The PooleZoor Virus is a ransomware strain of the Hidden Tear family targeting English-speaking users on a global scale. The captured samples indicate an initial release which might be updated in the future with additional code. Our article provides an overview of the virus operations and it also may be helpful in attempting to remove the virus.
Threat Summary
| Name | PooleZoor Virus |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | The ransomware encrypts sensitive information on your computer system with the .poolezoor extensions and demands a ransom to be paid to allegedly recover them. |
| Symptoms | The ransomware will encrypt your files with a strong encryption algorithm. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
| Detection Tool |
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss PooleZoor Virus. |
| 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. |
PooleZoor Virus – Distribution Ways
The PooleZoor virus as a recently discovered threat has been noticed in a limited test run. The low number of captured samples do not give out details about the main infection methods. As such we presume that the criminals are going to utilize the most common ones.
A common tactic is to rely on phishing email messages that are sent in bulk to the victims. The criminals utilize elements taken from well-known companies and services that coerce the victims into interacting with a malicious element. The criminals can either attach the files directly or hyperlink a malware file in the body contents.
Using a similar approach the hackers can also construct fake download portals that are reminiscent of popular Internet pages. In combination with the emails they are a key instrument in spreading malicious payload carriers. One of the popular forms is the creation of virus-infected documents — usually in the form of a macro-infested presentation, database, rich text file or spreadsheets. When they are opened by the victims a prompt will appear asking the users to enable the scripts. If this is done so then the infections will begin.
The other mechanism used by criminals is the release of infected application installers. They are made by taking the legitimate installers of popular software from their official vendor download sites and modifying them with the associated PooleZoor virus.
Popular places where infected payload carriers can also be found include file sharing networks such as BitTorrent where pirate content ins usually found.
In certain cases where a large-scale deployment is needed the criminals behind the PooleZoor virus can utilize browser hijackers. They represent malicious plugins made for the most popular web browsers. Usually they are spread on the relevant repositories with an alluring description and fake user reviews and developer credentials. Once they are installed they follow a prescribed behavior pattern by changing the default settings redirecting to a hacker-controlled page. After this part of the infection process is complete the virus will be downloaded and executed on the victim host.
PooleZoor Virus – In-Depth Analysis
As soon as the PooleZoor virus infection begins the main module will start to run its prescribed behavior pattern. The security investigation reveals that it is based on the Hidden Tear ransowmare family. As such its behavior can be fine tuned according to each target campaign.
We anticipate that the large-scale attack campaigns will follow a predesigned behavior pattern that should be similar to previous Hidden Tear based viruses. At the onset of infection typically a data harvesting. It is used to retrieve information that can be grouped into two main categories:
- Personal Information — This type of data can reveal the victim’s identity by extracting strings related to the user’s name, address, phone number, location, passwords and etc.
- Anonymous Metrics — Information of this category is used to optimize the campaigns by harvesting metrics that are useful to the hackers. The report includes a report on the installed hardware reports and certain user-set operating system settings.
The collected data can then be fed to another component called stealth protection. It is used to hide the virus instance from any security software that can interfere with its correct execution. The list of target applications includes anti-virus applications, sandbox environments or virtual machine hosts.
When the PooleZoor virus has created the necessary environment where system changes can occur it can launch several processes and components that can cause a series of modifications. Some of them can include the following:
- Windows Registry Changes — The PooleZoor virus can modify the Registry entries belonging both to the operating system and user-installed applications. This can lead to severe performance issues or the inability to launch certain functions of the applications.
- Persistent Installation — This modification can manipulate the system into setting up the PooleZoor virus as a persistent threat. This will automatically launch the threat once the computer boots, at the same time modifying the boot settings so that the users would have no way of disabling it. It can also prevent access to the boot recovery menu which is used during manual recovery.
- Data Removal — The virus engine can remove the Shadow Volume Copies and System Restore Data which can make it impossible to effectively restore the compromised files. In such cases the victims can resort to the use of a professional-grade recovery application, refer to our instructions for more information.
- Trojan Module — Advanced virus infections can carry a Trojan module which sets up an encrypted connection with a hacker-controlled server. It allows the criminal operators to remote control the infected machines, as well as spy on the users. Such configurations allows them to easily retrieve any stored data at any given time.
We remind our users that as a part of the Hidden Tear ransomware family the behavior pattern can be changed according to each campaign or individual host. The criminals can modify (add or remove) malicious components at will.
PooleZoor Virus — Encryption
As other Hidden Tear based ransomware the PooleZoor virus uses a built-in list of target file type extensions. It is made part of the main module and it can be modified according to the indiviudal hosts as well. A sample list can include the following data:
- Archives
- Backups
- Documents
- Music
- Images
- Videos
The affected data will be processed by a strong cipher and renamed with the .poolezoor extension. The accompanying ransomware note is created in a file called READ_me_for_encrypted_Files.txt which reads the following:
Files has been encrypted with PooleZoor
Ba pardakht 10,000,000 Riyal File hay khod ra bazgardanid
In Pool sarf omre kheyriye khahad shod
Remove PooleZoor Ransomware Virus and Restore .poolezoor Files
If your computer got infected with the PooleZoor ransomware virus, you should have a bit of experience in removing malware. You should get rid of this ransomware as quickly as possible before it can have the chance to spread further and infect other computers. You should remove the ransomware and follow the step-by-step instructions guide provided below.
Martin Beltov
Martin graduated with a degree in Publishing from Sofia University. As a cyber security enthusiast he enjoys writing about the latest threats and mechanisms of intrusion.
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Step 1: Scan for PooleZoor Virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall PooleZoor 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:
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully delete most unwanted and malicious programs.
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by PooleZoor 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 PooleZoor Virus 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 PooleZoor Virus
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by PooleZoor 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 PooleZoor 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.
PooleZoor Virus-FAQ
What is PooleZoor Virus Ransomware?
PooleZoor 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 PooleZoor 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 PooleZoor Virus Infect?
Via several ways.PooleZoor 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 PooleZoor 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 .PooleZoor Virus files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .PooleZoor 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 .PooleZoor Virus files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".PooleZoor Virus" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .PooleZoor 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 PooleZoor 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 PooleZoor Virus ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .PooleZoor 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 PooleZoor 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 PooleZoor Virus Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this PooleZoor 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 PooleZoor 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.
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