How to remove CryptoJoker ransomware

CryptoJoker ransomware is a true menace to your computer

CryptoJoker is a name of a ransomware virus that damages personal files stored on computers. The virus first emerged in 2016^[1], but in July 2017, CryptoJoker 2017 ransomware virus emerged. Both viruses seek to encrypt files on victim's computer to demand a ransom.

As much as we know, the initial CryptoJoker seeks to infect files with extensions such as .txt, .docx, .doc, .xls, .pdf, .java, .jpeg, .sql, .db, .docm, .odt, .csv, .xlsb, .xlsm, .aspx, .html, .psd, .pptx, .mdb, .sln, .xlsx, and many more. The virus encrypts these files using the AES-256^[2] encryption algorithm. After the file gets encrypted, this ransomware adds a .crjoker extension to the filename.

If you have noticed that your files have changed their names in such way, you should immediately take actions to stop this deadly virus! For that, we STRONGLY recommend using a reputable anti-malware software, for instance, FortectIntego or any other reliable one.

Keep in mind that once CryptoJoker virus encrypts these files, you will not be able to access them anymore. Crypto Joker leaves messages in the folders that hold the encrypted files as .txt or .html documents. The message states that the personal records were encrypted, and to retrieve them, user needs to contact CryptoJoker developers by sending an e-mail letter to them:

Write to us at mail: file987@sigaint.org

Spare mails: file9876@openmail.cc or file987@tutanota.com.

Instructions for payment will be sent in the opposite letter.

As you can see, this terrible computer threat demands to pay a ransom to retrieve the encrypted files back. Surprisingly, this machine threat does not demand a fixed amount of money, and that gives an idea that the cybercriminals are ready for a negotiation. However, security vendors do not recommend paying the ransom, because there is no guarantee that you will get your files back. Plus, do you wish to support cyber-criminals so that they can continue their knavish activities?

2017 brings another version of CryptoJoker

In June 2017, malware analysts spotted a CryptoJoker 2017 ransomware virus making rounds on the Internet. It was dubbed identically as the malware that emerged in 2016, but to distinguish both viruses, a year of the first appearance was added. The ransomware encodes files but experiences problems when trying to corrupt files that are opened by the user.

The ransomware checks .txt and .md files' sizes with FileInfo.Length property, and encrypts large files partially. The virus marks these files with .partially.cryptojoker extensions. For smaller files of the same types, the malware uses a .fully.cryptojoker extension. The rest of files get encrypted partially and get corresponding file extensions.

The developer of the ransomware has published the ransomware code online, stating that it was created “for education purposes only.” Such statement is a complete nonsense since script kiddies can quickly take that code and convert the ransomware into a fully working extortion tool. If you accidentally got infected with this ransomware, we strongly suggest using anti-malware software to remove CryptoJoker 2017 as soon as possible.

Tricks used to spread the ransomware

In most of the cases, this or any other ransomware viruses are distributed via harmful e-mail attachments. Ransomware is spread like Trojans – mostly, these viruses pretend to be a safe file to convince the user to download and open it. According to VirusActivity^[3] research, the described virus is spread as a PDF file. However, you can also infect your computer with this virus by browsing insecure websites or clicking on corrupted links. We have some tips how you should prevent installing CryptoJoker ransomware:

• Do not browse through suspicious web sources – there is a chance you might click on an infected link and download a computer threat without realising that.
• NEVER OPEN e-mails AND attachments from senders that you DO NOT personally know! Also, do not open suspiciously looking e-mails, because some viruses tend to take over victim’s e-mail and forward the infected letter to victim’s contacts.
• Install software safely. Some programs tend to promote third-party freeware in an indirect way, so you have to be careful when installing new apps. Select either Advanced or Custom installation settings and opt-out any suspicious or unfamiliar attachments.

Remove CryptoJoker and try existing data recovery tools

You can remove CryptoJoker virus on your own, but you will need to use an anti-malware software to complete this task. It is highly advisable not to attempt to delete the ransomware manually because you can never know what files and programs it brought into your system. Leave this task for a professional anti-malware tool that can detect potentially dangerous files automatically.

Before you begin CryptoJoker removal procedure, take a look at instructions provided below. They are designed to help you to delete the malware from the system. See, some ransomware viruses are made to block anti-malware programs, and our guide explains how to bypass this obstacle.