Pozq Virus Ransomware (.pozq File) Removal

What is Pozq ransomware?

The Pozq virus, a type of ransomware within the STOP/Djvu family, specifically targets your finances. This malware encrypts your files using a sophisticated cipher and then demands a ransom (approximately $1000) for decryption. To thwart any alternative decryption methods, the Pozq virus implements various system modifications.

These alterations primarily affect security settings. Initially, the malware disables Microsoft Defender and blocks any third-party security software present. Subsequently, it modifies Group Policies to prevent the execution of antivirus program installation files. The ultimate maneuver involves restricting access to websites offering insights on file decryption and malware eradication. Such changes can impede future PC operations, underscoring the importance of their prompt reversal.

Regarding the distribution of Pozq ransomware, its emergence isn't coincidental; it's often bundled with seemingly innocuous software. "Free" versions of inherently paid applications, crafted by anonymous developers, serve as a common vector. During the modification process, these creators can embed any malicious payload into the program's executable, ranging from spyware and coin miners to ransomware or data stealers. Sidestepping such hazards is advisable, particularly given the legal challenges in holding the culprits accountable.

Encryption process

The Pozq ransomware uses the Salsa20 encryption algorithm. That is not the strongest method, but it still provides an overwhelming amount of possible decryption keys. To brute force the 78-digit number of keys, you need 3.5 unvigintillion years (1*10^65), even if you use the most powerful regular PC. Quantum computers can show a bit better results, but it is still too slow to get your files back while you are alive.

The exact algorithm of encryption is next: malware scans each folder for the files it is able to encrypt. Then, when it finds the target, it makes a copy of your file, removes the original one, encrypts the copy and leaves it instead of the removed original. Such a procedure is done to prevent the situation when you have already opened the file, so ransomware is not able to read it because of the Windows restrictions. To each encrypted copy, the virus adds the specific extension - ".pozq". Then, ransomware creates a _readme.txt file in the folder where the encrypted file is located, and goes to the next folder.

Such an encryption method can be exploited for file recovery. Since the original file is deleted, you may try to recover it using the file recovery tools. The less time is passed - the bigger the chance to get your files back, so hurry up!

Another specific moment that can help you to use the files even after the encryption is the fact that Pozq ransomware encrypts only the first 150KB of each file. Hence, you can try to run a big file, such as video or music, without the encryption. Similar feature also works with other ransomware families - Dharma, Conti and Makop encrypt the same 150KB.

Ransom note: _readme.txt

Ransom note is the same for the whole ransomware family. In fact, it is one of the main signs of to which family the certain ransomware belongs. Here is the typical note for STOP/Djvu family:

External Links:

🔗 HowToFix.Guide: How To Decrypt .pozq Files?

Indicators of Compromise(IOC)

File Name	MD5	File Size
📜 SAMPLE.EXE	228c8eb91f844d89235c7bc80ad57a85	216064
📜 SAMPLE.EXE	1b83ea49f3d408af5e2f2121bb812893	142459
📜 SAMPLE.EXE	e770e396e4332680013dc48dbed7142b	1273856
📜 SAMPLE.EXE	dd8457835f04be9260f12955580f7d72	215552
📜 SAMPLE.EXE	47f913162c41fbbb8d4df6dd8db678b1	215552
📜 SAMPLE.EXE	824ff4f4dee50edcdffa47005b5e94a3	215552
📜 SAMPLE.EXE	628c75f61ea69dddf4701be60aa7ec4a	220672
📜 SAMPLE.EXE	a11fc514c1a5ffa7be8c5009adb01c72	216576
📜 SAMPLE.EXE	e178bd591240bb82c86fd462c2746520	333824
📜 SAMPLE.EXE	7a3c34f502556fbd89465e834c612cdf	333824