New malware of ransomware type dubbed Polski is infecting users’ systems and valuable data. The aim of Polski ransomware is to blackmail infected users into paying a ransom of $100 up to $200 via a ransom note named ### – ODZYSKAJ SWOJE DANE – ###.TXT. The original code of all target files is modified with the strong encipher algorithm AES-256, so they are no longer accessible. Each corrupted file is renamed with the .ZABLOKOWANE file extension.
This article provides Polski ransomware removal instructions that will help all victims to regain the security of their systems. After the ransomware removal, it is advisable to back up all .ZABLOKOWANE files and try some of the alternative data recovery methods given in the instructions at the end.
Threat Summary
| Name | Polski |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | The ransomware encrypts files on your computer and displays a ransom message afterward. |
| Symptoms | Polski ransomware will encrypt your files, rename them with the malicious file extension .ZABLOKOWANE and put up a ransom note inside a text file called ### – ODZYSKAJ SWOJE DANE – ###.TXT |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
Download
Malware Removal Tool
|
User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Polski. |
| 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. |
Polski Ransomware – Update April 2018
With the help of Google Translate, you can see some of the information posted on the https://nomoreransom.cert.pl/vortex/ page below.
District Prosecutor’s Office in Warsaw informs you that it conducts proceedings PO II Ds 129.2017 against Tomasz T. responsible, among others for encrypting computers using the Vortex / Flotera / Polski ransomware viruses.
The tool on this page will allow you to obtain a key that can recover encrypted files.
Please note that at this moment the tool does not have keys from all campaigns in which the software encrypting files was used in. As new security measures are added, new keys will be added, so please check files that you have not been able to recover regularly.
If you managed to decrypt the files using the key obtained on this site, we kindly ask you to submit a notification of suspected offense together with the prosecutor in the nearest place of residence for your Police unit with reference to the case file PO II Ds 129.2017 District Prosecutor’s Office in Warsaw.
If you have an e-mail message that the perpetrator sent to you a malicious file, please save it on a CD/DVD (along with full headers and attachments) and hand it over to the police as an attachment to the interrogation protocol. It will not be necessary to submit for examination the computer on which the files were encrypted.
– District Prosecutor’s Office in Warsaw
Select or drag the encrypted file below to check if we have the key needed to decrypt it. The key recovery process can take about a minute. Only a small portion of the file will be sent.
Click and select the file or drag it here.
[EMPTY FIELD]
Currently selected file: (missing).
In case files are encrypted with one of the first versions of the Vortex ransomware, you can try using the tool created by Michael Gillespie from MalwareHunterTeam: VortexDecrypter-Michael_Gillespie.zip.
If you managed to recover the key:
The recovered key can be used to decrypt files using the free AES Crypt program. The recovered key from one file should decrypt all encrypted files on your PC.
Contacts
If you have any questions, please contact CERT.pl at info@cert.pl, alternatively you can post a question below, in the comment section of this article.
Polski Ransomware – Spread
In many cases, ransomware authors spread the malicious code via email spam campaigns. For the purpose, they carefully craft a message that resembles those sent from well-known services or government institutions aiming to trick users into clicking a presented link or downloading attached file. Any interaction with the corrupted components results in computer infection with Polski ransomware.
Sometimes hackers utilize social media channels and instant messages apps to deliver the ransomware payload to many online users. They either cologne popular web sites and inject the malicious code into them or corrupt them in a way to redirect users to malicious domains that trigger a drive-by download attack of the ransomware payload. Then all it is needed is to share the link in a post or send it as a direct message.
Polski Ransomware – Overview
Some security researchers associate the Polski ransomware infection with another data locker ransomware dubbed Vortex which we reported in March this year. Both threats encrypt frequently used files and display similar ransom notes that are written in Polish. Even though Polski ransomware is believed to target mainly Polish-speaking users, it endangers systems worldwide.
