This article will help you to remove the .data File Virus (Jigsaw) fully. Follow the ransomware removal instructions given at the end of the article.
The .data File Virus is a part of the Jigsaw ransomware family. The cryptovirus uses the source code of the original one to a great extent. Jigsaw has a list with around 126 file extensions that seeks to encrypt. All of the files which will get encrypted will receive the extension .data appended to them. Afterward, a ransom note message will be displayed demanding a ransom sum for a supposed file restoration. The ransom note is written in French.
Threat Summary
| Name | .data File Virus (Jigsaw) |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | The ransomware will encrypt your files and display a screen with the ransom note, which is written in the French language. |
| Symptoms | The ransomware will encrypt files by placing the .data extension to all of them. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
| Detection Tool |
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| User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss .data File Virus (Jigsaw). |
.data File Virus (Jigsaw) – Spread
Jigsaw ransomware could infect computers using different methods for spreading that infection. Spam e-mails could be spreading its payload dropper. Those types of emails will try to convince you that something important is attached as a file to that e-mail. In actuality, the attachment will look like a legitimate document or one that is archived, but it is a file containing a malicious script. If you open that file, it will launch the payload for the ransomware. You can preview the analysis of one such file on the VirusTotal service:
Jigsaw ransomware might be using other methods for spreading, like putting the payload file dropper via social media and file-sharing sites. Freeware applications which roam the Internet could be presented as useful but also could hide the malicious files of this virus. Refrain from opening files after you download them, especially if they come from unverified sources, such as links and e-mails. First, you should scan these files with a security tool, and also make sure to check their sizes and signatures for anything that seems unusual. You should read the ransomware preventing tips topic in the forum.
.data File Virus (Jigsaw) – Overview
The Jigsaw ransomware ransomware virus keeps on appearing on the radar of malware researchers. When the Jigsaw virus is executed, it will modify an existing entry in the Windows Registry or create a new one to achieve persistence. That registry entry makes the malware to automatically execute with each boot of the Windows operating system. Afterward, your files will get encrypted, and receive the same extension.
What comes next is a window popping up on your screen that shows the picture of a black background with the ransom message instructions. The ransom note is written entirely in French.
You can preview the GUI window in the following screenshot:
The ransom note message is written in French and is shown right down here:
Jigsaw (.data File Virus) tries to manipulate to paying a ransom sum, by stating that it will delete files from your PC every hour until you pay and there is nothing else that you can do to prevent that. But you should NOT under any circumstances pay the ransom sum. Supporting cybercriminals is a bad idea as that will only motivate them to do more criminal acts.
.data File Virus (Jigsaw) – Encryption
A decrypter tool might be made to decrypt files locked by this ransomware threat in the near future.
In case the cryptovirus follows the encryption process of the original ransomware, the list with 126 file extensions that will become encrypted will look like the following:
→.3dm, .3g2, .3gp, .7zip, .aaf, .accdb, .aep, .aepx, .aet, .ai, .aif, .as, .as.txt, .as3, .asf, .asp, .asx, .avi, .bmp, .c, .class, .cpp, .cs, .csv, .dat, .db, .dbf, .doc, .docb, .docm, .docx, .dot, .dotm, .dotx, .dwg, .dxf, .dxf.c, .efx, .eps, .fla, .flv, .gif, .h, .idml, .iff, .indb, .indd, .indl, .indt, .inx, .jar, .java, .jpeg, .jpg, .js, .m3u, .m3u8, .m4u, .max, .mdb, .mid, .mkv, .mov, .mp3, .mp4, .mpa, .mpeg, .mpg, .msg, .pdb, .pdf, .php, .plb, .pmd, .png, .pot, .potm, .potx, .ppam, .ppj, .pps, .ppsm, .ppsx, .ppt, .pptm, .pptx, .prel, .prproj, .ps, .psd, .py, .ra, .rar, .raw, .rb, .rtf, .sdf, .ses, .sldm, .sldx, .sql, .svg, .swf, .tif, .txt, .vcf, .vob, .wav, .wma, .wmv, .wpd, .wps, .xla, .xlam, .xll, .xlm, .xls, .xlsb, .xlsm, .xlsx, .xlt, .xltm, .xltx, .xlw, .xml, .xqx, .zip
The list with the file extensions for encryptions will be updated with if new information is found about it. The encrypted files will have the .data extension appended to them, after their file name.
