Pottieq ransomware: what it is and how to remove it
Pottieq is the variant of the cryptovirus that has been using the same email server since 2017. Like many researchers who analyzed this cyber threat say, this ransomware has various similarities to other ransomware like Aurora, Dharma, CrySiS.
Facts checked October 6, 2026. Removal steps tested on Windows 11 (26H2) and checked against Microsoft's and the browser makers' current documentation. Sections marked as our earlier report are the original text: they describe the threat as it was then and have not been reviewed since. The 2026 status, the removal steps and the questions are current.
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Pottieq ransomware: summary
| Distribution | Spam email attachments |
|---|---|
| Name | Pottieq ransomware |
| Type | Crypto-virus |
| Executables | SkyTel.exe |
| Encryption method | AES-256 |
| Related | BandarChor ransomware |
| Removal | Scan the PC with security software to find and remove the malware and anything installed with it. Fortect scans Windows for malware and repairs the system files and settings it damaged. Remove it nowTo use the full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Fortect. The scan is free. |
Show 14 more facts
| File extension | .id-%ID%-[shivamana@seznam.cz].pip |
|---|---|
| Contact email | shivamana@seznam.cz; |
| Alternative email | WillardBrooks6499@gmail.com |
| Detection names | No Microsoft detection name is known |
| Ransom note | Not recorded in our earlier report |
| Encrypted file extension | .pip |
| Decryptor | No free decryptor is known for this variant; check No More Ransom (nomoreransom.org) for updates |
| Damage | Not recorded in the old report |
| Symptoms | Files renamed with a new extension |
| Evidence | 5 write-ups by security sites; details still limited |
| Encrypted files | .pip |
| Free decryptor | No free decryptor is known (checked 6 October 2026) |
| First seen | 11 September 2018 |
| Facts checked | 6 October 2026 |
- File extension:
.pip
From our report of Sep 2018 · not reviewed since
More from our earlier report on Pottieq ransomware
- Use for the Pottieq ransomware removal
- Your computer has been attacked by a virus-encoder!
- All your files are now encrypted using cryptographically strong algorithm.
- Without the original key recovery is impossible.
- To get the decoder and the original key, you need to email us at shivamana@seznam.cz Our assistance is not free, so expect to pay a reasonable price for our decrypting services.
- No exceptions will be made.
- In the subject line of your email include the id number, which can be found in the file name of all encrypted files.
- It is in your interest to respond as soon as possible to ensure the restoration of your files.
- only in case you do not receive a response from the first email address within 48 hours, please use this alternative email: WillardBrooks6499@gmail.com
- For example, Avast indicates this virus as Win32:Malware-gen, Avira shows is as TR/Kryptik.ytenf, Malwarebytes names this threat as Ransom.Aura.
How Pottieq ransomware behaves
From our report of Sep 2018 · not reviewed since
Pottieq ransomware is a file-encrypting virus that demands its victims to use shivamana@seznam.cz email address to contact its owners
Pottieq is the variant of the cryptovirus that has been using the same email server since 2017.
Like many researchers who analyzed this cyber threat say, this ransomware has various similarities to other ransomware like Aurora, Dharma, CrySiS. The .id-%ID%-[shivamana@seznam.cz].pip file extension pattern, which is used by Pottieq ransomware, looks identical to a variety of other file-locking extensions. However, based on the ransom note content, the contact email, and other details, this crypto-virus should be linked with BandarChor ransomware.
This particular virus demands a ransom in a note displayed on the black window. There is no information on how big the ransom is but, based on typical ransomware activity, this ranges from 1 to 10 BTC. People behind the attack are using AES-256 encryption method to lock files in various formats.
The developers of Pottieq virus are claiming that they are the only ones who can restore files encrypted by the virus. However, you shouldn't pay the ransom or contact these cybercriminals in any way as hackers responsible for this attack cannot be trusted. There is an opportunity that they will ignore you right after your payment is transferred to their crypto wallet.
Data encryption process starts when a virus infiltrates the system. It uses an army-grade encryption algorithm to lock photos, videos, music files or documents. Once this procedure is finished, the virus adds a file extension in a .id-%ID%-[shivamana@seznam.cz].pip pattern.
