Remove POQW File Ransomware (+Recover Files)

Summary:

Virus Name	POQW Ransomware
Infection symptoms	All images, videos and documents append “.POQW” extension and cannot be opened by any program!
Type of threat	Ransomware, cryptovirus, file-locking virus
File Extension	.POQW
Encryption type	AES algorithm using 256-bit key.
Ransom Note	_readme.txt
Amount of Ransom	determined by the hacker
Contact	support@fishmail.top, datarestorehelp@airmail.cc
Genealogy	DJVU Ransomware Family
Aliases	POQW virus, also known as RansomX-gen [Ransom], Ransom.Win32.STOP.SMYXCLZZ.hp, BehavesLike.Win32.Lockbit.bc more detections
Distribution	Spam email attachments, RDP, pirated software, torrent websites, phishing sites, malicious weblinks etc…
Remediation Tool	In order to completely remove ransomware from your computer, you will need to install an antivirus software. We recommend using SpyHunter
Recovery Tool	The only effective method to restore files is to copy them from a saved backup. If you don’t have a suitable backup, you may use third-party recover software such as iBeesoft Data Recovery

How to Remove .POQW File Extension Ransomware?

A nasty computer ransomware called Poqw virus is a STOP/DJVU variation that locks up files on a computer and requests a payment to unlock them. It spreads through malicious links, downloads, or attachments and can seriously harm a computer, possibly resulting in the loss of crucial data forever. Data loss and computer slowdown are only a couple of the problems the Poqw Virus can bring about. It is crucial to use caution when accessing the internet and to have a reliable anti-malware program installed because it is typically propagated through fraudulent emails, downloads, and links. The primary techniques for acquiring viruses like Poqw are as follows:

• if it is delivered to you as a URL or an email attachment.
• Having been downloaded from a dubious website.

The main objective of the POQW ransomware is to hold the victim’s files hostage in order to extract money from them. The data is locked using 256-bit AES encryption, and only the attackers’ private key can be used to unlock the files. They provide the option to buy this key and the decryption program from them, but they want a hefty ransom in return.

 

Demands of POQW virus:

Usually, a letter that appears on the infected machine’s desktop after the encryption is finished asks for the ransom. The aforementioned note offers exact instructions on how the money is to be transferred as well as extensive details on what Poqw did to the files. Typically, the hackers want money in the form of Bitcoin or another cryptocurrency. The hacker would be able to maintain his or her anonymity and the authorities would not be able to link the transaction to the hacker. However, this increases the likelihood that the thieves would frequently simply escape with the money rather than actually sending their victims a decryption key.

Example of a ransom note and alert message from the POQW Ransomware

ATTENTION!

Don't worry, you can return all your files!
All your files like pictures, 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:
hxxps://we.tl/t-GTrvfBi8hs
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:
support@freshmail.top

Reserve e-mail address to contact us:
datarestorehelp@airmail.cc

Your personal ID:
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Where does the POQW ransomware originate from, and how can we avoid getting infected again?

The origin of the POQW malware is unknown. Numerous vectors, such as spam emails, malicious websites, and exploit kits have all been used to distribute ransomware in the past. If you want to avoid getting sick again, it’s crucial to use safe internet habits and to be careful of phony emails and links. Use a reputable antivirus program, keep your computer and software updated, and take other precautions to protect yourself from malware attacks. An additional Trojan horse payload that can surreptitiously install on a computer without the user or system administrator being aware of it is present in a number of malicious downloads used to spread the POQW ransomware.

 

Why is .POQW File Extension dangerous?

Ransomware is particularly dangerous for two reasons:

• First, it encrypts your data and locks them away behind strong encryption algorithm.
• Second, the hackers behind ransomware may not unlock your files even after you pay the ransom.

In conclusion, the POQW Ransomware is an extremely dangerous form of malware that encrypts personal files using a secure key. There are manual methods and programs that could aid in the decryption process, thus paying the ransom may not guarantee that your files are returned. Preventative measures should be performed, such as regularly backing up important files, updating the hardware and software on your computer, and exercising care before paying the ransom.

