Do you know what Junior Ransomware is?
Junior Ransomware is a threat that you need to defend your Windows operating system against. If it slithers in, your personal files will be doomed because this malware can encrypt them. The process of encryption ensures that the data of the affected file is changed so that it could be read only when a decryptor is applied. Unfortunately, you cannot just download this decryptor, and you are unlikely to pry it out of the hands of cyber criminals. Even though they promise to give it in exchange for some money, they cannot be trusted. Most likely, if you paid the ransom, your files would not be decrypted anyway. This is why we suggest focusing on deleting Junior Ransomware instead of paying the ransom.
You might know where the launcher of Junior Ransomware is if you let this threat in by opening a corrupted spam email attachment or downloading unfamiliar software and files. However, if this threat was dropped by a different infection silently, or if cyber criminals exploited an existing vulnerability to execute it, it might be impossible for you to locate the threat. This could make the removal more difficult overall. All in all, you are unlikely to overlook the existence of this malware because once it encrypts your personal files, they become unreadable, and you can find the “[id-{unique ID}].[mr.yoba@aol.com].junior” extension added to their names. Even if you delete this added extension, your files will remain unreadable. Next to the encrypted files, you should find the “%= RETURN FILES =&.html” file. We recommend removing it right away, but it is not dangerous to open it either.
Junior Ransomware screenshot
Scroll down for full removal instructions
The “%= RETURN FILES =&.html” file represents the Junior Ransomware ransom note. This is the message that the attackers created to convince you that you need to pay money to get your files decrypted. The message states that “software for decrypt” is necessary and that you can pay for it in Bitcoin, which is a virtual crypto-currency. You cannot pay the ransom right away due to lack of information, but you are provided with an email address, and, allegedly, you can get more information by sending a message to it. This email address is mr.yoba@aol.com. Junior Ransomware is a variant of Paradise Ransomware, and this infection operates in the exact same manner. Unfortunately, even if you contact the attackers and pay the ransom, there are no guarantees that you would get your files decrypted. In fact, it is unlikely to happen. So, if you want to save your money, go ahead and remove the malicious infection without any hesitation.
Since we cannot know for sure where the launcher of Junior Ransomware is, you will have to find this malicious file on your own. That is, if you decide to delete this malicious threat manually. Luckily, that is not the only option you have got, and our team recommends going with the automatic removal option instead. For that, you need a reliable anti-malware program, and once it is installed, your chances of letting in new malicious infections will decrease significantly. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee that you will evade 100% of all infections, which is why you need to be cautious too. First and foremost, backup your personal files outside the computer to ensure that you always have replacements. Second, be mindful about how you download and interact with content online. Remember that cyber crooks have many tricks up their sleeves.
Delete Junior Ransomware from Windows
- Find the [random name].exe file that launched the threat.
- Right-click and Delete the file.
- Right-click and Delete the file named %= RETURN FILES =&.html (delete every copy!).
- Empty Recycle Bin and then quickly run a full system scan using a reliable malware scanner tool.
In non-techie terms:
The name of Junior Ransomware does not reflect the reality. This infection is not some inferior or unfinished threat. Instead, it is fully established, and if it invades your operating system successfully, it might be able to encrypt your personal files. Once they are encrypted – which means that the data is changed and becomes unreadable – the attackers behind the ransomware create and open a message that asks to pay a ransom in return for decryption software. To get more information, you need to email the attackers first. We do not recommend doing any of this because you do not want to expose yourself to attackers and waste money. While we cannot guarantee that you would not get the decryptor by paying the ransom, that is what is most likely to happen. Hopefully, you have backups that can replace the corrupted files, but make the replacement only after you remove Junior Ransomware, which is easiest to do with the help of legitimate and reliable anti-malware software.