JYWD virus attacks files stored on computers and encrypts them
Contents
JYWD virus is a ransomware-type computer infection that aims to encrypt all files stored on the system. This harmful program is a recognized variant of STOP/DJVU ransomware. It uses .jywd extension to mark affected data, so for instance, files named 1.jpg and 2.zip will appear as 1.jpg.jywd and 2.zip.jywd following a successful attack. To inform the victim about the consequences of the cyberattack and provide instructions, the malware drops _readme.txt ransom notes in each folder.
The virus uses online/offline encryption modes to lock files on the compromised computer. It attempts to connect to its Command&Control server and obtain a uniquely generated key for the infected host. If this fails, the malware reverts to offline encryption mode and uses a hardcoded key that comes with the ransomware itself. This slightly increases the chances of decrypting data, as all offline encryption victims can recover their files with the same decryption key. You can read more on this in this guide for STOP/DJVU victims.
Unfortunately, JYWD ransomware does not only encrypt files but also infects the system with information-stealing Remote Access Trojans (RATs) known under the names of Vidar, RedLine, and AZORult. These Trojans can steal passwords, credit card details, browsing history, and other sensitive information.
The ransom note says cybercriminals want money
The ransom note created by the virus explains that all data on the computer has been locked with “strongest” algorithm, and it also claims that only the ransomware operators can restore data back to normal. The note offers JYWD file decryption tool for $980, however, it promises a 50% discount for those who contact the criminals within 72 hours after getting infected.
The note includes two email addresses that can be used to reach out to the perpetrators – support@freshmail.top and datarestorehelp@airmail.cc. The criminals also ask to include the Personal ID provided in the note when contacting them, and, if the victim wants to, they can attach one encrypted file for test decryption. The cybercriminals provide this service in hopes to encourage the victim to pay the ransom.
However, cybersecurity experts from our team do not recommend paying a ransom to cybercriminals. Doing as the criminals say may not result in the expected outcome, and your files can remain encrypted. Remember that threat actors cannot be trusted, and their sole goal is money. In addition, paying money to perpetrators allows them to fund their further operations, which leads to more malware and more victims.
If you’re someone who has been infected with this malware, we highly recommend that you remove JYWD ransomware virus using instructions provided below. Follow each step attentively and you will get rid of this threat and related malware in no time. Our team recommends using INTEGO Antivirus for malware removal task, and you may also want to download RESTORO to repair damaged Windows OS files afterward.
Ransomware Summary
| Name | JYWD 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 | 675th |
| Extension | .jywd |
| 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 .jywd 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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Typical ransomware distribution methods you should know
To avoid ransomware attacks, it is important to understand how these malicious computer programs are distributed. The criminals behind JYWD file virus usually rely on phishing emails and cracked software to infect computer users, although other methods can also be utilized. Therefore, we will overview the most common distribution methods ransomware operators use.
Phishing emails containing email attachments. Cybercriminals send thousands of deceptive emails to different recipients daily, hoping to trick them into opening an infectious URL or email attachment. They craft messages that seem to be sent by well-known companies or government institutions and invite the recipient to view attached files or URLs regarding an important matter. The attachments are usually named invoices, order summaries, waybills, notices, etc. If the recipient opens the attached file, the malicious code planted inside it launches and infects the entire computer system.
Cracked software downloads. Ransomware operators often upload deceptive installers to rogue websites and wait for victims to download them. They even set up fake crack websites to hunt for victims. Usually, popular software names like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, AutoCAD, Cubase, FIFA, and others are used to bait computer users into launching malware on their computers.
Exploits. Threat actors also create malicious websites designed to exploit vulnerabilities in users’ web browsers, extensions, or other applications. The user can get redirected to such sites after clicking a rogue link online.
RDP attacks. Computer users using weak RDP credentials are at high risk of getting infected with ransomware. Cybercriminals use brute-force attacks to hack into unprotected systems and plant ransomware there.
In order to avoid getting infected, computer users should avoid visiting shady online resources, keep their software and operating system up-to-date, be attentive when checking their emails and avoid cracked software. In addition, protecting the computer with antivirus software is a must.
Remove JYWD ransomware virus and recover your data using backups
Before you try to recover your files, you must remove JYWD ransomware virus and other threats from your computer. The tutorial presented below explains how to do it. Do not forget to install a reputable antivirus solution first – our team recommends INTEGO Antivirus. Run a full system scan with it and choose to remove detected threats.
Afterward, we recommend downloading RESTORO, which is a great tool for repairing virus-damaged Windows OS components. We also recommend changing all of your passwords due to the RAT activity on your computer.
Once you’ve taken care of JYWD file virus removal, you can use your data backups to restore lost data. In case you do not have a backup, read these instructions for STOP/DJVU ransomware victims about the chances of restoring lost data.
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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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JYWD 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 JYWD 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 JYWD 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 JYWD files
Fix and open large JYWD 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 JYWD 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. JYWD 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 JYWD 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 JYWD 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 JYWD 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 JYWD 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 JYWD 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 JYWD 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 JYWD 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 JYWD 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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