Remove JHBG Ransomware Virus (DECRYPT .jhbg FILES)

remove JHBG ransomware virus and learn how to decrypt or repair files with .jhbg extension (free guide)

JHBG ransomware seeks to illegally encrypt all files saved on a computer

Contents

JHBG ransomware seeks to illegally encrypt all files saved on a computer
How to Prevent Malicious Malware Infections?
Remove JHBG Ransomware Virus, Decrypt Your Files
Decrypt JHBG files
Frequently Asked Questions

JHBG ransomware is a nascent lethal computer malware that just emanated from the STOP/DJVU ransomware group. It is configured to attack computers by encrypting files found in them while equally appending .jhbg extension to all of them. To explain it better, a file that was initially named 1.jpg would now become 1.jpg.jhbg after the attack. The ransomware will also drop messages called _readme.txt that was sent by the cybercriminals behind the attack. Contained in the messages are notifications informing the victim about the development and why they would have to pay ransom in exchange for JHBG decryption tool.

The intentions behind this computer virus is to extort the computer user; for this matter, the ransomware uses a robust combination of encryption algorithm to render victim’s files useless. The cybercriminals have their hands on so-called decryption keys and software that can decrypt these files. The attackers suggest paying a ransom in exchange for these tools.

Ransom note explains pricing of the decryption tool

After going through the _readme.txt note, the victim would realize that JHBG ransomware has encrypted their entire database with the use of a strong algorithm as well as a unique key. In other words, important files, including documents, videos, photos etc., have all been rendered useless to the owner. They would also provide two email addresses namely manager@time2mail.ch and supportsys@airmail.cc. with suggestions that the victim should reach out to them using any of them. Also included is the amount the victim is expected to pay and the terms associated with it. For instance, they will state that $980 is the ransom fee, but if the victim would be able to pay within 72 hours, he would only be required to pay half of it i.e., $490. However, once 3 days elapses, only the full ransom fee would be acceptable.

Their terms and conditions wouldn’t end there; the victim would be informed that payment can only be made through cryptocurrency whereby the exact crypto equivalent of the ransom fee would have to be transferred to a wallet address of their choice. The obvious reason why they use such anonymous medium is to preempt possible attempts by law enforcement agents who may want to track the ransom paid to them.

In order to convince the victim about their level of expertise and make them pay without further hesitation, they may request for excerpts from the encrypted file be forwarded to them for test decryption. However, they would also add a caveat that such excerpt must not contain information they could perceive as crucially important to the victim.

Whatever be the case, cybersecurity experts including the FBI have cautioned victims of cyber-attacks not to pay ransom, no matter the pressure mounted on them. It should be noted that paying ransom does not guarantee that encrypted data would be recovered. Also, paying ransom would only enrich cybercriminals and they might even target the victim again in the future to extort more money from them.

Geo-specific ransomware and additional risks associated

Cybersecurity researchers monitoring STOP/DJVU ransomware variants have detected that these viruses were programmed to exempt certain countries located in the Baltic region and Middle East, particularly Ukraine, Russia, Kazachstan, Syria, Belarus, Tajikistan, Armenia, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan. The virus will then make a connection with https[:]//api.2ip.ua/geo.json before saving the response in geo.json file and would contain details like IP address, country, zip code and city, as well as longitude and latitude. The virus will then analyze the details to confirm if the computer under attack is located in any of the exempted countries listed above, and the outcome will determine if the attack will proceed or not.

It is important to note that data encryption is not the only danger associated with JHBG virus considering the fact that it is also known for installing other information-stealing malware known as Remote Access Trojans (RATs). The most recent Trojans detected alongside STOP/DJVU ransomware are AZORULT and VIDAR. The ability of the cybercriminals in using this method to extract sensitive personal data such as passwords, cryptocurrency wallets, banking details, and browsing history etc. could lead to further criminal acts such as blackmails or financial scams.

For those who may have fallen victim already, it would be in your best interest to remove JHBG ransomware virus as soon as possible. The effective way of doing this is to boot the infected computer using the Safe Mode with Networking option as explained in this article before applying a reliable antivirus. You should also consider the necessity of downloading RESTORO and using it to scan the computer in order to repair damaged Windows OS files.

