The intentions of the ransomware operators are clear – they want the victim to pay a ransom for POUU file decryption tool. The malware has done its job and taken all files on the system hostage, so now they want to extort the victim financially – and this is explained in the ransom note dropped in several data folders.

Contents of the ransom note

The ransom note (_readme.txt) explains that cybercriminals expect the victim to purchase a decryption tool from them for a specified price. The message states that the victim should write to the attackers using given email addresses: support@freshmail.top and datarestorehelp@airmail.cc and await for their response. The note also recommends attaching one encrypted file and also victim’s personal ID that’s included in the ransom note so that the criminals could decrypt the file as a test decryption service. They hope that sending a decrypted file version for the victim will convince one to pay the ransom. The ransom amount also isn’t fixed: as the note explains, the criminals typically ask to pay $980 for the decryption tool and key, but victims who contact the criminals within 3 days following a ransomware attack can get a 50% discount. This sets the ransom amount to $490. The criminals will ask to pay the ransom to their virtual wallet address using cryptocurrency, which means that regular bank transfers won’t be accepted. The use of cryptocurrency guarantees some level of anonymity for cybercriminals, which prevents law enforcement agencies from tracking them down. It is not recommended to pay a ransom. As advised by cybersecurity experts worldwide, FBI, NCSC and other organizations, paying the ransom increases the chances that you will be targeted in future attacks, plus, it motivates the criminals to continue what they’re doing. Most importantly, paying the ransom doesn’t guarantee data recovery. If you have been affected by this ransomware, we strongly recommend scanning your computer with a reputable AV solution to remove POUU ransomware virus. Read the instructions given below this article to understand how to prepare your computer for malware removal. If you haven’t chosen a AV solution yet, consider using INTEGO Antivirus (read its review here). It is a robust security software that helps to protect your computer in real-time, not to mention its pack of useful features. We also recommend victims of this ransomware to scan their computers with RESTORO (secure download link). It can be helpful when it comes to repairing virus-damaged Windows OS files.

Ransomware Summary

How ransomware-type threats are distributed?

Ransomware-type computer viruses typically target either companies or home computer users. Those that target home computer users, just like STOP/DJVU ransomware versions do, are mainly strategically placed into websites where computer users can download them on their own, or they are hidden into documents and distributed via malicious email spam. If the target user opens the email attachment, malware like POUU virus can instantly encrypt all files on the system, and drag other threats into the system as well. 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. Cybercriminals also try to bait unsuspecting users with promises to provide paid software versions for free. For this matter, they set up rogue websites offering software crack downloads filled with malware. You can read more about such websites and how to recognize them here. These sites typically provide the download via external link that provides password-protected archive download. The password protection helps to bypass AV detection. Once the victim unzips the archive and opens the setup.exe file in it, the malware attack begins. It is important to only download software from trusted online resources, such as official websites or well-known review websites. You should never try to cut corners trying to install pirated software as it mostly contains dangerous programs instead of the ones you’re hoping to install. Computer infections can be prevented by using a robust antivirus software that has real-time protection feature. Additionally, you should practise safe web browsing habits and avoid suspicious downloads. In addition, be cautious when checking your email and never open the ones that come from untrusted or unknown senders. Finally, do not forget to keep your computer’s operating system and programs installed on it up-to-date at all times.

Remove POUU ransomware virus and restore your files

Those affected by the described malware should not waste any more time and remove POUU ransomware virus along other threats that could be installed alongside it. For this matter, we have prepared detailed instructions that you can follow. You can find them below. It is highly recommended to choose automatic POUU virus removal method, and you will need a trustworthy AV for this task. Our team trusts and recommends INTEGO Antivirus. In addition, we recommend that you download RESTORO to scan your computer for Windows OS files that can be repaired after the ransomware attack. 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 POUU 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 POUU 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 POUU files

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

Meanings of decryptor’s messages

The POUU 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 POUU 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 POUU 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.