JosepCrypt virus - How to remove

JosepCrypt virus is categorized as ransomware infection and it can cause all sorts of problems to you – the main goal of ransomware infections is to steal money from users of infected computers by forcing them to pay a ransom for their encrypted files. Even though this ransomware is similar to other infections of this kind regarding its methods, the code and architecture base of this infection is nothing similar to other viruses that we have seen in the past, so it is definitely unique.

If you were unlucky enough and JosepCrypt managed to get inside of your computer, all your personal files are likely to be encrypted and you won’t be able to use them anymore. That can be really frustrating, thus we are here to help you deal with this infection – provide you with detailed instructions how to remove JosepCrypt virus and recover your files.

.josep extension virus

It seems like JoseCrypt ransomware is still in a development mode and some updates will be released sometime soon – as for now, it is just a basic ransomware infection with no additional features.

However, cybercriminals behind JoseCrypt virus seem to be well prepared as they are capable of launching effective distribution campaigns and delivering malicious code to specific computers. How is that possible, you may ask. Well, it all starts with a weak computer protection or/and reckless internet browsing. There are various malware applications, such as adware or browser hijackers that can infiltrate into computers with low security level and collect various personal information. Also, your sensitive information can be collected simply while you are visiting websites that are not trustworthy. This way crooks will know what anti-virus software do you use, what are your interests and other details that can help them to infect your computer with a virus like JosepCrypt. That is why we suggest keeping your computer secure with reliable anti-malware application – it won’t allow your personal data to be leaked and protect your system from various malware. Take a look at reviews category, where we analyze various anti-malware tools that are available right now.

In case it is too late and your computer is already infected with JosepCrypt, it will automatically start scanning your computer for various files that can be encrypted. Music, videos, documents or even databases can be encrypted and inaccessible. During the encryption process, JosepCryopt employs a specific cryptography and adds .josep extension to the end of every encrypted file – this is why it is named this way.

After the encryption, a new file called “RECOVERY.txt” will be placed on a desktop – it is decryption instruction:

A l l y o u r f i l e s a r e e n c r y p t e d . I f y o u w a n t t o r e c o v e r t h e y , w r i t e m e t o j o s e p n i v e r i t o @ a o l . c o m Y o u h a v e a 5 d a y s Y O U R K E Y : *****

It is not know how much or simply how you will have to pay the ransom – they encourage you to contact them via email at [email protected] and send your identification key. Perhaps they are using those ID keys to manage all infected computers and ransom payments. They also threaten you to do that in 5 days, otherwise, something bad is supposed to happen (for instance, your files can be deleted forever).

Even though it looks like an easy way out, we do not recommend to contact them nor pay the ransom. Instead of that, you should immediately remove JosepCrypt from your computer and try to restore your files using alternative methods.

The best way to remove JoseCrypt is to scan your system with anti-malware application like Malwarebytes. It will automatically detect and remove all malicious threats. In case JsoepCrypt blocks this software and you can’t install it, try using SpyHunter or other anti-malware tools of your choice.

When the virus is gone, follow steps mentioned below to restore your encrypted files.

How to recover JosepCrypt virus 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 JosepCrypt virus has infiltrated to your system and then click “Next”.
• To start System restore click “Yes”.

 

Step 2. Complete removal of JosepCrypt virus

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 JosepCrypt virus. You can check other tools here.  

Step 3. Restore JosepCrypt virus 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 JosepCrypt virus 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 JosepCrypt virus 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.