Remove JHGN Ransomware Virus (DECRYPT .jhgn FILES)

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

JHGN ransomware locks all computer files using encryption

Contents

JHGN ransomware locks all computer files using encryption
How ransomware-type threats infect computers and how you can protect yours?
Remove JHGN Ransomware Virus and Decrypt Your Files
Decrypt JHGN files
Frequently Asked Questions

JHGN ransomware is a new computer virus variant released by the STOP/DJVU cybercriminal group. After landing on the target system, this piece of malware launches processes in order to perform various illegal activities on the computer, and the main one is to encrypt all files stored on the system. During the attack, the ransomware marks each affected file with an additional .jhgn extension. To illustrate how files are renamed, see these examples: 1.jpg gets renamed to 1.jpg.jhgn, 2.txt to 2.txt.jhgn and so on.

To provide the computer user with information on what happened, the ransomware drops _readme.txt file in each folder. This file is often referred to as ransom note when it comes to ransomware attacks. In short, it explains that all data on the computer was encrypted with robust algorithms and the criminals behind it expect the user to pay a ransom in exchange for JHGN decryption tool and key.

Overview of the ransom note contents

The message in the _readme.txt note begins with a line asking for the user’s attention. The further statements explain that all files on the computer, including photos, videos, archives and other data formats were encrypted with the strongest encryption and unique key. The note suggests that victim can recover all files using a decryption software and decryption key, both in possession of ransomware operators. They recommend buying them from the attackers, or the data will remain encrypted for good.

In other words, the threat actors try to extort the user after taking all of the files hostage. They recommend contacting them via email and leave two email addresses in the _readme.txt note – manager@time2mail.ch and supportsys@airmail.cc. According to the note, the victim can attach one encrypted file to the email message for test decryption. The criminals promise to respond with a decrypted file attached.

In addition, they state how much the decryption tool and key costs. The note explains that the initial ransom amount is $980, however, if the victim rushes to contact the criminals within 72 hours (3 days), they will provide a 50% discount. It means the decryption tool would cost $490. After the initial contact, the criminals respond with the conditions regarding the ransom payment. They demand the victim to visit one of cryptocurrency exchange platforms and purchase cryptocurrency such as Bitcoin for the settled amount. Later, the victim will be asked to transfer the funds to the provided virtual wallet address. Such form of payment is untraceable, therefore law enforcement agencies such as FBI cannot track the threat actors down.

Screenshot of the _readme.txt note dropped in each affected data folder on a computer.

Regardless of the situation, cybersecurity experts and FBI stick to the recommendation of NOT paying the ransom to cybercriminals. One, it doesn’t guarantee data recovery in all cases, second, it helps the cybercriminals create more malware and infect more computers worldwide. Finally, they tend to target victims who are willing to pay up again and again.

Additional risks associated with ransomware attacks

STOP/DJVU variants such as JHGN ransomware virus have a tendency to drop additional malware on compromised systems. Most of the time, these malware samples were spotted spreading VIDAR or AZORULT Trojans. These are well-known information-stealing threats that can be remotely controlled by the attacker to steal sensitive data such as passwords, banking information, cryptocurrency wallets, browsing history and more. With their hands on such data, cybercriminals can plan and carry out further attacks, for example, blackmail the computer user.

Ransomware-type viruses also tend to delete Volume Shadow Copies from infected systems and drop various helper processes and modify system files to prevent the computer user from deleting them easily. Moreover, they may also leverage backdoors to enable the attackers to compromise the computer system with additional malware anytime.

For this reason, we strongly recommend that you take action to remove JHGN ransomware virus and related threats from the computer immediately. The best way to do this is boot your PC in Safe Mode with Networking and then run a genuine antivirus solution. Afterward, we recommend that you download RESTORO and scan your computer system with it to see which Windows OS files damaged by the virus are repairable. The full version of this tool can automatically fix the damage without the need to reinstall Windows OS.

Ransomware Summary

Name	JHGN Ransomware Virus
Type	Ransomware; Crypto-malware; Virtual Extortion Virus
Family	STOP/DJVU
Encryption type	RSA 2048 + Salsa20
Previous versions	NUHB, MSJD, DMAY, JHDD, DEWD, JHBG, JHGN, (find full list here)
Version	462nd
Extension	.jhgn
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 .jhgn 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).

REPAIR VIRUS DAMAGE

DOWNLOAD AND SCAN WITH RESTORO

See Full Review

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.

Screenshot of files encrypted by JHGN ransomware virus.

How ransomware-type threats infect computers and how you can protect yours?

To proliferate ransomware-type viruses, cybercriminals often make use of social engineering and phishing to trick the computer user into opening a malicious email attachment, downloading a fake pirated software version containing the malicious file, or clicking on a fake ad suggesting that some of programs in victim’s computer are outdated and need to be updated immediately.

