How to remove Jigsaw 4.6 ransomware virus

The imperfect Jigsaw 4.6 ransomware is on the hunt for victims

Jigsaw 4.6 virus is a brand new variant of Jigsaw ransomware. Malware analysts have spotted the first samples of Jigsaw 4.6 ransomware in March 2017. The initial design of the virus has changed, and now the malicious program uses a different picture of the Jigsaw Killer^[1] (or John Kramer) for the lock screen. It might be that the author of this virus believes that users who do not care to protect their computers deserve to be infected, just like John Kramer (the character of Saw movie) believed that people who do not appreciate their lives do not deserve to live. The current version of Jigsaw 4.6 malware lacks the programming code that makes the virus capable of encrypting data^[2] on victim’s computer; however, the virus has a lock screen, plays an audio message, and displays message boxes. We assume that the virus is going to be improved and start encrypting victims’ files in the future. However, the history of Jigsaw malware shows that these viruses are full of bugs that allow malware analysts comprehend their functionality easily and create free decryption tools for the victims^[3].

The malicious program launches a lock screen as soon as it enters the computer system, and the lock screen informs the victim that the “computer files have been encrypted by Jigsaw Ransomware version 4.6 […] Photos, videos, documents, ect….” According to the message provided by the ransomware, criminal actors want to receive $150 as a ransom (the message asks for 0.4 Bitcoins^[4], which at the moment equals to $496 USD) to a provided Bitcoin wallet address, which appears to be invalid. Besides, the virus threatens to erase victims files one after another if one attempts to avoid paying the ransom. The virus promises to restore victim’s files as soon as the transaction gets completed; however, we do not advise you to waste your time buying Bitcoins because this ransomware does not corrupt your files! All you have to do is to remove Jigsaw 4.6 ransomware using a professional malware remover, for instance, FortectIntego or SpyHunterCombo Cleaner. Before you try to download and run one of these programs, carry out Jigsaw 4.6 removal instructions provided below the article. The tutorial given below can help you to prepare your computer for ransomware elimination.

Distribution of Jigsaw 4.6 ransomware

Almost all ransomware viruses are distributed using same trickeries – the only thing that differs is the complexity of them. To put it simply, the more experienced cyber criminals are, the more sophisticated and modern ransomware distribution methods are used. For example, highly complex ransomware viruses such as Cerber or Spora are distributed via malvertising, exploit kits^[5], while the majority of less-professional malware developers rely on the good old mail spam technique. This method is one of the most basic and efficient ones – scammers just create legitimate-looking emails and attach one or a couple of files to it. The message in the electronic letter kindly suggests opening attached files and viewing contents of them, sadly, this is a straightforward way to infect your computer with ransomware. Please, stay away from emails sent by unknown people, and protect your computer with proper security tools. It is also highly advisable to create data backups.

Jigsaw 4.6 removal explained

If you were infected with Jigsaw 4.6 virus, you should get yourself a good anti-malware program and let it perform a full computer system scan. Delete all files that the program detects to remove Jigsaw 4.6 ransomware completely. However, you should not rush to do these tasks right away – make sure you reboot the compromised PC in a Safe Mode with Networking first. Instructions on how to do it are provided in Jigsaw 4.6 removal tutorial below. Please take our advice and protect your computer properly because you can never know when a more dangerous ransomware virus decides to sneak into your computer system. You should create a backup of your files – it is extremely important! Malware analysts have already spotted a new JigSaw version that encrypts files and adds .nemo-hacks.at.sigaint.org extension to corrupted files, and we believe that it might be the updated Jigsaw 4.6 version!