How to remove PokemonGo ransomware virus

Cybercriminals release PokemonGo ransomware virus

It did not take long for cybercriminals to exploit the popularity of PokemonGo game and trick users into installing fake game versions, bonus apps, and other files that are supposedly related to this engaging game. Sadly, frauds have decided to create PokemonGo ransomware as well and swindle money from the victims by taking their personal files hostage. PokemonGo virus seems to be based on Hidden-Tear ransomware, which is an open-source crypto-ransomware variant. It utilizes AES encryption system to render victim’s files inaccessible and uses 123vivalgerie AES key. We translated the meaning of this line to you – 123 Long Live Algeria. This gives us an idea that the developer this virus might be a resident of this country. Just like typical crypto-ransomware viruses do, this one locks all files to prevent the victim from accessing them and leaves a ransom note called هام جدا.txt. As you have guessed, the name of the ransom note is written in the Arabic language and translates to Very important.txt. The message that this text file contains is also written in the Arabic language and asks the victim to contact the fraud via email by sending a letter to blackhat20152015@gmail.com or me.blackhat20152015@mt2015.com. The message is shown below.

(: لقد تم تشفير ملفاتكم، لفك الشفرة فلكسي موبيليس للعنوان التالي me.blackhat20152015@mt2015.com وشكرا على كرمكم مسبقا

Exclusive characteristics of this virus:

• The virus creates a network share on the computer.
• The indicated ransomware program adds an extra user account to the compromised PC, titled as Hack3r, and assigns it to administrators list. However, this user does not show up on user’s list on Windows logon screen, because the virus changes Windows registry key that is responsible for that. Bear in mind that this account is meant to give the author of ransomware access to your PC!
• The malware creates Autorun.inf file, which starts up each time when someone plugs in a removable drive to the infected PC. This file is meant to drop PokemonGo.exe (executable file) to removable drives and encrypt data stored on them.

If your computer has been infected with this piece of malware, do not try to contact the cybercriminal via the provided email – you will be asked to pay an enormous amount of money in exchange for a program that can supposedly decrypt .locked files. Instead, you should remove PokemonGo virus with FortectIntego or another malware removal program and try to retrieve lost data from backups. We do not recommend you to attempt to carry out PokemonGo removal manually unless you are an expert in programming and have experienced a ransomware attack before.

How does this malware spread?

It appears that this piece of malware spreads via malicious emails and malvertising, just like other ransomware-type viruses do. To protect your computer from this malware, you have to be extremely cautious and have some basic knowledge on how such viruses spread. Let us introduce you to methods used to distribute this virus:

• PokemonGo virus can infect your computer immediately after you launch a suspicious email attachment. Nowadays, malicious email attachments do not necessarily have to be .exe files, since criminals manage to inject malicious codes into Word files and other innocent-looking file types. Therefore, you are advised to stay away from email letters that come from shady or just suspicious sources. Typically, cybercriminals tend to misspell basic words and lack of basic grammar knowledge, so if you see such mistakes in the email that you have just received, think twice before clicking on links included in the message or files attached to it.
• Do not wander through vague third-party websites and click on everything that you see. Do not be deceived by catchy slogans and try to avoid clicking on links and aggressive ads that urge you to explore the content behind them. By clicking random clickable content, you risk ending up on shady sites, where you can accidentally click on something and install virus or Trojan on your system.

How to remove PokemonGo virus?

Speaking of PokemonGo removal, we must warn you that it is no regular program, and it does not have a uninstaller. It is developed to hide itself from the victim and fully control the computer, so please take this cyber threat seriously and employ a decent anti-malware tool to remove it. To remove PokemonGo malware entirely, update your security software or, if you do not have one, download it and scan your computer system. The virus might attempt to block you from doing so, but in case you encounter such situation, follow guidelines that are provided below.