How to remove Banjo ransomware and recover encrypted files

What is Banjo ransomware?

Banjo ransomware is a deadly computer infection, detected as a ransomware. It belongs to the infamous phobos ransomware family. Like all other programs of this type, Banjo is designed to encrypt stored files, rename their filenames and then provide instructions on how to contact its developers and purchase the decryption tool. It renames the filenames of the encrypted files using .banjo extension, plus victims’ ID number and email address belongs to the crooks attached to it. For example, a file name 1.jpg would appear something similar to “1.jpg.id[C279F237-3069].[[email protected]].banjo.” After files encryption process, the ransomware displays a pop-ups window and drops info.txt text file.

The Banjo ransomware’s ransom note (info.hta and info.txt) says, write an email to [email protected] or [email protected] to get the information how to purchase the decryption tool. There is no other information about the decryptor is mentioned in the article. It only hints that the price of the decryption tool depends on how fast the users contact to the crooks. The crooks are ready to provide free decryption service. They offer users to send up to 5 encrypted files (that should not contain any valuable information) for free decryption.

Here is the full text presented in the pop-up window (info.hta):

All your files have been encrypted!

All your files have been encrypted due to a security problem with your PC. If you want to restore them, write us to the e-mail: [email protected]

Write this ID in the title of your message –

In case of no answer in 24 hours write us to this e-mail:[email protected]

Our online operator is available in the messenger Telegram: @krasume

You have to pay for decryption in Bitcoins. The price depends on how fast you write to us. After payment we will send you the tool that will decrypt all your files.

Free decryption as guarantee

Before paying you can send us up to 5 files for free decryption. The total size of files must be less than 4Mb (non archived), and files should not contain valuable information. (databases,backups, large excel sheets, etc.)

How to obtain Bitcoins

The easiest way to buy bitcoins is LocalBitcoins site. You have to register, click ‘Buy bitcoins’, and select the seller by payment method and price.

hxxps://localbitcoins.com/buy_bitcoins

Also you can find other places to buy Bitcoins and beginners guide here:

hxxp://www.coindesk.com/information/how-can-i-buy-bitcoins/

Attention!

Do not rename encrypted files.

Do not try to decrypt your data using third party software, it may cause permanent data loss.

Decryption of your files with the help of third parties may cause increased price (they add their fee to our) or you can become a victim of a scam.

Full text presented in Banjo ransomware’s created info.txt file:

!!!All of your files are encrypted!!!

To decrypt them send e-mail to this address: [email protected].

If we don’t answer in 24h., send e-mail to this address: [email protected]

Our online operator is available in the messenger Telegram: @krasume

Unfortunately, in any cases with ransomware infection, files decryption is not possible without the involvement of the crooks behind them. These people have a unique decryption key/code that they manage to create during encryption process. Users require this key to crack the code and enable access to them. This makes the Banjo ransomware developers put ransom demands from users. However, we highly recommended not contact/pay ransom fee to these evil people as there is a major chance of getting scammed- the crooks will never provide you the decryption tool even if you fulfill all their demands. The best way to deal with this situation is to remove Banjo ransomware and recover the files using other alternatives – we provide you some tips regarding this on the next sub-heading. The malware removal is necessary to prevent further files encryption and avoid its interaction during files recovery process.

.banjo files recovery instructions

At present, official decryption tool for Banjo ransomware is not available. Meanwhile, you can use alternatives such as existing backups, Volume Shadow Copies and data recovery tools. However, before attempting any of the methods, make sure that the malware is not present inside. Employ some reputable antivirus tool to automatically remove Banjo ransomware from the system. You should create a backup of the encrypted files and keep it store on remote server for use in future when the official decryption tool release. However, you need of no such backups, if you have existing backup files. After the virus removal, you backup files are best option for the data recovery. Simply use the backups and restore the encrypted files. However, not all users have such backup files. In such a case, Volume Shadow Copies created by OS for short time and/or data recovery tools help you in files recovery – check data recovery section below the post for the complete guide.

How did Banjo ransomware intrude in?

Ransomware and other malicious malware are distributed through scam campaigns, Trojans, untrustworthy downloading channels, fake software updates and illegal activation tools. Scam campaigns are used to send thousands of spam emails that have infectious files or links of such files attached with them, if clicked – the malware download/ installation process is triggered. Trojans are malicious applications that are often designed to download/ install other malicious malware. Untrustworthy downloading channels such as p2p networks, free file hosting sites and third party downloaders/installers spread malware by presenting it as legit software. Fake software updaters exploit bugs/flaws of outdated software or directly download malware instead of providing updates. Illegal activation tools infect system by supposedly bypassing activation key for paid software.

How to prevent ransomware infection?

Installed programs should be updated and/or activated using implemented tools and/or functions that are designed by official software developers and not some third party, unofficial tools. Moreover, it is not legal to use any cracking tools to activate software. Attachments provided on any emails whose senders’ addresses seem suspicious should never be opened. Furthermore, software should be downloaded from official websites and direct links only. None of the aforementioned untrustworthy downloading channels should be used. Additionally, it is advised to scan your computer for threats regularly, it should be done with the software with an up-to-date database.

Complete Banjo ransomware removal guide

Perform Banjo ransomware removal manually will be not possible as when you delete any of its components, it becomes active so as to avoid its deletion. There is required some powerful antivirus tool that can detect and delete Banjo ransomware with all its components automatically.

