Javalocker ransomware, JavaEncrypt ransomware: what it is and how to remove it

From our report of Mar 2020 · not reviewed since

More from our earlier report on Javalocker ransomware, JavaEncrypt ransomware

• A ransom note readmeonnotepad.javaencrypt.txt is dropped into almost all the folders on the computer, as well as the desktop
• Ransomware may disturb normal operation of a Windows system, resulting in stability issues after malware is eliminated.

From our report of Mar 2020 · not reviewed since

Javalocker ransomware is a cryptomalware that asks users for $300 ransom for the decryption tool

Javalocker ransomware is a file locking computer infection that encrypts PDF, MS Office, databases, video, and other data with AES cipher.

It appends each of the affected files with either .javalocker or .javaencrypt extension (hence, the malware may also be called JavaEncrypt ransomware), consequently preventing owners from accessing them. First spotted in early March, Javalocker ransomware is based on Java programming language.

To redeem access, victims need to acquire a unique key that is held on a remote server by Javalocker virus authors. Of course, hackers will not provide it for free, as they state in a ransom note readmeonnotepad.javaencrypt.txt - users are asked to pay $300 worth of Bitcoin to the provided crypto-wallet address and then write an email to soviet@12334@gmail.com.

However, malicious actors do not always follow up with what they promised, so you should not rush contacting them immediately. There are a few other methods that may help you recover data for free, although you should focus on Javalocker ransomware removal first.

If you have never dealt with a ransomware infection, finding Javalocker encrypted files might be shocking. Indeed, ransomware infection can be devastating - access to the encrypted data might be lost forever. Due to this, the illegal business or crypto-malware is booming, and more new strains, along with new versions, are being released almost every day - many actors want money.

If you are wondering how you got infected with Javalocker ransomware, you most likely did something you did not consider dangerous. Threat actors may use one, or multiple, of the following techniques:

Once inside the system, the Javalocker file virus would place a malicious executable, such as javaw.exe (although this file can be named as anything else) into the Temp folder, which is located in the following path: C:\Users\user\AppData\Local\Temp.

From there, Javalocker ransomware will begin the infection routine of the Windows computer (these can cause malfunctions after the infection is terminated, although you could fix this damage with tools like later) and will modify several sections in it for a smooth operation.

For example, for persistence purposes, the virus will modify the Windows registry, delete Shadow Volume Copies to complicate data recovery, and perform other necessary changes. Javalocker ransomware will then begin to look for files to encrypt - it targets 159 different types.

As evident, malicious actors behind Javalocker ransomware are aiming to cause maximum damage to victims, which increases the chances that they will pay as a desperate measure to recover their data. After each of the files are encrypted, malware will create a ransom note which states the following:

Paying cybercriminals is highly discouraged by security experts, as they might not deliver the required Javalocker ransomware decryption tool or send you one that does not work.

In such a case, you might end up losing not only your files but also $300, increasing the damage done by the infection. Instead, you should copy the encrypted data, delete the Javalocker virus form your system, and try using alternative methods for recovery we provide below.

Unfortunately, the Javalocker file virus has a relatively low detection rate on Virus Total - only one-third of AV engines detect the main file as malicious. Nevertheless, those that do, flag it under the following names:

To remove Javalocker ransomware, you should perform a full system scan with one of the anti-malware applications that detect the threat. In case malware is tampering with the app, you could access Safe Mode with Networking and initiate a scan from there. For more details, check the bottom section of the article.

• Spam email attachments or hyperlinks embedded into the body text;
• Software vulnerabilities and exploit kits;
• Fake updates or scam messages encountered all over the web;
• Malicious ads embedded into torrent and similar insecure sites;
• Software cracks or pirated program installers.
• Trojan.Script.Generic.4!c
• Java/Filecoder.AJ
• Trojan.Maljava
• Malware.JAVA/Filecoder.nhpgb
• Java.Trojan.Agent.LQ
• Ransom:Win32/JavaLocker.S!MTB
• Java:Malware-gen , etc.

From our report of Mar 2020 · not reviewed since

Ransomware is spread via different methods - protect yourself thoroughly

As we mentioned above, threat actors can use various techniques to deliver the malicious program to as many people as possible - this increases the chances of ransom payments.

While some methods are more sophisticated than the others, users should ensure that their machines are protected comprehensively in order to avoid the infection. Additionally, one of the primary factors in cybersecurity is careful online behavior - not protecting the PC with anti-malware, downloading software cracks eventually brings malware.

One of the most commonly used distribution techniques for ransomware - spam emails. Phishing emails are often compiled with the help of social engineering - crooks employ company logos, formatting, seemingly legitimate hyperlinks, email spoofing, and other techniques. For example, man spam emails are sent from alleged parcel delivery services like UPS or banks like JPMorgan Chase.

As a result, users believe that the email is legitimate, and click on a provided link or open an attachment (typically in .pdf, .doc,.zip, .js, .exe, .vbs, or similar file formats) which asks for permission to run macro function. Thus, always mouseover the embedded links to see the true address you will be sent to and under no circumstances allow macros to run on a suspicious document.

Finally, ensure your system is patched with the latest updates, use powerful anti-malware at all times, protect your accounts with strong passwords, and always backup your most important files.

From our report of Mar 2020 · not reviewed since

Terminate Javalocker ransomware

You should not rush to remove Javalocker ransomware immediately.

First of all, many ransomware viruses are programmed to eradicate themselves as soon as the data encryption is completed, although some may keep running in the background and even posses data-stealing modules (for example, Djvu ransomware is know to perform these actions on the infected computers).

However, if you delete the Javalocker virus immediately, it may permanently corrupt the encrypted data - so much so that even a working decryptor will no longer help (note that this does not apply if you have backups - simply terminate the virus immediately in that case).

Thus, backup your most important files, perform Javalocker ransomware removal with the help of powerful anti-malware software, and only then attempt file recovery - you can find all the methods that might help below. As mentioned before, paying cybercriminals is extremely risky, although sometimes it might the very last hope of retrieving files.

[GI=method-1]In case your anti-malware software does not work in normal mode, you can access Safe Mode with Networking - it would disable the operation of malware temporarily:

[GI=method-2]When attempting to remove Javalocker file virus, you can try using System Restore:

While data recovery software is not designed to decrypt ransomware-affected files, it may sometimes be capable of recovering working copies from the hard drive (thus, the less you use your computer, the bigger success rate).

Windows Previous Versions feature may be useful

This method will only work if the virus did not delete Shadow Volume Copies and you had System Restore enabled before the attack.

In some cases, ShadowExplorer could save all your files

This tool might recover all your files if Javalocker failed to delete automated backups in Windows.

No decryption tool is currently available