JanusLocker ransomware virus - removal and decryption options

What is JanusLocker ransomware?

JanusLocker is a new variant of the ByteLocker ransomware. It operates by encrypting files in order to demand payment for the decryption. In other words, the affected files are rendered inaccessible, and victims are asked to pay a ransom - to restore access to their data.

During encryption, files are appended with the ".HACKED", yet after this process is completed - the added extension is no longer present. To elaborate, while JanusLocker is encrypting data, a file titled "1.jpg" would appear as "1.jpg.HACKED" - but the original filename ("1.jpg") returns once the file is fully encrypted.

Afterwards, this ransomware displays a ransom note in a pop-up window. At the time of research, JanusLocker was a decryptable malware, and victims may still be able to recover their data (more information below).

Screenshot of files encrypted by JanusLocker:

JanusLocker ransom note overview

The ransom-demanding message informs victims that their files have been encrypted using the AES-256 cryptographic algorithm. To recover the data, the decryption key must be purchased from the cyber criminals behind the infection. The price of the recovery password is stated to be 0.018 BTC (Bitcoin cryptocurrency).

At the time of writing, this sum was worth approximately 500 USD (note, exchange rates constantly fluctuate; the conversion may no longer be accurate). After the ransom is transferred to the provided cryptowallet, victims are instructed to email the transaction ID to the criminals. Following verification of the payment, victims are promised to be sent the decryption key.

JanusLocker ransomware in detail

As mentioned in the introduction, the researched variant of JanusLocker can be decrypted. Its decryption key can be found in the Windows Registry, location - "Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\ByteLocker", under the entry titled "id" (screenshot below).

The password is represented in a Base64 string, which can be decoded with various online decoders for free. After the string is decoded, the result will be the decryption password. Users are to click "Next" on the ransomware's pop-up window and then enter this key into the displayed "recovery code" field.

By clicking the "Decrypt" button, users will initiate the decryption process. Unfortunately, the researched variant of JanusLocker crashed mid-decryption, but it still decrypted most of the compromised files.

In general, unless a ransomware-type program has significant flaws and/or is still in development - decryption is impossible without the interference of the cyber criminals responsible for the attack. Regardless, it is expressly advised against ever meeting the criminals' demands.

Despite paying, victims often do not receive the promised decryption keys/tools. Therefore, they experience financial loss and their data remains encrypted. Removing ransomware from an operating system will prevent it from encrypting more files. However, removal will not restore already affected data. In such cases, the sole solution is recovering the files from a backup if one was created prior to the infection and stored in a different location.

Similarities with other infections

Xmpnbhnjszw, AvosLocker, and Hhqa are a few examples of malicious programs within the ransomware classification. There are two major differences in-between these programs/infections - the cryptographic algorithms they use (symmetric or asymmetric) and the ransom size.

When leveraged against the average user, the ransoms tend to range from three to four digit sums in USD. Ransomware designed to target large entities (e.g., companies, institutions, etc.) can ask for enormous sums. Digital currencies are usually used because their transactions are difficult/impossible to trace.

To avoid permanent data loss, it is strongly recommended to store backups in remote servers and/or unplugged storage devices. Preferably, backup copies should be kept in multiple separate locations.

How did ransomware infect my computer?

Ransomware and other malware are commonly distributed via spam campaigns - large-scale operations during which thousands of deceptive/scam emails are sent. These letters can contain download links of malicious files, or they can be attached to the emails.

Infectious files can be in various formats, e.g., executables (.exe, .run, etc.), archives (ZIP, RAR, etc.), PDF and Microsoft Office documents, JavaScript, and so forth. When the files are executed, run, or otherwise opened - the infection process (i.e., malware download/installation) is triggered.

Malicious programs (ransomware-types included) are also spread via untrustworthy download sources, e.g., P2P sharing networks (Torrent clients, Gnutella, eMule, etc.), unofficial and free file-hosting websites, and other third-party downloaders.

