Geek's Advice

JJYY Ransomware Threat and How to Protect Your Computer

JJYY ransomware virus is a threatening computer virus that should be a cause for concern to all computer users. From what could be deducted so far, it is believed to be an enhanced variant of the STOP/DJVU ransomware series. After gaining access to unprotected computer system, it would encrypt all files on it and also append .jjyy extension to the existing file names. For instance, files that were previously named as 1.jpg and 2.jpeg would become 1.jpg.jjyy and 2.jpeg.jjyy respectively. It would also extend the same format to all other files contained in the computer. The cybercriminals would equally send _readme.txt notifications, informing the computer user about the ransomware attack and why they have to comply with their demands if they desire to retrieve their encrypted files. For that to become a reality, they would promise to release a decryption tool once the victim pays the ransom fee.

The cybercriminals behind this ransomware have continued to use typical means of spreading ransomware to extort huge sums of money from as many computer users as possible. Like in previous variants, they would embed malware on cloned software copies and upload them to online torrent platforms for unsuspecting users to download. Once such malware-embedded software is downloaded to PCs, it would automatically compromise the system by encrypting all files.

The message held in ransom notes demands money

Most computer users would be destabilized once they realize their computer has been compromised and would be confused about what next to do. Based on experience, the cybercriminals would be anticipating such a state of mind and would leave explanation notes in a form of _readme.txt files dropped throughout the computer system. These notes would briefly mention that all data formats have been locked with robust encryption algorithms and that the only way to recover files is to pay a ransom for the malware operators.

The note suggests that the victim should initiate a dialogue with the attackers using two email addresses left in the note: support@bestyourmail.ch and supportsys@airmail.cc. Their intention is to draw the attention of the victim to reach out to them on the way forward.

Depending on how important the encrypted files are to the victim or the options they have; some victims may decide to ignore or respond using any of the emails. However, if they contact the cybercriminals, they would be more emboldened to dish out further conditions as well as the amount that has to be paid as a ransom fee.

They would state that $980 was supposed to be paid as a ransom fee but would be considerate enough to accept just 50% of it i.e. $490 provided the victim is able to pay within 72 hours of being notified to do so. However, failure to do so within that stipulated timeframe means that only the complete ransom fee would be acceptable to them. 

As if that isn’t bad enough, they would demand that payment must be using cryptocurrency that the victim would transfer to their wallet address. The apparent reason why they refrain from other payment methods is to ensure that law enforcement agents won’t be able to track them down. They might promise to provide test decryption as a way of proving their skills but it is all gimmicks used in deceiving their victim.

Regardless, victims of ransomware attacks are strongly advised not to open communication channels with cybercriminals and neither should they pay ransom to them. This is what FBI endorsed and other renowned security experts support them. Some of the reasons given by them for taking such a stand are listed below: 

• There is no point in paying ransom since there is no guarantee you will recover your files.
• Depending on the laws in the country you live in, it might be considered illegal to pay the ransom.
• Paying ransom makes it profitable for cybercriminals, thereby encouraging them to remain in “business”.
• It puts the victim at significant risk of future attacks because cybercriminals are typically greedy and would target paying victims again for more extortions.
• When you make huge sums of money available to cybercriminals in the guise of paying ransom, you would be helping them to expand their criminal enterprise.

Additional details regarding the threat

Judging from results of a research that was conducted by our experts, it was discovered that a group of countries were considered protected from a ransomware attack by cybercriminals. Their reason for such discrimination hasn’t been ascertained yet, but the countries are Belarus, Armenia, Ukraine, Russia, Uzbekistan, Kazachstan, Syria, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan. It is able to detect the location of a computer by fetching a response from https[:]//api.2ip.ua/geo.json. The response is then saved to geo.json file which contains vital details like the computer’s IP address, town/region, country and latitude/longitude. The result is what determines whether to continue or to terminate the operation. 

The dangers associated with JJYY ransomware virus, especially the encryption of files is already established, but it is by no means the only threat. There is also the risk of being infected with RAT’s short form for Remote Access Trojans. This is a more covert malware used by cybercriminals in extracting sensitive personal information including banking details, passwords, cryptocurrency wallets, and browsing history, among others. With such critical details in their possession, they would be able to commit further crimes against the victim like stealing of cryptos, money, or data, as well as having access to sensitive personal details for blackmail purposes. 

