PokemonGO now has a ransomware virus counterpart – an executable file with the name PokemonGo.exe and an icon of the Pikachu pokemon. Fans of the latest trend in the gaming world might be tricked to open the file and find their files encrypted. Based on the HiddenTear project, this ransomware will also put the .locked extension to encrypted files as other similar viruses.
Read the full article to see how to remove the ransomware and possibly decrypt your files.
Threat Summary
Name | PokemonGO |
Type | Ransomware |
Short Description | The ransomware encrypts all important files and displays a ransom note, giving out instructions on paying the ransom. |
Symptoms | The ransomware will encrypt files with and put the .locked extension to each file. |
Distribution Method | Spam Emails, File Sharing Networks, .Exe Files |
Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
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Malware Removal Tool
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Data Recovery Tool | Windows Data Recovery by Stellar Phoenix Notice! This product scans your drive sectors to recover lost files and it may not recover 100% of the encrypted files, but only few of them, depending on the situation and whether or not you have reformatted your drive. |
PokemonGO Ransomware – Infection Spread
PokemonGO ransomware spreads with an executable file named PokemonGo.exe as you can see in the picture on the right. It uses an icon of the pokemon Pikachu, which is emblematic for the world of these “pocket monsters”, that the game is about. Thus, the clever wrapper of the ransomware can trick hundreds if not thousands of people into opening it. The .exe file could be found across spam mail distributing electronic letters with malicious attachments, for instance.
File-sharing services and social media networks might also be used, as well as exploit kits in the future. Be careful with your online activity and avoid suspicious mails, websites, links and files.
PokemonGO Ransomware – A Detailed Look
PokemonGO ransomware is based on the HiddenTear project. It is named after the very popular Pokémon GO video game that became a worldwide phenomenon earlier this summer. The ransom note is written in Arabic. Thus, it is possible that mainly Arabic countries are targeted. In the past, the Arab world had banned all Pokemon games but has embraced the latest Pokemon Go craze. Thus, it is understandable that many people might search for it from Arab speaking countries. That does not exclude the possibility of other people to get their PCs compromised.
PokemonGO ransomware will create a user account named “Hack3r” on a compromised computer as you can see below:
The following key in the Windows registry will be created, in accordance with the user profile:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon\SpecialAccounts\UserList “Hack3r” = 0
The following Windows registry key will also be created, which makes the ransomware more persistent and starts it with each loading of the Windows Operating System:
HKCU\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run “PokemonGo”
On top of it all, the PokemonGO ransomware makes an Autorun.inf file, which will automatically start the ransomware upon the connection of any removable drive to the computer. This is what is found inside that file:
[AutoRun]
OPEN=PokemonGo.exe
ICON=PokemonGo.exe
The ransomware was found in the wild by the malware researcher Мichael Gillespie. It is thought that the virus might still be in development or could be tweaked more in the near future, but it looks nasty enough from now.
The PokemonGO ransomware places the .locked file extension on each of the encrypted files. After that process is complete, the file هام جدا.txt is placed on the desktop, containing the ransom instructions. The name of the file is translated as “very important”. The ransomware creates a screensaver with the same text as the ransom message:
The text from that ransom note reads:
(: لقد تم تشفير ملفاتكم, لفك الشفرة فلكسي موبيليس للعنوان التالي me.blackhat20152015@mt2015.com وشكرا على كرمكم مسبقا
It is in Arabic, but a rough English translation of the ransom note will look like the following:
(: Your files have been encrypted, decoding on Falaksa Mobilis following address me.blackhat20152015@mt2015.com and thank you in advance for your generosity.
As you can see from the ransom note, it is written in Arabic. Only an email is left as a contact with the cyber criminals. Possibly the price is negotiable, but you shouldn’t be liable to such extortion. Do not pay the criminals, as this will only motivate them and support their illegal actions. No guarantee exists that you will get your files back.