Illegal activation tools ("cracks") and fake updates are prime examples of malware-proliferating content. "Cracking" tools can cause infections instead of activating licensed products. Fraudulent updaters infect systems by exploiting flaws of outdated programs and/or by installing malicious software rather than the updates.

Threat Summary:

Name	JanusLocker virus
Threat Type	Ransomware, Crypto Virus, Files locker
Encrypted Files Extension	.HACKED extension present only during encryption; fully encrypted files retain their original filenames
Ransom Demanding Message	Text presented in the pop-up window
Ransom Amount	0.018 BTC (Bitcoin cryptocurrency)
Cyber Criminal Cryptowallet Address	31jBiv7Vxu8t1CvMFKPeBTbQ7gCA2pNzyN (Bitcoin)
Cyber Criminal Contact	TwoHearts911@protonmail.com
Detection Names	Avast (Win32:MalwareX-gen [Trj]), BitDefender (Gen:Heur.Ransom.HiddenTears.1), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of MSIL/Filecoder.XL), Kaspersky (HEUR:Trojan.Win32.Generic), Microsoft (Ransom:MSIL/HiddenTear.AB!MTB), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal)
Rogue Process Name	JanusLocker (process name may vary)
Symptoms	Cannot open files stored on your computer, previously functional files now have a different extension (for example, my.docx.locked). A ransom demand message is displayed on your desktop. Cyber criminals demand payment of a ransom (usually in bitcoins) to unlock your files.
Additional Information	Decryptable ransomware; JanusLocker's decryption key can be found represented in a Base64 string in the Windows registry. After its decoding, this key can be used to initiate the decryption process,
Distribution methods	Infected email attachments (macros), torrent websites, malicious ads.
Damage	All files are encrypted and cannot be opened without paying a ransom. Additional password-stealing trojans and malware infections can be installed together with a ransomware infection.
Malware Removal (Windows)	To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. ▼ Download Combo Cleaner To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.

How to protect yourself from ransomware infections?

Suspicious and irrelevant emails must not be opened, especially any attachments or links found in them. It is recommended to only use official and verified download channels. Additionally, all software products must be activated and updated with tools/functions provided by legitimate developers.

It is paramount to have a dependable anti-virus/anti-spyware suite installed and kept updated. This software has to be used to run regular system scans and to remove detected threats. If your computer is already infected with JanusLocker, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this ransomware.

Screenshot of a message encouraging users to pay a ransom to decrypt their compromised data:

Text presented in JanusLocker ransomware's pop-up window:

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 usingAES-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
BTC address = 31jBiv7Vxu8t1CvMFKPeBTbQ7gCA2pNzyN
Contact = TwoHearts911@protonmail.com

Screenshot of JanusLocker's decryption key location:

Screenshot of JanusLocker's process on Windows Task Manager ("JanusLocker" process name):

JanusLocker ransomware removal:

Instant automatic malware removal: Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced IT skills. Combo Cleaner is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
▼ DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner By downloading any software listed on this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.

Video suggesting what steps should be taken in case of a ransomware infection:

Quick menu:

• What is JanusLocker virus?
• STEP 1. Reporting ransomware to authorities.
• STEP 2. Isolating the infected device.
• STEP 3. Identifying the ransomware infection.
• STEP 4. Searching for ransomware decryption tools.
• STEP 5. Restoring files with data recovery tools.
• STEP 6. Creating data backups.

Reporting ransomware to authorities:

If you are a victim of a ransomware attack we recommend reporting this incident to authorities. By providing information to law enforcement agencies you will help track cybercrime and potentially assist in the prosecution of the attackers. Here's a list of authorities where you should report a ransomware attack. For the complete list of local cybersecurity centers and information on why you should report ransomware attacks, read this article.

List of local authorities where ransomware attacks should be reported (choose one depending on your residence address):

•  USA - Internet Crime Complaint Centre IC3
•  United Kingdom - Action Fraud
•  Spain - Policía Nacional
•  France - Ministère de l'Intérieur
•  Germany - Polizei
•  Italy - Polizia di Stato
•  The Netherlands - Politie
•  Poland - Policja
•  Portugal - Polícia Judiciária

Isolating the infected device:

Some ransomware-type infections are designed to encrypt files within external storage devices, infect them, and even spread throughout the entire local network. For this reason, it is very important to isolate the infected device (computer) as soon as possible.