Ransomware Summary

Name	JHBG Ransomware Virus
Type	Ransomware; Crypto-malware; Virtual Extortion Virus
Family	STOP/DJVU
Encryption type	RSA 2048 + Salsa20
Previous versions	HAJD, QPSS, DWQS, NUHB, MSJD, DMAY, JHDD (find full list here)
Version	460th
Extension	.jhbg
Cybercriminal emails	manager@time2mail.ch and supportsys@airmail.cc
Additional malware dropped	Azorult or Vidar Trojan
Damage	The ransomware uses encryption to maliciously modify all files on the PC and marks their original names with .jhbg extension. Ransom notes called as _readme.txt will be dropped in every computer folder. This piece of malware usually drags VIDAR Stealer alongside it and also eliminates VSS from the system. On top of that, it tends to modify Windows HOSTS file to restrict computer user’s access to cybersecurity-related websites online.
Ransom note	_readme.txt
Ransom demand	$490-$980 in Bitcoin
Distribution	Victims often download this ransomware along illegal torrent downloads, cracked software, activators, key generators or tools like KMSPico.
Known software cracks to contain this malware	Corel Draw, Tenorshare 4ukey, Adobe Photoshop, Cubase, Adobe Illustrator, Internet Download Manager, Tally, League of Legends.
Detection names	Ransom:Win32/StopCrypt.PAL!MTB (Microsoft), Trojan.Crypt (A) (Emsisoft), HEUR:Trojan-Ransom.Win32.Stop.gen (Kaspersky), Trojan.GenericKD.47850419 (BitDefender), Trojan.MalPack.GS (Malwarebytes), ML.Attribute.HighConfidence (Symantec) see all detection name variations on VirusTotal
Removal	Remove ransomware and related malware from your PC using trustworthy software. To repair virus damage on Windows OS files, consider scanning with RESTORO (secure download link).

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Files encrypted by this ransomware appear like this in folders:

Contents of _readme.txt ransom note are showcased below. Personal ID is removed for identity protection.

How to Prevent Malicious Malware Infections?

The primary methods cybercriminals use in distributing ransomware are through illegal software uploads on online torrents and pirated software key generators/tools, as well as malicious email attachments.
Reports from previous victims of STOP/DJVU ransomware attacks have shown that such incidents usually occur after downloads are made from malicious online torrents, especially those seeking to obtain fake license keys. Some of the most common pirated software contents used in luring victims are listed below:

AutoCad;
Adobe Illustrator/Photoshop/Premiere Pro;
Corel Draw;
Cubase;
Tenorshare 4ukey;
VMware Workstation;
League of Legends;
Internet Download Manager.

The victims thought it was a clever act to bypass paying the requisite fees, but they didn’t realize that malware was deceptively embedded in them. To avoid such unsavory situations, we recommend that downloads should only be made from genuine sites such as those owned by the original content producers or their affiliated agents only.

In addition to that, to prevent malware infections, you have to be extremely careful when opening random emails. Cybercriminals now use disingenuous means to fool their victims and get them infected. They may even impersonate as individuals or popular brands with genuine intentions when sending emails but will attach files embedded with malware. Such files are often crafted using PDF, DOCX or XLS among similar ones with macro function abilities. Once such files are opened, they instantly trigger virus infection. Weird looking or unsolicited emails, typo errors, spoofed sender’s address etc. should serve as a red flag.

Before we conclude, victims should shun websites that claim to offer solutions for STOP/DJVU ransomware attacks because they are most likely fraudulent. So far, only tools from Emsisoft and DiskTuna have proven effective against the virus.

Remove JHBG Ransomware Virus, Decrypt Your Files

To ensure a secure way to remove JHBG ransomware virus, you should boot your computer using the Safe Mode with Networking option before installing and scanning a reliable antivirus on it. You’re strongly advised to make use of only antivirus software copies with a proven track record of excellence. In addition, consider downloading RESTORO for repairing virus-damaged Windows OS files.

Now that JHBG ransomware virus has been effectively removed, you should do the following:

Get in touch with the police station nearest to you and report the incident.
Look for any available backup device and restore as many lost files as possible.
Study more about ways that STOP/DJVU-encrypted files could be decrypted or repaired.
Immediately change all passwords that were typed into the compromised computer.

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Our team recommends removing malware using a professional antivirus software and then using the following tool to repair virus damage to Windows system files:

REPAIR VIRUS DAMAGE TO YOUR COMPUTER

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RESTORO uses AVIRA scanning engine to detect existing spyware and malware. If any are found, the software will eliminate them.