The Jigsaw ransomware could be set to erase all the Shadow Volume Copies from the Windows operating system with the help of the following command:
→vssadmin.exe delete shadows /all /Quiet
In case the command stated above is executed that would make the encryption process even more efficient as it will eliminate one of the possible ways for restoring your data. If your computer machine was infected with this ransomware and your files are locked, read on through to find out how you could potentially recover your data.
Remove Jigsaw Ransomware and Restore .data Files
If your computer got infected with the Jigsaw ransomware virus, you should have a bit of experience in removing malware. You should get rid of this ransomware as quickly as possible before it can have the chance to spread further and infect other computers. You should remove the ransomware and follow the step-by-step instructions guide provided below.
Tsetso Mihailov
Tsetso Mihailov is a tech-geek and loves everything that is tech-related, while observing the latest news surrounding technologies. He has worked in IT before, as a system administrator and a computer repair technician. Dealing with malware since his teens, he is determined to spread word about the latest threats revolving around computer security.
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Step 1: Scan for .data File Virus (Jigsaw) with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall .data File Virus (Jigsaw) and related malware from Windows
Here is a method in few easy steps that should be able to uninstall most programs. No matter if you are using Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista or XP, those steps will get the job done. Dragging the program or its folder to the recycle bin can be a very bad decision. If you do that, bits and pieces of the program are left behind, and that can lead to unstable work of your PC, errors with the file type associations and other unpleasant activities. The proper way to get a program off your computer is to Uninstall it. To do that:
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully delete most unwanted and malicious programs.
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by .data File Virus (Jigsaw) on your computer.
The usually targeted registries of Windows machines are the following:
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
You can access them by opening the Windows registry editor and deleting any values, created by .data File Virus (Jigsaw) there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
Tip: To find a virus-created value, you can right-click on it and click "Modify" to see which file it is set to run. If this is the virus file location, remove the value.
Before starting "Step 4", please boot back into Normal mode, in case you are currently in Safe Mode.
This will enable you to install and use SpyHunter 5 successfully.
Step 4: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove .data File Virus (Jigsaw)
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by .data File Virus (Jigsaw).
Method 1: Use STOP Decrypter by Emsisoft.
Not all variants of this ransomware can be decrypted for free, but we have added the decryptor used by researchers that is often updated with the variants which become eventually decrypted. You can try and decrypt your files using the instructions below, but if they do not work, then unfortunately your variant of the ransomware virus is not decryptable.
Follow the instructions below to use the Emsisoft decrypter and decrypt your files for free. You can download the Emsisoft decryption tool linked here and then follow the steps provided below:
1 Right-click on the decrypter and click on Run as Administrator as shown below:
2. Agree with the license terms:
3. Click on "Add Folder" and then add the folders where you want files decrypted as shown underneath:
4. Click on "Decrypt" and wait for your files to be decoded.
Note: Credit for the decryptor goes to Emsisoft researchers who have made the breakthrough with this virus.
Method 2: Use data recovery software
Ransomware infections and .data File Virus (Jigsaw) aim to encrypt your files using an encryption algorithm which may be very difficult to decrypt. This is why we have suggested a data recovery method that may help you go around direct decryption and try to restore your files. Bear in mind that this method may not be 100% effective but may also help you a little or a lot in different situations.
Simply click on the link and on the website menus on the top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.
.data File Virus (Jigsaw)-FAQ
What is .data File Virus (Jigsaw) Ransomware?
.data File Virus (Jigsaw) is a ransomware infection - the malicious software that enters your computer silently and blocks either access to the computer itself or encrypt your files.
Many ransomware viruses use sophisticated encryption algorithms to make your files inaccessible. The goal of ransomware infections is to demand that you pay a ransom payment to get access to your files back.
What Does .data File Virus (Jigsaw) Ransomware Do?
Ransomware in general is a malicious software that is designed to block access to your computer or files until a ransom is paid.
Ransomware viruses can also damage your system, corrupt data and delete files, resulting in the permanent loss of important files.
How Does .data File Virus (Jigsaw) Infect?
Via several ways..data File Virus (Jigsaw) Ransomware infects computers by being sent via phishing emails, containing virus attachment. This attachment is usually masked as an important document, like an invoice, bank document or even a plane ticket and it looks very convincing to users.
