RansomwareRemoval Guide

Remove JanusLocker Virus (.HACKED Files Ransomware) – ByteLocker Ransomware

JanusLocker – Ransomware

The JanusLocker stands for a ransomware-type infection. The infection comes from the ByteLocker ransomware family. JanusLocker was elaborated specifically to encrypt all major file types. When the file is encrypted people are not able to use them. JanusLocker adds the “.HACKED” extension for each file encrypted by it. For example, the file “myphoto.jpg“, once encrypted by JanusLocker, will be renamed into “myphoto.jpg.HACKED“. As quickly as the encryption is finished, JanusLocker places a special text file into every folder containing the encrypted data.

The message given by JanusLocker text file asking for the ransom is definitely the same as the statements given by other ransomware representatives belonging to the ByteLocker type. It literally mentions that the information is encrypted and that the only way to bring back it is to use a an unique decryption key. Sadly, this is definitely true. The sort of cryptography mechanism applied by JanusLocker is still not correctly examined. Still, it is absolutely specific that each victim might be given the specific decryption key, which is completely distinct. It is difficult to restore the files without the key available.

Another technique of JanusLocker is that the victims cannot gain access to the key. The key is saved on a specific server run by the frauds connected with JanusLocker ransomware. To get the key and recover the important info people have to pay the ransom.

However, irrespective of the requested amount, people must keep away from paying the virus. Cyber frauds are unfair, so they tend to entirely disregard what their victims feel about the problem, even when the payment reaches their pockets. This is why paying the ransom typically does not give any positive result and people just lose their money for nothing.

We strongly encourage that you do not contact these crooks and definitely do not transfer money into their accounts. It is said to admit that there are no utilities able to crack JanusLocker ransomware and to recover the data data for free. Therefore, the just right decision is to recover the lost information from the available backup.

Virus Summary

NameJanusLocker Ransomware
File Extension.HACKED
TypeRansomware
FamilyByteLocker
Short DescriptionThe 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.
SymptomsFile 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 HACKED extension to all the files modified by it.
Distribution MethodSpam Emails, Email Attachments
Removal Tool   GridinSoft Anti-Malware

Bear in mind that the world wide web is now overwhelmed with threats that look comparable to JanusLocker ransomware. Malicious programs of such kind are usually elaborated to encrypt important information and to set forth the demand prior to the user to pay the ransom. The peculiarity of all such ransomware threats is that all apply a similar algorithm to produce the distinct decryption key for data 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 avoid the loss of your essential data is to frequently create backups of your important information.

Keep in mind that even if you create such backups, they need to be placed 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 store 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 several methods used by online scams to distribute JanusLocker ransom virus. Despite the fact that it doubts how exactly JanusLocker injects your system, there are some leaks through which it may infiltrate the system:

  • integration with third-party software, especially freeware;
  • spam emails from unknown senders;
  • websites rendering free hosting services;
  • pirated peer-to-peer (P2P) downloads.

Often JanusLocker ransomware may be presented as some genuine software application, for example, in the pop-ups instructing users to carry out some crucial software updates. This is the typical technique used by online frauds to persuade people into downloading and installing JanusLocker infection manually, by means of their direct participation in the installation process.

Additionally, the criminals might describe numerous email spam strategies to inject harmful codes into Windows PC. So, they may describe to sending unsolicited spam emails with tricky notifications promoting users to download the attachments or click on certain download links, for example, the ones encouraging users to open some video, files, tax reports or invoices.

Needless to mention, opening such documents or clicking on such dangerous links may badly damage the system. Fictitious Adobe Flash Player upgrade alerts may result in JanusLocker ransom injection. As for the cracked software, these illegally downloaded programs may also include malicious codes leading to JanusLocker secret installation. Lastly, injection of JanusLocker may occur by means of Trojans that covertly get injected into the system and set up harmful tools without the user’s authorization.

Is there any way to avoid the injection of JanusLocker ransom virus?

Even though there is no 100% guarantee to prevent your computer from getting infected, there are some pieces of suggestions we wish to show with you. Firstly, be extremely careful when you surf the web and especially while downloading totally free programs. Keep away from opening suspicious email attachments, especially when the sender of the email is not familiar to you.

Remember that some freeware installers may contain other unwanted utilities in the package, so they may be malicious. Make sure that your current anti-virus and your entire operating system is always duly updated.

Of course, downloading pirated software is illegal and may result in essential damage to be made for your system. Hence, stay away from downloading cracked software. You are also strongly encouraged to reconsider your existing security software and perhaps change to another security solution that can render better services of defending your system.

Below please find the quotation from the JanusLocker text file:

JanusLocker

Your personal files are encrypted with military grade encryption

Your important files, documents, pictures, etc... Have been encrypted.

Here   is a complete list of your encrypted files, you can verify this manually.

Encryption was produced usingAES-256   in order to decrypt the files, you need to obtain the decryption key.

The password will only be available for a limited time, after this, the program will delete itself and there will be no way to recover encrypted files.

NOTE: Removal or modification of this software and restarting will lead to inability to decrypt your files.

You will receive the decryption key by sending 0.018 BTC to this address = 31jBiv7Vxu8t1CvMFKPeBTbQ7gCA2pNzyN

After you have done that, send an email to TwoHearts911@protonmail.com with your transaction ID

If everything went well, you will receive instructions to decrypt your files as promised.

Authors = @Janus666 | @TwoFaces9119 | @TwoHearts911 | @Ilovetrucks

Amount BTC = 0.018 BTC
BTC address = 31jBiv7Vxu8t1CvMFKPeBTbQ7gCA2pNzyN
Contact = TwoHearts911@protonmail.com

Screenshot of files with “.HACKED” extension added by the ransomware:
JanusLocker Ransomware - encrypt files with .HACKED extension

Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove JanusLocker 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.
GridinSoft Anti-Malware
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.
GridinSoft Anti-Malware Setup

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

GridinSoft Anti-Malware Install

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

GridinSoft Anti-Malware  Start

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.
GridinSoft Anti-Malware Scan

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.
GridinSoft Anti-Malware Scan Result

Sending
User Review
0 (0 votes)
Comments Rating 0 (0 reviews)

Daniel Zimmermann

Daniel Zimmermann has been writing on security and malware subjects for many years and has been working in the security industry for over 10 years. Daniel was educated at the Saarland University in Saarbrücken, Germany and currently lives in New York.

Related Articles

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Sending

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Back to top button