How to Remove CryptoJacky Ransomware

How to Remove CryptoJacky Ransomware?

CryptoJacky is the newest member of the ransomware family. The program is a true cyber plague, like all other such tools. These infections are hazardous. They find sneaky ways to invade your system undetected. Then, once they’re in, make sure you know that by completely taking over. Yes, when the tool chooses to clue you into its existence, it does it in the worst way possible. It takes control over your data, and locks it. Every file you keep on your computer gets encrypted. Then, once your files get locked, the application displays a ransom note. It may be brief or lengthy, but the information remains the same for all ransomware. It explains your predicament, and provides only one way out of it. Compliance. In a nutshell, “We have your data. Pay us money to get it back.” It also makes sure to note that if you don’t pay, you lose it. The one way you can decrypt it is via a special key. One, which the cyber kidnappers send you after you make payment. Well, supposedly. Because, think about it. Can you trust extortionists? Do you believe they’ll keep their end of the bargain? Is a fair exchange even possible? Well, the answer to all three questions is the same: No. Don’t make the mistake of falling for these lies. Do NOT pay these people money. Do NOT even contact them in the first place. It may seem harsh, but the best thing you can do, is to forsake your files. Say goodbye to your data, because it’s not worth the fight. Whatever you do, you will lose as the game is rigged that way. The odds are stacked against you, so just fold. Losing your pictures, videos, documents, music and such, may be an unpleasant experience. But, it’s the better alternative compared to the other outcomes, you face.

How did I get infected with?

As was stated, CryptoJacky finds sneaky ways to slither into your system under the radar. The tool tends to use the usual antics. Like, hiding behind freeware or spam email attachments. It can even hitch a ride via corrupted sites or links. Or, pose as a fake system or program update. One can even argue that the possibilities of a sneaky invasion are endless. Do you know why? Well, because, in the end, it all depends on you. The outcome rests on you. The infection cannot invade your PC if you’re careful enough to spot it in its attempts. If you’re thorough and do your due diligence, odds are, you’ll catch it in the act. And, keep it from entering your PC. Unfortunately, that’s not the case most times. That’s why so many users suffer invasions from tools like CryptoJacky. They’re reckless when installing tools or updates. They throw caution to the wind, and rely on luck. Don’t place your fate on hope! Be attentive. Be thorough. Always read the terms and conditions. Don’t agree to everything in haste. Vigilance goes a long way. Distraction and naivety tend to be a one-way street to infections.

Why is CryptoJacky dangerous?

If you find it hard to believe the best outcome is to discard your data, and accept they’re lost, here’s why. Experts advise against compliance, because it leads to a worse predicament. After you find your files locked, and see the ransom note, you face a choice. To pay or not to pay. Here’s what happens if you choose to pay. You transfer the requested sum to the extortionists, which tends to vary between 0.5 and 1.5 Bitcoin. In case, you don’t know 1 Bitcoin is about $600. So, you give them your money in hope they’ll send you the key, they promised. Well, what if they don’t? Or, what if they send you one that doesn’t work? These are valid possibilities. And, even if they do keep their promise, and send the right key, what then? The decryption key only unlocks your locked files. It removes the encryption, not the ransomware itself. So, CryptoJacky still remains somewhere on your computer, ready to strike again. That’s right. It can go ahead and encrypt your data only a week after decryption. Or, a day. Or, an hour. Nothing stops it from acting up once more. You have zero guarantees that you’re safe after decryption. In fact, if anything, you’re under bigger danger. Why? Well, to pay the ransom, you provide private information. Information, which the cyber criminals can access. Did you think about that? Are you okay with that? Cyber criminals having access to your personal and financial details? What do you think happens after they get a hold of it? Whatever they use it for, odds are, it won’t end well for you. So, now do you see why it’s best to forsake your files? It’s the lesser evil. Discard your data in the name of your privacy. Files are replaceable. Your private life is not.

CryptoJacky Removal Instructions

STEP 1: Kill the Malicious Process

STEP 2: Reveal Hidden Files

STEP 3: Locate Startup Location

STEP 4: Recover CryptoJacky Encrypted Files

STEP 1: Stop the malicious process using Windows Task Manager

• Open your task Manager by pressing CTRL+SHIFT+ESC keys simultaneously
• Locate the process of the ransomware. Have in mind that this is usually a random generated file.
• Before you kill the process, type the name on a text document for later reference.

• Locate any suspicious processes associated with CryptoJacky encryption Virus.
• Right click on the process
• Open File Location
• End Process
• Delete the directories with the suspicious files.
• Have in mind that the process can be hiding and very difficult to detect

STEP 2: Reveal Hidden Files

• Open any folder
• Click on “Organize” button
  
• Choose “Folder and Search Options”
• Select the “View” tab
• Select “Show hidden files and folders” option
• Uncheck “Hide protected operating system files”
• Click “Apply” and “OK” button

STEP 3: Locate CryptoJacky encryption Virus startup location

• Once the operating system loads press simultaneously the Windows Logo Button and the R key.

• A dialog box should open. Type “Regedit”
• WARNING! be very careful when editing the Microsoft Windows Registry as this may render the system broken.

Depending on your OS (x86 or x64) navigate to:

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run] or
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run] or
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run]

• and delete the display Name: [RANDOM]

• Then open your explorer and navigate to:

Navigate to your %appdata% folder and delete the executable.

You can alternatively use your msconfig windows program to double check the execution point of the virus. Please, have in mind that the names in your machine might be different as they might be generated randomly, that’s why you should run any professional scanner to identify malicious files.

STEP 4: How to recover encrypted files?

• Method 1: The first and best method is to restore your data from a recent backup, in case that you have one.

• Method 2: File Recovery Software – Usually when the ransomware encrypts a file it first makes a copy of it, encrypts the copy, and then deletes the original. Due to this you may try to use file recovery software to recover some of your original files.
• Method 3: Shadow Volume Copies – As a last resort, you can try to restore your files via Shadow Volume Copies. Open the Shadow Explorer part of the package and choose the Drive you want to recover. Right click on any file you want to restore and click Export on it.