What Is Pooe Virus
Pooe is the name of a STOP Ransomware variant, whose main purpose of the activity is to get in your computer and use your files against you. To do this, the virus encrypts your files, changing their file structure and appending the .pooe file extension after their original names. The main goal of this virus is to make sure to get users to pay a hefty ransom fee in BitCoin in order to decrypt the files. To do this, the criminals leave a _readme.txt ransom note file that has been created with the main idea to get victims to follow the instructions in it and contact the criminals to receive instructions how to buy and pay BitCoin.
Read this article to learn more information about how to remove Pooe virus from your computer and try to get your files to work again.
Pooe Virus Summary
Name | Pooe |
File Extension | .pooe |
Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
Short Description | The ransomware encrypts files on your computer system and demands a ransom to be paid to allegedly recover them. |
Symptoms | The STOP/Djvu ransomware will encrypt your files by appending the .pooe extension to them. |
Ransom Demanding Note | _readme.txt |
Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
Detection Tool |
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Pooe Virus. |
Pooe Virus – What We Know About It
Pooe virus is a new strain of STOP/Djvu ransomware. Its predecessors .zqqw, .sspq and .iqll are all designed to infect computer systems and harass online users. The ways used for the spread of this nasty program could be several. Still, there are two methods that are considered as preferred by hackers:
- Via massive spam e-mail campaigns.
- Via shady websites that offer the Pooe payload file for download.
Additional distribution strategies used by cybercrooks include:
- Software Cracks.
- Patches.
- Keygen (key generators).
- Portable programs.
- Setups for a freeware app.
In regard to e-mails that try to deliver the ransomware infection, they often feature file attachments presented as:
- Invoices.
- Flight tickers.
- Purchase completed types of documents.
- Something work-related.
Opening the infected file that contains the malicious Pooe virus on your PC leads to serious changes that impact the overall system and data security. Malicious files used for the completion of the attack could be dropped in specific system folders like:
- %Temp%
- %local%
- %locallow%
- %AppData%
Pooe virus is an infection that is very likely to modify Windows Registries. Such an operation will enable it to misuse system functionalities for its malicious purposes. Affected by the threat may be the following registry keys:
- Run.
- RunOnce.
Those keys are among the most targetted by data locker ransomware like Pooe due to the fact that they navigate the automatic execution of various processes that support system operations and installed apps’ performance.
.pooe Files
Having in mind that the main goal of crypto viruses that hit personal devices is to extort ransom fees from victims, we should note that they are typically developed to block access to personal files. During the attack, hard drives may be scanned for the following types of files:
- Documents.
- Images.
- Videos.
- Audio files.
- Backup data.
- Virutal drive images.
- Others.
After encryption, infected files receive the distinctive extension .pooe. Unfortunately, .pooe files could not be used before an efficient decryption process. Knowing the facts, hackers try to force victims to pay a hefty ransom to obtain a decryption tool. Here is how the ransom note dropped by this virus looks like:
However, you should NOT under any circumstances pay any ransom sum. Your files may not get recovered, and nobody could give you a guarantee for that. Adding to that, giving money to cybercriminals will most likely motivate them to create more ransomware viruses or commit different criminal activities. That may even result in you getting your files encrypted all over again after payment.
Remove Pooe Virus and Try to Restore Files
Pooe is the kind of virus that can be removed if you follow the removal instructions that have been posted at the end of this article. They have been created in order to best help you remove the virus files and objects created by it on your registry editor. For the best removal, it is strongly advisable that you get rid of the Pooe virus from your computer using advanced anti-malware software. Such a program is designed from the ground up to scan your machine and make sure to detect and delete any malware files and other virus objects thoroughly.
If you want to restore as many encrypted files by this virus as possible, we would strongly advise that you try out the alternative file recovery methods that have been posted beneath this article. They may not come at 100% effectiveness, but with their aid, you will be able to recover some or even most of your files.
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for Pooe Virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Pooe Virus 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 Pooe Virus 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 Pooe Virus 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 Pooe Virus
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Pooe Virus.
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 Pooe Virus 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.
Pooe Virus-FAQ
What is Pooe Virus Ransomware?
Pooe Virus 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 Pooe Virus 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 Pooe Virus Infect?
Via several ways.Pooe Virus 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 Pooe Virus 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 .Pooe Virus files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Pooe Virus 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 .Pooe Virus files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Pooe Virus" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Pooe Virus 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 Pooe Virus 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 Pooe Virus ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Pooe Virus 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 Pooe Virus 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 Pooe Virus Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Pooe Virus 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 Pooe Virus 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.
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