What Is Pouu Virus?
Pouu Virus Ransomware is a malicious computer virus, part of the STOP/DJVU family that encrypts files on a computer and demands a payment to decrypt them. It is one of the most dangerous forms of malware and can cause serious damage if not removed immediately.
Read this article to learn more about Pouu virus and how you can remove it entirely.
![POUU Virus Ransomware [.pouu Files] Remove + Decrypt Fix](https://cdn.sensorstechforum.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/pouu-files-virus-1024x576.jpg)
Guidance for Rapid POUU Virus Removal
1. Preserve Your Data: Before initiating any steps, it’s vital to ensure a copy of the impacted files is made. This step is crucial to avoid complete data deletion.
2. Switch to Safe Mode: Power up your PC in Safe Mode. In this setting, only core functions operate, facilitating a smoother ransomware extraction.
3. Utilize Anti-Malware Solutions: Choose recognized anti-malware tools to identify and cleanse your system of the ransomware.
4. Opt for System Rollback: If you’ve made system backups in the past, you might want to revert to a configuration prior to the malware breach.
5. Resist the Urge to Pay: Fulfilling the ransom demand rarely assures data retrieval and only emboldens cyber offenders.
Looking ahead, make sure to perform regular data backups, engage in reputable antivirus measures, and exercise discernment when accessing email content and hyperlinks to shield against further ransomware invasions. When unsure, turn to a specialist in cybersecurity.
Pouu Virus – Details
| Name | Pouu virus, also known as UDS:Trojan.Win32.Chapak.gen, Ransom:Win32/StopCrypt.KM!MTB, Win32:PWSX-gen [Trj], Win32:PWSX-gen [Trj], A Variant Of Win32/GenKryptik.FHJB – more detections of this virus on VirusTotal |
| File Extension | .pouu |
| 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 Pouu Virus ransomware will encrypt your files by appending the .pouu extension to them. |
| Ransom Demanding Note | _readme.txt |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
| Detection Tool |
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Pouu Virus – Why Is My Windows Infected?
Pouu ransomware is a malicious virus that infects via obfuscator and encrypts files on a Windows system, making them inaccessible and demanding a ransom to restore them. It is important to take steps to protect your system from this virus, such as keeping your system up to date with the latest security patches and regularly backing up your data.
Pouu Virus – How Did I Get Infected?
Pouu virus ransomware is a malicious software that infects computers and encrypts files, demanding a ransom payment in exchange for the decryption key. It is typically spread through malicious links and email attachments, so it is important to be mindful of what emails and links you click on.
Pouu virus may use the following main methods to conduct its infection activities:
- If it is sent to you as an e-mail attachment or a URL.
- By being downloaded from a shady site.
Pouu Virus – What Does It Do?
Pouu virus is a type of ransomware that encrypts the user’s data and demands a ransom payment in exchange for decryption. It is dangerous and can cause significant damage to the user’s computer, so it is important to be aware of it and take preventative measures to avoid infection.
Its payload files may be located in the following Windows directories:
- %Local%
- %Temp%
- %Windows%
- %SystemDrive%
- %LocalLow%
- %AppData%
- %System%
- %system32%
The virus also uses its ransom note file, called _readme.txt, which has the following text:
In addition to this, the virus also adds new value entries in some Windows Registries, like the Run and RunOnce sub-keys.
What Are .pouu Files
The Pouu files are encrypted by ransomware when malicious software infiltrates a computer system and locks the user out of their files until a ransom is paid. This type of file is especially vulnerable to attack as it is not commonly used and therefore not as well protected.
The .pouu files may also be encoded using an AES encryption algorithm, which may affect the following file types:
- Videos (.mp4, .avi, etc.).
- Audio (.mp3, .wav, etc.).
- Picture file kinds (.jpg, .png, .etc).
- Archive file formats (.zip, .rar, etc).
- Documents of different types (.docx, .pptx, etc.).
- Others.
After encryption, the files begin to appear, like the following:
How to Open .pouu Files
Opening .pouu ransomware encrypted files can be done by first downloading and installing a free Djvu decrypter tool, then entering a valid decryption key. Once the key is entered, the files can be unlocked and accessed, if the key is from the offline kind.
What To Do If My Files Are .pouu?
If your files have been encrypted by ransomware in the .pouu format, the best course of action is to immediately disconnect the affected device from the internet and contact a professional data recovery service to help you restore your files from this cipher and remove the ransomware.
How To Protect Windows from Pouu In The Future?
To protect your Windows computer from future Pouu ransomware attacks, make sure to regularly update your operating system, use strong passwords, and backup important files. Additionally, install antivirus software and keep it up to date, and beware of suspicious emails and links. It is a good idea to learn more on how to safely store your files to protect them from ransomware as well.
How to Remove Pouu Virus?
To remove Pouu virus, you should use a reliable anti-virus software to scan and remove any malicious files, then use a reputable malware removal tool to detect and remove any remaining malicious components. Additionally, you should also change all your passwords and keep all your software up to date.
How to Decrypt / Fix .pouu Files?
To do this, you can try using a decryption key if there is one and if not, you can follow the STOP Ransomware decryption steps in this link.
Ventsislav Krastev
Ventsislav is a cybersecurity expert at SensorsTechForum since 2015. He has been researching, covering, helping victims with the latest malware infections plus testing and reviewing software and the newest tech developments. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for learning new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management, Network Administration and Computer Administration of System Applications, he found his true calling within the cybersecrurity industry and is a strong believer in the education of every user towards online safety and security.
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Step 1: Scan for Pouu with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Pouu 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 Pouu 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 Pouu 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 Pouu
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Pouu.
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 Pouu 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.
Pouu-FAQ
What is Pouu Ransomware?
Pouu 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 Pouu 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 Pouu Infect?
Via several ways.Pouu 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 Pouu 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 .Pouu files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Pouu 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 .Pouu files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Pouu" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Pouu 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 Pouu 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 Pouu ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Pouu 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 Pouu 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 Pouu Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Pouu 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 Pouu 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.