This appendix shows which files are locked. In every folder, containing the encrypted data, Pottieq ransomware also places a ransom note that includes the following:
Pottieq ransomware is a silent cyber infection that can come from infected emails or illegal websites. According to VirusTotal , one of the executable files is SkyTel.exe. Once it gets into the system, the virus can alter the Windows Registry, so that it could launch the malevolent processes once you reboot your infected device.
You should remove Pottieq ransomware with anti-malware tools like because, as the file analysis shows, various anti-malware programs can detect this threat and remove it successfully.
Pottieq ransomware removal should be a quick process if you use a reputable anti-malware program. A full system scan is required because this threat has various alliances planted on the system and you cannot find them all. However, if some of these related files or malware remains on the system ransomware can still encrypt your data.
Researchers advise you to focus on virus termination and worry about data recovery only after the ransomware is gone. Unfortunately, the decryption tool is not developed yet, so there is no possibility to decrypt your locked data. However, there are a few suggestions on data recovery tools down below. Try to use these tips if you have no backup files on and an external device.
From our report of Sep 2018 · not reviewed since
Hackers use various exploit kits to spread their malware
Ransomware creators employ various malware to spread the malicious payload of this threat.
The silent infection means that the main intrusion is happening without your consent and knowledge. The primary method for spreading ransomware payload is spam email attachments with infected files. Malspam campaigns are used to infect average users and to spread huge ransomware attacks on corporations and companies.
Emails containing the malicious file can look safe and legitimate because malicious actors often hide their products behind a well-known service name, they misuse various company or product name. However, you can look for typos or grammar mistakes on the main content of this email, that indicates about the suspiciousness of the message.
You can also try to contact the sender back, and if that is impossible, it is a red flag. Delete these emails without opening or downloading. If you are not expecting an email remember to be aware of the possible threats in these commercial content-filled emails, come to your box.
How to remove Pottieq ransomware
Tools you'll need
All of these are free except where noted. Download them on a clean device if the infected PC is offline.
- A USB stick: to keep the ransom note, two or three encrypted files and screenshots off the infected PC.
- Microsoft Defender Offline: built into Windows 11 and Windows 10; scans before Windows starts, so running malware cannot hide.
- Microsoft Safety Scanner: a second, portable scanner with current signatures; each download works for 10 days.
- ID Ransomware: identifies the family from the note and one encrypted file and says whether a decryptor exists.
- No More Ransom: the free decryptors from police and security companies; check it again every few months.
- Fortect (optional): scans Windows for malware and repairs the system files and settings it damaged. The free scan is in the box above.
How to remove Pottieq ransomware and get your files back
Work in this order.
Disconnecting comes first, removal comes before any restore, and nothing here asks you to contact the attackers.
Step 1: Disconnect the PC and unplug backup drives
Unplug the network cable or turn off Wi-Fi, and disconnect USB drives, external disks and network shares, so Pottieq ransomware cannot reach more files. Pause OneDrive, Google Drive or Dropbox sync, because synced folders upload the encrypted copies over the good ones.
Leave the PC on but offline while you read the next steps, since a restart can let the ransomware run again. This applies to Windows 11 and Windows 10 alike.
Windows 11: turn off Wi-Fi to take the PC offline. Full procedure with screenshots: Ransomware: first steps, finding a decryptor and recovering files
Step 2: Save the ransom note and identify the family
The name of the family decides whether a free decryptor can help. Copy the ransom note and two small encrypted files to a USB stick, and check them on another device with ID Ransomware or Crypto Sheriff.
Note the extension added to the files, the contact address and the victim ID shown in the note. Keep the originals on the Windows 11 or Windows 10 PC untouched.
Windows 11: the ransom note and encrypted files to copy for identification. Full procedure with screenshots: Ransomware: first steps, finding a decryptor and recovering files
Step 3: Check for a free decryptor
Our last check found that for Pottieq ransomware, no free decryptor is known (checked 6 October 2026). Look again yourself in the No More Ransom list and the free decryptor pages of Emsisoft, Avast and Kaspersky, which add new families every year.
A decryptor needs the ransomware gone first, or it encrypts the files again. Keep at least one copy of the encrypted files on an external drive, even if no tool works yet.