The ransomware is reported to drop malicious executable files (AESxWin.exe and s500.exe) on the PC that once started modify various settings, spawn different processes, especially those that keep your system safe, so it can stay unnoticed during the encryption, create new malicious files and modify values in some Windows registry keys. Some of its files may be found in the following Windows folders:
- %Temp%
- %Roaming%
- %UserProfile%
- %AppData%
Polski ransomware is believed to create new values in Run and RunOnce Windows registry keys in order to set its malicious files to start each time the operating system is loaded. The same keys are employed for the displaying of the ransom note once it is dropped on the PC. ### – ODZYSKAJ SWOJE DANE – ###.TXT file contains a message left by hackers written in Polish:
File Edit Format Vie,A, Help
@@ @@ @@ @@ @@ @@ W W W W W W W W W W P_O_L_S_K_I – – R_A_N_S_O_M_W_A_R_E W @@ @@ @@ @@ @@ @@ @@ @@ @@ @@ @@ @@ @@ @@ W W @@ @@
@-@@-@@-@@-@@-@@-@@-@@-@@-@@-@@-@@-@@-@@-@@-@@-@@-@@-@@-@@-@@-@@-@@-@@-@@-@@-@@-@@-@@-@@-@@-@@-@@-@@-@@-@@-@@-@@-@@-@@-@@-@@-@@-@@-@@-@@-@@-@@-@@-@@- ,lasz Problem ze znalezieniem Potrzebnych Danych ? Nie możesz Otworzyć swoich Plikowi? Po otworzeniu ważnych Plików widzisz Tylko Nic Nie Mówiący, Dziwny ciąg znaków? Twoje Istotne Pliki zostały Zaszyfrowane ! twoje zdjęcia, Dokumenty, Bazy Danych, Zostały zaszyfrowane Nie Mozliwym Do zlamania Algorytmem AES-256 etody Tej Do Szyfrowania Zawartosci Dokumentów uzywaja Sluzby wywiadowcze I wojsko. P.@-@@-@@-@@-@@-@@-@@-@@-@@-@@-@@-@@-@@-@@-@@-@@-@@-@@-@@-@@-@@-@@-@@-@@-@@-@@-@@-@@-@@-@@-@@-@@-@@-@@-@@-@@-@@-@@-@@-@@-@@-@@-@@-@@-@@-@@-@@-@@-@@-@@-
Gdy To Czytasz Proces Jest Zakończony, wytypowane Pliki Zostały Zaszyfrowane A Sam Program usunięty Z Twojego Komputera. Ddzyskac Twoje Dane Mozna Tylko Przy Pomocy Dedykowanego Programu Deszyfrujacego, wraz z Jednorazowym Kluczem wygenerowanym unikalnie Dla ciebie! 3v.’a Pliki odszyfrujemy Bez Opłaty Aby Nie Być Gołosłownymi, za Pozostałe Będziecie Państw:, musieli zapłacić 100$ Aby Odzyskać Pliki Skontaktuj Się Z Nami Pod Adresem: 3nigma@O.pl Lub 3nigma@firemail.cc kadzimy Decydować się szybko, 92 Godziny od zaszyfrowania opłata zostanie Podniesiona Do 200$.
P@ @@ @@ @@ @@ @@ @@ @@ @@ @@ @@ @@ @@ @@ @@ @@ @@ @@ @@ @@ @@ @@ @@ @@ @@ @@ @@ @@ @@ @@ @@ @@ @@ @@ @@ @@ @@ @@ @@ @@ @@ @@ @@ @@ @@ @@ @@ @@ @@ @@
Kontaktujac sie z Nami Pamietaj Aby Podac ID-Komputera ł Date
IP= ID=
Data=07-08-2017
After a rough translation we understand that in English it states:
@@ @@ @@ @@ @@ @@ WWWWWWWWWW P_O_L_S_K_I – – R_A_N_S_O_M_W_A_R_E @@ @@ @@ @@ @@ @@ @@ @@ @@ @@ @@ @@ @@ @@ @@ @ WW @
@ – @@ – @@ – @@ – @@ – @@ – @@ – @@ – @@ – @@ – @@ – @@ – @@ – @@ – @@ – @@ – @@ – @@ – @@ – @@ – @@ – @@ – @@ – @@ – @@ – @@ – @@ – @@ – @@ – @@ – @@ – @@ – @@ – @@ – @@ – @@ – @@ – @@ – @@ – @@ – @@ – @@ – @@ – @@ – @@ – @@ – @@ – @@ – @@ – @@ -. Lass Problem Finding the Data Needed? Can not open your file? When you open important files, you see nothing but talking, strange string? Your Important Files Have Been Encrypted! your photos, documents, databases, have been encrypted not possible to break the AES-256 encryption to ethods This document content they use intelligence and the military. P. @ – @@ – @@ – @@ – @@ – @@ – @@ – @@ – @@ – @@ – @@ – @@ – @@ – @@ – @@ – @@ – @ @ – @@ – @@ – @@ – @@ – @@ – @@ – @@ – @@ – @@ – @@ – @@ – @@ – @@ – @@ – @@ – @@ – @@ – @@ – @@ – @@ – @@ – @@ – @@ – @@ – @@ – @@ – @@ – @@ – @@ – @@ – @@ – @@ – @@ –
When You Read The Process Is Completed, Selected Files Are Encrypted And The Program Already Removed From Your Computer. Keep Your Data Only With Dedicated Dedicated Program Help, Including a Unique Key Generated Unique For You! 3v.’a Decrypt Files Without Fees To not be ungrounded, for the remaining Member :, You will have to pay $ 100 To Recover Files Contact us at: Or 3nigma@O.pl 3nigma@firemail.cc we burned incense Decide quickly, 92 Hours of encryption will be charged up to $ 200.
