Jigsaw Ransomware Removal Guide (+File Recovery)
New Jigsaw ransomware variant is an advanced and particularly harmful file encrypting Cryptovirus that belongs to ransomware family, which infiltrate the user’s system without their knowledge, after successfully entering the system it will encrypt (lock) the user’s data.
The primary purpose of the Jigsaw virus is to blackmail you by not allowing you to access, use or modify the personal files that you keep on your system until you pay the ransom requested by the hackers.
This ransomware targets 100+ files and append extensions such as .FuckedbyGhost, .Fun, .Fuckmedaddy, .Lost, .Beep, etc. to the file name. Whenever a user attempts to open a compromised file, it displays a ransom note.
According to the ransom note, this ransomware will delete some files in every hour if the user didn’t pay the ransom amount on time.
Jigsaw file-encrypting ransomware is such a dreadful computer threat that can allow hackers to remotely access your system to execute codes that encode users' valuable files and documents. Its presence alone can cause a whole lot of trouble to your PC especially to your personal data.
If your computer has just become a victim of such an attack, you’re probably wondering how to deal with it and how to save your personal files, work documents, backup files, archives, images, videos, and many more.
However, since you are on this page, you are already a step ahead and have a chance to remove Jigsaw Ransomware from further causing more problems.
As the article advances, you will come to know how the ransomware infected your system and How to decrypt Jigsaw ransomware files without paying the ransom, followed by various removal techniques which encapsulate manual preventive method and a robust tool that fights with the ransomware.
Jigsaw Ransomware – Detailed Analysis
Jigsaw Ransomware is categorized as dangerous malware because the infection can have severe outcomes, and capable to infect almost all Windows Operating System version like Windows XP, Windows7, Windows8, Windows8.1 and Windows 10. It is developed by the team of cyber attackers with the sole motive to extract huge ransom money by phishing innocent users.
Here are the files which are targeted by the Jigsaw ransomware:
On execution of this ransomware it first gets & set the %appdata% path & copy itself into at following location:
%Appdata%\Roaming\Wind0s\cRe.exe
%\Appdata%\Local\mİCROSs\Mic.exe
Thereafter, it creates the Autorun entry in the registry so, that at each boot time it gets self-started.
Jigsaw extension virus will require you to buy bitcoin first so that policies could not detect its criminal behavior, while the website for the coin will be a fishing website. And if you make payment here, you will lose your personal information.
As per the ransom note, the size of ransom is equivalent to $100 and must be paid in Bitcoins within 24 hours after the following infection. The Jigsaw ransomware window contains a 60-minute timer, which indicates time remaining until the next file deletion.
Even if the victim contacts the developer and pays the ransom, it is hard to crack Jigsaw ransomware AES/DES cryptography technique that generates unique decryption keys, which means using any other keys does not give any positive result. Besides, they store them in remote servers and are the only ones who can access them.
It is recommended that you should never believe such cybercriminals because once payment is submitted, there is no such guarantee that you would be able to recover Encrypted files.
Jigsaw Ransomware – Distribution Techniques
Here are some other distribution techniques which cybercriminals opt to inject malicious content in the targeted system:
- Spam emails
- Social clickjacking
- Pirated and free software’s
- Torrents & P2P File Sharing
- Fake advertisement’s or download portals, etc.
Cybercriminals via these threats steal information like IP address, URL’s Search, browser history, search queries, username, ID, passwords, banking information, and ATM Card information.
This personal information, later, may be sold to third parties which can lead to serious privacy violations, financial loss or even theft.
Thinking of Paying the Ransom? Stop Thinking; Always Say NO To Cyber-Criminals!
Despite the fact that we highly advise not paying the ransom, we understand that a few organizations would not have the capacity or technical guidance to get away without the information that has been put away on the encrypted systems, so unfortunately in such cases, paying the ransom will be the only option to advance the business.
Cybersecurity experts never recommend you to pay! Paying money is not a good option because once you start paying a ransom, the cyber attackers will demand more.
