How to remove POLINA ransomware

POLINA ransomware locks users' personal files to receive payment for the decryption

POLINA ransomware is a file-locking virus that uses encryption^[1] algorithms to lock users' personal files, like photos, videos, and documents. Such an infection can be very devastating for those who do not have backups. When the malicious program infiltrates the system, it starts the encryption process.

The files are appended with a .POLINA extension. So if a file was previously named picture.jpg, after encryption it would look like this – picture.jpg.POLINA. The icons also change to white pages so thumbnails are unavailable. The main goal behind these attacks is financial gain.

The ransom note

The full READ_HELP.txt ransom note reads as follows:

All of your files have been ENCRYPTED with POLINA RANSOMWARE

Your computer was infected with a ransomware. Your files have been encrypted and you won't
be able to decrypt them without our help.

What can I do to get my files back?

You can buy our special decryption software, this software will allow you to recover all of your data and remove the
ransomware from your computer.

Email our team at:  myfilesrecovery@proton.me   OR  TELEGRAM: hxxps://t.me/filesrecovery

Don't worry, you can return all your files!

Shortly after the encryption process is done, a ransom note is generated on the machine. It is written by cybercriminals and provides instructions on what people should do. Of course, they want victims to pay for a decryption key. The amount is not specified so it is most likely negotiated privately.

Mostly, threat actors want to be paid in cryptocurrencies^[2] because they provide anonymity. We strongly advise against contacting cybercriminals or paying them. Many previous ransomware victims say that they did not receive the promised decryption tools after paying.

Distribution methods

A lot of different techniques are used to spread malicious programs online. But the most common way ransomware is spread is through email attachments. Criminals use social engineering^[3] tactics to make people download the infected attachment and open it. Some hacker groups target specific organizations and people so they may cater the email specifically to them.

Ransomware developers can find out victims' friend lists and pretend to be someone they know. It is best to not open attachments you were not expecting or from random users. Even if it is from someone you know, double-check with them through a different platform to make sure it is really them and the file is safe.

Another very popular method for ransomware distribution is software “cracks.”^[4] Users often download them from unsafe websites like torrent or peer-to-peer file-sharing platforms. Because they are unregulated, no one can be held responsible for the safety of the files. That is why they are the perfect breeding ground for malware.

Even though it can get costly, it is best to choose official web stores and developer websites. You might save in the long run by not losing your files and damaging your operating system beyond repair. There is a wide range of free apps to choose from as well so you should definitely find something that suits your needs.

How to eliminate ransomware from the system?

If you try to recover your data first, it can result in permanent loss. It can also encrypt your files the second time. It will not stop until you remove the malicious files causing it first. You should not attempt removing the malicious program yourself. Use anti-malware tools like SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes to scan your system. This security software should find all the related files and entries and remove them automatically for you. Automatic removal is the best option because there is less risk of leaving some of the traces behind.

Malware could prevent you from using antivirus software by turning it off. In that case, you should proceed with accessing Safe Mode first:

Windows 7 / Vista / XP

1. Click Start > Shutdown > Restart > OK.
2. When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 button (if that does not work, try F2, F12, Del, etc. – it all depends on your motherboard model) multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
3. Select Safe Mode with Networking from the list.

Windows 10 / Windows 8

1. Right-click on Start button and select Settings.
   
2. Scroll down to pick Update & Security.
3. On the left side of the window, pick Recovery.
4. Now scroll down to find Advanced Startup section.
5. Click Restart now.
6. Select Troubleshoot.
7. Go to Advanced options.
8. Select Startup Settings.
9. Click Restart.
10. Press 5 or click 5) Enable Safe Mode with Networking.

File recovery using third-party software

Only hackers hold the decryption key, which can unlock your files, so if you did not back them up previously, you possibly lost your files forever. You can try using data recovery software, but third-party programs cannot always decrypt the files. We suggest at least trying this method. Before proceeding, you have to copy the corrupted files and place them in a USB flash drive or another storage. And remember – only do this if you have already removed POLINA ransomware.

1. Download Data Recovery Pro.
2. Double-click the installer to launch it.
   
3. Follow on-screen instructions to install the software.
4. As soon as you press Finish, you can use the app.
5. Select Everything or pick individual folders where you want the files to be recovered from.
6. Press Next.
7. At the bottom, enable Deep scan and pick which Disks you want to be scanned.
8. Press Scan and wait till it is complete.
9. You can now pick which folders/files to recover – don't forget you also have the option to search by the file name!
10. Press Recover to retrieve your files.

The operating system is left damaged after an attack

Performance, stability, and usability issues, to the point where a full Windows reinstall is required, are expected after malware infection. These types of infections can alter the Windows registry database, damage vital bootup, and other sections, delete or corrupt DLL files, etc. Once a system file is damaged by malware, antivirus software is not able to repair it. 

This is why FortectIntego was developed. It can fix a lot of the damage caused by an infection like this. Blue Screen errors, freezes, registry errors, damaged DLLs, etc., can make your computer completely unusable. By using this maintenance tool, you could avoid Windows reinstallation.

• Download the application by clicking on the link above
• Click on the ReimageRepair.exe
  
  
• If User Account Control (UAC) shows up, select Yes
• Press Install and wait till the program finishes the installation process
• The analysis of your machine will begin immediately
• Once complete, check the results – they will be listed in the Summary
• You can now click on each of the issues and fix them manually
• If you see many problems that you find difficult to fix, we recommend you purchase the license and fix them automatically.