This article has been created in order to best explain what is the .promock file extension ransomware, how to remove it from your computer and how you can try and restore files, encoded by it.
Yet another variant of STOP/DJVU ransomware family, carrying the .promock file extension was recently identified by malware researchers. The ransomware virus aims to render the files on the computers that have been infected by it to a no longer “able to be opened” state. The virus also aims to get users to see it’s ransom note file, where it extorts victims to pay ransom if they want to see their files again. If you have problems with the .promock file ransomware, we recommend that you read this article thoroughly.
Threat Summary
| Name | .promock Files Ransomware |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | Aims to render the files on the compromised computers by it to no longer be able to be opened In order to extort victims into paying ransom to get their files back. |
| Symptoms | Files cannot be opened and have the .promock file extension. The ransomware drops a _readme.txt ransom note, containing the extortionists’ message. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Executable files |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
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Malware Removal Tool
|
User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss .promock Files Ransomware. |
| 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. |
.promock File Ransomware – Distribution
For the .promock files virus to be spread onto victim computers, the ransomware may use different methods. One of them is to send victims e-mails that appear to be carrying legitimate documents as e-mail attachments. These types of malspam (malicious spam) messages may often carry attachments of various types, such as invoices, receipts and other supposedly real documents that are important. The messages often have convincing text in them, for example:
In addition to e-mails, the .promock ransomware may also be spread as a result of being added as a program, that is just what the users are looking to download for free online. Such software often turns out to be installers of different programs, patches for software or games, cracks for games or programs, license activator for Windows or other software, portable version of a paid program and many other programs of this type.
.promock Files Virus – More Information
As soon as infection with the .promock files ransomware takes place on the victim PC, the ransomware may silently drop it’s malicious files on the targeted system. The files may reside in the following Windows directories;
- %Local%
- %LocalLow%
- %Temp%
- %ProgramData%
- %Windows%
- %SystemDrive%
- %system32%
- %Roaming%
When the malicious files of .promock ransomware are dropped, the virus may begin to perform other activities on the infected PC, such as set the ransom note file _readme.txt to appear so that victims can see it. This extortionist message has the following contents:
———————————————- ALL YOUR FILES ARE ENCRYPTED ———————————————–
Don’t worry, you can return all your files!
All your files documents, photos, databases and other important are encrypted with strongest encryption and unique key.
The only method of recovering files is to purchase decrypt tool and unique key for you.
This software will decrypt all your encrypted files.
What guarantees do we give to you?
You can send one of your encrypted file from your PC and we decrypt it for free.
But we can decrypt only 1 file for free. File must not contain valuable information
Don’t try to use third-party decrypt tools because it will destroy your files.
Discount 50% available if you contact us first 72 hours.
—————————————————————————————————————————
To get this software you need write on our e-mail:
blower@firemail.cc
Reserve e-mail address to contact us:
blower@firemail.cc
Your personal ID:
[redacted 43 alphanumeric chars]
As soon as .promock ransomware drops the malicious files on our computer, it may also begin to perform the following malicious activities prior to starting file encryption:
- Check to see if it’s running on a real PC or a virtual drive and if so it may self-terminate.
- Obtain your IP address.
- Obtain your location and language settings.
- Check if a variant of STOP ransomware has already attacked your PC in the past and if so, it may self-terminate.
- Obtain your passwords and logins.
- Obtain important files.
Furthermore, the .promock files virus is also a variant of STOP ransomware, which means that you may encounter it In other versions as well, like the recently detected [wplinkpreview url=”https://sensorstechforum.com/remove-promorad-ransomware/”].promorad one. Just like it, the virus may start to create value strings in the Windows registry editor. The primary sub-keys that it may attack there coult turn out the be the following:
→ \LogonUI\Background
\Windows\Personalization
\Control Panel\Desktop
CurrentVersion\Run
CurrentVersion\Run
CurrentVersion\RunOnce
CurrentVersion\RunOnce
The main idea behind these registry sub-keys is to change different settings of Windows by creating value strings in those keys with custom data within those values.
