Another ransomware crypto-virus using an AOL email address has attacked unsuspecting users. The ransomware has been dubbed JohnyCryptor because that’s the name used for the email and correspondingly as the extension for encrypted files. The virus locks files and leaves the email with instructions how to contact the ransomware creators. The sum for ransom is not specified. To see how to remove the ransomware and how you could restore your files, you should read the article to the end.
Threat Summary
| Name | JohnyCryptor |
| Type | Ransomware |
| Short Description | The ransomware encrypts files with an extension ending in johnycryptor@aol.com and demands a ransom to be paid for decryption. |
| Symptoms | The ransomware will encrypt files on your PC. A picture will appear with a message describing how to pay to get a decryptor. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Executable Files |
| Detection Tool |
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| User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss JohnyCryptor. |
| 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. |
JohnyCryptor Ransomware – Distribution Methods
JohnyCryptor ransomware has a few distribution methods. Like other ransomware viruses nowadays, this one also uses spam emails as the main method of distribution. Such emails have attached files which contain the malware code inside of them. Rarely, the body of the email itself could execute the malicious code.
A possibility of getting infected with the ransomware is via social media networks or by using some file-sharing sites. These services could also spread malware inside executable files disguised as useful or needed applications. One of the best ways you can prevent ransomware infections from happening is by avoiding suspicious files. Just do not download, open or even click files you don’t entirely trust.
JohnyCryptor Ransomware – Detailed Information
JohnyCryptor is the name that has been given to a ransomware crypto-virus. The name comes from the email given by its creators for contact. Simply enough, the extension used as an appendix for encrypted files also has an ending with the same name. Not much other information is given by the ransomware or known yet.
The ransomware will encrypt the files found on your hard disc drives and other storage devices. After the process is complete, you will notice that your desktop wallpaper is changed with a new picture. The picture contains instructions on how to contact the ransomware creators. This is how the picture looks like:
The files read the following:
Attention!
Your computer has been encrypted by cryptographically strong algorithm. All your files are now encrypted. You have only one way to get them back safely – using original decryption tool. Using another tools could corrupt your files, use it on your own risk.
To get original decryptor contact us with email.
JohnyCryptor@aol.com
It is in your interest to respond as soon as possible to ensure the restoration of your files, because we won’t keep your decryption keys at our servers more than one week in interest of our security.PS. only in case you do not receive a response from the first email address within 48 hours, please use this alternative email address
JohnyCryptor@india.com
The JohnyCryptor virus is very different from recent ransomware. Neither does it specify a price for paying for decryption, nor does it push you to pay in a day or two. Instead, you are given a whole week to do something, and afterward, your files will be just deleted. Although the ransomware creators claim that they will delete files because of security reasons, it sounds more like a threat.
Do NOT contact JohnyCryptor@aol.com or the alternative email address with thinking of paying any sum of money. Funding criminals can give them the inspiration to do more crimes or make a worse kind of ransomware variant for JohnyCryptor. No guarantee exists that you will get your files back or if you are going to be given a decryptor at all.
The JohnyCryptor ransomware encrypts different kinds of files. The aim of encryption is probably pictures and documents as those files are precious to users. That is due to the fact that usually such files preserve memories or valuable information for the users. The JohnyCryptor ransomware ransomware encrypts these file extensions:
→.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
The list of file extensions given above may be incomplete, but those are the files which will get encrypted. When the encryption process is finished, all files will have this extension appended – .id-[Your ID number]-johnycryptor@aol.com.
JohnyCryptor ransomware could delete Shadow Volume Copies inside the Windows Operating System. It is recommended that you do a check for this, as you might have a different version of the ransomware that has left the Shadow backups of your system intact.
Remove JohnyCryptor Ransomware and Restore johnycryptor@aol.com Files
If your computer is infected with the JohnyCryptor ransomware, you should have some experience in removing viruses. You should get rid of this ransomware as fast as you can before it spreads further via the network and infects more files. You should remove the ransomware and follow the step-by-step instructions given below.
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for JohnyCryptor with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall JohnyCryptor 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 JohnyCryptor 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 JohnyCryptor 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 JohnyCryptor
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by JohnyCryptor.
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 JohnyCryptor 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.
JohnyCryptor-FAQ
What is JohnyCryptor Ransomware?
JohnyCryptor 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 JohnyCryptor 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 JohnyCryptor Infect?
Via several ways.JohnyCryptor 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 JohnyCryptor 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 .JohnyCryptor files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .JohnyCryptor 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 .JohnyCryptor files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".JohnyCryptor" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .JohnyCryptor 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 JohnyCryptor 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 JohnyCryptor ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .JohnyCryptor 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 JohnyCryptor 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 JohnyCryptor Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this JohnyCryptor 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 JohnyCryptor 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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- Always check "About Us" web page.
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