Pomoch (.pomoch45) Ransomware Virus

Virus analyst Tomas Meskauskas was the one who originally described the Pomoch ransomware, which belongs to the MedusaLocker family. A harmful program of this type encrypts all user’s data on the computer (photos, documents, excel sheets, music, videos, etc) and adds its specific extension to every file, creating the How_to_back_files.html files in every folder containing encrypted files.

Pomoch virus: what is known so far?

☝️ Pomoch is a MedusaLocker family ransomware malicious agent.

Pomoch will add its specific .pomoch45 extension to every file’s name. For instance, an image named “photo.jpg” will be changed to “photo.jpg.pomoch45”. Just like the Excel file with the name “table.xlsx” will become “table.xlsx.pomoch45”, and so forth.

In every directory containing the encoded files, a How_to_back_files.html text file will be created. It is a ransom money note. It contains information about the ways of contacting the racketeers and some other information. The ransom note usually contains instructions on how to purchase the decryption tool from the tamperers. You can get this decoding tool after contacting [email protected], [email protected] by email. That is pretty much the scheme of the crime.

Pomoch Summary:

The How_to_back_files.html file coming in package with the Pomoch ransomware states the following:

YOUR PERSONAL ID:
-


/!\\ YOUR COMPANY NETWORK HAS BEEN PENETRATED /!\\
All your important files have been encrypted!


Your files are safe! Only modified. (RSA+AES)


ANY ATTEMPT TO RESTORE YOUR FILES WITH THIRD-PARTY SOFTWARE
WILL PERMANENTLY CORRUPT IT.
DO NOT MODIFY ENCRYPTED FILES.
DO NOT RENAME ENCRYPTED FILES.


No software available on internet can help you. We are the only ones able to
solve your problem.

 

We gathered highly confidential/personal data. These data are currently stored on
a private server. This server will be immediately destroyed after your payment.
If you decide to not pay, we will release your data to public or re-seller.
So you can expect your data to be publicly available in the near future..


We only seek money and our goal is not to damage your reputation or prevent
your business from running.


You will can send us 2-3 non-important files and we will decrypt it for free
to prove we are able to give your files back.


Contact us for price and get decryption software.

 

email:
[email protected]
[email protected]


* To contact us, create a new free email account on the site: protonmail.com
IF YOU DON\'T CONTACT US WITHIN 72 HOURS, PRICE WILL BE HIGHER.


* Tor-chat to always be in touch:


qd7pcafncosqfqu3ha6fcx4h6sr7tzwagzpcdcnytiw3b6varaeqv5yd.onion

In the image below, you can see what a directory with files encrypted by the Pomoch looks like. Each filename has the “.pomoch45” extension added to it.

How did Pomoch ransomware end up on my PC?

There are many possible ways of ransomware infiltration.

Nowadays, there are three most exploited ways for malefactors to have ransomware settled in your system. These are email spam, Trojan introduction and peer-to-peer file transfer.

• If you open your inbox and see emails that look like familiar notifications from utility services providers, delivery agencies like FedEx, Internet providers, and whatnot, but whose sender is strange to you, be wary of opening those emails. They are very likely to have a harmful item attached to them. Thus it is even riskier to download any attachments that come with emails like these.
• Another option for ransom hunters is a Trojan file scheme. A Trojan is a program that infiltrates into your computer disguised as something legal. For example, you download an installer for some program you want or an update for some software. However, what is unpacked reveals itself a harmful agent that compromises your data. As the installation wizard can have any title and any icon, you’d better be sure that you can trust the resource of the stuff you’re downloading. The optimal way is to trust the software developers’ official websites.
• As for the peer-to-peer networks like BitTorrent or eMule, the threat is that they are even more trust-based than the rest of the Internet. You can never guess what you download until you get it. So you’d better be using trustworthy websites. Also, it is reasonable to scan the folder containing the downloaded items with the antivirus as soon as the downloading is finished.

How do I get rid of ransomware?

How to avert ransomware infiltration?

Pomoch ransomware doesn’t have a endless power, so as any similar malware.

You can armour your system from its infiltration taking several easy steps:

• Ignore any emails from unknown mailboxes with unknown addresses, or with content that has likely no connection to something you are waiting for (how can you win in a money prize draw without even taking part in it?). If the email subject is likely something you are waiting for, check all elements of the questionable letter with caution. A hoax email will always have a mistake.
• Do not use cracked or untrusted programs. Trojans are often shared as a part of cracked products, most likely under the guise of “patch” which prevents the license check. But untrusted programs are difficult to tell from trustworthy ones, as trojans sometimes have the functionality you seek. You can try searching for information on this program on the anti-malware forums, but the best solution is not to use such programs at all.

Frequently Asked Questions

🤔 How can I open “.pomoch45” files?Can I somehow access “.pomoch45” files?

Unfortunately, no. You need to decipher the “.pomoch45” files first. Then you will be able to open them.

🤔 I really need to decrypt those “.pomoch45” files ASAP. How can I do that?

Hopefully, you have made a copy of those important files. If not, there is still a function of System Restore but it needs a Restore Point to be previously saved. The rest of the methods require patience.

🤔 What actions should I take if the Pomoch virus has blocked my computer and I can’t get the activation key.

🤔 What can I do right now?

Many of the encrypted files might still be within your reach

• If you exchanged your important files via email, you could still download them from your online mailbox.
• You may have shared images or videos with your friends or family members. Just ask them to give those images back to you.
• If you have initially downloaded any of your files from the Internet, you can try downloading them again.
• Your messengers, social media pages, and cloud disks might have all those files too.
• It might be that you still have the needed files on your old PC, a portable device, cellphone, memory stick, etc.

USEFUL TIP: You can use data recovery programs² to retrieve your lost information since ransomware blocks the copies of your files, removing the authentic ones. In the video below, you can see how to use PhotoRec for such a recovery, but remember: you won’t be able to do it before you remove the ransomware itself with an anti-malware program.

1. My files are encrypted by ransomware, what should I do now?
2. Here’s the list of Best Data Recovery Software Of 2024.