Remove Pauq Virus (.[carbanak@aol.com].pauq Files Ransomware) – Dharma Ransomware

Pauq – General Info

The Pauq mean a ransomware-type infection. The infection comes from the Dharma ransomware family. Pauq was elaborated particularly to encrypt all major file types. Once the file is encrypted people are not able to use them. Pauq adds the “.[carbanak@aol.com].pauq” extension for each file encrypted by it. For example, the file “myphoto.jpg“, when encrypted by Pauq, will be renamed into “myphoto.jpg.[carbanak@aol.com].pauq“. As quickly as the encryption is finished, Pauq places a special text file into every folder containing the encrypted data.

The message given by Pauq text file requesting for the ransom is absolutely the same as the statements given by other ransomware virus representatives belonging to the Dharma family. It actually discusses that the information is encrypted and that the only way to bring back it is to use a a distinct decryption key. Sadly, this is definitely true. The sort of cryptography mechanism used by Pauq is still not appropriately examined. Still, it is absolutely specific that each victim may be given the specific decryption key, which is totally unique. It is difficult to bring back the files without the key available.

Another trick of Pauq is that the victims cannot access to the key. The key is saved on a particular server run by the frauds associated with Pauq ransomware. To get the key and recover the important information people need to pay the ransom.

However, irrespective of the requested quantity, people need to keep away from paying the ransom. Cyber frauds are not fair, so they tend to totally disregard what their victims feel about the problem, even when the payment reaches their pockets. This is why paying the ransom usually does not provide any positive outcome and people just lose their money for absolutely nothing.

We highly advise that you do not contact these crooks and certainly do not transfer money into their accounts. It is said to admit that there are no utilities able to crack Pauq ransomware and to recover the information data for free. Hence, the just right decision is to recover the lost information from the available backup.

Virus Summary

Name	Pauq Ransomware
File Extension	.[carbanak@aol.com].pauq
Type	Ransomware
Family	Dharma
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 and RSA encryption algorithms. Once the encryption is completed, the ransomware adds its special [carbanak@aol.com].pauq extension to all the files modified by it.
Distribution Method	Spam Emails, Email Attachments
Similar Infections	Four, Word, Lotus
Removal Tool	GridinSoft Anti-Malware

Keep in mind that the web is now overwhelmed with threats that look comparable to Pauq ransomware. It is similar Four and many other ransomware-type threats. Destructive programs of such kind are normally elaborated to encrypt essential information and to state the demand before the user to pay the ransom. The peculiarity of all such ransomware threats is that all apply a similar algorithm to produce the unique decryption key for information decryption.

Hence, as long as the ransomware is still being developed or has some hidden bugs, by hand recovering the information is merely not feasible. The only way to avoid the loss of your essential information is to routinely create backups of your important information.

Remember that even if you create such backups, they must be placed into a special storage utility not connect to your main PC. You may use the USB Flash Drive or external hard disk drive for this purpose, or refer to the help of the cloud storage. If you store your backup files on your common system they may be encrypted along with other files, so it’s absolutely not a good storage place.

How did ransomware infect my computer?

There are a number of ways used by online scams to distribute Pauq ransomware. Although it is uncertain how precisely Pauq injects your PC, there are some leaks through which it may infiltrate the system:

• integration with third-party software application, especially freeware;
• spam e-mails from unknown senders;
• websites rendering free hosting services;
• pirated peer-to-peer (P2P) downloads.

Typically Pauq ransomware might be presented as some legitimate software, for instance, in the pop-ups advising users to implement some crucial software application updates. This is the typical technique used by online frauds to persuade people into downloading and installing Pauq infection manually, by methods of their direct participation in the installation process.

Additionally, the criminals may refer to numerous e-mail spam techniques to inject destructive codes into copmuter. So, they may describe to sending unsolicited spam e-mails with tricky notices promoting users to download the attachments or click on certain download links, for example, the ones motivating users to open some video, files, tax reports or invoices.

Needless to mention, opening such files or clicking on such dangerous links may badly damage the PC. Fictitious Adobe Flash Player upgrade notifies may result in Pauq ransom injection. When it comes to the cracked applications, these illegally downloaded programs may also include harmful codes resulting in Pauq secret installation. Lastly, injection of Pauq may take place by means of Trojans that covertly get injected into the system and install malicious utilities without the user’s permission.

Is there any method to prevent the injection of Pauq ransom virus?

Even though there is no 100% guarantee to prevent your computer from getting infected, there are some pieces of recommendations we wish to show with you. First of all, be extremely mindful when you browse the web and especially while downloading totally free apps. Stay away from opening suspicious email attachments, especially when the sender of the email is not familiar to you.

Remember that some freeware installers may include other unwanted utilities in the package, so they may be harmful. Ensure that your current antivirus and your entire OS is always appropriately updated.

Of course, downloading pirated software is illegal and may lead to necessary damage to be produced your PC. For this reason, stay away from downloading cracked software. You are also strongly encouraged to reconsider your existing security software and possibly change to another security solution that can render much better services of protecting your Windows.

Below please find the quotation from the Pauq text file:

Pop-up window:

All your files have been encrypted!
All your files have been encrypted due to a security problem with your PC. If you want to restore them, write us to the e-mail carbanak@aol.com
Write this ID in the title of your message -
In case of no answer in 24 hours write us to theese e-mails:buhtrap@aol.com
You have to pay for decryption in Bitcoins. The price depends on how fast you write to us. After payment we will send you the decryption tool that will decrypt all your files.
Free decryption as guarantee
Before paying you can send us up to 1 file for free decryption. The total size of files must be less than 1Mb (non archived), and files should not contain valuable information. (databases,backups, large excel sheets, etc.
How to obtain Bitcoins
The easiest way to buy bitcoins is LocalBitcoins site. You have to register, click \'Buy bitcoins\', and select the seller by payment method and price.
hxxps://localbitcoins.com/buy_bitcoins
Also you can find other places to buy Bitcoins and beginners guide here:
hxxp://www.coindesk.com/information/how-can-i-buy-bitcoins/
Attention!
Do not rename encrypted files.
Do not try to decrypt your data using third party software, it may cause permanent data loss.
Decryption of your files with the help of third parties may cause increased price (they add their fee to our) or you can become a victim of a scam.
==============================

FILES ENCRYPTED.txt:

all your data has been locked us
You want to return?
Write email carbanak@aol.com or buhtrap@aol.com 

Screenshot of files with “.[carbanak@aol.com].pauq” extension added by the ransomware:

Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove Pauq ransomware from your computer

1.Download GridinSoft Anti-Malware.

You can download GridinSoft Anti-Malware by clicking the button below:

  GridinSoft Anti-Malware

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.