In addition to this, the .promock ransomware could also be coded to delete the Windows Backups and shadow volumes on computers that have been compromised by it and this may likely happen by executing the following Windows command prompt lines:
→ sc stop VVS
sc stop wscsvc
sc stop WinDefend
sc stop wuauserv
sc stop BITS
sc stop ERSvc
sc stop WerSvc
cmd.exe /C bcdedit /set {default} recoveryenabled No
cmd.exe /C bcdedit /set {default} bootstatuspolicy ignoreallfailures
C:\Windows\System32\cmd.exe” /C vssadmin.exe Delete Shadows /All /Quiet
.promock Ransomware – Encryption Process
To encrypt files, the .promock ransomware may use the very same encryption algorithm as the other versions of the virus – AES or Advanced Encryption Standard. This is the type of cipher that encrypts bytes of data from the file set to be encoded and then replaces it with the encryption algorithm’s data. After the encryption, an assymetric key is generated, to correspond to the files and decrypt them via specific decryption software, which is held only by the crooks.
The encryption process may target a lot of file types, some of which may be among the following:
→ “PNG .PSD .PSPIMAGE .TGA .THM .TIF .TIFF .YUV .AI .EPS .PS .SVG .INDD .PCT .PDF .XLR .XLS .XLSX .ACCDB .DB .DBF .MDB .PDB .SQL .APK .APP .BAT .CGI .COM .EXE .GADGET .JAR .PIF .WSF .DEM .GAM .NES .ROM .SAV CAD Files .DWG .DXF GIS Files .GPX .KML .KMZ .ASP .ASPX .CER .CFM .CSR .CSS .HTM .HTML .JS .JSP .PHP .RSS .XHTML. DOC .DOCX .LOG .MSG .ODT .PAGES .RTF .TEX .TXT .WPD .WPS .CSV .DAT .GED .KEY .KEYCHAIN .PPS .PPT .PPTX ..INI .PRF Encoded Files .HQX .MIM .UUE .7Z .CBR .DEB .GZ .PKG .RAR .RPM .SITX .TAR.GZ .ZIP .ZIPX .BIN .CUE .DMG .ISO .MDF .TOAST .VCD SDF .TAR .TAX2014 .TAX2015 .VCF .XML Audio Files .AIF .IFF .M3U .M4A .MID .MP3 .MPA .WAV .WMA Video Files .3G2 .3GP .ASF .AVI .FLV .M4V .MOV .MP4 .MPG .RM .SRT .SWF .VOB .WMV 3D .3DM .3DS .MAX .OBJ R.BMP .DDS .GIF .JPG ..CRX .PLUGIN .FNT .FON .OTF .TTF .CAB .CPL .CUR .DESKTHEMEPACK .DLL .DMP .DRV .ICNS .ICO .LNK .SYS .CFG”
After the encryption process of .promock ransomware is complete, the virus leaves the files to appear as if they are corrupt and when you try to open them, Windows cannot find the proper software to open the files with:
Remove .promock Files Virus and Try Restoring Data
If you want to remove the .promock file ransomware, we recommend that you follow the removal instructions that are posted underneath this article, but before doing this, it is a good idea to backup your files.
The instructions below are divided in manual removal (first two steps) and automatic removal so that if you fail to delete this virus manually or feel uncertain, you also have a professional automatic solution available. Such solution lies within the face of an advanced malware removal software, created to automatically detect and delete the files and objects of this virus and make it so that they no longer appear on your computer again.
If you want to restore files, encrypted by the .promock ransomware on your computer, we would strongly recommend that you check the alternative methods for file recovery below. They have been created with the main idea to help you retrieve as many files as possible, but do not count that they work with 100% effectiveness.
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 .promock Files Ransomware with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall .promock Files Ransomware 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 .promock Files Ransomware 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 .promock Files Ransomware 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 .promock Files Ransomware
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by .promock Files Ransomware.
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 .promock Files Ransomware 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.
.promock Files Ransomware-FAQ
What is .promock Files Ransomware Ransomware?
.promock Files Ransomware 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 .promock Files Ransomware 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 .promock Files Ransomware Infect?
Via several ways..promock Files Ransomware 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 .promock Files Ransomware 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 ..promock Files Ransomware files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the ..promock Files Ransomware 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 ..promock Files Ransomware files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore "..promock Files Ransomware" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore ..promock Files Ransomware 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 .promock Files Ransomware 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 .promock Files Ransomware ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important ..promock Files Ransomware 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 .promock Files Ransomware 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 .promock Files Ransomware Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this .promock Files Ransomware 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 .promock Files Ransomware 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.