguarding functions on a better level.
Below please find the quotation from the Pouu 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 “.pouu” extension added by the virus:”
Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove Pouu 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 pouu 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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