Full procedure with screenshots: Ransomware: first steps, finding a decryptor and recovering files
Step 4: Remove the ransomware before you restore or decrypt
Removing Pottieq ransomware does not bring the files back, but it has to come first. Start with Defender's Full scan, then the offline scan from the same Scan options page, which checks the disk before Windows loads.
If the scan cannot start, use Safe Mode with Networking. Delete the ransom notes only after you have saved a copy, because removal tools sometimes leave them behind on Windows 11 and Windows 10.
Windows 11: Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Scan options. Full procedure with screenshots: Run a Microsoft Defender Offline scan
Step 5: Look for shadow copies of the files
Windows keeps shadow copies for restore points and backups, and some ransomware fails to delete them.
vssadmin list shadowsin an administrator Command Prompt tells you at once whether any exist.If they do, right-click the folder that held your files, open Properties > Previous Versions, select a version from before the attack, and click Open to check it before you Restore or copy the files out. Windows 11 and Windows 10 both have the tab.
Windows 11: vssadmin list shadows shows whether shadow copies exist. Full procedure with screenshots: Ransomware: first steps, finding a decryptor and recovering files
Step 6: Restore the files from a backup or recover deleted originals
A backup made before the attack is the surest way back. Connect it only once the PC is clean, then restore from File History, Windows Backup, OneDrive's Restore your OneDrive or your own external copies.
Without a backup, try file recovery: the originals that Pottieq ransomware deleted may still be on the disk until something overwrites them. Install nothing new on the drive you want to recover from on the Windows 11 or Windows 10 PC.
Full procedure with screenshots: Recover deleted files (Recycle Bin, backups, OneDrive) On uGetFix
Instructions for each browser and system
The detailed steps for every browser and system this guide covers. Open the one you use.
Manual removal using Safe Mode
Important! →
Manual removal guide might be too complicated for regular computer users. It requires advanced IT knowledge to be performed correctly (if vital system files are removed or damaged, it might result in full Windows compromise), and it also might take hours to complete. Therefore, we highly advise using the automatic method provided above instead.
Step 1. Access Safe Mode with Networking
Manual malware removal should be best performed in the Safe Mode environment.
Windows 7 / Vista / XP
- Click Start > Shutdown > Restart > OK.
- 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.
- Select Safe Mode with Networking from the list.
Windows 10 / Windows 8
- Right-click on Start button and select Settings.
- Scroll down to pick Update & Security.
- On the left side of the window, pick Recovery.
- Now scroll down to find Advanced Startup section.
- Click Restart now.
- Select Troubleshoot.
- Go to Advanced options.
- Select Startup Settings.
- Press Restart.
- Now press 5 or click 5) Enable Safe Mode with Networking.
Step 2. Shut down suspicious processes
Windows Task Manager is a useful tool that shows all the processes running in the background. If malware is running a process, you need to shut it down:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
- Click on More details.
- Scroll down to Background processes section, and look for anything suspicious.
- Right-click and select Open file location.
- Go back to the process, right-click and pick End Task.
- Delete the contents of the malicious folder.
Step 3. Check program Startup
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
- Go to Startup tab.
- Right-click on the suspicious program and pick Disable.
Step 4. Delete virus files
Malware-related files can be found in various places within your computer. Here are instructions that could help you find them:
- Type in Disk Cleanup in Windows search and press Enter.
- Select the drive you want to clean (C: is your main drive by default and is likely to be the one that has malicious files in).
- Scroll through the Files to delete list and select the following:
Temporary Internet Files
Downloads
Recycle Bin
Temporary files - Pick Clean up system files.
- You can also look for other malicious files hidden in the following folders (type these entries in Windows Search and press Enter):
%AppData%
%LocalAppData%
%ProgramData%
%WinDir%
After you are finished, reboot the PC in normal mode.
From our report of Sep 2018 · not reviewed since
Perform Pottieq ransomware elimination with professional tools
To remove Pottieq ransomware, you should use a reputable anti-malware tool like , or .
These are trustworthy and can detect various ransomware related files or malware that spreads this malicious script. Anti-malware programs perform a full system scan on your device and detect threats, system vulnerabilities or other possible issues. This tool also removes cyber infections from your PC and cleans the system thoroughly.
