JYPO virus arrives to encrypt files on computers
Contents
JYPO ransomware is a harmful computer virus that encrypts all data stored on the system and additionally infects the computer with information-stealing malware. This ransomware is a recognized variant from the STOP/DJVU family, with over 670 variants at the moment of writing. The virus encrypts files using RSA2048 + Salsa20 algorithms and appends .jypo extension to each filename. So, for instance, files originally named 1.jpg or 2.docx will appear as 1.jpg.jypo and 2.docx.jypo, and the same procedure will be applied to each file on the computer system and connected drives.
To explain what has happened to the data, the ransomware creates ransom notes named _readme.txt. The threat saves these files into various computer folders.
The way this ransomware works is it decides the encryption type upon its arrival on the computer system. It begins the preparation for the attack by sending a request to its Command&Control server to get an online encryption key. This key is unique per each victim, which means that each encryption key has a unique corresponding decryption key.
However, if the virus fails to get a response from the server or the computer’s network connection is unstable, the malware uses a hardcoded offline key instead. To better understand your chances of decrypting .jypo files, you must know that all “offline encryption” victims can restore their files with a single decryption key.
Moreover, JYPO file virus usually doesn’t infect the system alone – it is often accompanied by RedLine, AZORult, and Vidar information-stealers that are known for their ability to extract private information from the compromised computer. These threats fall into the Remote Access Trojans category, meaning that criminals can remotely execute malicious tasks on the computer. This may include stealing the list of saved passwords, credit card details, cryptocurrency wallets, browsing history, and cookies, deleting files, or launching additional malware on the system.
The ransom note urges the victim to contact cybercriminals
The ransom note created by JYPO virus can be found in every data folder with encrypted files. The message inside of it demands the victim’s attention and explains that nothing can recover the victim’s files but a special decryption software combined with a key – both in possession of ransomware operators.
The criminals advise purchasing these tools from them for $980 or $490. The lower price point applies only in case the victim contacts the criminals within 72 hours of getting one’s computer infected. Like always, the criminals will only accept transactions made via cryptocurrency to remain anonymous.
The note provides two email addresses – support@freshmail.top and datarestorehelp@airmail.cc. The crooks behind the malware promise some kind of guarantee for the victim by suggesting to decrypt one encrypted file for free. To take advantage of this service, the victim is asked to send one encrypted file and Personal ID (included in the ransom note) to the criminals.
However, we do not recommend contacting the criminals or paying the ransom to them. Please do not encourage cybercrime – besides, there are no guarantees that criminals will do as promised after receiving the transaction. We highly suggest reading these guidelines for ransomware victims by FBI as well.
If you’re someone who has been affected by this file-encrypting threat, you need to get it off your computer system as soon as possible. A great tool to remove JYPO ransomware virus is INTEGO Antivirus, although you can use another AV solution you like. Do not forget to read instructions provided by our team first (you can find them below the article).
Once the malware is removed, you can download RESTORO, which is an excellent tool for repairing virus-damaged Windows OS files.
Ransomware Summary
| Name | JYPO Ransomware Virus |
| Type | Ransomware; Crypto-malware; Virtual Extortion Virus |
| Family | STOP/DJVU |
| Encryption type | RSA 2048 + Salsa20 |
| Previous versions | JYPO, KIFR, KIOP, KITZ, BOZA, BOTY, COZA (find full list here) |
| Version | 676th |
| Extension | .jypo |
| Cybercriminal emails | support@freshmail.top, datarestorehelp@airmail.cc |
| Additional malware dropped | Azorult, RedLine or Vidar |
| Damage | The ransomware uses encryption to maliciously modify all files on the PC and marks their original names with .jypo 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, HP/Epson printer drivers, League of Legends. |
| Detection names | Trojan:Win32/Azorult.FW!MTB (Microsoft), Gen:Heur.Mint.Zard.52 (B) (Emsisoft), HEUR:Trojan.Win32.Scarsi.gen (Kaspersky), Gen:Heur.Mint.Zard.52 (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 like INTEGO Antivirus. To repair virus damage on Windows OS files, download and try RESTORO (secure download link). |
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Ransomware distribution: how this file-encrypting virus spreads
Ransomware-type viruses are distributed in a variety of ways, but the ones associated with JYPO virus are related to cracked software downloads and malicious email attachments. Cybercriminals behind STOP/DJVU variants usually set up deceptive websites promoting illegal versions of popular software, such as Adobe Photoshop, AutoCAD, Tenorshare 4ukey, Internet Download Manager and others. Unfortunately, these websites even appear in online search results once users enter related search query.
These malicious crack websites usually offer to download malicious file via an external download link or a torrent file. Whichever method the user chooses, the malware arrives in a password-protected archived file. The password protection is used as a way to bypass security programs, if any, installed on user’s computer. Once the victim executes the malicious setup provided, the malware launches on the system.
It is important to remember that only official and trusted websites should be trusted when attempting to download a genuine software version. Cracked versions are often filled with malware, besides, you should not infringe copyrights of legitimate software developers.
Another prominent ransomware distribution method relies on phishing emails. Such emails are complimented with malware-injected attachments, often in MS Word, Excel, OneNote or PDF formats. The criminals name these as invoices, order summaries, waybills, parcel tracking details, pending payment information, or similar. The message itself urges the recipient to open the attachment regarding some important matter.
In order to avoid opening harmful email attachments, it is advisable to inspect the sender’s email address, watch out for urgent tone in the email, and look for other tell-tale signs such as generic greeting line, grammar or spelling errors, low-quality images. In addition, you should avoid interacting with emails that you didn’t expect to receive at the time. For example, if you didn’t order anything online, it would be a bad idea to open an order summary file sent to you.
Remove JYPO ransomware virus and decrypt your files
The malware that has landed on your computer is extremely harmful, therefore it is important to secure your computer at the earliest convenience. You can remove JYPO ransomware virus and related threats using the instructions provided down below. You can also check these guidelines on how to recover/decrypt/repair your data fully or partially.
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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
STEP 2. REPAIR VIRUS DAMAGE TO YOUR COMPUTER
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JYPO 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 JYPO 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 JYPO 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. 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 JYPO files
Fix and open large JYPO 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 JYPO 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. JYPO Ransomware Virus is considered the new STOP/DJVU variant, just like JYPO, KIFR, KIOP, KITZ, BOZA, BOTY, COZA (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 JYPO 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 JYPO 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 JYPO 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 JYPO 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 JYPO 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
You can only open JYPO files if you have the decryption key, or if you were affected by offline encryption type.
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.
Please follow the guidances provided by the official JYPO 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).
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.
Beware of fake JYPO 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 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.
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