This malicious file-encrypting threat aims to extort computer users after modifying their files in a malevolent way. The files on the computer become unusable, and naturally, regaining access to them becomes the biggest concern for the computer user. At this point, the victim discovers that the ransomware has dropped notes throughout the computer system, demanding to pay a ransom in exchange for data decryption tool.

The terms of the cybercriminals behind the ransomware

The _readme.txt file is a recognized version of the ransom note dropped by all STOP/DJVU versions, and the same goes for this latest variant. It asks for victim’s attention, and reassures that all files can be recovered – but only if the victim follows the instructions provided by the criminals. According to them, the only way to restore files is to purchase POHJ file decryption tool, or, in other words, make a ransom payment to ransomware operators. The note suggests that the amount of money the criminals ask for is $980, however, if the victim attempts to contact the attackers within 72 hours, they will be willing to provide a 50%, slashing the ransom amount to $490. No matter the amount agreed to pay, the crooks will only accept transactions via cryptocurrency as this gives them some kind of identity protection. After all, they do not want to be tracked down by law enforcement agencies. In order to convince the victim to pay sooner, they also introduce a “test decryption service.” In order to use it, the victim has to attach one small encrypted file to the email and also insert the personal ID that’s provided in the _readme.txt file. The email then should be sent to one of provided email addresses – either support@fishmail.top or datarestorehelp@airmail.cc. The criminals promise to respond and send decrypted test file version to the victim. However, no matter what the cybercriminals promise, they might fail to provide functional data decryption tools even if you decide to pay up. Moreover, they might start demanding more and more money. There are no refunds, of course. Paying money to cybercriminals is wrong, because it encourages them and helps them to increase the capacity of their illegal operations. Finally, it might add you to a potential targets’ list, since you’ve already listened to their commands once. Our team recommends victims of ransomware to follow FBI recommendations and refrain themselves from paying up.

Additional risks involved

POHJ ransomware variants were spotted along hazardous Remote Access Trojans (RATs). What this means is that during analysis of the malicious files that are to blame for computer infections, several malware samples were observed to be installed on target systems. In simple terms, victim infects one’s computer with a variant of STOP/DJVU and typically VIDAR or/and Azorult Trojans. These threats are best known for their ability to extract passwords saved in web browsers, browsing history, cookies, offline crypto wallets, and send them to cybercriminals’ servers. On top of that, these illegal remote access tools can be used to navigate through victim’s computer, view, delete or download files. In order to protect your computer as soon as possible, we strongly recommend that you follow the instructions provided below and boot your computer in Safe Mode with Networking. Following that, use an antivirus of your choice (we recommend INTEGO Antivirus) to remove malware automatically.

Ransomware Summary

Ransomware distribution methods and ways to avoid getting attacked

Ransomware-type viruses are mostly distributed with the help of deceptive email attachments, illegal online downloads or fake ads. STOP/DJVU virus variants such as POHJ ransomware usually hide in rogue websites advertising fake pirated software copies. These websites aim to lure the potential victim into downloading the setup.exe file that contains malicious code and run it on their computers. While the victim expects the setup to activate the desired computer program and avoid paying for its genuine version, the file actually launches a set of illegal processes meant to encrypt victim’s files, steal sensitive information and wipe Volume Shadow Copies from the computer. Award-winning antivirus solution for your PC. Robust security software that provides robust 24/7 real-time protection, Web Shield that stops online threats/malicious downloads, and Prevention engine that wards off Zero-Day threats. Keep your PC safe and protected against ransomware, Trojans, viruses, spyware and other forms of dangerous programs. It is extremely important to choose the sources you download software from carefully. The ideal variant is to visit the official software developer’s website to access the legitimate and genuine version of the program; however, visiting affiliate websites is also a good idea, especially if you’re looking for good price deals. However, you should never go to rogue websites claiming they can miraculously provide 100% working and full versions of popular software for free. Another way to distribute ransomware is via email spam; the criminals often compose convincing messages urging the target to open attached files or inserted links with hopes to infect one’s computer. Computer users should be careful because perpetrators often use official tone and name the attachments as regular documents, for instance, invoice/waybill/order summary or similar. It can be easy to fall for the criminals’ trickeries, but if you perform a couple of checks, you can easily spot the deception right away. We recommend that you look out for grammar mistakes in the email and overly general greeting line. Another tip is to watch out for urgent tone to take action – it typically signals about malevolent intentions of the email sender. It is also a good idea to scan all of your downloads with a robust antivirus solution. It doesn’t matter whether the download comes from email or some site you visited – scanning it before opening it allows you to check whether it has similarities with already recognized malware.

