File encryption virus belonging to the id variants has been let loose to infect unsuspecting user. The malware is named JuicyLemon, and it belongs to the “id” ransomware viruses. The cyber-criminals behind JuicyLemon use a strong cipher to encode files on infected computers and for their safe decoding, they demand around 2.5 BTC, which is approximately 1000 euros. The virus uses a 7 number file extension added after every encrypted file which is a custom identification of the infected computer. Even though at the moment direct decryption is impossible we strongly advise users not to pay the ransom and try to restore their files using alternatives like the methods after this article until a decryptor is released.
Threat Summary
| Name | JuicyLemon |
| Type | Ransomware |
| Short Description | JuicyLemon is a file encoding virus which holds the files of the user as hostage and wants him to pay 1000 euros to get them back. |
| Symptoms | A ransom note with instructions for paying the ransom shows as a “Read me now !.txt” file. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, File Sharing Networks. |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
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Malware Removal Tool
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| User Experience | Join our forum to Discuss JuicyLemon 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. |
JuicyLemon Ransomware Strategy of Infection
So far, as reports by researchers indicated, JuicyLemon is spread via the notorious and extremely effective Angler Exploit Kit. However, the cyber-criminals behind it may use other methods as well.
To successfully penetrate the defenses of the systems it infects, JuicyLemon may typically act on the same escalated privilege level as the user. Once it obtains this privilege by most likely executing obfuscated processes that slips past any real-time antivirus shields.
However, the trick is to make the user execute the process. Typically for this to happen, JuicyLemon ransomware may use several malicious URLs, that may cause the drive-by download of a .js(JavaScript) file which is automatically executed and drops the payload. Another method of distribution is the widely used nowadays Exploit kits.
All of those may be distributed via spam e-mails featuring the web links along with a message that convinces users to click on them, for example:
Another way of spreading may be on spam posts or comments on social media, like facebook, twitter or another service.
It is also not excluded that the malicious .exe file of the ransomware may be directly downloaded on the user PC by arriving in an archive downloaded from e-mails, suspicious third-party websites, and others.
JuicyLemon Ransomware – Activity
Once its malicious payload is dropped on the infected computer, it may be located in one of the following Windows folders, under the following names, for example:
Typically, JuicyLemon may create registry entries which will allow it to run on Windows startup. This happens by targeting the following Windows registry keys:
→ HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
After doing so, the ransomware may delete the shadow volume copies of the infected computer, eliminating any backup if present. This can happen by executing the vssadmin command with one of its parameters, for example:
Pic
JuicyLemon ransomware uses a strong cipher to encrypt the user’s files. It may look for files containing the most widely used file extensions and encode them:
→ “PNG .PSD .PSPIMAGE .TGA .THM .TIF .TIFF .YUV .AI .EPS .PS .SVG .INDD .PCT .PDF .XLR .XLS .XLSX .ACCDB .DB .DBF .MDB .PDB .SQL .APK .APP .BAT .CGI .COM .EXE .GADGET .JAR .PIF .WSF .DEM .GAM .NES .ROM .SAV CAD Files .DWG .DXF GIS Files .GPX .KML .KMZ .ASP .ASPX .CER .CFM .CSR .CSS .HTM .HTML .JS .JSP .PHP .RSS .XHTML. DOC .DOCX .LOG .MSG .ODT .PAGES .RTF .TEX .TXT .WPD .WPS .CSV .DAT .GED .KEY .KEYCHAIN .PPS .PPT .PPTX ..INI .PRF Encoded Files .HQX .MIM .UUE .7Z .CBR .DEB .GZ .PKG .RAR .RPM .SITX .TAR.GZ .ZIP .ZIPX .BIN .CUE .DMG .ISO .MDF .TOAST .VCD SDF .TAR .TAX2014 .TAX2015 .VCF .XML Audio Files .AIF .IFF .M3U .M4A .MID .MP3 .MPA .WAV .WMA Video Files .3G2 .3GP .ASF .AVI .FLV .M4V .MOV .MP4 .MPG .RM .SRT .SWF .VOB .WMV 3D .3DM .3DS .MAX .OBJ R.BMP .DDS .GIF .JPG ..CRX .PLUGIN .FNT .FON .OTF .TTF .CAB .CPL .CUR .DESKTHEMEPACK .DLL .DMP .DRV .ICNS .ICO .LNK .SYS .CFG” Source: Fileinfo.com
After the encryption process is complete, JuicyLemon may delete itself to prevent malware analysis. It leaves the encrypted files with a file extension containing unique number, the letters “id”, along with an e-mail address, and a bitcoin payment address, for example:
→ New Text Document.txt.1926452847_email1_support@juicylemon.biz_email2_provectus@protonmail.com_BitMessage_BM-NBRCUPTenKgYbLVCAfeVUHVsHFK6Ue2F
Before deletion the ransomware may send different information, such as the decryption key for the encoded files to its remote server, reported by Bleeping Computer researchers to be the following:
→ Beginbegone(.)com/777/index.php
It also drops a text, file called Read me now !.txt ,which contains the following ransom note:
→ “Hello! We inform you that all, absolutely all of your files are encrypted!