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JHBG Ransomware Virus Removal Guidelines

Method 1. Enter Safe Mode with Networking

Step 1. Start Windows in Safe Mode with Networking

Before you try to remove JHBG Ransomware Virus virus, you must start your computer in Safe Mode with Networking. Below, we provide the easiest ways to boot PC in the said mode, but you can find additional ones in this in-depth tutorial on our website – How to Start Windows in Safe Mode. Also, if you prefer a video version of the tutorial, check our guide How to Start Windows in Safe Mode on Youtube.

Instructions for Windows XP/Vista/7 users

First of all, turn off your PC. Then press the Power button to start it again and instantly start pressing F8 button on your keyboard repeatedly in 1-second intervals. This launches the Advanced Boot Options menu.
Use arrow keys on the keyboard to navigate down to Safe Mode with Networking option and press Enter.

Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10/11 users

Open Windows Start menu, then press down the Power button. On your keyboard, press down and hold the Shift key, and then select Restart option.
This will take you to Windows Troubleshoot screen. Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings > Restart. Tip: If you can't find Startup Settings, click See more recovery options.
In Startup Settings, press the right key between F1-F9 to enter Safe Mode with Networking. In this case, it is the F5 key.

Step 2. Remove files associated with the virus

Now, you can search for and remove JHBG Ransomware Virus files. It is very hard to identify files and registry keys that belong to the ransomware virus, Besides, malware creators tend to rename and change them repeatedly. Therefore, the easiest way to uninstall such type of a computer virus is to use a reliable security program such as INTEGO Antivirus, which also includes data recovery software. For virus damage repair, consider using RESTORO.

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Method 2. Use System Restore

In order to use System Restore, you must have a system restore point, created either manually or automatically.

Step 1. Boot Windows in Safe Mode with Command Prompt

Instructions for Windows XP/Vista/7 users

Shut down your PC. Start it again by pressing the Power button and instantly start pressing F8 button on your keyboard repeatedly in 1-second intervals. You will see Advanced Boot Options menu.
Using arrow keys on the keyboard, navigate down to Safe Mode with Command Prompt option and press Enter.

Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10/11 users

Launch Windows Start menu, then click the Power button. On your keyboard, press down and hold the Shift key, and then choose Restart option with the mouse cursor.
This will take you to Windows Troubleshoot screen. Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings > Restart. Tip: If you can't find Startup Settings, click See more recovery options.
In Startup Settings, press the right key between F1-F9 to enter Safe Mode with Command Prompt. In this case, press F6 key.

Step 2. Start System Restore process

Wait until system loads and command prompt shows up.
Type cd restore and press Enter, then type rstrui.exe and press Enter. Or you can just type %systemroot%system32restorerstrui.exe in command prompt and hit Enter.
This launches System Restore window. Click Next and then choose a System Restore point created in the past. Choose one that was created before ransomware infection.
Click Yes to begin the system restoration process.

After restoring the system, we recommend scanning the system with antivirus or anti-malware software. In most cases, there won't be any malware remains, but it never hurts to double-check. In addition, we highly recommend checking ransomware prevention guidelines provided by our experts in order to protect your PC against similar viruses in the future.

Alternative software recommendations

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware

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Decrypt JHBG files

Fix and open large JHBG files easily:

It is reported that STOP/DJVU ransomware versions encrypt only the beginning 150 KB of each file to ensure that the virus manages to affect all files on the system. In some cases, the malicious program might skip some files at all. That said, we recommend testing this method on several big (>1GB) files first.

Create a copy of encrypted file to a separate folder using Copy > Paste commands.
Now, right-click the created copy and choose Rename. Select the JHBG extension and delete it. Press Enter to save changes.
In the prompt asking whether you want to make the changes as file might become unusable, click OK.
Try opening the file.

STOP/DJVU decryption tool usage guide

STOP/DJVU ransomware versions are grouped into old and new variants. JHBG Ransomware Virus is considered the new STOP/DJVU variant, just like HAJD, QPSS, DWQS, NUHB, MSJD, DMAY, JHDD (find full list here). This means full data decryption is now possible only if you have been affected by offline encryption key. To decrypt your files, you will have to download Emsisoft Decryptor for STOP DJVU, a tool created and maintained by a genius security researcher Michael Gillespie.

Note! Please do not spam the security researcher with questions whether he can recover your files encrypted with online key - it is not possible.

In order to test the tool and see if it can decrypt JHBG files, follow the given tutorial.