When it comes to STOP/DJVU variants, our team has noticed that the criminals behind it mostly tend to hide the payload in pirated software versions they advertise online. These may be found in a form of torrents or password-protected archives containing a fake setup. Once the computer user launches it with hopes to install and activate a desired software version without paying for a legitimate license key, the malware begins the attack instantly.

We advise all computer users to rely on legitimate websites when sourcing programs. If you’re in need of a specific software, make sure you visit its official developer’s website or a confirmed partner’s/affiliate’s website only. If you try to bypass paying for the license fee in shady ways, you risk infecting your computer with a whole set of malware.

Ransomware-type viruses also often arrive in a form of deceptive email attachments, mostly in Word, PDF, Excel or JS formats. The criminals may name them as regular documents, for instance, invoices, order details, pending payment details and similar. They seek to spark victim’s curiosity and trick one into opening the attachment without thinking. Unfortunately, these fake attachments are complimented with scripts that are programmed to download and execute the ransomware on victim’s computer. Once the malicious attachment is opened, there is no way going back.

Keep in mind that the attackers often tend to spoof their sender’s address (make it look like it was sent from a legitimate well-known company’s email) and use logos of reputable companies to convince the victim that the sender’s intentions are benign. However, we recommend you to be cautious at all times and avoid interacting with emails that arrive unexpectedly or seem to urge you to take action without thinking (such as click on provided URL or review attached files).

In addition, avoid visiting rogue websites promising 100% working decryption tools for STOP/DJVU variants. These websites might be promoting fake downloads hiding additional malware in them. The only tools you can trust in regards of decrypting/repairing files affected by this ransomware family variants were developed by Emsisoft and DiskTuna.

Finally, we advise you to keep your computer protected with a genuine antivirus at all times. Make sure you choose one that has 24/7 real-time protection feature. Using such antivirus can prevent malware from infecting your computer even if you download a malicious file to your computer unknowingly.

Remove JHGN Ransomware Virus and Decrypt Your Files

Before you try to remove JHGN ransomware virus, we recommend that you boot your computer in Safe Mode with Networking. This system mode starts the computer with limited set of processes and features, thus deactivating malicious processes from hindering with your antivirus software activities. After booting in the said mode, you should run a full system scan to identify and remove malicious files associated with the described ransomware.

Our team also recommends you to download RESTORO to help in restoring virus-affected Windows OS files.

If you’ve managed to remove JHGN ransomware virus, do not forget to:

Report the incident to law enforcement agency in your local area.
Search for and use data backups to use.
Learn more about STOP/DJVU encrypted files and possible ways they could be repaired or decrypted.
Immediately change all passwords that were previously used on the compromised computer.

OUR GEEKS RECOMMEND

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

DOWNLOAD RESTORO

RESTORO provides a free scan that helps to identify hardware, security and stability issues and presents a comprehensive report which can help you to locate and fix detected issues manually. It is a great PC repair software to use after you remove malware with professional antivirus. The full version of software will fix detected issues and repair virus damage caused to your Windows OS files automatically.

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

Read full review here.

GeeksAdvice.com editors select recommended products based on their effectiveness. We may earn a commission from affiliate links, at no additional cost to you. Learn more.

JHGN 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 JHGN 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 JHGN 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.

Special Offer

DOWNLOAD AND SCAN

Compatibility: Microsoft Windows
See Full Review

RESTORO is a unique PC Repair Tool which comes with an in-built Avira scan engine to detect and remove spyware/malware threats and uses a patented technology to repair virus damage. The software can repair damaged, missing or malfunctioning Windows OS files, corrupted DLLs, and more. The free version offers a scan that detects issues. To fix them, license key for the full software version must be purchased.

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

Removing spyware and malware is one step towards cybersecurity. To protect yourself against ever-evolving threats, we strongly recommend purchasing a Premium version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware, which provides security based on artificial intelligence and machine learning. Includes ransomware protection. See pricing options and protect yourself now.

System Mechanic Ultimate Defense

If you're looking for an all-in-one system maintenance suite that has 7 core components providing powerful real-time protection, on-demand malware removal, system optimization, data recovery, password manager, online privacy protection and secure driver wiping technology. Therefore, due to its wide-range of capabilities, System Mechanic Ultimate Defense deserves Geek's Advice approval. Get it now for 50% off. You may also be interested in its full review.

Disclaimer. This site includes affiliate links. We may earn a small commission by recommending certain products, at no additional cost for you. We only choose quality software and services to recommend.

Decrypt JHGN files

Fix and open large JHGN 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 JHGN 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. JHGN Ransomware Virus is considered the new STOP/DJVU variant, just like NUHB, MSJD, DMAY, JHDD, DEWD, JHBG, JHGN, (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 JHGN 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 JHGN 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 JHGN 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 JHGN 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 JHGN 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 .JHGN files?

You can only open JHGN 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 JHGN 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 JHGN 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.