→.asp, .aspx, .csv, .doc, .docx, .txt, .xls, .xlsx, .xml, .htm, .html, .sln, .sql, .mdb, .mht, .odt, .pdf, .rtf, .php, .pptx, .ppt, .psd, .png, .jpg, .gif
All these file extension types are the most widespread ones used for storing the personal information of users. They will be encrypted with the .locked extension as other similar HiddenTear ransomware viruses do. The PokemonGO ransomware utilizes an AES 256-bit algorithm for the encryption.
PokemonGO ransomware is not reported to delete the Shadow Volume Copies from the Windows operating system, but it is a very probable outcome.
Remove PokemonGO Ransomware and Restore .locked Files
If your computer machine got infected with the PokemonGO ransomware, you should have some experience in removing malware. You should get rid of this ransomware as quickly as possible before it encrypts other files and spreads deeper in the network you use. The recommended action for you is to remove the ransomware effectively by following the step-by-step instructions manual provided down below.
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for PokemonGO with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall PokemonGO and related malware from Windows
Here is a method in few easy steps that should be able to uninstall most programs. No matter if you are using Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista or XP, those steps will get the job done. Dragging the program or its folder to the recycle bin can be a very bad decision. If you do that, bits and pieces of the program are left behind, and that can lead to unstable work of your PC, errors with the file type associations and other unpleasant activities. The proper way to get a program off your computer is to Uninstall it. To do that:
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by PokemonGO on your computer.
The usually targeted registries of Windows machines are the following:
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
You can access them by opening the Windows registry editor and deleting any values, created by PokemonGO there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
Before starting "Step 4", please boot back into Normal mode, in case you are currently in Safe Mode.
This will enable you to install and use SpyHunter 5 successfully.
Step 4: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove PokemonGO
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by PokemonGO.
Method 1: Use STOP Decrypter by Emsisoft.
Not all variants of this ransomware can be decrypted for free, but we have added the decryptor used by researchers that is often updated with the variants which become eventually decrypted. You can try and decrypt your files using the instructions below, but if they do not work, then unfortunately your variant of the ransomware virus is not decryptable.
Follow the instructions below to use the Emsisoft decrypter and decrypt your files for free. You can download the Emsisoft decryption tool linked here and then follow the steps provided below:
1 Right-click on the decrypter and click on Run as Administrator as shown below:
2. Agree with the license terms:
3. Click on "Add Folder" and then add the folders where you want files decrypted as shown underneath:
4. Click on "Decrypt" and wait for your files to be decoded.
Note: Credit for the decryptor goes to Emsisoft researchers who have made the breakthrough with this virus.
Method 2: Use data recovery software
Ransomware infections and PokemonGO aim to encrypt your files using an encryption algorithm which may be very difficult to decrypt. This is why we have suggested a data recovery method that may help you go around direct decryption and try to restore your files. Bear in mind that this method may not be 100% effective but may also help you a little or a lot in different situations.
Simply click on the link and on the website menus on the top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.
PokemonGO-FAQ
What is PokemonGO Ransomware?
PokemonGO is a ransomware infection - the malicious software that enters your computer silently and blocks either access to the computer itself or encrypt your files.
Many ransomware viruses use sophisticated encryption algorithms to make your files inaccessible. The goal of ransomware infections is to demand that you pay a ransom payment to get access to your files back.
What Does PokemonGO Ransomware Do?
Ransomware in general is a malicious software that is designed to block access to your computer or files until a ransom is paid.
Ransomware viruses can also damage your system, corrupt data and delete files, resulting in the permanent loss of important files.
How Does PokemonGO Infect?
Via several ways.PokemonGO Ransomware infects computers by being sent via phishing emails, containing virus attachment. This attachment is usually masked as an important document, like an invoice, bank document or even a plane ticket and it looks very convincing to users.
Another way you may become a victim of PokemonGO is if you download a fake installer, crack or patch from a low reputation website or if you click on a virus link. Many users report getting a ransomware infection by downloading torrents.
