How to remove JoeGo ransomware

JoeGo ransomware is the cryptovirus that locks users' files and demands a ransom of 0.05 Bitcoin

JoeGo ransomware is the cyber threat that categorizes as crypto malware because it uses the AES encryption algorithm and makes files useless.^[1] Then all this encoded data gets .LOCKED file extension and ransom demanding message appear on the system. Since this is a threat that focuses on Czech-speaking users the note gets displayed in the file named precist.html that means read in the Czech language. The message delivered on the program window informs victims about the whole encryption process and gives further instructions. Developers claim that you need to get their decryption tool to recover encoded files and you have 96 hours to make the cryptocurrency transfer.

The HTML window has the payment system included, and JoeGo ransomware virus developers say that nobody can decrypt the encoded data besides them. However, contacting these people and paying the ransom can lead to money or even permanent data loss. We don't recommend paying because often cybercriminals disappear after the money transfer and your files, unfortunately, remain encrypted and useless.^[2]

Since JoeGo ransomware virus belongs to a cryptovirus category, it is one of the most dangerous cyber threats. Malware in this category often targets huge companies, industries, and governments to gain profit.^[3] You should note that the primary purpose of such malware is to get money from victims and don't even consider trusting people behind the virus and pay the ransom.

This JoeGo ransomware mainly targets Czech-speaking users, but it also spreads around the world uninterrupted. The first thing the virus does on the infected system is checking if the machine was encrypted before. If not, the army-grade encryption algorithm gets used in the file-locking process and when data gets .LOCKED markers the ransom note gets delivered on the screen.

JoeGo ransomware ransom note is displayed in precist.html and reads the following (translation):

Your files have been encrypted! —————- Time left 95:53:03 —————- What happened to my files? Your documents, photos, music, movies and many other files have been encrypted. By clicking the ” View list of encrypted files ” button , you can view the files that I encrypted to you. These files can only be recovered if you follow the procedure below. [View list of encrypted files ] 

How can I recover my files?
Your data has been encrypted with a unique key using the powerful AES encryption algorithm. This unique key was encrypted using a public key using the RSA algorithm and then stored on your computer.You will need a private key to decrypt your files. This private key is stored on our server. I will give you the private key after paying the financial fee. You have 96 hours of data encryption for payment. If you fail to pay the fee, the private key on the server will be deleted. Then nobody can decrypt your data, you will lose them forever. 
How do i proceed? 
Your unique ID is 332845. 
Transfer the amount of 0.05 BTC using the payment gateway specified below.
Then just wait a while, your files will be decrypted automatically after receiving the required amount. 
[Go to payment gateway.]

JoeGo ransomware encrypts various personal files that can be found on the system as commonly used or valuable. Most often ransomware changes the original code of the data that has these extensions:

• .avi,
• .bmp,
• .doc,
• .jpg,
• .mp3,
• .pdf,
• .txt,
• .zip,
• and others.

Additionally to encrypted files, JoeGo ransomware changes system preferences and files on various directories and system folders or Windows registry. The virus installs or deletes files to disable some functions or add other processes and keep running on the system without any interruptions. 

JoeGo ransomware can even disable security functions or programs on the machine to keep you from eliminating this threat quickly. However, the analysis of the main executable AppSrv.exe^[4] shows that there are a handful of AV tools that can detect this virus and remove from the machine. 

Since databases of those antivirus tools differ, there are many names that program shows when you try to remove JoeGo ransomware:

• TR/FileCoder.skjgy;
• Ransom.JoeGo;
• Trojan.GenericKD.41199348;
• Trojan-Ransom.Win32.Encoder.caq;
• W32.Malware.Gen;
• Trojan.Encoder.27830.

Choose a proper anti-malware program for the automatic JoeGo ransomware removal and scan the machine thoroughly. Tools like FortectIntego can check the system fully and find potential threats, remove them and improve the performance of your PC entirely. 

Hackers exploit system vulnerabilities and use infected files to spread ransomware 

Email spam campaigns are one of the more common malware distributing techniques used by many different cybercriminals. Malicious files get attached to the safe-looking emails and delivered to users all over the world. One click on the document or hyperlink included in the notification and the system gets infected with the direct malware payload.

These emails often appear as sent from legitimate source and files in the form of PDFs or documents seem genuine and safe. Unfortunately, downloading and opening the attachment triggers malicious macros and loads malicious script on the targeted PC.

Besides this method, ransomware also uses exploits, botnets, and system vulnerabilities to breakthrough and affect the system with malicious scripts. Keeping the anti-malware program can help avoid these infections if you run a system scan more frequently.

Terminate JoeGo ransomware and ensure the thorough system cleaning

For the proper JoeGo ransomware virus elimination, you should pay more attention to your software choices and sources where you the anti-malware or any other tools. Getting a reliable tool from the official provider is crucial for the best results.

You can remove JoeGo ransomware completely with professional anti-malware tools like FortectIntego, SpyHunterCombo Cleaner, or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes. Make sure to get the tool from a reputable source and scan the machine thoroughly. 

After the completed JoeGo ransomware removal, you can check the system, clean possible virus damage and then recover your files. The best solution for encoded files can be the file backups, but many users need alternatives. For that, we have a few software suggestions down below.