But do not despair. Decryption is not possible without our help, our help is not free and costs a certain amount of money.
To begin the process of recovery your files you need to write us an email, attaching an example of an encrypted file.
– Our contacts for communication:
– Primary email: support@juicylemon.biz
– Additional email: provectus@protonmail.com
– Bitmessage: BM-NBRCUPTenKgYbLVCAfeVUHVsHFK6Ue2F
How To Use Bitmessage see https://youtu.be/ndqIffqCMaM
We encourage you to contact us for all three contacts!
– Very important:
Do not try to decrypt files by third-party decoders otherwise you will spoil files !
Be adequate in dealing with us and we will solve your problem.”
When the e-mail of the cyber-criminals has been used to contact them, they may reply with the following message:
→ “Hello! The cost of the decoder for you is 1000 (€) Euro in bitcoins, for a guarantee of existence the recovery program at us you can send the test file for decoding, after decoding of the test file we will send you requisites for payment of the decoder, and after payment the instruction on decoding and the decoder.”
Removing JuicyLemon Ransomware Completely and Restoring .id Encrypted Files
To be effective in the removal process of JuicyLemon Ransomware, we advise following the removal instructions which are provided for your below. In case you are having difficulties in manually discovering and deleting JuicyLemon, experts recommend using an advanced anti-malware tool to automatically find and remove the objects created by the ransomware on your computer.
After the ransomware is removed, you still have to cope with the encrypted files. We have provided below few universal tools and solutions, such as data recovery software which has helped several users restore multiple files encoded by JuicyLemon ransomware, according to reports at Bleeping Computer. However, we advise to also try the other methods, especially the Kaspersky Decryption software solutions.
Learn More about AES-128 Encryption
The Locky ransomware is known to encrypt file locations which usually contain documents, such as:
- C:\Users\[UserName]\Documents
- Desktop\MyDocs\Downloads
- C:\Documents and Settings\Users\My Documents
For now, it is not known if Shadow Volume Copies are erased from the Windows operating system, but it is likely. So, after removing the ransomware, you should check the third section of the instructions written below for a few ways which can help you try to restore your files.
Remove Locky Ransomware and Restore .locky Encrypted Files
If you have been infected by Locky, you should have a bit of experience in removing malware. This ransomware could lock your files irreparably, so it is highly recommended that you act fast and follow the step-by-step instructions provided down here.
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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Attention! SensorsTechForum strongly recommends that all malware victims should look for assistance only by reputable sources. Many guides out there claim to offer free recovery and decryption for files encrypted by ransomware viruses. Be advised that some of them may only be after your money.
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.
About the JuicyLemon Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this JuicyLemon 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 JuicyLemon 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.
References
1. How to Recognize Spam Emails with Ransomware
2. How Does Ransomware Encryption Work?
3. How to Decrypt Ransomware Files
4. Ransomware Getting Greedier and Bigger, Attacks Increase by 40%
5. 1 in 5 Americans Victim of Ransomware
How to Remove JuicyLemon from Windows.
Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove JuicyLemon
1. Hold Windows Key + R.
2. The "Run" Window will appear. In it, type "msconfig" and click OK.
3. Go to the "Boot" tab. There select "Safe Boot" and then click "Apply" and "OK".
4. When prompted, click on "Restart" to go into Safe Mode.
5. You can recognise Safe Mode by the words written on the corners of your screen.
Step 2: Uninstall JuicyLemon and related software 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:
1. Hold the Windows Logo Button and "R" on your keyboard. A Pop-up window will appear.
2. In the field type in "appwiz.cpl" and press ENTER.
3. This will open a window with all the programs installed on the PC. Select the program that you want to remove, and press "Uninstall"
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall most programs.
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by JuicyLemon 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 JuicyLemon there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
1. Open the Run Window again, type "regedit" and click OK.
2. When you open it, you can freely navigate to the Run and RunOnce keys, whose locations are shown above.
3. You can remove the value of the virus by right-clicking on it and removing it.
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: Scan for JuicyLemon with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
1. Click on the "Download" button to proceed to SpyHunter's download page.
2. After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to update automatically.
3. After the update process has finished, click on the 'Malware/PC Scan' tab. A new window will appear. Click on 'Start Scan'.
4. After SpyHunter has finished scanning your PC for any files of the associated threat and found them, you can try to get them removed automatically and permanently by clicking on the 'Next' button.
Video Guide for Automatic and Fast Removal
Step 5 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by JuicyLemon.
