The note dropped by the virus explains the cybercriminals intentions and the purpose of data encryption procedure. It soon becomes clear that the ransomware locked files in a way that they can no longer be opened by the computer user. At this point, the power is in the criminals’ hands because they possess the decryption key that is required to unlock victim’s data. Therefore, they try to extort the computer user, offering to purchase the decryption key from them for a large amount of money. In other words, they demand paying a ransom in exchange for data decryption tool and key.

Cybercriminals provide further terms in the ransom note

It must be mentioned that the ransomware authors leave the ransom note in many computer folders so that it would be easier for the victim to notice them. Each note is identical and holds a message from the malware authors. Apparently, the cybercriminals expect the victim to pay a ransom to them. Furthermore, they explain that sending an email to them within 72 hours grants a 50% discount on the ransom amount, setting the price to $490. In general, the initial ransom amount is considered $980. The only way to contact the attackers is via email, and the note contains two email addresses: support@fishmail.top and datarestorehelp@airmail.cc. The criminals also advise attaching one sample of encrypted file (one that doesn’t contain valuable information) and the personal ID that’s provided at the very end of the ransom note. The crooks promise to decrypt one .powz file for free to prove that they can actually restore user’s files back to their original state. However, cybersecurity experts advise against doing so. There are many reasons why computer users should refrain themselves from paying a ransom to cybercriminals. We suggest reading some recommendations by FBI or NSCS for further guidance.

Prevent further damage by securing your computer

Another worrisome fact that isn’t mentioned in the ransom note is that this ransomware often arrives in tandem with AZORULT or VIDAR Trojans. These are some of well-known and widespread information-stealers today; they can be used by the cybercriminals to steal browser-saved passwords, offline cryptocurrency wallets, browsing history, cookies, and perform other illegal actions on user’s computer. 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. Victims affected by described malware are advised to remove POWZ ransomware virus and related threats with caution. The best way to remove malware is using a trusted antivirus solution, such as INTEGO Antivirus. However, it is recommended to boot the computer into Safe Mode with Networking first as this disables unnecessary computer processes, including those launched by the malware itself. Afterwards, you may consider scanning your PC with RESTORO (secure download link) to identify and repair virus damage to Windows OS files.

Ransomware Summary

REPAIR VIRUS DAMAGE

Ransomware distribution methods and how to avoid malware attacks

Ransomware typically targets either home computer users or enterprises; STOP/DJVU ransomware variants including POWZ virus are designed to target home computer users, therefore the distribution strategies are slightly different from those used when attacking large companies or government organizations. The cybercriminals typically put the malicious downloads online into websites that lure users with bad habits; particularly those that look for ways to access copyright-protected content for free. Most of the time, the attackers try to bait computer users with websites that claim to provide pirated versions of popular software for free. Users who stumble upon these websites while looking for cracked versions of Adobe Photoshop, AutoCAD, Wondershare Filmora, Tenorshare 4ukey or other software risk infecting their computers with file-encrypting malware. The websites usually contain fake posts containing generated articles and buttons that allow accessing the download either via direct link or as a torrent file. Whichever option the victim chooses, one will receive a password-protected archive file that contains a deceptive setup.exe file. One run, this file launches a set of malware on the computer. It is extremely important to understand that the only way to access premium software is to pay for their license – the developers work hard to create useful and secure software that many users could enjoy using. Attempts to cut corners and avoid paying for the license is nothing else but acts of copyright infringement, plus, such activity puts your files and personal information at risk. That said, you should only visit official websites or partner websites to get software deals and secure download links. Another common way used by criminals to send malware to potential targets is via email spam. The perpetrators send unsolicited bulk emails to many users at once, mostly using leaked email address lists. Such emails are often designed to look like they were sent by a well-known company or a governmental organization and involves an urgent warning to take action quickly. For example, the message might suggest that a specific sum of money was charged from user’s bank account, or that the email password will expire soon; others claim there is an invoice that needs to be reviewed, etc. Such deceptive emails either include a link or an email attachment, and if the user opens it, the malware can immediately compromise the computer system. Therefore, it is important to stay cautious and avoid opening emails that seem suspicious and arrive unexpectedly. Even if you’re curious, stay on the safe side and delete such messages without a hesitation.

Remove POWZ Ransomware Virus and Restore Encrypted Data

In order to eliminate malware from your computer, you should prepare it for this procedure first. This is easy and can be done using the instructions provided below. The instructions explain how to boot your PC in Safe Mode with Networking so that you could remove POWZ ransomware virus and other malware remains automatically. Make sure you use an up-to-date antivirus for this task. Our team’s choice is INTEGO Antivirus that has been rated as excellent choice by independent AV test labs. Additionally, our suggestion is to download RESTORO to repair virus damage on files of Windows OS system. Once POWZ virus removal is completed, consider changing all of the passwords used or saved on the compromised computer. 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 POWZ 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 POWZ 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 POWZ files

Fix and open large POWZ 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. POWZ 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 POWZ files, follow the given tutorial.

Meanings of decryptor’s messages

The POWZ 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 POWZ 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 POWZ 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.