What happens next is the release of ransom notes known as _readme.txt. It informs the victim about what has happened and also suggests that two emails, namely; support@freshmail.top or datarestorehelp@airmail.cc can be used to contact them for possible solutions. Furthermore, the malicious file used to infect victim’s computer might additionally drop more malware. Samples analyzed during our research often contained Vidar, Azorult and RedLine stealers. These threats are often used to steal sensitive information from victim’s computer. The cybercriminals behind POQW virus have one primary agenda i.e., how to infect a vast number of computers so they could have a chance of obtaining ransom money from their victims. Because of this existential threat, it has become necessary for every computer out there to be effectively protected. In this article, we will overview the ransom note, data decryption possibilities, ransomware distribution methods and provide a guide on how to remove this ransomware from your computer.

Ransom note contents

The ransom note asks for victim’s attention. Then it briefly explains what types of data were encrypted, and suggests that there is no way to restore these files unless the victim purchases POQW file decryption tool and private key from ransomware operators. The note commands the victim to write an email to cybercriminals via one of provided email addresses. The note also provides comments on the ransom amount. According to the crooks, it depends on how quickly the computer user contacts them. The note suggests that the initial ransom amount is $980, but they promise to slash it by 50%, thereby bringing it down to $490, in case the victim contacts them within 72 hours. If, for any reason, the victim hesitates contacting them and paying the ransom within that stipulated time, the offer becomes null and void. Only the maximum ransom fee now becomes acceptable henceforth. Since cybercriminals are aware that what they’re doing is a criminal offense, they don’t accept any form of payment that could possibly reveal their real identity. That’s why they only accept payments made with the use of cryptocurrency (Bitcoin). They will direct the victim to purchase crypto worth the ransom fee and transfer it to a wallet address they provide. Additionally, the note attempts to convince the victim to pay the ransom without hesitating too much by offering a test decryption service. In order to use it, the victim is invited to send one encrypted file, one that doesn’t contain valuable information, to criminals. They promise to decrypt it and send it back as a proof that the criminals in fact have the means to restore the rest of encrypted data.

It is important to note that trying to purchase decryption tools from ransomware operators might result differently than the victim expects. Often times, it is a ruse when cybercriminals promise to provide available decryption tools to victims. Sometimes, cybercriminals stop responding to the victim as soon as they get the ransom payment. However, even if the criminals are determined to complete the deal and provide functional data decryption tools, paying the ransom is a wrongful choice due to these reasons:

It is generally considered unlawful to pay a ransom. It promotes cyber-criminality. Victims that pay a ransom are further targeted again in the future. Ransom funds enable cybercriminals to enhance their illegal activities. Cybercriminals will be forced to stop their criminal acts if every victim refuses to pay a ransom.

The FBI and other reputable global security organizations also share similar views on this. Therefore, we strongly recommend that you refuse to pay the ransom and instead take action to remove POQW ransomware virus and additional malware from your computer. Our team has prepared an easy-to-follow removal guide below this article for you to use. If you haven’t decided on what antivirus to use, you might want to try INTEGO Antivirus, which is a robust AV with a lot of useful features. In addition, we usually recommend downloading RESTORO (secure download link), a tool that is designed to repair virus-damaged Windows OS files.

Ransomware Summary

How cybercriminals distribute ransomware

Cybercriminals have devised various deceptive means of spreading ransomware-type viruses. However, there are a couple of particular methods have become prevalent and will be discussed here to enable computer users to beat them to their game. Award-winning antivirus solution for your PC. Robust security software that provides robust 24/7 real-time protection, Web Shield that stops online threats/malicious downloads, and Prevention engine that wards off Zero-Day threats. Keep your PC safe and protected against ransomware, Trojans, viruses, spyware and other forms of dangerous programs. The primary distribution method associated with STOP/DJVU ransomware variants, including POQW virus is deceptive online downloads. Most frequently spotted way of spreading this malware is crack websites offering pirated versions for popular and paid software, such as Adobe Photoshop, Tenorshare 4ukey, Wondershare Filmora and others. Cybercriminals have developed a network of rogue websites offering downloads that lead to malware infection. Computer users usually visit them after searching for a specific software crack or keygen. The malicious installers are provided either via direct download links or torrent files, but the final setup.exe file is hidden in a password-protected archive to avoid AV detection. If the victim enters the provided password and runs this malicious executable, a whole set of malware will be downloaded and launched on the computer. Therefore, computer users should avoid shady sites and only download software from official and reputable resources without skipping the license key payment. Computer users should also keep their computer operating system and installed software up-to-date by installing updates as soon as they are released. This helps to patch vulnerabilities that cybercriminals often try to exploit. Of course, a robust antivirus with a real-time protection feature should be enabled at all times as well.

Remove POQW ransomware virus and recover your data

Computer users are advised to remove POQW ransomware virus once its presence is discovered. You can easily get rid of it by using a genuine antivirus software. For this purpose, we recommend using INTEGO Antivirus because of its proven effectiveness. Follow the instructions provided below this article to understand what steps you need to take in order to delete malicious components effectively. In addition, we strongly advise using tools for virus-damaged data repair. For example, you can download RESTORO, which can repair Windows OS components affected by the ransomware and help you to avoid reinstalling Windows, if you’ve planned on doing so following the malware attack. Other steps you should take include:

Make sure you have strong antivirus installed and regular scans are scheduled. Replace all passwords earlier used in the compromised computer. Replace encrypted files using available backup. Get in touch with relevant local authorities if need be.