Step 1: Disconnect from the internet.

The easiest way to disconnect a computer from the internet is to unplug the Ethernet cable from the motherboard, however, some devices are connected via a wireless network and for some users (especially those who are not particularly tech-savvy), disconnecting cables may seem troublesome. Therefore, you can also disconnect the system manually via Control Panel:

Navigate to the "Control Panel", click the search bar in the upper-right corner of the screen, enter "Network and Sharing Center" and select search result:

Click the "Change adapter settings" option in the upper-left corner of the window:

Right-click on each connection point and select "Disable". Once disabled, the system will no longer be connected to the internet. To re-enable the connection points, simply right-click again and select "Enable".

Step 2: Unplug all storage devices.

As mentioned above, ransomware might encrypt data and infiltrate all storage devices that are connected to the computer. For this reason, all external storage devices (flash drives, portable hard drives, etc.) should be disconnected immediately, however, we strongly advise you to eject each device before disconnecting to prevent data corruption:

Navigate to "My Computer", right-click on each connected device, and select "Eject":

Step 3: Log-out of cloud storage accounts.

Some ransomware-type might be able to hijack software that handles data stored within "the Cloud". Therefore, the data could be corrupted/encrypted. For this reason, you should log-out of all cloud storage accounts within browsers and other related software. You should also consider temporarily uninstalling the cloud-management software until the infection is completely removed.

Identify the ransomware infection:

To properly handle an infection, one must first identify it. Some ransomware infections use ransom-demand messages as an introduction (see the WALDO ransomware text file below).

This, however, is rare. In most cases, ransomware infections deliver more direct messages simply stating that data is encrypted and that victims must pay some sort of ransom. Note that ransomware-type infections typically generate messages with different file names (for example, "_readme.txt", "READ-ME.txt", "DECRYPTION_INSTRUCTIONS.txt", "DECRYPT_FILES.html", etc.). Therefore, using the name of a ransom message may seem like a good way to identify the infection. The problem is that most of these names are generic and some infections use the same names, even though the delivered messages are different and the infections themselves are unrelated. Therefore, using the message filename alone can be ineffective and even lead to permanent data loss (for example, by attempting to decrypt data using tools designed for different ransomware infections, users are likely to end up permanently damaging files and decryption will no longer be possible even with the correct tool).

Another way to identify a ransomware infection is to check the file extension, which is appended to each encrypted file. Ransomware infections are often named by the extensions they append (see files encrypted by Qewe ransomware below).

This method is only effective, however, when the appended extension is unique - many ransomware infections append a generic extension (for example, ".encrypted", ".enc", ".crypted", ".locked", etc.). In these cases, identifying ransomware by its appended extension becomes impossible.

One of the easiest and quickest ways to identify a ransomware infection is to use the ID Ransomware website. This service supports most existing ransomware infections. Victims simply upload a ransom message and/or one encrypted file (we advise you to upload both if possible).

The ransomware will be identified within seconds and you will be provided with various details, such as the name of the malware family to which the infection belongs, whether it is decryptable, and so on.

Example 1 (Qewe [Stop/Djvu] ransomware):

Example 2 (.iso [Phobos] ransomware):

If your data happens to be encrypted by ransomware that is not supported by ID Ransomware, you can always try searching the internet by using certain keywords (for example, a ransom message title, file extension, provided contact emails, crypto wallet addresses, etc.).

Search for ransomware decryption tools:

Encryption algorithms used by most ransomware-type infections are extremely sophisticated and, if the encryption is performed properly, only the developer is capable of restoring data. This is because decryption requires a specific key, which is generated during the encryption. Restoring data without the key is impossible. In most cases, cybercriminals store keys on a remote server, rather than using the infected machine as a host. Dharma (CrySis), Phobos, and other families of high-end ransomware infections are virtually flawless, and thus restoring data encrypted without the developers' involvement is simply impossible. Despite this, there are dozens of ransomware-type infections that are poorly developed and contain a number of flaws (for example, the use of identical encryption/decryption keys for each victim, keys stored locally, etc.). Therefore, always check for available decryption tools for any ransomware that infiltrates your computer.

