Geek's Advice

JOPE ransomware encrypts files to prevent victim from accessing them

JOPE ransomware is a malicious virus which attacks Windows computers to encrypt all files on them. The virus was first noticed by Norbert Webb. The malware originates from STOP/DJVU family and it operates by encoding all of victim’s personal files with a certain encryption method, thus denying any further access to the files. The encrypted files are left with .JOPE file extension and the victim is usually presented with a _readme.txt ransom note. The virus might also install additional malware, such as AZOrult password stealing virus. To decrypt the corrupted data, cyber criminals demand a ransom which is usually in the range of $490-$980 in Bitcoin.

Moreover, the virus tends to act stealthily, and it usually opens a fake Windows updater seen by the user. Once the ‘update’ is done, your system will be infiltrated with this ransomware, which means basically one thing – data encryption procedure takes place. In order to encode the files, JOPE file virus connects to its C&C (command and control center) to obtain an individual encryption key and saves the identical decryption key on the server. Once this happens, the encryption operation begins, and the ransom note _readme.txt appears in every affected folder.

Is there any way to decrypt the data without paying ransom?

The message displayed in Jope virus ransom note is quite straightforward – either you pay the ransom in Bitcoins, or your files will remain inaccessible permanently, since, as the cyber criminals state, the files are encrypted with military grade encryption. And, unfortunately, that is true – decoding of only one key might take years with a powerful setup. Therefore, the intruders claim that meeting their demands is the only rational option.

However, it is not – you have the choice to restore your files from a backup (if you have it) and/or remove JOPE ransomware from the system completely and to be honest, we highly recommend using the latter and following the instructions we provide. To explain, there is no guarantee that even after you pay the price you will get your files back – in fact, usually the victim who decides to pay up experiences not only significant financial losses, but does not receive back the files as well.

Although statistics show that many users are not doing backups, it is worth mentioning, that there might be a chance to recover your files by using different method. Of course, the chance is slim, but it is worth checking out.

In order to carry out this procedure you need to use our instructions in STOP/DJVU decryption guide and figure out whether your data is encrypted using online or offline measures.

Update March 6h, 2020: At the time of writing, there is no JOPE file decryption solution. Please check back for updates for this particular ransomware variant (offline encryption versions only).

Threat Summary

The HOSTS file

JOPE ransomware virus is categorized as a new variation of DJVU which basically means that you’ve been infected by more sophisticated version of the malware. Hence, it might have more capabilities to harm your system i.e. modifying your HOSTS file, adding domain names and IPs to block.

In essence, this virus tends to deny the access to a whole variety of cybersecurity-related  and self-help websites and guides online, which might be helpful to the user. Thus, frustrating him even more.

Infection reasons

JOPE file extension virus typically spreads through careless download practices. This especially applies to people, who tend to download various keygens, cracks and other illegal software. Instead of downloading it from shady websites, we encourage you to support the software developers and use only legitimate ways to obtain the products. This course of action, although may seem expensive at first sight, carries fewer risks and in the long run, you’ll benefit from it, since you won’t have to deal with various malware and issues associated with illegal downloads.

This virus is really similar to other ransomware such as NEMTY, DHARMA or PHOBOS. To evade the issues posed by these kinds of threats altogether, we highly recommend using real-time malware protection software, create data backups on external drives and avoid downloading from untrustworthy websites alongside clicking on suspicious links, ads or attachments.

JOPE ransomware removal guide

If you have any suspicion of having the discussed ransomware, you should initiate JOPE file virus removal from your system immediately. In order to do so, we recommend using credible anti-malware software, especially with in-built optimizer and recovery tool, which might help dealing with these kinds of issues in the future.

After the ransomware removal, you should change the passwords in every website you used them on, since this ransomware might’ve installed password-stealing software on your computer. Keeping your privacy safe from future intrusions should be a priority. To remove JOPE ransomware virus, follow the steps below attentively.

OUR GEEKS RECOMMEND

Our team recommends a two-step rescue plan to remove ransomware and other remaining malware from your computer, plus repair caused virus damage to the system:

STEP 1. REMOVE AUTOMATICALLY WITH ROBUST ANTIVIRUS

REMOVE & PROTECT WITH INTEGO

Get INTEGO ANTIVIRUS for Windows to remove ransomware, Trojans, adware and other spyware and malware variants and protect your PC and network drives 24/7.. This VB100-certified security software uses state-of-art technology to provide protection against ransomware, Zero-Day attacks and advanced threats, Intego Web Shield blocks dangerous websites, phishing attacks, malicious downloads and installation of potentially unwanted programs.

Use INTEGO Antivirus to remove detected threats from your computer.

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STEP 2. 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.

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.

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.