Pozq Virus – Details
Pozq is a harmful software application working as typical ransomware. Michael Gillespie, the popular virus researcher, very first discovered this new name in the DJVU ransomware family.
Pozq was created for the sole function to encrypt all popular file types. Realistically, as quickly as the encryption is successfully accomplished, the users are unable to get access to them. Pozq virus adds its own “.pozq” to all the encrypted data. For example, the file “price_list.xls”, once crypted by Pozq, will be titled as “price_list.xls.pozq”. Once the file encryption is achieved, Pozq puts its own unique text file (_readme.txt) into all the folders that store the encrypted files.
The message specified by _readme.txt asking for the random os extremely similar to the notifications provided by other ransomware threats coming from the DJVU family. The warning basically 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 absolutely true.
The approach to secure the files utilized by Pozq is not entirely investigated. Nevertheless, there is no doubt that each computer system owner may be provided a special decryption key, which is definitely distinct. It is exceptionally hard to recuperate the information without the suitable key in place.
“Don’t worry, you can return all your files!”, from text file message:
One more peculiarity of the Pozq ransomware 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 introduced the Pozq virus into the internet. In order to get the key and bring back the crucial information, the users are informed to contact the frauds through e-mail or by telegram and to pay the ransom in the amount of $980.
The message also says that individuals must contact the Pozq authors within 72 hours upon the moment of the information file encryption. The alert suggests that by doing so individuals will obtain a 50% discount, therefore, the ransom quantity drops down to $490.
Pozq crypted your files, however, it might not be the only hazard on your computer. Plus, the ransomware might be hidden deep in the system. To identify and delete the threat entirely, we suggest you to describe the aid of GridinSoft Anti-Malware tool.
Download GridinSoft Anti-Malware
GridinSoft Anti-Malware Review, How to get free trial?, EULA, and Privacy Policy.
No matter what the amount of the ransom is, we strongly advise that you do not pay the ransom. There is no guarantee that these online crooks 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 received into their accounts. Thus, paying ransom frequently does not lead to an effective healing. So, the users may merely lose their money for absolutely nothing.
Similarly, we advise you not to call the frauds as they advise. Do not move cash into their wallets. There are no applications that could split the Pozq virus or bring back the information at no charge. For that reason, the only proper decision is to restore the information from possible backups (if offered).
Virus Summary
| Name | Pozq Ransomware |
| File Extension | pozq |
| 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 .pozq extension to all the files modified by it. |
| Distribution Method | Adware bundles and software cracks |
| Similar Infections | Lokas, Besub, Nusar |
| Pozq Removal Tool | GridinSoft Anti-Malware |
| Pozq Decryption Tool | Emsisoft Djvu Decryptor |
Do not forget that the Web is now filled with infections similar to the Pozq virus. For instance, this specific risk is basically identical to Brusaf and other ransomware-type infections. These damaging utilities have actually been developed in order to secure the essential information and reveal the demand for the users to pay the ransom. All these infections utilize the similar algorithm to generate the particular key for successful information decryption.
Unless the Pozq ransomware is still under the development procedure or has actually got some concealed bugs, it is not possible to restore the information manually. Thus, the only working service to avoid the loss of your crucial data is to frequently keep current backups of all your essential documents.
Another important piece of advice is to save the backups on special storage not connected to your primary computer. For example, 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 extremely dangerous, because the backup might likewise be encrypted by the Pozq infection.
Leaks for the Pozq ransomware attack.
Pozq uses many courses to infiltrate the vulnerable computer systems. It is not specific what specific method was utilized in your case, nevertheless, the intrusion might take place by means of the following channels:
- bundling with third-party programs, primarily free apps;
- spam e-mails from the unidentified senders;
- sites offering free hosting;
- P2P (peer-to-peer) torrent software.
There are times when the Pozq ransomware may disguise itself as some genuine application, for instance, through the deceptive signals requiring setup of some software upgrade. This is the most typical trick utilized by the scams to inject the Pozq ransomware files into the system. By doing this users partially participate in its setup, without clearly understanding the risk.
In addition, the scams may send out unsolicited spam email with challenging informs motivating individuals to open suspicious attachments or click some download links, for instance, those motivating the people to open certain pictures, text files, tax documents and other information.
No doubt, opening these files or clicking the destructive links may essentially damage the system. Fake Media Player update notifications may result in the Pozq ransomware seepage. Likewise, downloading the broken software may additionally consist of the ransomware installer. The last however not the least, setup of Pozq might take place through some Trojan horses that might be installed stealthily into the system and without the user’s direct consent or even authorization.
Avoiding the Pozq injection.
Obviously, there is no absolute assurance that your computer will be always without any malware attacks, nevertheless, we wish to share some useful pointers with you to make it safer. Ensure to pay very close attention while browsing the web and specifically while getting cost-free programs. Do not open any suspicious email attachments, specifically if the sender is not known to you.
Do not forget that certain freeware installer may also include some other additional apps in the bundle. These additional applications may be extremely damaging. It is of utmost importance to keep your anti-virus software application and your os in general to be always correctly upgraded.
It is quite rational that downloading pirated programs is unlawful, nevertheless, in addition, such unauthorized software application usage may also bring serious damage to your computer. Hence, do not download any split programs. Plus, the reality that your existing anti-virus did not protect the system from the Pozq ransomware is an excellent factor for you to reevaluate your options and switch to another program that can render the securing functions on a better level.
Below please find the quotation from the Pozq 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 “.pozq” extension added by the ransomware:”
Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove Pozq 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 pozq 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.
User Review
( votes)
