Remove Banjo Virus (+Decrypt .[crysall.g@aol.com].banjo files) – Phobos Ransomware

Banjo Virus Ransomware

The Banjo stands for a ransomware-type infection. The infection comes from the Phobos ransomware family. Banjo was elaborated specifically to encrypt all major file types. Once the file is encrypted people are not able to use them. Banjo adds the “.[crysall.g@aol.com].banjo” extension for each file encrypted by it. For example, the file “myphoto.jpg“, when encrypted by Banjo, will be renamed into “myphoto.jpg.[crysall.g@aol.com].banjo“. As quickly as the encryption is finished, Banjo places a special text file into every folder containing the encrypted data.

The message given by Banjo text file requesting for the ransom is definitely the same as the statements given by other ransomware representatives coming from the Phobos family. It literally discusses that the info is encrypted and that the only way to bring back it is to use a a distinct decryption key. Unfortunately, this is definitely true. The sort of cryptography mechanism applied by Banjo is still not appropriately examined. Still, it is absolutely certain that each victim may be given the specific decryption key, which is completely distinct. It is difficult to restore the files without the key available.

Another trick of Banjo is that the victims cannot gain access to the key. The key is stored on a particular server run by the frauds related to Banjo ransomware. To get the key and recover the important info people have to pay the ransom.

However, regardless of the requested amount, people should stay away from paying the virus. Cyber frauds are unfair, so they tend to entirely disregard what their victims feel about the issue, even when the payment reaches their pockets. This is why paying the ransom generally does not provide any positive result and people simply lose their money for nothing.

We highly recommend that you do not contact these crooks and absolutely do not transfer money into their accounts. It is said to admit that there are no utilities able to crack Banjo ransomware and to recover the data data free of charge. Thus, the only best decision is to recover the lost data from the available backup.

Virus Summary

Name	Banjo Ransomware
File Extension	.[crysall.g@aol.com].banjo
Type	Ransomware
Family	Phobos
Short Description	The ransomware encrypts all the data stored on your system and requires a ransom to be paid on your part supposedly to recover your important files.
Symptoms	File encryption by the ransomware is performed by means of the AES and RSA encryption algorithms. Once the encryption is completed, the ransomware adds its special [crysall.g@aol.com].banjo extension to all the files modified by it.
Distribution Method	Spam Emails, Email Attachments
Similar Infections	Elder, Adair, Deal
Removal Tool	GridinSoft Anti-Malware

Remember that the world wide web is now overwhelmed with threats that look comparable to Banjo ransomware. It is similar Elder and many other ransomware-type threats. Destructive programs of such kind are generally elaborated to encrypt important information and to state the need prior to the user to pay the ransom. The peculiarity of all such ransomware threats is that all apply a similar algorithm to create the distinct decryption key for files decryption.

Therefore, as long as the ransomware is still being developed or has some hidden bugs, manually recovering the information is merely not feasible. The only method to prevent the loss of your essential information is to frequently create backups of your important information.

Remember that even if you create such backups, they should be put into a special storage utility not connect to your main PC. You may use the Memory Stick or external hard disk for this purpose, or refer to the help of the cloud storage. If you save your backup files on your common system they may be encrypted in addition to other files, so it’s definitely not a good storage location.

How did ransomware infect my computer?

There are a number of ways used by online scams to distribute Banjo ransom virus. Even though it is uncertain how precisely Banjo injects your system, there are some leaks through which it may infiltrate the system:

• integration with third-party apps, especially freeware;
• spam e-mails from unidentified senders;
• sites rendering free hosting services;
• pirated peer-to-peer (P2P) downloads.

Often Banjo virus may exist as some genuine software application, for example, in the pop-ups instructing users to execute some important software updates. This is the typical technique used by online frauds to persuade people into downloading and installing Banjo infection manually, by methods of their direct participation in the installation process.

Additionally, the criminals might refer to various email spam strategies to inject harmful codes into Windows PC. So, they may refer to to sending unsolicited spam e-mails with tricky notices promoting users to download the attachments or click on certain download links, for example, the ones motivating users to open some photos, documents, tax reports or invoices.

Needless to mention, opening such files or clicking on such dangerous links may badly harm the system. Fictitious Adobe Flash Player update alerts may result in Banjo ransom injection. As for the cracked applications, these illegally downloaded programs may likewise consist of malicious codes causing Banjo secret installation. Lastly, injection of Banjo may happen by ways of Trojans that privately get injected into the system and install destructive tools without the user’s consent.

Is there any method to prevent the injection of Banjo ransomware?

Despite the fact that there is no 100% guarantee to avoid your system from getting infected, there are some pieces of suggestions we wish to share with with you. To start with, be really cautious when you surf the web and specifically while downloading complimentary programs. Keep away from opening suspicious email attachments, especially when the sender of the email is not familiar to you.

Keep in mind that some freeware installers may consist of other unwanted utilities in the package, so they may be malicious. Make certain that your current antivirus software and your entire OS is always duly updated.

Naturally, downloading pirated software is illegal and may result in important damage to be made for your system. Thus, stay away from downloading cracked software. You are also highly encouraged to reconsider your existing security software and potentially switch to another security solution that can render far better services of protecting your PC.

Below please find the quotation from the Banjo text file:

All your files have been encrypted!
All your files have been encrypted due to a security problem with your PC. If you want to restore them, write us to the e-mail crysall.g@aol.com
Write this ID in the title of your message
In case of no answer in 24 hours write us to this e-mail:dennet.smellie@aol.com
You have to pay for decryption in Bitcoins. The price depends on how fast you write to us. After payment we will send you the tool that will decrypt all your files.
Free decryption as guarantee
Before paying you can send us up to 5 files for free decryption. The total size of files must be less than 4Mb (non archived), and files should not contain valuable information. (databases,backups, large excel sheets, etc.)
How to obtain Bitcoins
The easiest way to buy bitcoins is LocalBitcoins site. You have to register, click ‘Buy bitcoins’, and select the seller by payment method and price.
hxxps://localbitcoins.com/buy_bitcoins
Also you can find other places to buy Bitcoins and beginners guide here:
hxxp://www.coindesk.com/information/how-can-i-buy-bitcoins/
Attention!
Do not rename encrypted files.
Do not try to decrypt your data using third party software, it may cause permanent data loss.
Decryption of your files with the help of third parties may cause increased price (they add their fee to our) or you can become a victim of a scam.

Screenshot of files with “.[crysall.g@aol.com].banjo” extension added by the ransomware:

Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove Banjo ransomware from your computer

1.Download GridinSoft Anti-Malware.

You can download GridinSoft Anti-Malware by clicking the button below:

  GridinSoft Anti-Malware

2. Double-click on the setup file.

When setup file has finished downloading, double-click on the setup-antimalware-ag.exe file to install GridinSoft Anti-Malware on your computer.

An User Account Control asking you about to allow GridinSoft Anti-Malware to make changes to your device. So, you should click “Yes” to continue with the installation.

3. Press Install button for run GridinSoft Anti-Malware.

3.Once installed, GridinSoft Anti-Malware will automatically run.

4. Wait for the GridinSoft Anti-Malware scan to complete.

GridinSoft Anti-Malware will automatically start scanning your computer for Win Speedup 2018 and other malicious programs. This process can take a 20-30 minutes, so we suggest you periodically check on the status of the scan process.

5. Click on “Clean Now”.

When the scan has completed, you will see the list of infections that GridinSoft Anti-Malware has detected. To remove them click on the “Clean Now” button in right corner.