How to remove Jackalock Ransomware and decrypt .jackalock files

What is Jackalock Ransomware

Jackalock Ransomware exemplifies a sophisticated type of malware that belongs to the MedusaLocker family, designed to encrypt a user’s files with the intent of demanding a ransom for their release. Once it infiltrates a system, it encrypts the files with strong RSA and AES cryptographic algorithms, rendering them inaccessible to victims who lack the decryption key. An observable characteristic of this ransomware is its tendency to append the .jackalock extension to encrypted files, transforming a file such as image.jpg to image.jpg.jackalock. This alteration of the file extension serves as a marker of encryption and prevents users from opening their files ordinarily. Coupled with encryption, Jackalock leaves a digital ransom note, titled READ_NOTE.html, on affected devices. This message serves as a grim notification to victims, informing them that personal or confidential data has been encrypted and exfiltrated, threatening to leak the data unless a ransom is paid. Victims are encouraged to act within 72 hours to avoid an increased ransom fee, with cyber criminals giving a semblance of assurance by offering to decrypt a few non-important files for free.

Currently, no decryption tools are publicly available for Jackalock, making it difficult for victims to recover their data without cooperating with the attackers. The robust nature of RSA and AES encryptions used by Jackalock virtually confines the encrypted files within a digital vault, tightly locked without the correct decryption key. Attempting to decrypt the .jackalock files independently, without the attackers’ decryption key, remains improbable due to the sophistication of these encryption algorithms. Despite the lack of direct decryption options, victims of Jackalock are strongly advised against paying the ransom, as doing so only fuels the attackers’ operations and doesn’t guarantee the return of the decryption key. To mitigate the effects of such attacks, maintaining regular backups stored offline or in separate cloud environments is essential. In the absence of a backup, while the files remain locked, focusing on removing the malware to prevent further encryption should be a priority. Users should also regularly scan for threats using reliable security software, like Combo Cleaner, and stay informed about the latest security threats to adopt better preventive measures.

How Jackalock Ransomware infects computers

Jackalock Ransomware infiltrates computers primarily through phishing and social engineering tactics, often masquerading as or bundled with legitimate-looking files. These deceptive files can be distributed in various formats, such as email attachments, executables, or documents like PDFs and Microsoft Office files, and are typically delivered via spam emails or malicious links. Once a user unwittingly opens one of these files, the ransomware executes, beginning the process of encrypting files on the infected system. This ransomware, a member of the MedusaLocker family, exploits vulnerable vectors, including drive-by downloads and malicious advertisements, to spread its infection. Additionally, it may proliferate through compromised networks and removable storage devices, thus expanding its reach. As a result, Jackalock underscores the critical importance of maintaining vigilant cybersecurity practices and employing robust anti-virus software to mitigate the risk of such attacks.

1. Download Jackalock Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .jackalock files
3. Recover encrypted files with Stellar Data Recovery Professional
4. Restore encrypted files with Windows Previous Versions
5. Restore files with Shadow Explorer
6. How to protect from threats like Jackalock Ransomware

Jackalock Ransomware files:


READ_NOTE.html
{randomname}.exe


Jackalock Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .jackalock files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

Use the following tool from Kaspersky called Rakhni Decryptor, that can decrypt .jackalock files. Download it here:

Download RakhniDecryptor

There is no purpose to pay the ransom because there is no guarantee you will receive the key, but you will put your bank credentials at risk.

Dr.Web Rescue Pack

Famous antivirus vendor Dr. Web provides free decryption service for the owners of its products: Dr.Web Security Space or Dr.Web Enterprise Security Suite. Other users can ask for help in the decryption of .jackalock files by uploading samples to Dr. Web Ransomware Decryption Service. Analyzing files will be performed free of charge and if files are decryptable, all you need to do is purchase a 2-year license of Dr.Web Security Space worth $120 or less. Otherwise, you don’t have to pay.

If you are infected with Jackalock Ransomware and removed from your computer, you can try to decrypt your files. Antivirus vendors and individuals create free decryptors for some crypto-lockers. To attempt to decrypt them manually, you can do the following:

Use Stellar Data Recovery Professional to restore .jackalock files

1. Download Stellar Data Recovery Professional.
2. Click Recover Data button.
3. Select the type of files you want to restore and click Next button.
4. Choose the location where you would like to restore files from and click Scan button.
5. Preview found files, choose ones you will restore and click Recover.

Download Stellar Data Recovery Professional

Using Windows Previous Versions option:

1. Right-click on infected file and choose Properties.
2. Select Previous Versions tab.
3. Choose a particular version of the file and click Copy.
4. To restore the selected file and replace the existing one, click on the Restore button.
5. In case there are no items in the list, choose an alternative method.

Using Shadow Explorer:

1. Download Shadow Explorer program.
2. Run it, and you will see a screen listing of all the drives and the dates that shadow copy was created.
3. Select the drive and date that you want to restore from.
4. Right-click on a folder name and select Export.
5. In case there are no other dates in the list, choose an alternative method.

If you are using Dropbox:

1. Login to the Dropbox website and go to the folder that contains encrypted files.
2. Right-click on the encrypted file and select Previous Versions.
3. Select the version of the file you wish to restore and click on the Restore button.

How to protect computer from viruses, like Jackalock Ransomware, in future

1. Get special anti-ransomware software

Use ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware

Famous antivirus brand ZoneAlarm by Check Point released a comprehensive tool, that will help you with active anti-ransomware protection, as an additional shield to your current protection. The tool provides Zero-Day protection against ransomware and allows you to recover files. ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware is compatible with all other antiviruses, firewalls, and security software except ZoneAlarm Extreme (already shipped with ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware) or Check Point Endpoint products. The killer features of this application are: automatic file recovery, overwrite protection that instantly and automatically recovers any encrypted files, file protection that detects and blocks even unknown encryptors.

Download ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware

2. Back up your files

As an additional way to save your files, we recommend online backup. Local storage, such as hard drives, SSDs, flash drives, or remote network storage can be instantly infected by the virus once plugged in or connected to. Jackalock Ransomware uses some techniques to exploit this. One of the best services and programs for easy automatic online backup is iDrive. It has the most profitable terms and a simple interface. You can read more about iDrive cloud backup and storage here.

3. Do not open spam e-mails and protect your mailbox

Malicious attachments to spam or phishing e-mails are the most popular method of ransomware distribution. Using spam filters and creating anti-spam rules is good practice. One of the world leaders in anti-spam protection is MailWasher Pro. It works with various desktop applications and provides a very high level of anti-spam protection.

Download MailWasher Pro