How to remove Jaff ransomware virus and decrypt .jaff files

Get a full security profile of Locky ransomware’s new Jaff variant and learn data recovery options that may put the Bitcoin ransom out of the equation.

May 2017 update: The latest Jaff ransomware edition uses .wlu extension for encrypted files.

A new sample of file-encrypting ransomware, which is most likely a spinoff of the Locky infection, is currently gaining momentum in its distribution. Dubbed Jaff after the extension it appends to every enciphered entry, this threat shares quite a few characteristics with its predecessors and features a couple of fundamental differences at the same time. As far as the external manifestation goes, the newcomer has a file marker of its own. The targeted files on a victim’s computer get suffixed with the .jaff string. The version-specific file token tends to swap with every new iteration of Locky.

The ransom notes, which provide a walkthrough for data decryption, are now named ReadMe.txt, ReadMe.bmp and ReadMe.html. The infection drops a combo of these how-to’s into each encrypted directory and onto the desktop, complementing the nefarious guidance with recovery instructions that come to occupy the greater part of the desktop background. The wording of these help files has changed as compared to the previous editions of the ransomware. This time they read, “Jaff decryptor system. Files are encrypted! To decrypt files you need to obtain the private key. The only copy of the private key, which will allow you to decrypt your files, is located on a secret server in the Internet.”

The strength of data encryption by Jaff ransomware revolves around the use of the AES-128 symmetric cryptographic algorithm. Since the cipher implementation is flawless, the ransomware poses a serious obstacle to brute-forcing and forensic methods of information recovery. But before the pest gets to the crypto phase proper, it runs a scan for the victim’s important data in the background. The Jaff virus goes equipped with a built-in list of targeted file extensions, so it isn’t likely to miss any potentially valuable document, video, image, database, or other entities stored in a widespread format. Then, having completed the encoding job, the infection leaves a slew of inaccessible items behind. As opposed to previous Locky editions, this one does not affect the filenames. Instead, it only concatenates the strain-specific extension, making a sample file Document.pdf turn into Document.pdf.jaff.

This aggressive program is making the rounds via malicious spam generated by the Necurs botnet, the same one that propped the large-scale circulation of other Locky variants. In the current malspam wave, targeted uses receive emails with the subject Copy_[random digits], File_[random digits], Document_[random digits] or similar. The attachment is named nm.pdf. When opened, it ends up triggering a Microsoft Word file that says the document is protected and instructs the recipient to enable content, or macros. As soon as an unwary user does this, Jaff will be automatically executed on the machine.

The aftermath of the onslaught involves an online decryption spot, which is a resource named the Jaff Decryptor System. By design, it is a replica of the Locky Decryptor page. It is protected by The Onion Router anonymity tool, so victims are supposed to visit it using the appropriate software called Tor Browser. The link to this page is unique for every infected user – it is indicated in the ransom notes along with the victim’s personal ID. The restoration workflow includes several steps: registering a Bitcoin wallet if the victim doesn’t use one; purchasing 2.03 BTC (currently worth about 3,600 USD); sending this digital cash to a particular Bitcoin address; and finally, refreshing the page to download the automatic decryptor. Although this scheme reportedly works in most cases, it’s strongly recommended to try all possible alternatives first. Whereas the Jaff ransomware is programmed to delete Volume Shadow Copies of all encrypted files, this attempt may end up unsuccessful. Therefore, trying to restore previous versions of the jumbled data items is worthwhile. Keep reading this guide to learn additional best practice tips on handling the Jaff version of Locky ransomware plague.

Jaff ransomware automated removal and data recovery

When faced with ransomware like Jaff, one of the best shortcuts in terms of removal is to use Combo Cleaner, a lightweight and incredibly effective application with PC security and optimization features under the hood. It detects and thoroughly deletes threats while giving you insights into the overall health of your computer.

This program’s protection power spans modules that forestall all known types of malware, including ransomware and browser hijackers, and take your online security to the next level by blocking phishing sites and other suspicious web pages. Follow these simple steps to eliminate the infection for good:

1. Download Combo Cleaner installer.

Download Jaff remover

^{Combo Cleaner scans your PC with no strings attached, but you’ll have to buy its fully functional version to remove the threats it detects. The disk optimization tools that find large files and duplicates are free to use.}

2. Open the CCSetup.exe file to get started. Several subsequent screens will allow you to make initial customizations so that the program works exactly as you need from the get-go.

3. The installation will be followed by an update of malware signatures. Once this process is through, click the Start Scan button in the left-hand sidebar.

4. Combo Cleaner will then check system locations that are most often polluted by Windows malware. The first scan can take a while to finish.

5. Combo Cleaner will display a system tray notification as soon as the scan is over. Click the Resolve found threats button to view the results.

6. The scan summary shows the names and types of the detected threats as well as their statuses and locations. Click the Remove all threats button and follow further on-screen prompts to get rid of these items.

Data recovery toolkit to the rescue

Some strains of ransomware are known to delete the original files after the encryption routine has been completed. As hostile as this activity appears, it can play into your hands. There are applications designed to revive the information that was obliterated because of malfunctioning hardware or due to accidental removal. The tool called Stellar Data Recovery features this type of a capability and therefore it can be applied in ransom attack scenarios to at least get the most important files back. So use the app to get an idea of what data can be restored and let it do the recovery job. Here is a step-by-step walkthrough:

1. Download and install Stellar Data Recovery.

Download Stellar Data Recovery

2. Open the application, select the types of recoverable files to look for, and click Next.

3. Choose the areas you want the tool to recover from and click the Scan button.

4. Having scanned the specified locations, the program will display a notification about the total amount of recoverable data. Close the dialog and click the Recover button. This will hopefully help you get some of your valuable files back.

Jaff ransomware manual removal and file recovery

Some ransomware strains terminate themselves after completing the encryption job on a computer, but some don’t. Furthermore, the Jaff virus may prevent victims from using popular antimalware tools in order to stay on board for as long as possible. Under the circumstances, it may be necessary to utilize the Safe Mode with Networking or System Restore functionality.

Be advised that even after the ransomware is removed, files will still be encrypted and inaccessible. The malicious code cleanup part, however, is important because it keeps a relapse of the infection from occurring further on and eliminates all opportunistic malware.

Ways of non-ransom recovery of .jaff files

Cracking the crypto used by this ransom Trojan is more of a science fiction thing rather than an attainable prospect for the masses. This is why the troubleshooting in predicaments of this sort is a matter of two approaches: one is to pay the ransom, which isn’t an option for many victims; and the other is to apply instruments that take advantage of the ransomware’s possible weaknesses. If the latter is your pick, the advice below is a must-try.

Ransomware Prevention Tips

To avoid Jaff ransomware and other file-encrypting infections in the future, follow several simple recommendations:

These techniques are certainly not a cure-all, but they will add an extra layer of ransomware protection to your security setup.

Revise your security status

Post-factum assessment of the accuracy component in malware removal scenarios is a great habit that prevents the comeback of harmful code or replication of its unattended fractions. Make sure you are good to go by running an additional safety checkup. Another benefit of using the antimalware tool is that it will keep ransomware threats from intruding on your computer further on.

Download Jaff removal tool