JohnyCryptor ransomware: decrypt .johnycryptor@hackermail.com.xtbl virus files

Learn how to act in case of the JohnyCryptor ransomware attack and get around the cipher to restore .johnycryptor@hackermail.com.xtbl (.johnycryptor@aol.com.xtbl) files.

The ransomware family known as Troldesh, or Shade, is amongst the most prolific ones to date in terms of the different spinoffs circulating on the open Internet. The sample that appends a victim’s files with a string containing “JohnyCryptor” in it has been trending on security boards for months on end. It turns one’s regular data files into dummy entries that cannot be opened or edited because of a military grade cipher.

This sub-strain concatenates the original filename with a unique ID assigned to the victim, and one of the following extensions: JohnyCryptor@aol.com.xtbl or JohnyCryptor@hackermail.com.xtbl. The latter variant is newer, having begun to propagate in early August this year. If an infected user’s personal photo was named, say, b-day.jpg – it ultimately morphs into something like b-day.jpg.id-2F351B00.JohnyCryptor@hackermail.com.xtbl. No graphics processor or other tools are able to open this picture. The same also applies to documents, databases, videos, PDF files and many more types of information located on the PC.

The JohnyCryptor virus replaces the desktop background with a BMP image that holds data decryption steps. In particular, it says, “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.” The same information is available in the Notepad edition of the ransom note named ‘How to decrypt your files.txt’ or ‘Decryption Instructions.txt’. For the victim to download the decryptor, they are told to send an email to JohnyCryptor@hackermail.com, JohnyCryptor@india.com, or JohnyCryptor@aol.com. The threat actors will then provide a roadmap regarding recovery in response, indicating the size of the ransom and the destination Bitcoin wallet. The amount of money, by the way, is unthinkably large: within the first 20 hours it may reach 8 BTC, going up to 12 BTC if it’s sent within 48 hours, and reaching 16 BTC if the latter deadline expires. Consequently, the criminals may ask for $4,800 as the lowest ransom amount. That’s several times more than the majority of ransomware programs demand.

JohnyCryptor also offers test decryption of one file under 5 MB. The victim must archive it with WinRAR and use the SendSpace service to send it to the extortionists. As opposed to other crypto menaces, though, this one will charge the user an additional 1.5 Bitcoin for this test recovery. All in all, this is probably the most voracious specimen as far as its authors’ appetites go. Another bad news is that the cryptosystem implementation is foolproof, so there is no effective way to decrypt the data for free thus far. Under the circumstances, the value of alternative restoration methods is hard to overestimate.

JohnyCryptor ransomware automated removal and data recovery

Owing to an up-to-date database of malware signatures and intelligent behavioral detection, the recommended software can quickly locate the infection, eradicate it and remediate all harmful changes. So go ahead and do the following:

1. Download and install the antimalware tool. Open the solution and have it check your PC for PUPs and other types of malicious software by clicking the Start Computer Scan button

Download JohnyCryptor virus remover

2. Rest assured the scan report will list all items that may harm your operating system. Select the detected entries and click Fix Threats to get the troubleshooting completed.

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.

Ransomware Prevention Tips

To avoid JohnyCryptor 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 JohnyCryptor ransomware removal tool