Finding the correct decryption tool on the internet can be very frustrating. For this reason, we recommend that you use the No More Ransom Project and this is where identifying the ransomware infection is useful. The No More Ransom Project website contains a "Decryption Tools" section with a search bar. Enter the name of the identified ransomware, and all available decryptors (if there are any) will be listed.

Restore files with data recovery tools:

Depending on the situation (quality of ransomware infection, type of encryption algorithm used, etc.), restoring data with certain third-party tools might be possible. Therefore, we advise you to use the Recuva tool developed by CCleaner. This tool supports over a thousand data types (graphics, video, audio, documents, etc.) and it is very intuitive (little knowledge is necessary to recover data). In addition, the recovery feature is completely free.

Step 1: Perform a scan.

Run the Recuva application and follow the wizard. You will be prompted with several windows allowing you to choose what file types to look for, which locations should be scanned, etc. All you need to do is select the options you're looking for and start the scan. We advise you to enable the "Deep Scan" before starting, otherwise, the application's scanning capabilities will be restricted.

Wait for Recuva to complete the scan. The scanning duration depends on the volume of files (both in quantity and size) that you are scanning (for example, several hundred gigabytes could take over an hour to scan). Therefore, be patient during the scanning process. We also advise against modifying or deleting existing files, since this might interfere with the scan. If you add additional data (for example, downloading files/content) while scanning, this will prolong the process:

Step 2: Recover data.

Once the process is complete, select the folders/files you wish to restore and simply click "Recover". Note that some free space on your storage drive is necessary to restore data:

Create data backups:

Proper file management and creating backups is essential for data security. Therefore, always be very careful and think ahead.

Partition management: We recommend that you store your data in multiple partitions and avoid storing important files within the partition that contains the entire operating system. If you fall into a situation whereby you cannot boot the system and are forced to format the disk on which the operating system is installed (in most cases, this is where malware infections hide), you will lose all data stored within that drive. This is the advantage of having multiple partitions: if you have the entire storage device assigned to a single partition, you will be forced to delete everything, however, creating multiple partitions and allocating the data properly allows you to prevent such problems. You can easily format a single partition without affecting the others - therefore, one will be cleaned and the others will remain untouched, and your data will be saved. Managing partitions is quite simple and you can find all the necessary information on Microsoft's documentation web page.

Data backups: One of the most reliable backup methods is to use an external storage device and keep it unplugged. Copy your data to an external hard drive, flash (thumb) drive, SSD, HDD, or any other storage device, unplug it and store it in a dry place away from the sun and extreme temperatures. This method is, however, quite inefficient, since data backups and updates need to be made regularly. You can also use a cloud service or remote server. Here, an internet connection is required and there is always the chance of a security breach, although it's a really rare occasion.

We recommend using Microsoft OneDrive for backing up your files. OneDrive lets you store your personal files and data in the cloud, sync files across computers and mobile devices, allowing you to access and edit your files from all of your Windows devices. OneDrive lets you save, share and preview files, access download history, move, delete, and rename files, as well as create new folders, and much more.

You can back up your most important folders and files on your PC (your Desktop, Documents, and Pictures folders). Some of OneDrive’s more notable features include file versioning, which keeps older versions of files for up to 30 days. OneDrive features a recycling bin in which all of your deleted files are stored for a limited time. Deleted files are not counted as part of the user’s allocation.

The service is built using HTML5 technologies and allows you to upload files up to 300 MB via drag and drop into the web browser or up to 10 GB via the OneDrive desktop application. With OneDrive, you can download entire folders as a single ZIP file with up to 10,000 files, although it can’t exceed 15 GB per single download.

