Powd – General Info
Powd is a harmful software application working as common ransomware. Michael Gillespie, the well-known malware researcher, first found this new name in the DJVU ransomware family.
Powd was developed for the sole function to encrypt all popular file types. Rationally, as soon as the encryption is successfully achieved, the users are unable to get access to them. Powd ransomware adds its own “.powd” to all the encrypted data. For instance, the file “price_list.xls”, once crypted by Powd, will be entitled as “price_list.xls.powd”. Once the encryption is accomplished, Powd puts its own unique text document (_readme.txt) into all the folders that keep the encrypted files.
The message stated by _readme.txt requesting for the random os extremely comparable to the notices given by other ransomware risks belonging to the DJVU family. The warning essentially shows that the information has been encrypted and the only option to get access to it is to use a distinct standalone key. Regretfully, this statement is definitely real.
The method to encrypt the files utilized by Powd is not completely investigated. However, there is no doubt that each computer system owner may be provided an unique decryption key, which is definitely unique. It is very difficult to recover the data without the suitable type in place.
“Don’t worry, you can return all your files!”, from text file message:
One more peculiarity of the Powd virus is that the users are unable to get access to the key. The decrypting key is hosted on a special server under the complete control by the criminals who have released the Powd infection into the internet. In order to obtain the key and bring back the important data, the users are informed to contact the frauds by means of e-mail or by telegram and to pay the ransom in the amount of $980.
The message likewise says that individuals ought to contact the Powd authors within 72 hours upon the minute of the data file encryption. The alert indicates that by doing so the people will obtain a 50% discount, for that reason, the ransom quantity falls to $490.
Powd modified your files, nevertheless, it may not be the only danger on your PC. Plus, the ransomware might be concealed deep in the system. To spot and erase the threat totally, we suggest you to refer to the help of GridinSoft Anti-Malware app.
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No matter what the amount of the ransom is, we strongly advise that you do not pay the ransom. There is no warranty that these online scoundrels will keep their pledges, so they may 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 may merely lose their money for absolutely nothing.
Likewise, we advise you not to call the frauds as they advise. Do not transfer money into their wallets. There are no applications that might split the Powd ransomware or bring back the data at no charge. Therefore, the only appropriate decision is to bring back the data from possible backups (if readily available).
Virus Summary
| Name | Powd Ransomware |
| File Extension | powd |
| 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 .powd extension to all the files modified by it. |
| Distribution Method | Adware bundles and software cracks |
| Similar Infections | Lokas, Besub, Nusar |
| Powd Removal Tool | GridinSoft Anti-Malware |
| Powd Decryption Tool | Emsisoft Djvu Decryptor |
Do not forget that the Internet is now full of infections comparable to the Powd ransomware. For instance, this specific threat is essentially similar to Brusaf and other ransomware-type infections. These harmful energies have actually been developed in order to secure the important data and express the demand for the users to pay the ransom. All these infections utilize the similar algorithm to produce the particular key for effective data decryption.
Unless the Powd ransomware is still under the advancement process or has actually got some concealed bugs, it is not possible to restore the information by hand. Thus, the only working solution to avoid the loss of your essential information is to frequently preserve up-to-date backups of all your crucial documents.
Another crucial piece of guidance is to keep the backups on special storage not connected to your primary computer. For instance, you might keep 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 really risky, considering that the backup might also be secured by the Powd infection.
Leakages for the Powd ransomware attack.
Powd utilizes numerous courses to penetrate the susceptible computers. It is not certain what particular technique was utilized in your case, nevertheless, the intrusion might occur via the following channels:
- bundling with third-party programs, primarily free apps;
- spam emails from the unidentified senders;
- sites supplying free hosting;
- P2P (peer-to-peer) torrent downloads.
There are times when the Powd may disguise itself as some genuine application, for instance, through the misleading signals demanding installation of some software application update. This is the most typical trick used by the scams to inject the Powd infection files into the system. This way users partly take part in its setup, without plainly understanding the danger.
Moreover, the frauds might send unsolicited spam e-mail with tricky signals encouraging individuals to open dubious accessories or click some download links, for instance, those motivating the people to open specific images, text files, tax documents and other info.
No doubt, opening these files or clicking the destructive links may basically damage the system. Fake Adobe Flash Player update notices may lead to the Powd ransomware seepage. Likewise, downloading the cracked software application may furthermore consist of the ransomware installer. The last however not the least, setup of Powd may happen through some Trojan horses that might be set up stealthily into the system and without the user’s direct consent or even consent.
Avoiding the Powd ransom virus injection.
Naturally, there is no absolute assurance that your computer system will be always free of any malware attacks, however, we want to share some useful ideas with you to make it much safer. Make sure to pay very very close attention while browsing 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 specific freeware installer may also include some other extra apps in the bundle. These extra applications may be really damaging. It is of utmost significance to keep your anti-virus software and your os in general to be constantly properly upgraded.
It is quite rational that downloading pirated programs is unlawful, however, in addition, such unapproved apps use may likewise bring severe damage to your PC. For this reason, do not download any split programs. Plus, the truth that your existing anti-virus did not protect the system from the Powd ransomware is an excellent factor for you to reevaluate your choices and change to another program that can render the protecting functions on a better level.
Below please find the quotation from the Powd 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 “.powd” extension added by the virus:”
Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove Powd ransomware from your computer
1.Download GridinSoft Anti-Malware.
You can get 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 powd 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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