What is Pozq ransomware?
Pozq is a malware program (a computer virus). Specifically, it is a ransomware program: a virus that encrypts all files to render them inaccessible, then demands payment (i.e. ransom) to decrypt them. Pozq belongs to the STOP/Djvu ransomware family. Generally, viruses in one family are similar to each other, because they’re based on the same computer code. This is true for STOP/Djvu viruses as well; in fact they’re remarkably similar to each other (just compare Powd).
When Pozq encrypts files, it also changes their names. For example, “img.jpg” would be renamed to “img.jpg.pozq”; as you can see, the virus adds .pozq file extension. To communicate the ransom demands to the victim, Pozq leaves a ransom note, “_readme.txt”. It contains the hackers’ contact information as well as the sum demanded from the victim. The hackers want a whooping $980 for the files, although a 50% discount is offered.
However, generally speaking you should not pay these criminals, or even contact them at all. They’re likely to ghost you after receiving payment, and you will be marked as a target for future attacks as a result. The guide below will explore other ways to remove .pozq ransomware and decrypt .pozq files.