We suggest investing the money you are demanded to pay into some backup may be a better option because data loss wouldn’t be a problem.
Remember that you can never be sure whether the criminals would give you a working decrypting key.
Thus, it is important to use a successful robust anti-malware removal tool such as Malware Crusher to prevent Jigsaw virus files entry into your computer.
How to prevent Jigsaw Ransomware And Recover Encrypted Files
There have been instances in the past showing the users were hit by the same ransomware for the second time, even though they have already paid the ransom amount.
From here, all we can say is if you don’t act quickly in the right way, you might not get another chance, so we suggest you follow removal guide to delete Jigsaw Ransomware that may also help you in the removal process of other malicious content. The guide is divided into three parts:
- Unlock Computer In Safe Mode
- Restore System
- Automatic Prevention
Temporarily Disable Jigsaw Ransomware in safe mode using Command Prompt
1. Steps to be followed to enter the safe mode Win XP/Vista/7
- Click start > then shut down > then restart.
- While the computer is booting up at the very first screen start tapping F8 until you see the advanced boot options.
- In the advanced boot option’s, you need to select safe mode with Command prompt from the list of given options.
2. Steps to be followed to enter safe mode in Win 8/10
- On the windows login screen, you need to press the power option.
- Now, press and hold the shift key on the keyboard, and then click Restart.
- Now, among the list of options you need to select Troubleshoot, and then advanced options, then start-up settings and finally press restart.
- Once your computer restarts and gives you the list of start-up options you need to select Enable Safe Mode with Command prompt.
3. Restore System
- Once you see the command prompt windows, type in cd restore and hit enter on the keyboard.
- Now, type rstrui.exe and hit Enter again.
- Then you would see new windows, click on next over there and select a restore point that is before the date of infection.
- Then, click next followed by yes.
At present, your computer is in a state that has its file and data backed up at a safe restore point. We also suggest you make a copy of backed up data into some external hard drive.
It is now time, to reinstall your Windows via an external source such as pen drive, CD or DVD.
While installing Windows, allocates disk space to C, D and E drive. If asked to restore any files, select the restore point and get the backed up data into the new operating system.
Your system format is complete; also your data is backed up. Now you must create a strong firewall against such intrusions and prevent them in the future.
Automatic Preventive Method
Malware Crusher is the most commonly used anti-malware software for the Windows computer. Its malware removal capabilities make it the most impactful tool and prevent you before the ransomware starts infecting your system because:
- The 24X7 online protective shield works as an anti-exploit technology and blocks the ransomware component before they hold files as a hostage.
- Malware Crusher also creates a shield against Ransomware, Adware, Malware, Browser Hijackers, Viruses, Extensions, and Trojans.
- Malware Crusher tirelessly visits all domains, URLs and web pages to secure your online presence from fraudulent entities.
To get a better security awareness on preventing cyber-attacks and malicious threats, we recommend Malware Crusher, trusted by many users.
Its 5-minute function could be a savior for your Windows computer!
Tips to Prevent virus and malware from Infecting Your System:
- Enable your popup blocker: Pop-ups and ads on the websites are the most adoptable tactic used by cybercriminals or developers with the core intention to spread malicious programs.
So, avoid clicking uncertain sites, software offers, pop-ups etc. and Install a powerful ad- blocker for Chrome, Mozilla, and IE
- Keep your Windows Updated: To avoid such infections, we recommend that you should always keep your system updated through automatic windows update.By doing this you can keep your device free from virus.According to the survey, outdated/older versions of Windows operating system are an easy target.
- Third-party installation: Try to avoid freeware download websites as they usually install bundled of software with any installer or stub file.
- Regular Backup: Regular and periodical backup helps you to keep your data safe in case the system is infected by any kind of virus or any other infection.Thus always backup important files regularly on a cloud drive or an external hard drive.
- Always have an Anti-Virus: Precaution is better than cure. We recommend that you install an antivirus like ITL Total Security or a good Malware Removal Tool like Download Virus RemovalTool