Computer security experts keep on reminding to scan email attachment first before opening it. In recent cases of ransomware attacks, most victims were able to acquire the infection by opening the attachment thinking that it was safe to open because it is not in executable format. With clever technique currently utilized by attackers, users must take extra caution when accessing attachment from email no matter what the file type is.
Take for example the case of JSWORM 4.0.1 ransomware. It spreads via spam email messages purporting to be from a prominent organization and common files attached to the correspondence are invoice, shipping details, or inquiry. These may appear like document files; hence, the actual format is in executable covering up as .DOC and .XLS through icon customization.
When executed, JSWORM 4.0.1 ransomware immediately searches the computer for target files and encrypts them with a highly complex algorithm. Infected files are simply recognizable by an appended JSWORM extension. As an example of infected files, word.doc will turn into word.doc.[ID-000000][RansomwareRecoveryExperts@tutanota.com]JSWORM after the encryption process. All files with these altered extension are intentionally made temporary inaccessible by attackers so that they can persuade victims to pay the ransom demand should they wish to regain access.
Is paying attackers ransom demand the only way to recover JSWORM encrypted file? Yes it is, if victims are looking for immediate solution. Hence, there is still no guarantee that makers of JSWORM 4.0.1 ransomware are willing to provide the private key and decryption software after receiving the payment. There were cases before wherein attackers just keep on increasing the ransom demand and continue to ask additional payment up to the point that they stop communicating with victims and left them with unrecoverable files. Below is a very unlikely screenshot image of ransom note from JSWORM.
Malware researchers are looking for a way to supply decryption tools, hence this solution may not come too as. As mentioned, JSWORM 4.0.1 ransomware is using complicated algorithm therefore reversing the process is similarly difficult.
How to Remove JSWORM 4.0.1 Ransomware
Ransomware files are placed deeply into the system and on various locations, thus, thorough scanning is vital to totally remove JSWORM 4.0.1 virus. Aside from our suggested tool, you may also run your own security program.
Though affected files may be impossible to decrypt due to complexity of the encryption, you can still try recovery method like alternative tool, Shadow Explorer or Previous Version as described below.
Stage 1: Scan the Computer with Anti-Malware Tool
1. Download free anti-malware scanner called MalwareBytes Anti-Malware.
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Download Link (this will open a new window)
2. After downloading, install the program. It may run automatically or you have to double-click on the downloaded file MBSetup.exe.
3. Carry out the installation with default setup process.
4. After the installation process, click the Get Started button to launch the program.
5. Continue with the prompts until the main program opens.
6. On the main console, click on Scan to run most complete detection method to find hidden objects associated to JSWORM 4.0.1 ransomware.
7. Scanning may take a while. Please wait until the anti-malware tool is done with the checking.
8. Once the scan has completed, the tool will display the list of detected threats. Remove all identified malicious items and restart the computer if necessary.
Stage 2: Double-check for JSWORM 4.0.1’s leftover with Microsoft’s Malicious Software Removal Tool
1. Download the free scanner called Malicious Software Removal Tool.
Malicious Software Removal Tool Download Link (this will open a new window)
2. The tool automatically checks the operating system and suggest appropriate download version. Click on Download button to begin. Save the file to a convenient location, preferably on Desktop.
3. After downloading the file, Windows will prompt that download has completed. Click Run to start scanning for JSWORM 4.0.1 ransomware. Another option is to browse the location folder and double click on the file to run.
4. The tool will display Welcome screen, click Next. Please note the message “This tool is not a replacement for an antivirus product.” You must understand that this program is made specifically to find and remove malware, viruses, Trojans, and other harmful elements on the computer. It was not designed to protect the computer.
5. Next, you will see Scan Type. Please choose Full Scan to ensure that all JSWORM 4.0.1 ransom virus entities and other harmful files left on the computer will be found and removed. For advanced computer user, you can opt for Customized Scan, if there are other drives or folders you wanted to include in this scan.
6. Full scan may take a while, please wait for Malicious Software Removal Tool to complete the tasks. However, you may cancel the scan anytime by clicking on the Cancel button.
7. After scanning, the tool will reveal all identified threats. There may be other threats that our first scan fails to detect. Please remove/delete all detected items.
8. When removal procedure is complete, you may now close Malicious Software Removal Tool. We hope that JSWORM 4.0.1 ransomware have been completely deleted from the computer. Please restart Windows to proceed with the normal operation.
Stage 3 : Unlocking files with JSWORM 4.0.1 Decryption Tool
Tools that may decrypt files infected by Restore JSWORM 4.0.1 is not yet available at this time. We will update this section once the tool is on hand. In the meantime, please try the options below.
Option 1: Windows Previous Version Tool
Windows Vista and Windows 7 have a feature called Previous Versions. However, this tool is only usable if restore point was made prior to JSWORM 4.0.1 ransomware infection. To use this tool and recover files affected by the virus, please follow these steps:
1. Open My Computer or Windows Explorer.
2. Right-click on the affected files or folders. From the drop-down list, please click on Restore previous versions.
3. New window will open display all backup copy of files and folders you wanted to recover. Choose the appropriate file and click on Open, Copy, or Restore. Restoring selected files overwrites the current encrypted files on the computer.
Option 2: Use ShadowExplorer to restore files encrypted by JSWORM 4.0.1 Ransomware
Just like Previous Version tool, ShadowExplorer is taking advantage of shadow copy created by Windows. This tool allows you to retrieve older version of files before it was encrypted by JSWORM 4.0.1 ransomware.
1. Download ShadowExplorer from the official web site.
2. Install the program with the default settings.
3. The program should run automatically after installation. If not, double-click on ShadowExplorer icon.
4. You can see the drop-down list on top of the console. Please select proper drive and the most recent point-in-time shadow copies of files you wish to restore prior to JSWORM 4.0.1 ransomware infection.
5. Right-click on the Drive, Folder, or File you wish to restore and click Export…
6. Lastly, ShadowExplorer will prompt for location where you want to save the copy of recovered files.