Another way you may become a victim of .data File Virus (Jigsaw) is if you download a fake installer, crack or patch from a low reputation website or if you click on a virus link. Many users report getting a ransomware infection by downloading torrents.
How to Open ..data File Virus (Jigsaw) files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the ..data File Virus (Jigsaw) files are encrypted. You can only open them once they are decrypted using a specific decryption key for the particular algorithm.
What to Do If a Decryptor Does Not Work?
Do not panic, and backup the files. If a decryptor did not decrypt your ..data File Virus (Jigsaw) files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore "..data File Virus (Jigsaw)" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore ..data File Virus (Jigsaw) files.
These methods are in no way 100% guaranteed that you will be able to get your files back. But if you have a backup, your chances of success are much greater.
How To Get Rid of .data File Virus (Jigsaw) Virus?
The safest way and the most efficient one for the removal of this ransomware infection is the use a professional anti-malware program.
It will scan for and locate .data File Virus (Jigsaw) ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important ..data File Virus (Jigsaw) files.
Can I Report Ransomware to Authorities?
In case your computer got infected with a ransomware infection, you can report it to the local Police departments. It can help authorities worldwide track and determine the perpetrators behind the virus that has infected your computer.
Below, we have prepared a list with government websites, where you can file a report in case you are a victim of a cybercrime:
Cyber-security authorities, responsible for handling ransomware attack reports in different regions all over the world:
Germany - Offizielles Portal der deutschen Polizei
United States - IC3 Internet Crime Complaint Centre
United Kingdom - Action Fraud Police
France - Ministère de l'Intérieur
Italy - Polizia Di Stato
Spain - Policía Nacional
Netherlands - Politie
Poland - Policja
Portugal - Polícia Judiciária
Greece - Cyber Crime Unit (Hellenic Police)
India - Mumbai Police - CyberCrime Investigation Cell
Australia - Australian High Tech Crime Center
Reports may be responded to in different timeframes, depending on your local authorities.
Can You Stop Ransomware from Encrypting Your Files?
Yes, you can prevent ransomware. The best way to do this is to ensure your computer system is updated with the latest security patches, use a reputable anti-malware program and firewall, backup your important files frequently, and avoid clicking on malicious links or downloading unknown files.
Can .data File Virus (Jigsaw) Ransomware Steal Your Data?
Yes, in most cases ransomware will steal your information. It is a form of malware that steals data from a user's computer, encrypts it, and then demands a ransom in order to decrypt it.
In many cases, the malware authors or attackers will threaten to delete the data or publish it online unless the ransom is paid.
Can Ransomware Infect WiFi?
Yes, ransomware can infect WiFi networks, as malicious actors can use it to gain control of the network, steal confidential data, and lock out users. If a ransomware attack is successful, it could lead to a loss of service and/or data, and in some cases, financial losses.
Should I Pay Ransomware?
No, you should not pay ransomware extortionists. Paying them only encourages criminals and does not guarantee that the files or data will be restored. The better approach is to have a secure backup of important data and be vigilant about security in the first place.
What Happens If I Don't Pay Ransom?
If you don't pay the ransom, the hackers may still have access to your computer, data, or files and may continue to threaten to expose or delete them, or even use them to commit cybercrimes. In some cases, they may even continue to demand additional ransom payments.
Can a Ransomware Attack Be Detected?
Yes, ransomware can be detected. Anti-malware software and other advanced security tools can detect ransomware and alert the user when it is present on a machine.
It is important to stay up-to-date on the latest security measures and to keep security software updated to ensure ransomware can be detected and prevented.
Do Ransomware Criminals Get Caught?
Yes, ransomware criminals do get caught. Law enforcement agencies, such as the FBI, Interpol and others have been successful in tracking down and prosecuting ransomware criminals in the US and other countries. As ransomware threats continue to increase, so does the enforcement activity.
About the .data File Virus (Jigsaw) Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this .data File Virus (Jigsaw) how-to removal guide included, is the outcome of extensive research, hard work and our team’s devotion to help you remove the specific malware and restore your encrypted files.
How did we conduct the research on this ransomware?
Our research is based on an independent investigation. We are in contact with independent security researchers, and as such, we receive daily updates on the latest malware and ransomware definitions.
Furthermore, the research behind the .data File Virus (Jigsaw) ransomware threat is backed with VirusTotal and the NoMoreRansom project.
To better understand the ransomware threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.
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