OneDrive comes with 5 GB of free storage out of the box, with an additional 100 GB, 1 TB, and 6 TB storage options available for a subscription-based fee. You can get one of these storage plans by either purchasing additional storage separately or with Office 365 subscription.

Creating a data backup:

The backup process is the same for all file types and folders. Here’s how you can back up your files using Microsoft OneDrive

Step 1: Choose the files/folders you want to backup.

Click the OneDrive cloud icon to open the OneDrive menu. While in this menu, you can customize your file backup settings.

Click Help & Settings and then select Settings from the drop-down menu.

Go to the Backup tab and click Manage backup.

In this menu, you can choose to backup the Desktop and all of the files on it, and Documents and Pictures folders, again, with all of the files in them. Click Start backup.

Now, when you add a file or folder in the Desktop and Documents and Pictures folders, they will be automatically backed up on OneDrive.

To add folders and files, not in the locations shown above, you have to add them manually.

Open File Explorer and navigate to the location of the folder/file you want to backup. Select the item, right-click it, and click Copy.

Then, navigate to OneDrive, right-click anywhere in the window and click Paste. Alternatively, you can just drag and drop a file into OneDrive. OneDrive will automatically create a backup of the folder/file.

All of the files added to the OneDrive folder are backed up in the cloud automatically. The green circle with the checkmark in it indicates that the file is available both locally and on OneDrive and that the file version is the same on both. The blue cloud icon indicates that the file has not been synced and is available only on OneDrive. The sync icon indicates that the file is currently syncing.

To access files only located on OneDrive online, go to the Help & Settings drop-down menu and select View online.

Step 2: Restore corrupted files.

OneDrive makes sure that the files stay in sync, so the version of the file on the computer is the same version on the cloud. However, if ransomware has encrypted your files, you can take advantage of OneDrive’s Version history feature that will allow you to restore the file versions prior to encryption.

Microsoft 365 has a ransomware detection feature that notifies you when your OneDrive files have been attacked and guide you through the process of restoring your files. It must be noted, however, that if you don’t have a paid Microsoft 365 subscription, you only get one detection and file recovery for free.

If your OneDrive files get deleted, corrupted, or infected by malware, you can restore your entire OneDrive to a previous state. Here’s how you can restore your entire OneDrive:

1. If you're signed in with a personal account, click the Settings cog at the top of the page. Then, click Options and select Restore your OneDrive.

If you're signed in with a work or school account,  click the Settings cog at the top of the page. Then, click Restore your OneDrive.

2. On the Restore your OneDrive page, select a date from the drop-down list. Note that if you're restoring your files after automatic ransomware detection, a restore date will be selected for you.

3. After configuring all of the file restoration options, click Restore to undo all the activities you selected.

The best way to avoid damage from ransomware infections is to maintain regular up-to-date backups.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How was my computer hacked and how did hackers encrypt my files?

Typically, cybercriminals use emails containing malicious attachments or links, pirated software, cracking tools, key generators, Trojans, software vulnerabilities, infected USB drives, P2P networks, deceptive websites, malicious ads, and similar channels to trick users into infecting computers. Files become encrypted when users trigger ransomware execution.

How to open encrypted files?

Your files have been encrypted due to a ransomware infection. To use the files, a decryption process is necessary.

Where should I look for free decryption tools for JanusLocker ransomware?

In case of a ransomware attack you should check the No More Ransom project website (more information above).

I can pay you a lot of money, can you decrypt files for me?

Regrettably, we do not offer such a service. Decrypting files affected by ransomware is usually only feasible with the intervention of the developers or distributors unless there is a flaw in the ransomware. Therefore, any third party claiming to provide paid decryption services will either act as a middleman or try to scam victims.

Will Combo Cleaner help me remove JanusLocker ransomware?

Combo Cleaner can perform a scan on your computer to detect and remove active ransomware infections. It is important to note, however, that while antivirus programs like Combo Cleaner are crucial for identifying and eliminating malware, they do not possess the capability to decrypt files that have already been encrypted by ransomware.

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