Promock Ransomware
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is Promock?
Promock is a malicious program that belongs to the Djvu ransomware family. Cyber criminals use ransomware-type programs to blackmail their victims. They use them to encrypt data stored on computers (rendering files unusable) and keep it in that state unless a ransom is paid.
Promock creates a ransom message within a "_readme.txt" file, which victims can find in each folder containing encrypted files. It also renames every file by adding the ".promock" extension. For instance, "1.jpg", is renamed by Promock to "1.jpg.promock".
In the "_readme.txt" ransom message, Promock's developers inform victims not to worry and that they can retrieve their files. They also inform them that all data was encrypted with the strongest encryption and the only way to decrypt is to purchase a decryption tool and a unique key. As 'proof' that they have this tool, they offer free decryption of one file.
To decrypt all encrypted files, they demand payment of $980. If victims make contact within 72 hours, they lower the cost to $490 (a 50% discount). They state that victims must pay them, otherwise files will never be restored.
To receive instructions on how to make payment, users must make contact via blower@india.com or blower@firemail.cc (the email message should include an assigned victim ID). They promise to send a decryption tool as soon as they receive payment (and ransom demands are met).
Typically, ransomware-type programs encrypt data using cryptography algorithms (symmetric or asymmetric) that make decryption, without using a specific tool, impossible. Therefore, only the cyber criminals who developed the ransomware can provide the correct decryption tool. These people should not be trusted.
In many cases, cyber criminals receive the ransom payment (typically, in a cryptocurrency) and then ignore victims - they send no tools required for successful decryption. Therefore, do not contact these criminals or make any payments. Use a data backup that was created before data encryption and restore everything from there.
Screenshot of a message encouraging users to pay a ransom to decrypt their compromised data:
There are many similar ransomware-type viruses. Some examples are Promorad, Korea, and JCry. Typically, these programs encrypt data and display ransom demand messages. The main differences are usually cost of decryption (a decryption tool or key) and cryptography algorithm that was used to encrypt data.
Unfortunately, most malicious programs of this type are 'uncrackable' - files can only be decrypted using specific tools owned by cyber criminals. Decryption without their involvement is possible only if the ransomware is not fully developed or has unfixed bugs/flaws.
Therefore, we recommend that you create data backups and store them on remote servers or unplugged storage devices.
How did ransomware infect my computer?
Most cyber criminals proliferate ransomware-type infections using more or less identical methods. Typically, they use spam campaigns, fake software updaters, dubious software download sources, software cracking tools and malicious programs called Trojans.
They proliferate ransomware and other infections through spam campaigns by sending emails that include malicious attachments (or website links). Attached files are usually Microsoft Office documents, archives (ZIP, RAR and others), PDF documents, JavaScript files, executables (.exe files), and so on.
When opened, these attachments download and install a malicious program, in this case, ransomware. Software updaters proliferate high-risk infections by downloading and installing malicious programs rather than the promised updates. Alternatively, they can be used to exploit bugs or flaws of outdated software.
Cyber criminals also use untrustworthy software download channels to trick people into installing computer infections. Examples of dubious sources used to download software are Peer-to-Peer networks such as torrent clients, eMule (and other such tools), free file hosting sites, freeware download websites, and other similar channels.
Cyber criminals use these tools to trick people into downloading and installing computer infection. They present them as ordinary, legitimate files. Software cracking tools supposedly allow people to avoid paying for software by activating it free of charge.
Rather than activating any software, these tools often download and install ransomware-type and other malicious software. Trojans are computer infections that, if installed, proliferate other infections. If a malicious program of this type already installed, it is likely to cause other infections.
| Name | Promock virus |
| Threat Type | Ransomware, Crypto Virus, Files locker |
| Symptoms | Can't open files stored on your computer, previously functional files now have a different extension, for example my.docx.locked. A ransom demanding message is displayed on your desktop. Cyber criminals are asking to pay a ransom (usually in bitcoins) to unlock your files. |
| Distribution methods | Infected email attachments (macros), torrent websites, malicious ads. |
| Damage | All files are encrypted and cannot be opened without paying a ransom. Additional password stealing trojans and malware infections can be installed together with a ransomware infection. |
| Malware Removal (Windows) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
How to protect yourself from ransomware infections?
To avoid having your computer infected with ransomware, browse the web, download, install and update software carefully. Do not open email attachments or website links that are presented in irrelevant emails or if they are received from suspicious, unknown addresses. Generally, these emails are presented as legitimate and official, however, they should not be trusted.
Do not use software cracking tools - they often cause computer infections. Activating software/operating systems using them is illegal. Installed software should be updated using implemented functions (or tools) that are provided by official software developers. Do not use third party updaters.
When downloading software, choose official websites and not torrent clients (or other Peer-to-Peer networks), unofficial websites, or other dubious channels.
Have a reputable anti-virus or anti-spyware suite installed and enabled. Programs of this type are capable of preventing computer infection by various threats (malicious programs). If your computer is already infected with Promock, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this ransomware.
Text presented in Promock ransomware text file ("_readme.txt"):
ATTENTION!
Don't worry my friend, you can return all your files!
All your files like photos, databases, documents 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 you have?
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.
You can get and look video overview decrypt tool:
hxxps://we.tl/t-ll0rIToOhf
Price of private key and decrypt software is $980.
Discount 50% available if you contact us first 72 hours, that's price for you is $490.
Please note that you'll never restore your data without payment.