How to Open .PokemonGO files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .PokemonGO files are encrypted. You can only open them once they are decrypted using a specific decryption key for the particular algorithm.
What to Do If a Decryptor Does Not Work?
Do not panic, and backup the files. If a decryptor did not decrypt your .PokemonGO files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".PokemonGO" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .PokemonGO files.
These methods are in no way 100% guaranteed that you will be able to get your files back. But if you have a backup, your chances of success are much greater.
How To Get Rid of PokemonGO Virus?
The safest way and the most efficient one for the removal of this ransomware infection is the use a professional anti-malware program.
It will scan for and locate PokemonGO ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .PokemonGO files.
Can I Report Ransomware to Authorities?
In case your computer got infected with a ransomware infection, you can report it to the local Police departments. It can help authorities worldwide track and determine the perpetrators behind the virus that has infected your computer.
Below, we have prepared a list with government websites, where you can file a report in case you are a victim of a cybercrime:
Cyber-security authorities, responsible for handling ransomware attack reports in different regions all over the world:
Germany - Offizielles Portal der deutschen Polizei
United States - IC3 Internet Crime Complaint Centre
United Kingdom - Action Fraud Police
France - Ministère de l'Intérieur
Italy - Polizia Di Stato
Spain - Policía Nacional
Netherlands - Politie
Poland - Policja
Portugal - Polícia Judiciária
Greece - Cyber Crime Unit (Hellenic Police)
India - Mumbai Police - CyberCrime Investigation Cell
Australia - Australian High Tech Crime Center
Reports may be responded to in different timeframes, depending on your local authorities.
Can You Stop Ransomware from Encrypting Your Files?
Yes, you can prevent ransomware. The best way to do this is to ensure your computer system is updated with the latest security patches, use a reputable anti-malware program and firewall, backup your important files frequently, and avoid clicking on malicious links or downloading unknown files.
Can PokemonGO Ransomware Steal Your Data?
Yes, in most cases ransomware will steal your information. It is a form of malware that steals data from a user's computer, encrypts it, and then demands a ransom in order to decrypt it.
In many cases, the malware authors or attackers will threaten to delete the data or publish it online unless the ransom is paid.
Can Ransomware Infect WiFi?
Yes, ransomware can infect WiFi networks, as malicious actors can use it to gain control of the network, steal confidential data, and lock out users. If a ransomware attack is successful, it could lead to a loss of service and/or data, and in some cases, financial losses.
Should I Pay Ransomware?
No, you should not pay ransomware extortionists. Paying them only encourages criminals and does not guarantee that the files or data will be restored. The better approach is to have a secure backup of important data and be vigilant about security in the first place.
What Happens If I Don't Pay Ransom?
If you don't pay the ransom, the hackers may still have access to your computer, data, or files and may continue to threaten to expose or delete them, or even use them to commit cybercrimes. In some cases, they may even continue to demand additional ransom payments.
Can a Ransomware Attack Be Detected?
Yes, ransomware can be detected. Anti-malware software and other advanced security tools can detect ransomware and alert the user when it is present on a machine.
It is important to stay up-to-date on the latest security measures and to keep security software updated to ensure ransomware can be detected and prevented.
Do Ransomware Criminals Get Caught?
Yes, ransomware criminals do get caught. Law enforcement agencies, such as the FBI, Interpol and others have been successful in tracking down and prosecuting ransomware criminals in the US and other countries. As ransomware threats continue to increase, so does the enforcement activity.
About the PokemonGO Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this PokemonGO how-to removal guide included, is the outcome of extensive research, hard work and our team’s devotion to help you remove the specific malware and restore your encrypted files.
How did we conduct the research on this ransomware?
Our research is based on an independent investigation. We are in contact with independent security researchers, and as such, we receive daily updates on the latest malware and ransomware definitions.
Furthermore, the research behind the PokemonGO ransomware threat is backed with VirusTotal and the NoMoreRansom project.
To better understand the ransomware threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.
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