If you want to find more information about Judge ransomware virus and learn how to remove its malicious files from the infected system, keep up with this ransomware removal guide.
Judge Ransomware
Judge ransomware is called to a malicious program. It is created by hackers who want to harass online users. Once started on a PC the program starts corrupting essential system settings that will help it to evade active security measures. The ransomware will then lower the overall system security and leave it extremely vulnerable to future malware attacks.
The most unpleasant impact on the infected system is the corruption of personal data. Many personal files that store valuable information may remain locked after the Judge virus transforms their code. Their names will be changed as well. They will all display two malicious extensions appended to their names – .[judgemebackup@tutanota.com].judge. Hackers will request a ransom payment via specially crafted ransom notes.
We advise victims to skip following the instructions listed in the info.txt file.
Judge Ransomware Summary
| Name | Judge also known as Gen:Variant.MSILHeracles.9049, Gen:Variant.MSILHeracles.9049, Trojan.Siggen11.57428 |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Malicious Extension | .[judgemebackup@tutanota.com].judge |
| Ransom Demanding Notes | info.txt + lockscreen image |
| Short Description | Infects computer systems in order to reach valuable files and encode them with the help of strong cipher algorithm. Then it demands a ransom fee. |
| Symptoms | Important files are encrypted and left inaccessible. Hackers blackmail you into contacting them for a ransom payment by presenting you with two different ransom messages. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
Download
Malware Removal Tool
|
User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Judge Ransomware. |
| 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. |
Judge Virus – Spreading, Infection and Data Encryption
One of the files responsible for infections with Judge ransomware is called Classico.exe. Analyses of its behavior reveal that the threat is capable of implementing lots of malicious commands to complete all its attack phases.
As regards the spread of this ransomware, various malicious methods may be utilized by hackers. As a primary is likely to be the malspam (spam emails that deliver malicious code).
The reason why malspam is preferred by crooks is its potential to reach the machines of a large number of people across the globe. All hackers need is to illegally obtain email lists and create a misleading message that provokes people’s emotions.
For example, you may receive an email that appears to be sent by your bank institution, internet provider, delivery service, or special government institution. The email message may be provocative. It will definitely try to convince you to download an attached file that contains the malicious code of the Judge virus or open a hacked website.
When Judge ransomware loads on a computer system, it passes through several attack stages. At first, the virus establishes all malicious files it needs for the completion of the attack. Like most crypto viruses, Judge is likely to create its files on the following folders:
- %Roaming%
- %Windows%
- %AppData%
- %Local%
- %Temp%
The moment the ransomware is ready with the alteration of system settings it executes a built-in cipher module to corrupt target files. With the help of a sophisticated cipher algorithm Judge, ransomware transforms the code of files and restricts access to their data.
Unfortunately, all types of files which are typically used for the storage of important data could be encoded by this Snatch ransomware variant:
- Audio files.
- Video files.
- Document files.
- Image files.
- Backup files.
- Banking credentials, etc.
At last, Judge ransomware drops a ransom note to blackmail victims into paying a ransom fee for the decryption of .judge files. Here is what the text stored in info.txt reads:
If you access this page so your device has been encrypted.
Many of your documents, photos, videos, databases and other files are no longer accessible because they have been encrypted, Maybe you are busy looking for a way to recover your files, but do not waste your time. NOBODY can recover your files without our decryption service.
How Recover My Files?
Sure, We guarantee that you can recover all your files safely and easily, But you have not so enough time,
After the end of the specified time, which is listed below, the price will be raised to double the specified amount
Speed is required, We will close all our accounts after a certain period, so you will never be able to retrieve your files if u late.
How To Pay?
Only one payment is accepted (Bitcoin)
Please check the current price of Bitcoin and buy some bitcoins
And send the correct amount to the address
After payment
After you send the specified amount to the Bitcoin wallet immediately,
click on Contact Us and send us an email with the ID of your device and the transfer number for the bitcoins
———————————————
YOUR DEVICE ID: admin_703E6FEDDC9B
BTC Address: 1M3EDJdQtPNY5t2nHAeRTgQRFDu2U6QNCG
BTC Price: 100$
E-Mail: judgemebackup@tutanota.com
Telegram: @judgebackup
———————————————
What happened to my device?
If you access this page so your device has been encrypted.
Many of your documents, photos, videos, databases and other files are no longer
accessible because they have been encrypted, Maybe you are busy looking for a way to recover
your files, but do not waste your time. NOBODY can recover your files without our decryption service.
How Recover My Files?
Sure, We guarantee that you can recover all your files safely and easily, But you have not so enough time,
After the end of the specified time, which is listed below, the price will be raised to double the specified amount
Speed is required, We will close all our accounts after a certain period, so you will never be able to retrieve your files if u late.
How To Pay?
Only one payment is accepted (Bitcoin)
Please check the current price of Bitcoin and buy some bitcoins
And send the correct amount to the address
After payment
After you send the specified amount to the Bitcoin wallet immediately,
click on Contact Us and send us an email with the ID of your device and the transfer number for the bitcoins
In addition, an image that displays the following ransom message will lock the screen.
Beware, that even a successful ransom payment does not guarantee the recovery of encoded .judge files, so be advised to refrain from following hackers’ instructions before you attempt to solve the problem in a secure manner.
Remove Judge Ransomware Virus and Attempt to Restore Data
The so-called Judge virus is a threat with highly complex code designed to corrupt both system settings and valuable data. So the only way to use your infected system in a secure manner again is to remove the ransomware from your system. For this purpose, you could use our removal guide that reveals how to clean and secure your system step by step. In addition, the guide will present you with several alternative data recovery approaches that may be helpful in attempting to restore files encrypted by Snatch Judge ransomware. We remind you to back up all encrypted files to an external drive before the recovery process.
Gergana Ivanova
Highly motivated writer with 5+ years of experience writing for ransomware, malware, adware, PUPs, and other cybersecurity-related issues. As a writer, I strive to create content that is based on thorough technical research. I find joy in the process of creating articles that are easy to understand, informative, and useful. Follow me on Twitter (@IRGergana) for the latest in the field of computer, mobile, and online security.
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Step 1: Scan for Judge Ransomware with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Judge Ransomware 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 Judge Ransomware 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 Judge Ransomware 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 Judge Ransomware
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Judge Ransomware.
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 Judge Ransomware 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.
Judge Ransomware-FAQ
What is Judge Ransomware Ransomware?
Judge Ransomware 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 Judge Ransomware 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 Judge Ransomware Infect?
Via several ways.Judge Ransomware 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 Judge Ransomware 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 .Judge Ransomware files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Judge Ransomware 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 .Judge Ransomware files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Judge Ransomware" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Judge Ransomware 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 Judge Ransomware 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 Judge Ransomware ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Judge Ransomware 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 Judge Ransomware 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 Judge Ransomware Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Judge Ransomware 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 Judge Ransomware 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.
- Make sure that real people are behind the site and not fake names and profiles.
- Verify Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter personal profiles.