OUR GEEKS RECOMMEND Our team recommends a two-step rescue plan to remove ransomware and other remaining malware from your computer, plus repair caused virus damage to the system: GeeksAdvice.com editors select recommended products based on their effectiveness. We may earn a commission from affiliate links, at no additional cost to you. Learn more. Get INTEGO ANTIVIRUS for Windows to remove ransomware, Trojans, adware and other spyware and malware variants and protect your PC and network drives 24/7. This VB100-certified security software uses state-of-art technology to provide protection against ransomware, Zero-Day attacks and advanced threats, Intego Web Shield blocks dangerous websites, phishing attacks, malicious downloads and installation of potentially unwanted programs. Use INTEGO Antivirus to remove detected threats from your computer. Read full review here. RESTORO provides a free scan that helps to identify hardware, security and stability issues and presents a comprehensive report which can help you to locate and fix detected issues manually. It is a great PC repair software to use after you remove malware with professional antivirus. The full version of software will fix detected issues and repair virus damage caused to your Windows OS files automatically. RESTORO uses AVIRA scanning engine to detect existing spyware and malware. If any are found, the software will eliminate them. Read full review here.

Method 1. Enter Safe Mode with Networking

Before you try to remove POQW Ransomware Virus virus, you must start your computer in Safe Mode with Networking. Below, we provide the easiest ways to boot PC in the said mode, but you can find additional ones in this in-depth tutorial on our website – How to Start Windows in Safe Mode. Also, if you prefer a video version of the tutorial, check our guide How to Start Windows in Safe Mode on Youtube. Instructions for Windows XP/Vista/7 users Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10/11 users Now, you can search for and remove POQW Ransomware Virus files. It is very hard to identify files and registry keys that belong to the ransomware virus, Besides, malware creators tend to rename and change them repeatedly. Therefore, the easiest way to uninstall such type of a computer virus is to use a reliable security program such as INTEGO Antivirus. For virus damage repair, consider using RESTORO.

Method 2. Use System Restore

In order to use System Restore, you must have a system restore point, created either manually or automatically. Instructions for Windows XP/Vista/7 users Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10/11 users After restoring the system, we recommend scanning the system with antivirus or anti-malware software. In most cases, there won’t be any malware remains, but it never hurts to double-check. In addition, we highly recommend checking ransomware prevention guidelines provided by our experts in order to protect your PC against similar viruses in the future.

Alternative software recommendations

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Removing spyware and malware is one step towards cybersecurity. To protect yourself against ever-evolving threats, we strongly recommend purchasing a Premium version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware, which provides security based on artificial intelligence and machine learning. Includes ransomware protection. See pricing options and protect yourself now.

System Mechanic Ultimate Defense If you’re looking for an all-in-one system maintenance suite that has 7 core components providing powerful real-time protection, on-demand malware removal, system optimization, data recovery, password manager, online privacy protection and secure driver wiping technology. Therefore, due to its wide-range of capabilities, System Mechanic Ultimate Defense deserves Geek’s Advice approval. Get it now for 50% off. You may also be interested in its full review.

Disclaimer. This site includes affiliate links. We may earn a small commission by recommending certain products, at no additional cost for you. We only choose quality software and services to recommend.

Decrypt POQW files

Fix and open large POQW files easily:

It is reported that STOP/DJVU ransomware versions encrypt only the beginning 150 KB of each file to ensure that the virus manages to affect all files on the system. In some cases, the malicious program might skip some files at all. That said, we recommend testing this method on several big (>1GB) files first.

STOP/DJVU decryption tool usage guide

STOP/DJVU ransomware versions are grouped into old and new variants. POQW Ransomware Virus is considered the new STOP/DJVU variant, just like BPTO, ISWR, ISZA, BPSM, ZOUU, MBTF, ZNSM (find full list here). This means full data decryption is now possible only if you have been affected by offline encryption key. To decrypt your files, you will have to download Emsisoft Decryptor for STOP DJVU, a tool created and maintained by a genius security researcher Michael Gillespie. Note! Please do not spam the security researcher with questions whether he can recover your files encrypted with online key - it is not possible. In order to test the tool and see if it can decrypt POQW files, follow the given tutorial.

Meanings of decryptor’s messages

The POQW decryption tool might display several different messages after failed attempt to restore your files. You might receive one of the following messages: Error: Unable to decrypt file with ID: [example ID] This message typically means that there is no corresponding decryption key in the decryptor’s database. No key for New Variant online ID: [example ID]Notice: this ID appears to be an online ID, decryption is impossible This message informs that your files were encrypted with online key, meaning no one else has the same encryption/decryption key pair, therefore data recovery without paying the criminals is impossible. Result: No key for new variant offline ID: [example ID]This ID appears to be an offline ID. Decryption may be possible in the future. If you were informed that an offline key was used, but files could not be restored, it means that the offline decryption key isn’t available yet. However, receiving this message is extremely good news, meaning that it might be possible to restore your POQW extension files in the future. It can take a few months until the decryption key gets found and uploaded to the decryptor. We recommend you to follow updates regarding the decryptable DJVU versions here. We strongly recommend backing up your encrypted data and waiting.

Victims of POQW Ransomware Virus should report the Internet crime incident to the official government fraud and scam website according to their country:

In the United States, go to the On Guard Online website.In Australia, go to the SCAMwatch website.In Germany, go to the Bundesamt für Sicherheit in der Informationstechnik website.In Ireland, go to the An Garda Síochána website.In New Zealand, go to the Consumer Affairs Scams website.In the United Kingdom, go to the Action Fraud website.In Canada, go to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.In India, go to Indian National Cybercrime Reporting Portal.In France, go to the Agence nationale de la sécurité des systèmes d’information.

If you can’t find an authority corresponding to your location on this list, we recommend using any search engine to look up “[your country name] report cyber crime”. This should lead you to the right authority website. We also recommend staying away from third-party crime report services that are often paid. It costs nothing to report Internet crime to official authorities. Another recommendation is to contact your country’s or region’s federal police or communications authority.