Antimalware Details And User Guide

Click Here For Windows

Click Here For Mac

Step 1: Remove Banjo ransomware through “Safe Mode with Networking”

Step 2: Delete Banjo ransomware using “System Restore”

Step 1: Remove Banjo ransomware through “Safe Mode with Networking”

For Windows XP and Windows 7 users: Boot the PC in “Safe Mode”. Click on “Start” option and continuously press on F8 during the start process until the “Windows Advanced Option” menu appears on the screen. Choose “Safe Mode with Networking” from the list.

Now, a windows homescreen appears on the desktop and work-station is now working on “Safe mode with networking”.

For Windows 8 Users: Go to the “Start Screen”. In the search results select settings, type “Advanced”. In the “General PC Settings” option, choose “Advanced startup” option. Again, click on the “Restart Now” option. The work-station boots to “Advanced Startup Option Menu”. Press on “Troubleshoot” and then “Advanced options” button.  In the “Advanced Option Screen”, press on “Startup Settings”. Again, click on “Restart” button. The work-station will now restart in to the “Startup Setting” screen. Next is to press F5 to boot in Safe Mode in Networking.

For Windows 10 Users: Press on Windows logo and on the “Power” icon. In the newly opened menu, choose “Restart” while continuously holding “Shift” button on the keyboard. In the new open “Choose an option” window, click on “Troubleshoot” and then on the “Advanced Options”. Select “Startup Settings” and press on “Restart”. In the next window, click on “F5” button on the key-board.

Step 2: Delete Banjo ransomware using “System Restore”

Log-in to the account infected with Banjo ransomware. Open the browser and download a legitimate anti-malware tool. Do a full System scanning. Remove all the malicious detected entries.

In case if you cannot start the PC in “Safe Mode with Networking”, Try using “System Restore”

• During the “Startup”, continuously press on F8 key until the “Advanced Option” menu appears. From the list, choose “Safe Mode with Command Prompt” and then press “Enter”

• In the new opened command prompt, enter “cd restore” and then press “Enter”.

• Type: rstrui.exe and Press “ENTER”

• Click “Next” on the new windows

• Choose any of the “Restore Points” and click on “Next”. (This step will restore the work-station to its earlier time and date prior to Banjo ransomware infiltration in the PC.

• In the newly opened windows, press on “Yes”.

Once your PC gets restored to its previous date and time, download the recommended anti-malware tool and perform a deep scanning in order to remove Banjo ransomware files if they left in the work-station.

In order to restore the each (separate) file by this ransomware, use “Windows Previous Version” feature. This method is effective when “System Restore Function” is enabled in the work-station.

Important Note: Some variants of Banjo ransomware delete the “Shadow Volume Copies” as well hence this feature may not work all the time and is applicable for selective computers only.

How to Restore Individual Encrypted File:

In order to restore a single file, right click on it and go to “Properties”. Select “Previous Version” tab. Select a “Restore Point” and click on “Restore” option.

In order to access the files encrypted by Banjo ransomware, you can also try using “Shadow Explorer”. In order to get more information on this application, press here.

Important: Data Encryption Ransomware are highly dangerous and it is always better that you take precautions to avoid its attack on your work-station. It is advised to use a powerful anti-malware tool in order to get protection in real-time. With this help of “SpyHunter”, “group policy objects” are implanted in the registries in order to block harmful infections like Banjo ransomware.

Also, In Windows 10, you get a very unique feature called “Fall Creators Update” that offer “Controlled Folder Access” feature in order to block any kind of encryption to the files. With the help of this feature, any files stored in the locations such as “Documents”, “Pictures”, “Music”, “Videos”, “Favorites” and “Desktop” folders are safe by default.

It is very important that you install this “Windows 10 Fall Creators Update” in your PC to protect your important files and data from ransomware encryption. The more information on how to get this update and add an additional protection form rnasomware attack has been discussed here.

How to Recover the Files Encrypted by Banjo ransomware?

Till now, you would have understood that what had happed to your personal files that got encrypted and how you can remove the scripts and payloads associated with Banjo ransomware in order to protect your personal files that has not been damaged or encrypted until now. In order to retrieve the locked files, the depth information related to “System Restore” and “Shadow Volume Copies” has already been discussed earlier. However, in case if you are still unable to access the encrypted files then you can try using a data recovery tool.

Use of Data Recovery Tool

This step is for all those victims who have already tries all the above mentioned process but didn’t find any solution. Also it is important that you are able to access the PC and can install any software. The data recovery tool works on the basis of System scanning and recovery algorithm. It searches the System partitions in order to locate the original files which were deleted, corrupted or damaged by the malware. Remember that you must not re-install the Windows OS otherwise the “previous” copies will get deleted permanently. You have to clean the work-station at first and remove Banjo ransomware infection. Leave the locked files as it is and follow the steps mentioned below.

Step1: Download the software in the work-station by clicking on the “Download” button below.

Step2: Execute the installer by clicking on downloaded files.

Step3: A license agreement page appears on the screen. Click on “Accept” to agree with its terms and use. Follow the on-screen instruction as mentioned and click on “Finish” button.

Step4: Once the installation gets completed, the program gets executed automatically. In the newly opened interface, select the file types that you want to recover and click on “Next”.

Step5: You can select the “Drives” on which you want the software to run and execute the recovery process. Next is to click on the “Scan” button.

Step6: Based on drive you select for scanning, the restore process begins. The whole process may take time depending on the volume of the selected drive and number of files. Once the process gets completed, a data explorer appears on the screen with preview of that data that is to be recovered. Select the files that you want to restore.

Step7. Next is to locate the location where you want to saver the recovered files.