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How to remove Jaff ransomware virus and decrypt .jaff files

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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.

Wording of ReadMe.txt/bmp/html ransom notes dropped by the Jaff virus
Wording of ReadMe.txt/bmp/html ransom notes dropped by the Jaff virus

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.

Jaff Decryptor System page containing data recovery steps
Jaff Decryptor System page containing data recovery steps

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.

Download and run Combo Cleaner installer on your PC

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.Setup customizations

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.Start initial scan

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.Combo Cleaner scan in progress

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.Scan completed

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.Scan results

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.Stellar Data Recovery main screen

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

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.Recover files

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.

Remove Jaff ransomware using Safe Mode with Networking

Remove Jaff ransomware using Safe Mode with Networking

Get rid of Jaff ransomware using System Restore

Get rid of Jaff ransomware using System Restore

System Restore enables Windows users to roll back all changes made to the OS since the latest restore point creation time. This feature can help eliminate the most persistent ransomware. Before going this route, though, make sure System Restore had been enabled prior to the breach, otherwise the method will be inefficient.

  • Open Windows Advanced Options Menu as described in the previous section: hit F8 repeatedly when the PC is starting up. Use arrow keys to highlight the Safe Mode with Command Prompt entry. Hit Enter.Safe Mode with Command Prompt
  • In the Command Prompt window, type cd restore and hit Entercd restore command
  • Type rstrui.exe in the new command line and press EnterType rstrui.exe command
  • When the System Restore screen pops up, click Next, select a restore point that predates the contamination, and use the application’s controls to roll back the system to this earlier state.System Restore window
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.

Backups can make your day

Backups can make your day

Not only are you a lucky person in case you’ve been backing up your most important files, but you’re also a wise and prudent user. This isn’t necessarily a resource-heavy activity these days – in fact, some providers of online services are allocating a sufficient size of cloud storage space for free so that every customer can easily upload their critical data without paying a penny. Having removed the Jaff ransomware, therefore, all you have to do is download your stuff from the remote server or transfer it all from an external piece of hardware if that’s the case.

Restore previous versions of encrypted files

Restore previous versions of encrypted files

A positive upshot of using this technique depends on whether or not the ransomware has erased the Volume Shadow Copies of the files on your PC. This is a Windows feature that automatically makes and keeps the backups of data elements on the hard drive as long as System Restore is enabled. The cryptoware in question is programmed to switch off the Volume Shadow Copy Service (VSS), but it has reportedly failed to in some cases.

Checking one’s options regarding this workaround is doable in two ways: through the Properties menu of each file or by means of the remarkable open-source tool called Shadow Explorer. We recommend the software-based way because it’s automated, hence faster and easier. Just install the app and use its intuitive controls to get previous versions of the encrypted objects reinstated.

Shadow Explorer

Alternatively, you can leverage the Previous Versions feature, which is native to Windows operating system. This method is more cumbersome that the use of ShadowExplorer, but it can help restore the most important individual files on condition that the ransomware failed to disable the Volume Snapshot Service on the computer. Right-click on a file of choice and select Properties. Then, go to the Previous Versions tab as illustrated below.

Previous Versions

Go ahead and pick the file’s latest backup version on the list. Use the Copy or Restore buttons to reinstate this object to a new path or to its original folder, respectively.

Ransomware Prevention Tips

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

  • Toggle your email provider’s anti-spam settings to filter out all the potentially harmful incoming messages. Raising the bar beyond the default protection is an important countermeasure for ransom Trojans
  • Define specific file extension restrictions in your email system. Make sure that attachments with the following extensions are blacklisted: .js, .vbs, .docm, .hta, .exe, .cmd, .scr, and .bat. Also, treat ZIP archives in received messages with extreme caution
  • Rename the vssadmin.exe process so that ransomware is unable to obliterate all Shadow Volume Copies of your files in one shot
  • Keep your Firewall active at all times. It can prevent crypto ransomware from communicating with its C&C server. This way, the threat won’t be able to obtain cryptographic keys and lock your files
  • Back up your files regularly, at least the most important ones. This recommendation is self-explanatory. A ransomware attack isn’t an issue as long as you keep unaffected copies of your data in a safe place
  • Use an effective antimalware suite. There are security tools that identify ransomware-specific behavior and block the infection before it can do any harm.

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

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