How to remove Poqw ransomware

Poqw is a dangerous computer virus that specializes in money extortion after locking all files on the system

Poqw ransomware is a malicious computer virus that threatens users with data locking in an attempt to extort money. This threat mainly infects Windows computers through software cracks and other unlawful programs. Once installed, the malware encrypts all personal files on the system using a sophisticated RSA cipher and adds .poqw as their file extension for recognition.

Although this technique does not irreversibly damage data, it prohibits access to the information until you insert a unique key – basically, just like entering a password. The malware utilizes an online ID system that guarantees every victim obtains their own uniquely formed key; as such, recovering files without the correct decryption software proves nearly impossible.

Tragically, only the malicious hackers behind the Poqw virus possess the necessary key to decrypt files. In a note titled _readme.txt, which appears as soon as data is encrypted, criminals explain that victims must pay either $980 or $490 worth of Bitcoins for a decryption tool in order to regain access to their files. Additionally, they leave contact information for negotiation purposes: support@freshmail.top and datarestorehelp@airmail.cc.

Although cybercriminals may be the only ones who can provide you with access to the decryption tool, there is still a possibility of recovering data without shelling out money. Fortunately for victims of this Djvu strain, security professionals have crafted alternative decryption tools that are accessible, although they may not work for everyone. Moreover, further options exist if no backups were made – learn more about them below.

Note from the attackers

A ransom note is a critical part of any ransomware attack, for it provides users with the only way to contact cybercriminals and receive payment instructions. Consequently, as soon as all files are locked using an RSA encryption algorithm, a ransom note will commonly appear onscreen so that attackers can be contacted by the victims.

Just like other variants of Djvu, Poqw ransomware uses a basic text document that conveys all the relevant information:

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:

In typical fashion, users are presented with a 50% “discount” if they pay within the initial three days of communication and are also provided with a free trial decryption service. All these manipulative tactics seek to convince the victim that their best choice is cooperation – and soon after possible.

Nevertheless, the security industry and law enforcement adamantly advise against paying attackers. Not only does payment reinforce cybercriminals' illicit activity, but it can never be guaranteed that users will receive a working decryptor or any at all, as there is no way to trust hackers.

Remove the Poqw virus carefully

Ransomware alters the Windows operating system in several ways before starting the encryption process. Some examples of these changes include: deleting Shadow Volume Copies to prevent file recovery, altering the Windows Registry for persistence, dropping malicious files into various folders, blocking access to cybersecurity websites by modifying the “hosts” file and installing data-stealing modules to collect sensitive information such as passwords, bitcoin wallets, and credentials.

Therefore, it is important to take the correct Poqw ransomware removal steps and don't mix up the order. Otherwise, the chances of recovering data without paying may be decreased significantly.

As a first step, you should make sure that your system is disconnected from any network and the internet. You can do that simply by disconnecting your ethernet cable/removing the WiFi connection. Once that is done, you can then proceed with the virus elimination steps.

It goes without saying that you can't remove the virus manually, so you will need some help from security software such as SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes. Note that ransomware may interfere with the operation of these programs, so you should access Safe Mode and perform the scan from there instead in such a case:

Windows 7 / Vista / XP

1. Click Start > Shutdown > Restart > OK.
2. When your computer becomes active, start pressing the 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 the 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 the 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.

Delete the “hosts” file

As mentioned, Poqw ransomware may alter your “hosts” file in a way that would prevent you from visiting certain websites related to security. In order to stop this, you have to delete the file – it will be later recreated by Windows, and restrictions to access certain websites will be lifted. Go to the following location (note: make sure Hidden files are visible):

C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\

There, find the file titled “hosts” and delete it by pressing Shift + Del on your keyboard.

Fix your system after a malware infection

• Download FortectIntego
• 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.

Recover .Poqw files

A common misconception is that security software can instantly resolve any issues with encrypted files stored on a device. Unfortunately, this isn't the case – anti-malware basically aims to eliminate infected files from your computer and prevent similar infections in the future. It's unrealistic for such programs to recover ransomware-encrypted data since it necessitates an entirely different method of action.

Once ransomware is deployed, it encrypts portions of data in each file, generating a unique ID and an encryption/decryption key pair. These details are supplied to the hackers who initiated the attack. Knowing this info will allow them to provide access to users' files by matching a decrytpion key with its corresponding ID. With cybercriminals, there are no freebies in most cases, so you will be asked to pay a fee for this “service.”

As mentioned, you should not engage with the attackers, as they can't be trusted. Instead, we recommend trying alternative file recovery methods, which include trying Emisoft decryptor, using specialized data-recovery software, or waiting till additional recovery tools become available. Please find all the details below.