Do not pay for POQW ransom!

Please, try to use the available backups, or Decrypter tools

.POQW File Extension Removal Instructions

STEP 1: Kill the Malicious Process

STEP 2: Reveal Hidden Files

STEP 3: Locate Startup Location

STEP 4: Recover .POQW File Extension Encrypted Files

STEP 1: Stop the malicious process using Windows Task Manager

• Open your task Manager by pressing CTRL+SHIFT+ESC keys simultaneously
• Locate the process of the ransomware. Have in mind that this is usually a random generated file.
• Before you kill the process, type the name on a text document for later reference.

• Locate any suspicious processes associated with .POQW File Extension encryption Virus.
• Right click on the process
• Open File Location
• End Process
• Delete the directories with the suspicious files.
• Have in mind that the process can be hiding and very difficult to detect

STEP 2: Reveal Hidden Files

• Open any folder
• Click on “Organize” button
  
• Choose “Folder and Search Options”
• Select the “View” tab
• Select “Show hidden files and folders” option
• Uncheck “Hide protected operating system files”
• Click “Apply” and “OK” button

STEP 3: Locate .POQW File Extension encryption Virus startup location

• Once the operating system loads press simultaneously the Windows Logo Button and the R key.

• A dialog box should open. Type “Regedit”
• WARNING! be very careful when editing the Microsoft Windows Registry as this may render the system broken.

Depending on your OS (x86 or x64) navigate to:

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run] or
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run] or
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run]

• and delete the display Name: [RANDOM]

• Then open your explorer and navigate to:

Navigate to your %appdata% folder and delete the executable.

You can alternatively use your msconfig windows program to double check the execution point of the virus. Please, have in mind that the names in your machine might be different as they might be generated randomly, that’s why you should run any professional scanner to identify malicious files.

Do NOT send money for decrypt of “POQW” files!

The cyber criminals behind POQW ransomware guarantee to send you the code after you pay. However, all you’ve got is a promise from bad people. You have no warranty whatsoever. We recommend not to rely on words of internet criminals. If you pay this will continue to happen.

 

 

STEP 4: How to recover encrypted files?

• Method 1: The first and best method is to restore your data from a recent backup, in case that you have one.

• Method 2: File Recovery Software – Usually when the ransomware encrypts a file it first makes a copy of it, encrypts the copy, and then deletes the original. Due to this you may try to use file recovery software like iBeesoft Data Recovery to try recover some of your original files.
• Method 3: Shadow Volume Copies – As a last resort, you can try to restore your files via Shadow Volume Copies. Open the Shadow Explorer part of the package and choose the Drive you want to recover. Right click on any file you want to restore and click Export on it.
• If by any chance you did not have internet access when the encryption took place, you can try to recover them by using Emsisoft Decryptor for STOP Djvu decryption tool using the Emsisoft Decryptor for STOP Djvu.
• Wait for Antivirus companies to create an POQW file decryptor.

What can I do to stop POQW file ransomware?

Reporting a ransomware infection to authorities can aid in tracking and identifying the individuals or group behind the attack. If you have fallen victim to a ransomware attack, there are various government websites where you can file a report. Here is a list of cyber-security authorities and their respective websites for reporting ransomware attacks in different regions:

• Germany: Offizielles Portal der deutschen Polizei
• United States: IC3 Internet Crime Complaint Centre
• United Kingdom: Action Fraud Police
• France: Ministère de l’Intérieur
• Italy: Polizia Di Stato
• Spain: Policía Nacional
• Netherlands: Politie
• Poland: Policja
• Portugal: Polícia Judiciária
• Greece: Cyber Crime Unit (Hellenic Police)
• Australia: Australian High Tech Crime Center

It’s worth noting that the response time may vary depending on the local authorities. It’s also important to note that in addition to reporting to the local police, you can also report to national and international cybercrime agencies such as FBI, Europol or INTERPOL.