Remove JHDD Ransomware Virus (DECRYPT .jhdd FILES)

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

JHDD ransomware is a file-encrypting computer virus

Contents

JHDD ransomware is a file-encrypting computer virus
Ransomware distribution explained
Remove JHDD ransomware virus and recover your files
Decrypt JHDD files
Frequently Asked Questions

JHDD is a newly discovered ransomware-type virus that is recognized as the 457th version of the STOP/DJVU ransomware. This virus encrypts all files on the target computer using a combination of Salsa20 and RSA-2048-bit encryption algorithms and marks their original filenames with .jhdd extension. To illustrate the pattern, see these examples: 1.jpg becomes 1.jpg.jhdd, 2.txt becomes 2.txt.jhdd and so on. The ransomware also drops _readme.txt notes in every folder. The message in this file suggests that the computer user has to pay a ransom in order to decrypt locked files.

JHDD ransomware virus aims to extort the computer user by locking all of personal files with robust encryption. Data decryption without a unique decryption key is impossible. Encrypted files can be recognized as their icons will be blank and the filenames will contain an additional extension.

Contents of the _readme.txt note

The virus creates and saves a copy of the ransom note titled as _readme.txt in every data folder. The note explains that all of victim’s files were encrypted with strongest encryption and unique key, and that the victim has a possibility to recover all files if one agrees to pay a ransom. To allow the computer user to contact them, they leave two email addresses in the ransom note – manager@time2mail.ch and supportsys@airmail.cc.

The original price of the decryption tool is $980, however, the note suggests that the attackers will provide a 50% discount if the victim starts communicating with them within 72 hours (3 days) starting from the infection timestamp. In such scenario, they will provide the tools for $490. The only accepted payment is cryptocurrency, which helps the criminals to remain anonymous. They will provide cryptocurrency exchange platforms for the victim to use to purchase a settled amount and will instruct to transfer it to their virtual wallet address.

The note also recommends sending one sample of encrypted data as an email attachment and also include the victim’s Personal ID that’s provided at the end of _readme.txt file.

STOP/DJVU ransomware in general

STOP/DJVU ransomware versions, including JHDD virus, are generally known to be highly complex and cause great damage to victim’s computers. For example, they additionally install information-stealing Trojans such as AZORULT or VIDAR on infected systems.

Additional detail discovered by our team is that this ransomware has a whitelist of countries that are exempted from data encryption. To be specific, this virus doesn’t encrypt files in computers located in Russian Federation, Belarus, Armenia, Tajikistan, Syria, Ukraine, Kazachstan, Kyrgyzstan, or Uzbekistan.

The way this ransomware encrypts files depends on several factors. The primary goal of it is to encrypt files on each computer using a unique encryption key per host, however, this can fail under two conditions: first, if the ransomware C&C server is down, or if there’s an unsteady Internet connection on victim’s computer. In such cases, the ransomware switches to autonomous encryption mode and uses a hardcoded encryption key instead of so-called online key.

Victims affected by offline key encryption can hope to recover their files in the future. Those whose data was encrypted with online key encryption can only restore data using data backups. To read more about this, see ways to decrypt/restore files affected by STOP/DJVU.

Finally, JHDD ransomware modifies Windows HOSTS file to add a list of Internet websites to block, and deletes Volume Shadow Copies to prevent the victim from recovering data easily.

Reasons why you shouldn’t pay the ransom

Victims of ransomware attacks are advised NOT TO PAY THE RANSOM. It rarely guarantees successful data recovery and simply motivates the cybercriminals to continue their attacks. Moreover, crooks often try to target victims who are willing to pay up to avoid damages again.

FBI’s official recommendations on ransomware response suggest that ransoms shouldn’t be paid, either. Instead, they recommend reporting the incident to local authorities.

All victims who have experienced this cyberattack should take action to remove JHDD ransomware virus without a delay. The best approach to this is to boot the computer in Safe Mode with Networking and then run an antivirus software to delete malicious files, components and processes from the system. In addition, computer users should rely on genuine antivirus products only. To repair virus damage on Windows OS files, tools like RESTORO (secure download link) can be used.

Ransomware Summary

Name	JHDD 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	457th
Extension	.jhdd
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 .jhdd 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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Scan your system for FREE to detect security, hardware and stability issues. You can use the scan results and try to remove threats manually, or you can choose to get the full version of software to fix detected issues and repair virus damage to Windows OS system files automatically. Includes Avira spyware/malware detection & removal engine.

See how files encrypted by this ransomware appear in a folder.

Contents of the _readme.txt ransom note are depicted in the screenshot down below.

Ransomware distribution explained

JHDD virus is distributed in the same manner as the rest of variants from the STOP/DJVU ransomware family. They typically await victims in pirated software copies distributed online – either in torrents or rogue websites providing password-protected archives with a setup file inside of them. In other words, cybercriminals prey for computer users who have a bad habit of searching for illegal software copies including cracks or keygens. For this reason, we encourage computer users to only use software provided by their legitimate developers and use genuine license keys to activate them.

Victims who were previously attacked by STOP/DJVU versions report attempting to download fake Adobe Photoshop, AutoCad, Internet Download Manager or Virtual DJ Pro installers. Again, by trying to bypass license key fees, users not only initiate a copyright infringement act, but also expose their computers to severe malware.

Operators of ransomware also tend to distribute them via scam emails containing attachments, usually those in DOCX, PDF or EXCEL formats. The goal is to trick unsuspecting users into opening the document which contains scripts used to download the payload from an external source and run the malware on computer.

Finally, some threat actors tend to hide the ransomware into fake file decryption tools. This way, they target people who have been exposed to file-encrypting malware in the past. We recommend that you only trust verified tools, and when it comes to STOP/DJVU variants, the only tools that can help you are developed by Emsisoft and DiskTuna.

Remove JHDD ransomware virus and recover your files

Victims of the described computer threat are advised to remove JHDD ransomware virus remains using a genuine antivirus tool after booting the computer in Safe Mode with Networking (explained below).

Afterward, we recommend downloading this tool – RESTORO (download link) to identify and repair virus-damaged Windows OS files.

In addition, we strongly advise that you change all of passwords associated with the compromised host due to high possibility that password-stealing Trojans were installed during the ransomware attack.

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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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JHDD 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 JHDD 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 JHDD 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 JHDD files

Fix and open large JHDD 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 JHDD 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. JHDD 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 JHDD 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 JHDD 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 JHDD 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 JHDD 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 JHDD 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 .JHDD files?

You can only open JHDD 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 JHDD 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 JHDD 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.