How to remove JanusLocker Ransomware and recover files

Complete guide to delete JanusLocker Ransomware and decrypt data

JanusLocker Ransomware is ByteLocker’s new variant. It operates by encrypting stored files and then demanding ransom payment for the decryption. In other words, the malware renders all stored files inaccessible and asks victims to pay-to restore access to the files.

During the encryption process, the files are appended with .HACKED extension. For example, a file 1.jpg would become 1.jpg.HACKED upon encryption. However, this added ended would no longer present. Thus, the encrypted 1jpg file in our example would return to its original filename once the file is fully encrypted.

Following to the files encryption process, this ransomware displays a pop-up window that contains ransom demanding message for alleged files recovery. During the research, JanusLocker Ransomware was de-crypt-able, and victims can still recover their data.

The ransom demanding message in the pop-up window states that the files have been encrypted using AES-256 encryption algorithm. To get back the data, a unique decryption tool needs to be purchased from the crooks behind it. The price of the tool is set to as 0.018 BTC.

During the moment we were preparing this article, this sum is approximately 500 USD. When ransom payment is transferred to the provided wallet address, the victims are instructed to provide email proof of the transactions. Following to this, they are promised to be sent the decryption tool.

As already said, the researched variant of JanusLocker Ransomware can be decrypted. You can found its decryption tool in the Windows Registry, location – “Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\ByteLocker”, under the entry titled “id”. Its password is Base64 String.

Users require clicking “Next” on the ransomware’s pop-up window and use the said password under the displayed “recovery code” field. Then, click on the decrypt button. This will initiate the files recovery process.

Unfortunately, the researched variant of JanusLocker Ransomware crashed mid-decryption. However, it still decrypts most of the compromised files. For the left unencrypted files, we recommend you use existing backups you have or use Shadow Copies or data recovery tools as other alternatives.

We do not recommend you contact to the crooks. These people are not reliable. They will never provide you the decryption tool even if you fulfill all their demands. Hence, you will suffer financial loss and your files will remain encrypted.

JanusLocker Ransomware removal is necessary process. This will prevent further files encryption and avoid possible damages caused due to the infection. Its removal can easily be done using some reputable antivirus tool or by following our ransomware removal guide provided below the post.

There, you will also find the step-by-step guide to recover files using the stated data recovery alternatives. There is a separate the detailed data recovery section dedicated for this so that you will get the all possible guides.

How did JanusLocker Ransomware enter my system?

Ransomware and other malicious malware are often distributed via scam campaigns- large scale operations where thousands of spam emails are designed and delivered. These letters contain download links of malicious files or the files can be directly attached to the emails.

The infectious files could be in any formats including executables, archives, PDFs and Microsoft Office documents, JavaScript and so forth. When these files are executed, run or otherwise opened- the malware download/ installation process is triggered.

Malware can also be distributed via untrustworthy downloading channels such as p2p networks, free file hosting sites and third party downloaders/installers. Illegal activation tools and fake software updaters are the prime examples of malware-spreading content.

 Cracking tools infect systems by instead of activating licensed products. Fraudulent updaters cause system infection by exploiting bugs/ flaws of outdated software and/or by installing malicious software instead of the promised updates.

Text presented in JanusLocker Ransomware‘s pop-up window:

JanusLocker

Your personal files are encrypted with military grade encryption

Your important files, documents, pictures, etc… Have been encrypted.

Here   is a complete list of your encrypted files, you can verify this manually.

Encryption was produced usingAES-256   in order to decrypt the files, you need to obtain the decryption key.

The password will only be available for a limited time, after this, the program will delete itself and there will be no way to recover encrypted files.

NOTE: Removal or modification of this software and restarting will lead to inability to decrypt your files.

You will receive the decryption key by sending 0.018 BTC to this address = 31jBiv7Vxu8t1CvMFKPeBTbQ7gCA2pNzyN

After you have done that, send an email to [email protected] with your transaction ID

If everything went well, you will receive instructions to decrypt your files as promised.

Authors = @Janus666 | @TwoFaces9119 | @TwoHearts911 | @Ilovetrucks

Amount BTC = 0.018 BTC

BTC address = 31jBiv7Vxu8t1CvMFKPeBTbQ7gCA2pNzyN

Contact = [email protected]

How to prevent ransomware infection?

Suspicious and irrelevant emails should never be opened, especially any attachments and website links in them. It is recommended to use only official website and direct links for any download. Additionally, all software products should have to be activated and updated using tools/functions from genuine developers.

It is paramount to have a reputable antivirus tool installed and updated. Also, the software should have to be used for regular system scans and to remove any detected threats/ issues. If the system is already infected with JanusLocker Ransomware, we recommend you use some reputable antivirus tool and remove it immediately.

Antimalware Details And User Guide

Click Here For Windows

Click Here For Mac

Step 1: Remove JanusLocker Ransomware through “Safe Mode with Networking”

Step 2: Delete JanusLocker Ransomware using “System Restore”

Step 1: Remove JanusLocker 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 JanusLocker Ransomware using “System Restore”

Log-in to the account infected with JanusLocker 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 JanusLocker 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 JanusLocker 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 JanusLocker 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 JanusLocker 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 JanusLocker 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 JanusLocker 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 JanusLocker 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 JanusLocker 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.