Ransomware infections and JuicyLemon 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.
1. Download the recommended Data Recovery software by clicking on the link underneath:
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.
Step 6: How to Restore Files Encrypted by Ransomware (Video Guide)
Get rid of JuicyLemon from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall JuicyLemon and remove related files and objects
1. Hit the ⇧+⌘+U keys to open Utilities. Another way is to click on “Go” and then click “Utilities”, like the image below shows:
2. Find Activity Monitor and double-click it:
3. In the Activity Monitor look for any suspicious processes, belonging or related to JuicyLemon:
4. Click on the "Go" button again, but this time select Applications. Another way is with the ⇧+⌘+A buttons.
5. In the Applications menu, look for any suspicious app or an app with a name, similar or identical to JuicyLemon. If you find it, right-click on the app and select “Move to Trash
”.
6. Select Accounts, after which click on the Login Items preference.
Your Mac will then show you a list of items that start automatically when you log in. Look for any suspicious apps identical or similar to JuicyLemon. Check the app you want to stop from running automatically and then select on the Minus (“-“) icon to hide it.
7. Remove any left-over files that might be related to this threat manually by following the sub-steps below:
- Go to Finder.
- In the search bar type the name of the app that you want to remove.
- Above the search bar change the two drop down menus to “System Files” and “Are Included” so that you can see all of the files associated with the application you want to remove. Bear in mind that some of the files may not be related to the app so be very careful which files you delete.
- If all of the files are related, hold the ⌘+A buttons to select them and then drive them to “Trash”.
In case you cannot remove JuicyLemon via Step 1 above:
In case you cannot find the virus files and objects in your Applications or other places we have shown above, you can manually look for them in the Libraries of your Mac. But before doing this, please read the disclaimer below:
1: Click on "Go" and Then "Go to Folder" as shown underneath:
2: Type in "/Library/LauchAgents/" and click Ok:
3: Delete all of the virus files that have similar or the same name as JuicyLemon. If you believe there is no such file, do not delete anything.
You can repeat the same procedure with the following other Library directories:
→ ~/Library/LaunchAgents
/Library/LaunchDaemons
Tip: ~ is there on purpose, because it leads to more LaunchAgents.
Step 3 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by JuicyLemon.
Ransomware infections and JuicyLemon 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.
1. Download the recommended Data Recovery software by clicking on the link underneath:
Simply click on the link and on the website menus on top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.
JuicyLemon FAQ
What is JuicyLemon ransomware and how does it work?
JuicyLemon 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 algorithm how 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.
How does JuicyLemon ransomware infect my computer?
Via several ways.JuicyLemon Ransomware infects computers by being sent via phishing e-mails, 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.
After you download and execute this attachment, a drive-by download occurs and your computer is infected with the ransomware virus.
Another way, you may become a victim of JuicyLemon 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 .JuicyLemon files?
You can't. At this point the .JuicyLemon files are encrypted. You can only open them once they are decrypted.
Decryptor did not decrypt my data. What now?
Do not panic and backup the files. If a decryptor did not decrypt your .JuicyLemon files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
One way to restore files, encrypted by JuicyLemon ransomware is to use a decryptor for it. But since it's a new virus, advised that the decryption keys for it may not be out yet and available to the public. We will update this article and keep you posted as soon as this decryptor is released.
How Do I restore ".JuicyLemon" files (Other Methods)?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .JuicyLemon files.
These methods are in no way 100% guarantee that you will be able to get your files back. But if you have a backup, your chances of success are much greater.
How do I get rid of JuicyLemon ransomware virus?
The safest way and the most efficient one for the removal of this ransomware infection is the use a professional anti malware software. It will scan for and locate JuicyLemon ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .JuicyLemon files.
Also, keep in mind that viruses like JuicyLemon ransomware also install Trojans and keyloggers that can steal your passwords and accounts. Scanning your computer with an anti-malware software will make sure that all of these virus components are removed and your computer is protected in the future.
What to Do If nothing works?
There is still a lot you can do. If none of the above methods seem to work for you, then try these methods:
- Try to find a safe computer from where you can can login on your own line accounts like One Drive, iDrive, Google Drive and so on.
- Try to contact your friends, relatives and other people so that they can check if they have some of your important photos or documents just in case you sent them.
- Also, check if some of the files that were encrypted it can be re-downloaded from the web.
- Another clever way to get back some of your files is to find another old computer, a flash drive or even a CD or a DVD where you may have saved your older documents. You might be surprised what will turn up.
- You can also go to your email account to check if you can send any attachments to other people. Usually what is sent the email is saved on your account and you can re-download it. But most importantly, make sure that this is done from a safe computer and make sure to remove the virus first.
More tips you can find on our forums, where you can also asks any questions about your ransomware problem.
How to 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.