Using anti-malware for Pottieq ransomware removal is a great solution for the whole system since the full system scan cleans every little threat and vulnerability. Also, when your device is clear from ransomware and other infections you can safely replace your locked files with new and safe ones from a backup.
Remember that ransomware can encrypt and newly placed files if the threat is still on the computer. Use your tips on ransomware termination and data recovery, provided below.
[GI=method-1]First thing you can do when dealing with Pottieq ransomware is rebooting your device in Safe Mode with networking to disable the malware and launch a scan:
[GI=method-2]System Restore feature can be yet another alternative in virus elimination:
Windows Previous Versions feature should be helpful in file recovery
If System Restore feature was enabled before the attack, you could try to recover your data using Windows Previous versions feature
If Pottieq ransomware encrypted your files, try ShadowExplorer
However, this method can only work if ransomware left Shadow Volume Copies untouched
Decryption tool is not available
Report it and recover your files
Report it
Report the attack even if you do not expect the files back: insurers and banks ask for the report number, and police use the contacts in the note to link cases.
- United States
- FBI IC3 · FTC ReportFraud
- United Kingdom
- Report Fraud (formerly Action Fraud) · NCSC
- Australia
- ReportCyber (ASD)
- EU countries
- Europol: national reporting sites
Give the victim ID, the note and the date the files were encrypted. A business that holds personal data may also have to notify its data protection authority, in the EU within 72 hours.
Backups: the 3-2-1 rule
Keep three copies of files that matter, on two kinds of storage, with one copy offline or off-site.
A disk that stays plugged in is reached by malware like Pottieq ransomware together with the PC; one you connect only for the backup is not.
On Windows 11, File History keeps versions on an external drive, and OneDrive keeps earlier versions of synced files. Before restoring anything, make sure the PC no longer shows files that end in .pip and no longer open.
Setting it up step by step: 3-2-1 backups on Windows 11 and 10.
Do not let government spy on you
The government has many issues in regards to tracking users' data and spying on citizens, so you should take this into consideration and learn more about shady information gathering practices.
Avoid any unwanted government tracking or spying by going totally anonymous on the internet.
You can choose a different location when you go online and access any material you want without particular content restrictions. You can easily enjoy internet connection without any risks of being hacked by using VPN.
Control the information that can be accessed by government any other unwanted party and surf online without being spied on. Even if you are not involved in illegal activities or trust your selection of services, platforms, be suspicious for your own security and take precautionary measures by using the VPN service.
Backup files for the later use, in case of the malware attack
Computer users can suffer from data losses due to cyber infections or their own faulty doings.
Ransomware can encrypt and hold files hostage, while unforeseen power cuts might cause a loss of important documents. If you have proper up-to-date backups, you can easily recover after such an incident and get back to work. It is also equally important to update backups on a regular basis so that the newest information remains intact - you can set this process to be performed automatically.
When you have the previous version of every important document or project you can avoid frustration and breakdowns. It comes in handy when malware strikes out of nowhere. Use for the data restoration process.
Questions about Pottieq ransomware
How do I open .pip files?
You cannot open them by renaming or with another program, because the content of files ending in .pip has been encrypted. The only ways back are a working decryptor for the family, or clean copies from elsewhere:
- OneDrive versions
- File History
- an offline backup drive
- Previous Versions if the ransomware did not delete them
Identify the family first by uploading the ransom note and one encrypted file to ID Ransomware or No More Ransom. Avoid websites and programs that promise to open any encrypted file; they do not work and some are scams.
Is there a free Pottieq ransomware decryptor?
We last checked on 6 October 2026, and for Pottieq ransomware no free decryptor is known. We check No More Ransom, which collects free tools from police and security companies, and the decryptor pages of the major antivirus vendors. A working decryptor exists only when the encryption has a flaw or the keys were leaked or seized.
Ignore sites and videos that offer a "Pottieq ransomware decryptor" for download or for a fee: these are usually scams or malware. Real decryptors are free and come from known security companies or law enforcement. Keep the encrypted files in case a tool appears later.
Are ransomware recovery services legitimate?
