There is a new ransomware on the loose, called Jigsaw. The Jigsaw ransomware is themed on the movie series ‘Saw’ and encrypts files with over 120 extension types. To see the solution for restoring your files and remove the ransomware, you should read the whole article carefully.
Threat Summary
| Name | Jigsaw Ransomware |
| Type | Ransomware |
| Short Description | The ransomware encrypts files with different extensions and asks a ransom for decryption. |
| Symptoms | Files with over 120 extension types get encrypted. A ‘Saw’ themed message with instructions for paying the ransom is shown. Every hour files get deleted if the ransom is not paid. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, File Sharing Networks |
| Detection Tool |
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| User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Jigsaw 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. |
Jigsaw Ransomware (.fun) – Update February 2019
The Jigsaw Ransomware with the .fun extension has been spotted in the wild by malware researchers at the beginning of February 2019. A malware sample has been uploaded to the VirusTotal service as it can be seen from the screenshot showcased down here:
What is more, the ransom note message which shows in the GUI interface is accompanied by a new image stating that is “anti-capitalist” and shows part of the text in French as it becomes evident from the below image:
Other than the things stated above, no drastic changes are seen in the code of the ransomware. It should still be decryptable.
Jigsaw Ransomware Decryptor
Jigsaw Ransomware – Distribution
Jigsaw ransomware can be spread in multiple ways. One of them is through spam emails which have a malicious file attached. Opening this attachment can inject the malware inside your computer. The file can be with the name firefox.exe trying to trick you it’s the famous web browser Mozilla Firefox.
The Jigsaw ransomware could also be spread on social networks and file sharing services. DropBox is not excluded. Social media and file sharing sites can also have malicious code or files attached. Visiting untrusted websites and clicking on such links is another way of getting this malware infection.
Jigsaw Ransomware – Description
The Jigsaw malware is classified as a ransomware. It will encrypt your files, so they become inaccessible. It asks for money to be paid as ransom. If the ransom is not paid, files will get deleted every hour.
The following files will be created:
%AppData%\Frfx\firefox.exe
%AppData%\Drpbx\drpbx.exe
%AppData%\System32Work\EncryptedFileList.txt
and
%AppData%\System32Work\Address.txt
The first two files from the above-listed ones are created so the ransomware can be masked as the Firefox web browser or a process related to the DropBox application. All of the above is done to trick users that these are legitimate processes if viewed from a Task Manager window.
The Windows Registry is also modified. This registry entry is made:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run\ “firefox.exe” = “%AppData%\Frfx\firefox.exe”
That registry entry is set to make the earlier created file firefox.exe to auto-start. It will start with each boot of the Windows operating system and launch the Jigsaw ransomware.
Afterward, the ransomware pops up a screen with a picture of a puppet used in the movie ‘Saw’ – used by the character Jigsaw. That is why the ransomware bears the name of the character. Instructions for paying the ransom are being typed live on the screen, like somebody is typing them in as the face of the puppet is covered:
You are asked to pay around 0.4 Bitcoins or 150 US dollars within one hour. If you do not comply – every hour encrypted files will get deleted and if three days pass – all files will be erased.
The ransom message reads the following:
Your computer files have been encrypted. Your photos, videos, documents, etc….
But, don’t worry! I have not deleted them, yet.
You have 24 hours to pay 150 USD in Bitcoins to get the decryption key.
Every hour files will be deleted. Increasing in amount every time.
After 72 hours all that are left will be deleted.If you do not have bitcoins Google the website localbitcoins.
Purchase 150 American Dollars worth of Bitcoins or .4 BTC. The system will accept either one.
Send to the Bitcoins address specified.
Within two minutes of receiving your payment your computer will receive the decryption key and return to normal.
Try anything funny and the computer has several safety measures to delete your files.
As soon as the payment is received the crypted files will be returned to normal.Thank you
Contacting or paying the ransomware creators is strongly NOT advised. Nobody can guarantee that you will get your files restored. Paying the money will not only be considered as a support to the cyber crooks, but it will probably trigger them to make a stronger version of the malware as well.
Here is a picture of a malware sample uploaded to VirusTotal, being detected by most anti-malware programs already:
The Jigsaw ransomware searches your disk drives for file encryption. According to Symantec researchers, the ransomware looks for files with over 120 extensions, including the following:
→ .3dm, .3g2, .3gp, .aaf, .accdb, .aep, .aepx, .aet, .ai, .aif, .as, .as3, .asf, .asp, .asx, .avi, .bmp, .c, .class, .cpp, .cs, .csv, .dat, .db, .dbf, .doc, .docb, .docm, .docx, .dot, .dotm, .dotx, .dwg, .dxf, .efx, .eps, .fla, .flv, .gif, .h, .idml, .iff, .indb, .indd, .indl, .indt, .inx, .jar, .java, .jpeg, .jpg, .js, .m3u, .m3u8, .m4u, .max, .mdb, .mid, .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, .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, .xqx
The AES algorithm is used for encryption and the ransomware will put a .fun, .btc and .kkk extension to the encrypted files. There might be more versions that append other extensions to the encrypted files. If you restart your computer, around 1,000 of the encrypted files will be deleted from your disk drives.
A solution to get your files back has been found, and if you already restarted your PC after the encryption process was complete, you shouldn’t worry too much as you can use Data Recovery software for that.
Remove Jigsaw Ransomware and Restore .fun, .kkk, .btc Encrypted Files
If Jigsaw ransomware infected your PC, do not worry, as there is a solution to decrypt your files without paying. If you were infected by this ransomware, you should have at least a little bit of experience in removing malware. See the instructions written below to see how to recover your files.
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for Jigsaw Ransomware with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Jigsaw 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 Jigsaw 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 Jigsaw 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 Jigsaw Ransomware
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Jigsaw 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 Jigsaw 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.
Jigsaw Ransomware-FAQ
What is Jigsaw Ransomware Ransomware?
Jigsaw 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 Jigsaw 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 Jigsaw Ransomware Infect?
Via several ways.Jigsaw 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 Jigsaw 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 .Jigsaw Ransomware files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Jigsaw 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 .Jigsaw Ransomware files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Jigsaw Ransomware" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Jigsaw 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 Jigsaw 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 Jigsaw Ransomware ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Jigsaw 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 Jigsaw 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 Jigsaw Ransomware Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Jigsaw 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 Jigsaw 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.
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