Remove POHJ ransomware virus and restore data

Remove POHJ ransomware virus and any remaining malware threats from your computer with caution. To deactivate malicious processes, it is ideal to boot in Safe Mode with Networking first. The tutorial provided below explains how to do it. Additionally, we recommend investing into a robust antivirus solution, one that provides real-time protection. Our team relies on INTEGO Antivirus for this matter. After POHJ virus removal, we strongly recommend changing passwords on your computer due to the activity carried out by Trojans that accompany the described ransomware. OUR GEEKS RECOMMEND Our team recommends a two-step rescue plan to remove ransomware and other remaining malware from your computer, plus repair caused virus damage to the system: GeeksAdvice.com editors select recommended products based on their effectiveness. We may earn a commission from affiliate links, at no additional cost to you. Learn more. Get INTEGO ANTIVIRUS for Windows to remove ransomware, Trojans, adware and other spyware and malware variants and protect your PC and network drives 24/7. This VB100-certified security software uses state-of-art technology to provide protection against ransomware, Zero-Day attacks and advanced threats, Intego Web Shield blocks dangerous websites, phishing attacks, malicious downloads and installation of potentially unwanted programs. Use INTEGO Antivirus to remove detected threats from your computer. Read full review here. RESTORO provides a free scan that helps to identify hardware, security and stability issues and presents a comprehensive report which can help you to locate and fix detected issues manually. It is a great PC repair software to use after you remove malware with professional antivirus. The full version of software will fix detected issues and repair virus damage caused to your Windows OS files automatically. RESTORO uses AVIRA scanning engine to detect existing spyware and malware. If any are found, the software will eliminate them. Read full review here.

Method 1. Enter Safe Mode with Networking

Before you try to remove POHJ Ransomware Virus virus, you must start your computer in Safe Mode with Networking. Below, we provide the easiest ways to boot PC in the said mode, but you can find additional ones in this in-depth tutorial on our website – How to Start Windows in Safe Mode. Also, if you prefer a video version of the tutorial, check our guide How to Start Windows in Safe Mode on Youtube. Instructions for Windows XP/Vista/7 users Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10/11 users Now, you can search for and remove POHJ Ransomware Virus files. It is very hard to identify files and registry keys that belong to the ransomware virus, Besides, malware creators tend to rename and change them repeatedly. Therefore, the easiest way to uninstall such type of a computer virus is to use a reliable security program such as INTEGO Antivirus. For virus damage repair, consider using RESTORO.

Method 2. Use System Restore

In order to use System Restore, you must have a system restore point, created either manually or automatically. Instructions for Windows XP/Vista/7 users Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10/11 users After restoring the system, we recommend scanning the system with antivirus or anti-malware software. In most cases, there won’t be any malware remains, but it never hurts to double-check. In addition, we highly recommend checking ransomware prevention guidelines provided by our experts in order to protect your PC against similar viruses in the future.

Alternative software recommendations

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Removing spyware and malware is one step towards cybersecurity. To protect yourself against ever-evolving threats, we strongly recommend purchasing a Premium version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware, which provides security based on artificial intelligence and machine learning. Includes ransomware protection. See pricing options and protect yourself now.

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Disclaimer. This site includes affiliate links. We may earn a small commission by recommending certain products, at no additional cost for you. We only choose quality software and services to recommend.

Decrypt POHJ files

Fix and open large POHJ files easily:

It is reported that STOP/DJVU ransomware versions encrypt only the beginning 150 KB of each file to ensure that the virus manages to affect all files on the system. In some cases, the malicious program might skip some files at all. That said, we recommend testing this method on several big (>1GB) files first.

STOP/DJVU decryption tool usage guide

STOP/DJVU ransomware versions are grouped into old and new variants. POHJ Ransomware Virus is considered the new STOP/DJVU variant, just like BPTO, ISWR, ISZA, BPSM, ZOUU, MBTF, ZNSM (find full list here). This means full data decryption is now possible only if you have been affected by offline encryption key. To decrypt your files, you will have to download Emsisoft Decryptor for STOP DJVU, a tool created and maintained by a genius security researcher Michael Gillespie. Note! Please do not spam the security researcher with questions whether he can recover your files encrypted with online key - it is not possible. In order to test the tool and see if it can decrypt POHJ files, follow the given tutorial.

Meanings of decryptor’s messages

The POHJ decryption tool might display several different messages after failed attempt to restore your files. You might receive one of the following messages: Error: Unable to decrypt file with ID: [example ID] This message typically means that there is no corresponding decryption key in the decryptor’s database. No key for New Variant online ID: [example ID]Notice: this ID appears to be an online ID, decryption is impossible This message informs that your files were encrypted with online key, meaning no one else has the same encryption/decryption key pair, therefore data recovery without paying the criminals is impossible. Result: No key for new variant offline ID: [example ID]This ID appears to be an offline ID. Decryption may be possible in the future. If you were informed that an offline key was used, but files could not be restored, it means that the offline decryption key isn’t available yet. However, receiving this message is extremely good news, meaning that it might be possible to restore your POHJ extension files in the future. It can take a few months until the decryption key gets found and uploaded to the decryptor. We recommend you to follow updates regarding the decryptable DJVU versions here. We strongly recommend backing up your encrypted data and waiting.

Victims of POHJ Ransomware Virus should report the Internet crime incident to the official government fraud and scam website according to their country:

In the United States, go to the On Guard Online website.In Australia, go to the SCAMwatch website.In Germany, go to the Bundesamt für Sicherheit in der Informationstechnik website.In Ireland, go to the An Garda Síochána website.In New Zealand, go to the Consumer Affairs Scams website.In the United Kingdom, go to the Action Fraud website.In Canada, go to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.In India, go to Indian National Cybercrime Reporting Portal.In France, go to the Agence nationale de la sécurité des systèmes d’information.

If you can’t find an authority corresponding to your location on this list, we recommend using any search engine to look up “[your country name] report cyber crime”. This should lead you to the right authority website. We also recommend staying away from third-party crime report services that are often paid. It costs nothing to report Internet crime to official authorities. Another recommendation is to contact your country’s or region’s federal police or communications authority.