This article has been made to show you how to remove John Crypter ransomware and try to get back files encrypted by this virus for free.
Similar to a previously detected ransomware virus, named Johny Cryptor, the John Crypter ransomware infection has been detected to spread a malicious .bin file and infect computers in different locations over the globe. The virus aims to encrypt the files on the computers compromised by it, after which display a ransom not where 500$ are demanded as a ransom payoff in bitcoin. In case you have become a victim of the John Crypter ransomware threat, we recommend reading the following material carefully.
Threat Summary
| Name |
John Crypter |
| Type | Ransomware |
| Short Description | The virus encrypts files on computers infected by it after which demands $500 down payment for the decryption. |
| Symptoms | The victim may not be able to open the files. A custom file extension may be appended to them. Ransom note file is also dropped. |
| Distribution Method | Via an Exploit kit, Dll file attack, malicious JavaScript or a drive-by download of the malware itself in an obfuscated manner. |
| Detection Tool |
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| User Experience | Join our forum to Discuss John Crypter. |
| Data Recovery Tool | Windows Data Recovery by Stellar Phoenix Notice! This product scans your drive sectors to recover lost files and it may not recover 100% of the encrypted files, but only few of them, depending on the situation and whether or not you have reformatted your drive. |
John Crypter Virus – Distribution
The methods for spreading the John Crypter ransomware virus may vary. For starters, the virus may spread via e-mail. Multiple methods of it being spread via mail are via malicious e-mail attachments or malicious web links. Such attachments or web links may be obfuscated via being uploaded through clean files, such as archives or URLs leading to cloud accounts where the malicious files are open for download. An example for such e-mail containing fake convincing statements can be seen below:
Another method of redistributing John Crypter ransomware may be through different fake setup files, fake updates and patches or key generators that are posted on the web. The usual websites they may reside are suspicious software download sites as well as websites that contain torrents.
John Crypter – Infection Activity
After the user has opened a malicious infection file the virus may drop the payload of John Crypter, which may consist of the following file, also related to an executable named ransomeware.exe:
In addition to this file, other support files and the wallpaper of the ransomware infection are also dropped. They may reside under different names in the following Windows locations:
Part of the malicious activity of the John Crypter ransomware may be to modify various registry editor keys to make the malicious ransomeware.exe virus file run on Windows boot. This is achievable by creating value strings In the following Windows sub-keys:
→ 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
In addition to this activity, the John Crypter ransomware may also delete the shadow volume copies on Windows machines by executing different versions of the vssadmin command on the infected computer:
John Crypter Ransomware – Encryption Process
The encryption of John Crypter targets multiple different often used files on the computers that are infected with it. The virus may look for the following file types:
.jpg, .jpg2, .png, .ppt, .pptm, .pptx, .bmp, .doc, .docm, .docx, .docxml, .pdf, .gif, .rtf, .tar, .targz, .targz2, .txt, .xlmv, .xls, .xlsm, .xlsx, .xml, .mkv, .mov , .mp4, .mpeg, .mpg, .msg, .myd, .myi, .obj, .odb, .odc, .odm, .ods, .oft,. one, .onepkg, .onetoc2, .opt, .oqy, .p7b, .p7c, .pcx, .pdd, .pdp, .pem, .pfx, .php, .php3, .php4, .php5, .phtml, .pl, .pm, .pot, .potm, .potx, .pps, .ppsn, .prn, .pst, .ptx, .pxr, .py, .ai3, .ai4, .ai5, .ai6, .arw, .as, .ASA, .ascx, .asmx, .asp, .aspx,. asr, .avi, .bak, .bay, .bz2, .c, .cdr, .cer, .cfc, .cfn, .cfnl, .cin, .chm, .class, .config, .cpp, .crt, .cs, .css, .csv, .cub, .dae, .db, .dc3, .dcm, .der, .dic, .dif, .divx, .djvu, .dl, .dot, .dotm , .dotx, .dpx, .dqy, .dtd, .dwg, .dx, .dxf, .dsn, .dwt, .eps, .exr, .fido,. frm, .gz, .h, .hpp, .hta, .htc, .htm, .html, .icb, .ics, .iff, .inc, .ind, .ini, .iqy, .j2c, .i2k, .java, .jp2, .jpc, .jpf, .jpx, .js, .jso, .json, .kmz, .lbi, .m4v, .mdb, .mdf, .mef , .mht, .mhtml, .r3d, .rar, .rdf, .rle , .rqy, .rss, .rw2, .rwl, .sct, .sdpx, .shtm, .shtml, .slk, .sln, .sql,. srw, .ssi, .stn, .svg, .svg2, .swf, .tdi, .tga, .tld, .u3d, .udl, .uxdc, .vcs, .vda, .wbm, .wbmp, .xlk, .xlm, .xltx, .xlw, .xsd, .xsl, .xsc, .xslt, .xz, .wb2, .wim , .wmv, .zip, .3fr, .3gp, .7z