Some are, but read the offer carefully. Genuine data-recovery firms recover deleted originals from disks or rebuild damaged files, and they say so. Others promise to "decrypt any ransomware" for a fixed price, which is impossible without the key; they quietly pay the attackers and keep a margin, sometimes without telling the victim.
Be especially careful with services that contact you after you post about the attack online. Ask for references, a written method and a no-result-no-fee clause, and check the free tools on No More Ransom first.
Did Pottieq ransomware steal my files or passwords?
We do not know yet. Nothing published so far shows data theft by Pottieq ransomware, but the only confirmed sign is files that end in .pip and no longer open, which says nothing about what happened before. Many current ransomware attacks copy files or run a password stealer first, so it is wise to act as if they did.
From a clean device, change the passwords that were saved in the browsers on this PC, starting with e-mail and banking, sign out of all sessions and turn on two-step verification. Watch bank statements and account activity for the next few weeks.
Should I pay the ransom?
We advise against it, and so do the FBI, Europol and national cyber agencies. Payment does not guarantee a working tool: some attackers never reply, some tools damage files, and some variants have no decryptor at all. Paying also funds further attacks and can make you a target again.
Before considering payment, try every recovery option in this guide and report the attack. Companies must involve their legal adviser and insurer, because payments to sanctioned groups can be illegal. If files are truly irreplaceable, store the encrypted copies and wait; decryptors sometimes appear later.
How did Pottieq ransomware get on my computer?
The way Pottieq ransomware spreads has not been documented yet, so look at your own recent activity. On home PCs, ransomware most often comes with cracked programs, game cheats, key generators and fake updates, or with an e-mail attachment that was opened. On business networks, attackers usually log in through Remote Desktop with a stolen or guessed password.
Think back to what was downloaded or installed in the days before files that end in .pip and no longer open, and check the Downloads folder and Installed apps sorted by date. Keep anything suspicious for your report, but do not run it again.
Is Pottieq ransomware the same as other ransomware with a similar name?
Not necessarily. Ransomware names come from the file extension, the note or a word in the code, so unrelated families often end up with similar names, and one family can appear under several names. The difference matters: a decryptor or advice for one family does not fit another and can damage files.
Compare the ending added to your files and the exact name of the note with the summary table at the top of this guide, then upload the note and one encrypted file to ID Ransomware from a clean device. If the result names another family, follow the guide for that family instead.
Should I reinstall Windows after the .pip attack?
Reinstalling removes the ransomware but not the encryption: your files ending in .pip stay encrypted afterwards. So first copy the encrypted files and the ransom note to a separate drive, in case a decryptor appears later. Then decide:
- a clean-up with an offline scan is often enough for home PCs
- while a full reset is safer if remote access was involved
- scans keep finding new items
Restore your backups only after the PC is clean, and change passwords from another device.
Will removing Pottieq ransomware unlock my .pip files?
No. Removing Pottieq ransomware stops it from encrypting more files and from starting again, but it does not decrypt the files that already end in .pip. The scanner does not have the attackers' key.
Files come back only from a backup, from copies the ransomware did not reach, such as OneDrive version history, Previous Versions, e-mail attachments or a phone, or with a working decryptor if one exists.
Remove the ransomware first anyway: if you restore files while it is still active, it can encrypt them again. Keep the encrypted files; a decryptor may be published later.
Will Fortect remove Pottieq ransomware?
Fortect scans Windows for malware and unwanted programs and repairs the system files and settings they change, and its free scan shows what it finds on your PC before you decide anything.
For Pottieq ransomware, follow the plan above as well: the browser steps take back permissions and settings that no scanner treats as a threat, and uninstalling the program that brought it removes the source.
Run Microsoft Defender's full scan and, if anything was found, its offline scan as a second opinion. If the symptoms are gone after the plan and both scans are clean, there is nothing more to do.
Sources
- VirusTotal: SkyTel.exe analysis (read October 6, 2026)
- VirusTotal: Ransomware analysis (read October 6, 2026)
- CISA: StopRansomware (read October 6, 2026)
- No More Ransom (read October 6, 2026)
- FTC: How to recognize, remove and avoid malware (read October 6, 2026)