P @ @@ @@ @@ @@ @@ @@ @@ @@ @@ @@ @@ @@ @@ @@ @@ @@ @@ @@ @@ @@ @@ @@ @@ @@ @@ @@ @@ @@ @@ @@ @@ @@ @@ @@ @@ @@ @@ @@ @@ @@ @@ @@ @@ @@ @@ @@ @@ @@ @@
Contact Us Remember to Enter a Computer ID Date
IP = ID =
Date = 07-08-2017
Actually the criminals provide two contact emails 3nigma@0.pl and 3nigma@firemail.cc at which victims are expected to find them in order to receive further instructions on the ransom payment. In a time frame of 92 hours, the demanded ransom for the unique decryption key possessed by cyber criminals is $100. After the 92nd hour it increases to $200. For the sake of your security, it is not recommended to negotiate with the crooks and better consider the ransomware removal by yourself.
The Polski crypto virus is also quite likely to erase all the Shadow Volume Copies from the Windows operating system by using the following command:
→ vssadmin.exe delete shadows /all /Quiet
Polski Ransomware – Encryption
As Polski is a data locker ransomware its primary goal is to encrypt particular predefined files and then demands a ransom for the decryption key. Polski crypto virus utilizes the strong AES-256 cipher algorithm to all files that are set as targets in its code. After encryption, all audio, video, compressed, image and document files will be inaccessible. Each corrupted file can be recognized by the file extension .ZABLOKOWANE that is appended at the end of its name. Some of the file extensions included in Polski ransomware target data list are supposed to be:
→mp3, wav, acc, ogg, amr, wma, cs, vb, java, py, rb, cpp, html, css, js, zip, rar, 7z, tar, gzip, pdf, txt, rtf, doc, docx, ppt, pptx, xls, xlsx, jpg, jpeg, png, gif, bmp, avi, flv, mov, mp4, mpg, rm, rmvb, mkv, swf, vob, wmv, 3g2, 3gp, asf, ogv
As the threat needs system resources it will not affect particular Windows folders and skip encrypting essential system files.
Remove Polski Ransomware and Restore .ZABLOKOWANE Files
If your computer got infected with the Polski crypto virus, you should get rid of this ransomware as quickly as possible before hackers have the chance to drop another malware on your computer. By following the step-by-step removal instructions provided below you will be able to regain PC security and restore some .ZABLOKOWANE files via alternative data recovery solutions.
Gergana Ivanova
Highly motivated writer with 5+ years of experience writing for ransomware, malware, adware, PUPs, and other cybersecurity-related issues. As a writer, I strive to create content that is based on thorough technical research. I find joy in the process of creating articles that are easy to understand, informative, and useful. Follow me on Twitter (@IRGergana) for the latest in the field of computer, mobile, and online security.
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Step 1: Scan for Polski with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Polski 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:
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully delete most unwanted and malicious programs.
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by Polski 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 Polski there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
Tip: To find a virus-created value, you can right-click on it and click "Modify" to see which file it is set to run. If this is the virus file location, remove the value.
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 Polski
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Polski.
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 Polski 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.
Polski-FAQ
What is Polski Ransomware?
Polski 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 Polski 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 Polski Infect?
Via several ways.Polski 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 Polski 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 .Polski files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Polski 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 .Polski files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Polski" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Polski 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 Polski 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 Polski ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Polski 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 Polski 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 Polski Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Polski 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 Polski 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.
As a site that has been dedicated to providing free removal instructions for ransomware and malware since 2014, SensorsTechForum’s recommendation is to only pay attention to trustworthy sources.
How to recognize trustworthy sources:
- Always check "About Us" web page.
- Profile of the content creator.
- Make sure that real people are behind the site and not fake names and profiles.
- Verify Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter personal profiles.