Download the decryption tool from Emsisoft.
Click the little arrow next to your download and choose Show in Folder.
Now, right-click the file and choose Run as Administrator. If asked, enter administrator's password.
In UAC window, click Yes.
Click Yes to agree to software terms in both windows.
The tool will automatically include C:// disk as a location to decrypt. The file recovery tool will prepopulate the locations to scan, including connected data storage drives or network drives. Click Add folder if you wish to add additional locations.
In Options tab, you can choose to keep encrypted file copies. We recommend leaving this option selected, especially if you do not know if the decryption tool will work.
Click Decrypt to start restoring JHBG files. You will see the progress in the Results tab. Here, you can see messages from the tool, such as whether the decryption procedure is successful, or you need to wait for an update.
You might also be informed that online key was used to encrypt your files. In such case, the decryption tool won't work for you, and the only way to recover your files is to use a data backup.

Meanings of decryptor's messages

The JHBG decryption tool might display several different messages after failed attempt to restore your files. You might receive one of the following messages:

Error: Unable to decrypt file with ID: [example ID]

This message typically means that there is no corresponding decryption key in the decryptor's database.

No key for New Variant online ID: [example ID]
Notice: this ID appears to be an online ID, decryption is impossible

This message informs that your files were encrypted with online key, meaning no one else has the same encryption/decryption key pair, therefore data recovery without paying the criminals is impossible.

Result: No key for new variant offline ID: [example ID]
This ID appears to be an offline ID. Decryption may be possible in the future.

If you were informed that an offline key was used, but files could not be restored, it means that the offline decryption key isn't available yet. However, receiving this message is extremely good news, meaning that it might be possible to restore your JHBG extension files in the future. It can take a few months until the decryption key gets found and uploaded to the decryptor. We recommend you to follow updates regarding the decryptable DJVU versions here. We strongly recommend backing up your encrypted data and waiting.

Report Internet crime to legal departments

Victims of JHBG Ransomware Virus should report the Internet crime incident to the official government fraud and scam website according to their country:

In the United States, go to the On Guard Online website.
In Australia, go to the SCAMwatch website.
In Germany, go to the Bundesamt für Sicherheit in der Informationstechnik website.
In Ireland, go to the An Garda Síochána website.
In New Zealand, go to the Consumer Affairs Scams website.
In the United Kingdom, go to the Action Fraud website.
In Canada, go to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
In India, go to Indian National Cybercrime Reporting Portal.
In France, go to the Agence nationale de la sécurité des systèmes d’information.

If you can't find an authority corresponding to your location on this list, we recommend using any search engine to look up "[your country name] report cyber crime". This should lead you to the right authority website. We also recommend staying away from third-party crime report services that are often paid. It costs nothing to report Internet crime to official authorities.

Another recommendation is to contact your country's or region’s federal police or communications authority.

Frequently Asked Questions

✓ How can I open .JHBG files?

You can only open JHBG files if you have the decryption key, or if you were affected by offline encryption type.

✓ How do I know if my files were encrypted with offline or online encryption?

To figure out whether you were affected by offline encryption, please go to C:/SystemID/PersonalID.txt and see if the string inside of it ends in t1. You can also try using Emsisoft Decryptor for STOP/DJVU.

✓ My files contain very important information (family memories). Every tool I used says it is impossible to decrypt. What should I do?

Please follow the guidances provided by the official JHBG decryption tools and believe what they say. If they say it is impossible to decrypt, it really is so. There is no magic tool or human capable of decrypting your files hiding somewhere. Encryption is a technique created to be nearly impossible to decrypt without a special private key (held by the criminals).

✓ I am afraid virus is still in my computer system. What should I do?

We advise scanning with anti-virus, anti-malware, malware removal tools or software like RESTORO to eliminate virus damage on the system. If you do not trust using a single tool, try running one after another. However, we do not recommend keeping several security programs on a computer at once as they can interfere with each other's work.

✓ I saw several Youtube videos suggesting secret decryption tools. Can I trust them?

Beware of fake JHBG decryption tools circulating around the web. Cyber criminals are uploading them to various shady websites, also might be promoting them via suspicious Youtube videos. These programs can infect your computer even more heavily (Trojans, miners, etc.). We suggest being extremely cautious around the web. If there will be an official STOP/DJVU decryption tool available, it will be widely discussed in public media.

Norbert Webb

Norbert Webb is the head of Geek’s Advice team. He is the chief editor of the website who controls the quality of content published. The man also loves reading cybersecurity news, testing new software and sharing his insights on them. Norbert says that following his passion for information technology was one of the best decisions he has ever made. “I don’t feel like working while I’m doing something I love.” However, the geek has other interests, such as snowboarding and traveling.