What is JanusLocker Ransomware
Being part of the ByteLocker family, JanusLocker is a ransomware infection that blocks access to files stored on a system. By doing so, developers blackmail victims into paying a so-called ransom in exchange for the data. Both payment and decryption instructions are located inside of a text note, which is created after all files end up encrypted. JanusLocker assigns the .HACKED extension to each file piece. For instance, 1.pdf or any other file attacked on your PC will change to 1.pdf.HACKED and become no longer accessible. You can take a close look at what developers say inside of the text note down here:
JanusLocker
Your personal files are encrypted with military grade encryption
Your important files, documents, pictures, etc... Have been encrypted.
Here is a complete list of your encrypted files, you can verify this manually.
Encryption was produced using AES-256 in order to decrypt the files, you need to obtain the decryption key.
The password will only be available for a limited time, after this, the program will delete itself and there will be no way to recover encrypted files.
NOTE: Removal or modification of this software and restarting will lead to inability to decrypt your files.
You will receive the decryption key by sending 0.018 BTC to this address = 31jBiv7Vxu8t1CvMFKPeBTbQ7gCA2pNzyN
After you have done that, send an email to TwoHearts911@protonmail.com with your transaction ID
If everything went well, you will receive instructions to decrypt your files as promised.
Authors = @Janus666 | @TwoFaces9119 | @TwoHearts911 | @Ilovetrucks
Amount BTC = 0.018 BTC
It is written that all-important data has been encrypted using AES-256 algorithms. To erase the appended cipher, users are guided to pay for unique decryption software. The software price equals roughly 0.018 BTC, which is about 618 USD at the moment of writing this article. After users complete the money transfer through the attached crypto address, they should notify cyber criminals with their transaction ID using e-mail (TwoHearts911@protonmail.com). Soon afterward, users should get the promised decryption tools purchased from cybercriminals. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Many ransomware developers fool their victims even after receiving the payment. This is why trusting JanusLocker by monetary means is quite a huge risk. It is also necessary to say that there are no third-party tools educated to decrypt JanusLocker files at this moment. Cybercriminals are the only figures able to provide full decryption of data. If you want to avoid risking your money, the best way to return your data is via backup copies. Unless you have created and stored it on external storage prior to the infection, there is no guaranteed way to decrypt your files apart from paying the ransom. Whatever the case, it is important to run complete removal of JanusLocker Ransomware. Otherwise, it may continue encryption or spread onto neighboring networks. Our guide below will help you do this.
How JanusLocker Ransomware infected your computer
Most often ransomware infections are spread via e-mail spam letters, pirated Peer-to-Peer (P2P) downloads, fake software or updates advertised via malicious ads, backdoors, keyloggers, unprotected RDP configuration, and countless other distribution vectors. JanusLocker can be disguised as a legitimate program or update designed for some type of software. Developers make sure the installation process has barely any difference from the legitimate one. By doing so, users believe they are installing a genuine program, but not something malicious. As a result, the fictitious program setup will deliver ransomware instead of the promised software. To avoid this and many other distribution techniques, it is important to maintain awareness whilst surfing the web. Never open or download content from suspicious pages that claim your PC to be outdated or something else. Extortionists also tend to spread malware via fake attachments hidden inside of e-mail messages. They pretend as representatives of legitimate delivery firms, banks, tax authorities to upswing the trust of potential victims and push them into opening malicious files. Make sure to read our guide below to elevate protection against such threats in the future.
- Download JanusLocker Ransomware Removal Tool
- Get decryption tool for .HACKED files
- Recover encrypted files with Stellar Data Recovery Professional
- Restore encrypted files with Windows Previous Versions
- Restore files with Shadow Explorer
- How to protect from threats like JanusLocker Ransomware
Download Removal Tool
To remove JanusLocker Ransomware completely, we recommend you to use Norton Antivirus from Symantec. It detects and removes all files, folders, and registry keys of JanusLocker Ransomware and prevents future infections by similar viruses.
Alternative Removal Tool
To remove JanusLocker Ransomware completely, we recommend you to use SpyHunter 5. It detects and removes all files, folders, and registry keys of JanusLocker Ransomware. The trial version of Spyhunter 5 offers virus scan and 1-time removal for FREE.
JanusLocker Ransomware files:
read_me.txt
{randomname}.exe
JanusLocker Ransomware registry keys:
no information
How to decrypt and restore .HACKED files
Use automated decryptors
Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor
Use following tool from Kaspersky called Rakhni Decryptor, that can decrypt .HACKED files. Download it here:
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 .HACKED files by uploading samples to Dr. Web Ransomware Decryption Service. Analyzing of 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 JanusLocker Ransomware and removed it 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 .HACKED files
- Download Stellar Data Recovery Professional.
- Click Recover Data button.
- Select type of files you want to restore and click Next button.
- Choose location where you would like to restore files from and click Scan button.
- Preview found files, choose ones you will restore and click Recover.
Using Windows Previous Versions option:
- Right-click on infected file and choose Properties.
- Select Previous Versions tab.
- Choose particular version of the file and click Copy.
- To restore the selected file and replace the existing one, click on the Restore button.
- In case there is no items in the list choose alternative method.
Using Shadow Explorer:
- Download Shadow Explorer program.
- Run it and you will see screen listing of all the drives and the dates that shadow copy was created.
- Select the drive and date that you want to restore from.
- Right-click on a folder name and select Export.
- In case there are no other dates in the list, choose alternative method.
If you are using Dropbox:
- Login to the DropBox website and go to the folder that contains encrypted files.
- Right-click on the encrypted file and select Previous Versions.
- Select the version of the file you wish to restore and click on the Restore button.
How to protect computer from viruses, like JanusLocker 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.
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. JanusLocker 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.
