JohnyCryptor ransomware - How to remove

JohnyCryptor ransomware is a new species joining the ransomware breed. It uses the popular asymmetric encryption. If you do not have any security tools on your computer, it can lead to the worst case scenario since the decryption for JohnyCryptor ransomware is not discovered yet. Consequently, ransomware infections deserve to be considered as the worst type of infections to deal with.

About JohnyCryptor Ransomware

JohnyCryptor ransomware scans the computer for both local and network files. It makes an exception only for system files. This cryptomalware is capable of corrupting all types and formats of data – text, music, video files, images, etc. It uses asymmetric encryption algorithm generating public (RSA-2048) and private (AES) keys during encryption. The private key is stored in Command and Control (C&C) servers in charge of the ransomware developers. JohnyCryptor ransomware appends id.-[randomID][email protected] extension to the encrypted files. ‘‘How_to_decrypt _files.txt’’ file is dropped in every folder of encrypted files, ‘‘How_to_decrypt_files.png’’ replaces the desktop wallpaper. Interestingly, the text file embodies only the contact e-mail address, which is [email protected] (alternative e-mail – [email protected]), while the PNG file contains the whole ransom note. The time period for paying the ransom is one week. Another strange point is that the hackers do not disclose the size of the ransom. But it could be presumed from the similar ransomwares, using asymmetric encryption (e.g. Cerber, CTB-Locker, etc.), that it could be roughly from 0.5 to 1.5 BTC (which is equivalent to 266.46 and 799.37 USD at the moment).

How does JohnyCryptor Ransomware Infect Your Computer?

This encoding Trojan sends fake e-mails which fall into the spam folder of your e-mail box. They embody infected links or their attachments are infected. These e-mails pretend to be official letters from official institutions or companies. They can even incorporate verification marks. JohnyCryptor ransomware is embedded in a PDF, ZIP and DOCX files that feature corrupted Macro and Javascript. It can disguise as an update of Java or Adobe Flash Player as well. This file encoder can also be distributed through security vulnerabilities exploited by exploit kits (e.g. Angler EK, Nuclear EK – the most common among others).

How to Decrypt Files Encrypted by JohnyCryptor Ransomware?

As Gods would be unfavored, security experts have not found any decryption tools yet. But do not contact the cyber criminals through the e-mails given. You will only fall deeper into the rabbit hole. For prevention keep backups in external storage devices. Use external storage services such as OneDrive, Google Disk, etc. To resolve the issue of encryption apply data decryptors like RakhniDecryptor and RannohDecryptor by Kaspersky Lab. For prevention as well as for removal of JohnyCryptor ransomware from your computer employ trustworthy malware removal utilities such as Spyhunter, Malwarebytes or StopZilla. Follow the removal guide of JohnyCryptor ransomware below.

How to recover JohnyCryptor ransomware encrypted files and remove the virus

Step 1. Restore system into last known good state using system restore

1. Reboot your computer to Safe Mode with Command Prompt:

for Windows 7 / Vista/ XP

• Start → Shutdown → Restart → OK.
• Press F8 key repeatedly until Advanced Boot Options window appears.
• Choose Safe Mode with Command Prompt.

for Windows 8 / 10

• Press Power at Windows login screen. Then press and hold Shift key and click Restart.
• Choose Troubleshoot → Advanced Options → Startup Settings and click Restart.
• When it loads, select Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt from the list of Startup Settings.

 

2.Restore System files and settings.

• When Command Prompt mode loads, enter cd restore and press Enter.
• Then enter rstrui.exe and press Enter again.
• Click “Next” in the windows that appeared.
• Select one of the Restore Points that are available before JohnyCryptor ransomware has infiltrated to your system and then click “Next”.
• To start System restore click “Yes”.

 

Step 2. Complete removal of JohnyCryptor ransomware

After restoring your system, it is recommended to scan your computer with an anti-malware program, like Spyhunter and remove all malicious files related to JohnyCryptor ransomware. You can check other tools here.  

Step 3. Restore JohnyCryptor ransomware affected files using Shadow Volume Copies

If you do not use System Restore option on your operating system, there is a chance to use shadow copy snapshots. They store copies of your files that point of time when the system restore snapshot was created. Usually JohnyCryptor ransomware tries to delete all possible Shadow Volume Copies, so this methods may not work on all computers. However, it may fail to do so. Shadow Volume Copies are only available with Windows XP Service Pack 2, Windows Vista, Windows 7, and Windows 8. There are two ways to retrieve your files via Shadow Volume Copy. You can do it using native Windows Previous Versions or via Shadow Explorer. a) Native Windows Previous Versions Right-click on an encrypted file and select Properties → Previous versions tab. Now you will see all available copies of that particular file and the time when it was stored in a Shadow Volume Copy. Choose the version of the file you want to retrieve and click Copy if you want to save it to some directory of your own, or Restore if you want to replace existing, encrypted file. If you want to see the content of file first, just click Open.

b) Shadow Explorer It is a program that can be found online for free. You can download either a full or a portable version of Shadow Explorer. Open the program. On the left top corner select the drive where the file you are looking for is a stored. You will see all folders on that drive. To retrieve a whole folder, right-click on it and select “Export”. Then choose where you want it to be stored.

Step 4. Use Data Recovery programs to recover JohnyCryptor ransomware encrypted files

There are several data recovery programs that might recover encrypted files as well. This does not work in all cases but you can try this:

• We suggest using another PC and connect the infected hard drive as slave. It is still possible to do this on infected PC though.
• Download a data recovery program.
• Install and scan for recently deleted files.

Note: In many cases it is impossible to restore data files affected by modern ransomware. Thus I recommend using decent cloud backup software as precaution. We recommend checking out Carbonite, BackBlaze, CrashPlan or Mozy Home.

Manual removal