How to remove JOKER (Chaos) Ransomware and decrypt your files

What is JOKER (Chaos) Ransomware

JOKER (Chaos) Ransomware is a malicious program categorized under the ransomware class, primarily designed to encrypt valuable data on a victim’s computer and demand a ransom for the decryption key. Based on the Chaos ransomware variant, this ransomware appends encrypted files with an extension composed of four random characters. For example, a file named 1.jpg would be renamed to 1.jpg.xb0d after encryption. After encrypting files, the ransomware changes the desktop wallpaper and creates a ransom note titled read_it.txt. In the note, the attackers demand 1,500 USD, payable in Monero cryptocurrency, for the decryption software. The exact amount in Monero is listed as 9.05 XMR, although this value can fluctuate based on current conversion rates.

Unfortunately, decryption of files compromised by JOKER (Chaos) Ransomware is generally impossible without the intervention of the attackers, and no known decryption tools are available for public use. This is mainly because the encryption algorithms utilized by this ransomware are sophisticated, requiring a unique decryption key that only the attackers possess. Despite this, victims are strongly advised against paying the ransom, as there is no guarantee that the attackers will provide the necessary decryption key upon payment. Instead, victims should focus on removing the ransomware from their systems using reliable antivirus software like Spyhunter. The best chance of recovering data remains with pre-existing backups that were created before the infection took place and stored securely in an isolated location to prevent ransomware attack.

How JOKER (Chaos) Ransomware infects computers

JOKER (Chaos) Ransomware employs a variety of tactics to infiltrate computers, predominantly leveraging phishing and social engineering techniques. Cybercriminals often distribute this ransomware through malicious email attachments or links, presenting them as legitimate files or updates. These emails may appear to come from trusted sources, tricking users into opening infected attachments or clicking on harmful links. Additionally, drive-by downloads from compromised websites and dubious download sources, such as third-party sites and P2P networks, can also lead to infection. Once the malicious file is executed, the ransomware swiftly encrypts the victim’s data, appending a unique extension to each file and demanding a ransom for their decryption. It’s crucial for users to exercise caution with unsolicited emails and downloads, and to keep their antivirus software up-to-date to mitigate these threats.

1. Download JOKER (Chaos) Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for encrypted 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 JOKER (Chaos) Ransomware

JOKER (Chaos) Ransomware files:


read_it.txt
{randomname}.exe


JOKER (Chaos) Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore encrypted files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

Use following tool from Kaspersky called Rakhni Decryptor, that can decrypt encrypted 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 encrypted 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 JOKER (Chaos) 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 encrypted files

1. Download Stellar Data Recovery Professional.
2. Click Recover Data button.
3. Select type of files you want to restore and click Next button.
4. Choose 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 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 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 JOKER (Chaos) 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. JOKER (Chaos) 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