To minimize damages and reduce the risk of exposure, you’re advised to remove the STOP/DJVU ransomware virus as soon as it is detected in your computer. The recommended way of doing it is to login to the infected computer using Safe Mode with Networking and thereafter activate strong antivirus software. In addition to that, you may also download RESTORO, which could help in repairing some of the affected Windows OS files.

Ransomware Summary

REPAIR VIRUS DAMAGE

Example of files encrypted by this ransomware variant.

How to Protect Your Computer from STOP/DJVU Ransomware Virus

The smart way to protect your computer is by taking proactive measures such as installation of antivirus software as well as staying away from online torrent platforms or trying to make use of pirated software copies or cloned activation tools and key generators. You should also avoid indiscriminate opening of emails and attachments, especially when they’re from sources you’re not fully sure of. 

From our records, we were able to observe that cybercriminals usually pirate software contents that are highly sought after. Such popular software contents would be cloned, embedded with malware and uploaded to online torrent platforms for unsuspecting users to download, thereby unknowingly infecting their systems with ransomware virus. Listed below are some of the widely used software copies often pirated by cybercriminals: 

• Adobe Premiere Pro;
• AutoCad;
• Cubase;
• Corel Draw;
• Tenorshare 4ukey;
• Virtual DJ Pro;
• VMware Workstation;
• Adobe Photoshop;
• Internet Download Manager.

As you can see from what we have narrated so far, going to online torrent platforms or trying to obtain needed software copies illegally, is not worth it. Such actions would put your computer and vital data stored in it at significant risk. Also, the losses you would experience as a victim of ransomware, in terms of money, time, resources, and psychological trauma far outweigh whatever gains the freebies will give you. Likewise, you would be helping the IT industry to grow when you patronize the original content producers. 

You should also be cautious when opening random emails and attachments that get into your inbox. Except you’re convinced about its origin, emails from unknown or spoofed sender’s address shouldn’t be opened. Note that cybercriminals typically make use of XLS, DOCX and PDF files because they enable them to attach malware, transport it and download them in third party computers once opened. 

There is no need to go to sites that advertise tools they claim are capable of reversing damages done by STOP/DJVU ransomware because they’re fake and potentially dangerous. However, only DiskTuna and Emsisoft have shown promising results in creating functional data repair tools. 

Remove JJYY Ransomware & Restore Files

It is very important to ensure that JJYY ransomware virus is removed as soon as it is detected in a computer. The reason why this action is advised is to ensure that further damage is contained and remedial measures taken with immediate effect. Granted that there may be diverse options for removal of ransomware, but most of them may not yield the desired result.

That is why we only recommend setting up the infected computer in Safe Mode with Networking default option before activating a genuine antivirus software on it. Once you have successfully completed the JJYY ransomware removal, there are other steps that need to be taking as well. Please check below: 

• You’re advised to report to the nearest police station or relevant government agency in your area.
• Generally, computer users are expected to have backup tools or any other available means of storing important data as a duplicate, separate from the primary computer they’re using. They will come handy during situations like ransomware attack or loss of computer hardware.
• Although trying to repair files damaged by STOP/DJVU ransomware virus can be such a herculean task, but it isn’t impossible. So, you may as well do research on possible ways your affected files can be restored.
• Regardless of how sophisticated your passwords may be, once a computer has been compromised following a ransomware attack, such passwords are no longer secured. Therefore, to be on the safe side, it is very important to change all passwords with immediate effect.

Conclusion

Before we round up, here are the vital points you must heed in order to remain steps ahead of opportunistic cybercriminals. You should always have genuine antivirus software installed and running at all times. Going to online torrent platforms or making use of peer-to-peer sharing mechanisms, or any other unauthorized method when trying to download needed software contents are dangerous activities that should be avoided. 

If you become a victim, do not try to negotiate with cybercriminals because nothing positive can come out of it. Instead, you should put all efforts toward removing the virus, reporting the incident to appropriate authorities and also ensuring your sensitive data is protected. You should also consider the use of some reliable software tools like RESTORO in trying to restore as many affected Windows OS files as possible.

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.

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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.