Check your e-mail "Spam" folder if you don't get answer more than 6 hours.
To get this software you need write on our e-mail:
blower@india.com
Reserve e-mail address to contact us:
blower@firemail.cc
Your personal ID:
-
Screenshot of files encrypted by Promock (".promock" extension):
As with most of ransomware from the Djvu family, Promock also displays a fake Windows update pop-up during encryption:
IMPORTANT NOTE! - Ransomware-type infections from the Djvu malware family are designed to add a number of entries to the Windows hosts file. The entries contain the URLs of various websites, most of which are related to malware removal. This is carried out to prevent users accessing malware security websites and seeking help.
Our website (PCrisk.com) is also on the list. Removing these entries, however, is simple - you can find detailed instructions in this article (note that, although the steps are shown in the Windows 10 environment, the process is virtually identical on all versions of the Microsoft Windows operating system).
Screenshot of websites added to Windows hosts file:
Promock ransomware removal:
Instant automatic malware removal:
Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced IT skills. Combo Cleaner is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
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Quick menu:
- What is Promock?
- STEP 1. Promock virus removal using safe mode with networking.
- STEP 2. Promock ransomware removal using System Restore.
Step 1
Windows XP and Windows 7 users: Start your computer in Safe Mode. Click Start, click Shut Down, click Restart, click OK. During your computer start process, press the F8 key on your keyboard multiple times until you see the Windows Advanced Option menu, and then select Safe Mode with Networking from the list.
Video showing how to start Windows 7 in "Safe Mode with Networking":
Windows 8 users: Start Windows 8 is Safe Mode with Networking - Go to Windows 8 Start Screen, type Advanced, in the search results select Settings. Click Advanced startup options, in the opened "General PC Settings" window, select Advanced startup. Click the "Restart now" button.
Your computer will now restart into the "Advanced Startup options menu". Click the "Troubleshoot" button, and then click the "Advanced options" button. In the advanced option screen, click "Startup settings". Click the "Restart" button. Your PC will restart into the Startup Settings screen. Press F5 to boot in Safe Mode with Networking.
Video showing how to start Windows 8 in "Safe Mode with Networking":
Windows 10 users: Click the Windows logo and select the Power icon. In the opened menu click "Restart" while holding "Shift" button on your keyboard. In the "choose an option" window click on the "Troubleshoot", next select "Advanced options". In the advanced options menu select "Startup Settings" and click on the "Restart" button.
In the following window you should click the "F5" button on your keyboard. This will restart your operating system in safe mode with networking.
Video showing how to start Windows 10 in "Safe Mode with Networking":
Step 2
Log in to the account infected with the Promock virus. Start your Internet browser and download a legitimate anti-spyware program. Update the anti-spyware software and start a full system scan. Remove all entries detected.
If you cannot start your computer in Safe Mode with Networking, try performing a System Restore.
Video showing how to remove ransomware virus using "Safe Mode with Command Prompt" and "System Restore":
1. During your computer start process, press the F8 key on your keyboard multiple times until the Windows Advanced Options menu appears, and then select Safe Mode with Command Prompt from the list and press ENTER.
2. When Command Prompt mode loads, enter the following line: cd restore and press ENTER.
3. Next, type this line: rstrui.exe and press ENTER.
4. In the opened window, click "Next".
5. Select one of the available Restore Points and click "Next" (this will restore your computer system to an earlier time and date, prior to the Promock ransomware virus infiltrating your PC).
6. In the opened window, click "Yes".
7. After restoring your computer to a previous date, download and scan your PC with recommended malware removal software to eliminate any remaining Promock ransomware files.
To restore individual files encrypted by this ransomware, try using Windows Previous Versions feature. This method is only effective if the System Restore function was enabled on an infected operating system. Note that some variants of Promock are known to remove Shadow Volume Copies of the files, so this method may not work on all computers.
To restore a file, right-click over it, go into Properties, and select the Previous Versions tab. If the relevant file has a Restore Point, select it and click the "Restore" button.
If you cannot start your computer in Safe Mode with Networking (or with Command Prompt), boot your computer using a rescue disk. Some variants of ransomware disable Safe Mode making its removal complicated. For this step, you require access to another computer.
To regain control of the files encrypted by Promock, you can also try using a program called Shadow Explorer. More information on how to use this program is available here.
To protect your computer from file encryption ransomware such as this, use reputable antivirus and anti-spyware programs. As an extra protection method, you can use programs called HitmanPro.Alert and EasySync CryptoMonitor, which artificially implant group policy objects into the registry to block rogue programs such as Promock ransomware.
Note that Windows 10 Fall Creators Update includes a "Controlled Folder Access" feature that blocks ransomware attempts to encrypt your files. By default, this feature automatically protects files stored in the Documents, Pictures, Videos, Music, Favorites as well as Desktop folders.
Windows 10 users should install this update to protect their data from ransomware attacks. Here is more information on how to get this update and add an additional protection layer from ransomware infections.
HitmanPro.Alert CryptoGuard - detects encryption of files and neutralises any attempts without need for user-intervention:
Malwarebytes Anti-Ransomware Beta uses advanced proactive technology that monitors ransomware activity and terminates it immediately - before reaching users' files:
- The best way to avoid damage from ransomware infections is to maintain regular up-to-date backups. More information on online backup solutions and data recovery software Here.
Other tools known to remove Promock ransomware:
Outstanding!
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