And the list of files encrypted by this ransomware virus may include even more files that are encrypted besides the ones above. After the encryption process has completed, John Crypter renders those files no longer openable and drops the following lockscreen ransom note.
Ransom note text:
“Attention
All Your Files are Encrypted by John Crypter
Warning: Do not turn off your Computer EITHER you will LOST all your files
If you want to decrypt your files follow this simple steps:1.)Create BitcoinWallet.
2.)Buy Bitcoins worth of $500
3.)Send $500 in BitCoin to Given Address
4.)Go to xxx.xxx.xxx and Enter your Personal ID
5.)You will get your Decryption Key.
6.)Enter it in Given Box and Click on Decrypt
7.)Restart your Computer and Delete any encrypted file you find.”
The lockscreen message threatens that the files will be deleted after the infected computer is restarted and since this is completely achievable, users are strongly advised to backup the encrypted files on multiple different external drives or in the cloud, before removing the virus and trying to restore the data.
John Crypter Virus – Remove It and Restore Encrypted Files
For the removal process to succeed, a go practice is if you follow the removal instructions posted below. They are specifically created to help you succeed in the removal of the all files related to John Crypter malware. In case manual removal represents a difficulty or you feel unsure, security experts often advise using an advanced anti-malware tool for maximum effectiveness, automatic removal of John Crypter and future protection.
In case you are looking for ways to restore the encrypted files, keep checking our blog as we will update it if there is any free decrypter for this ransomware virus. In the meantime, we strongly advise you to check the alternative tools to restore your files in step “2. Restore files encrypted by John Crypter” underneath. They may not restore 100% of your encrypted files, but may succeed in restoring a porton of them.
Ventsislav Krastev
Ventsislav is a cybersecurity expert at SensorsTechForum since 2015. He has been researching, covering, helping victims with the latest malware infections plus testing and reviewing software and the newest tech developments. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for learning new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management, Network Administration and Computer Administration of System Applications, he found his true calling within the cybersecrurity industry and is a strong believer in the education of every user towards online safety and security.
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Step 1: Scan for John Crypter with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall John Crypter 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 John Crypter 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 John Crypter 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 John Crypter
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by John Crypter.
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 John Crypter 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.
John Crypter-FAQ
What is John Crypter Ransomware?
John Crypter 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 John Crypter 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 John Crypter Infect?
Via several ways.John Crypter 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 John Crypter 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 .John Crypter files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .John Crypter 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 .John Crypter files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".John Crypter" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .John Crypter 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 John Crypter 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 John Crypter ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .John Crypter 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 John Crypter 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 John Crypter Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this John Crypter 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 John Crypter 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.
As a site that has been dedicated to providing free removal instructions for ransomware and malware since 2014, SensorsTechForum’s recommendation is to only pay attention to trustworthy sources.
How to recognize trustworthy sources:
- Always check "About Us" web page.
- Profile of the content creator.
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