Do you know what Jope Ransomware is?
Jope Ransomware is a threat that has joined the STOP Ransomware family. STOP Ransomware is the original infection that made way for hundreds of clones that came afterward. Someone created the infection, and then the same code was used to build multiple clones. As we have seen with Crysis Ransomware, Phobos Ransomware, and other prominent families, malware codes can be sold to anyone, and that means that malicious infections from the same family can be controlled by different people, but the infections from the STOP Ransomware family appear to be controlled by the same party. A few examples include Mpaj Ransomware, Ooss Ransomware, and Toec Ransomware. You can delete all of these infections using the same instructions, but of course, we have analyzed every single threat separately to ensure that the most accurate information is presented. This is why we can now help you remove Jope Ransomware.
It is impossible to say how exactly Jope Ransomware entered your Windows operating system. That is only you can figure out. Perhaps you opened a malicious spam email attachment or downloaded new software or files from an unreliable website? After the threat is launched, it immediately encrypts all of your personal files, after which, the “.jope” extension gets added to their names. Do not worry about deleting this extension because that will do nothing for decryption. You need to get your files decrypted if you want to be able to read them again, and that is exactly why the infection was built. Once files are encrypted, the attackers can suggest purchasing a decryption tool from them. This suggestion is made using a text file named “_readme.txt.” It is originally dropped to %HOMEDRIVE%, in the same directory where the threat also creates a folder named “SystemID” with “PersonalID.txt” file inside. The infection also drops a malicious file with a random name in a folder with a random name under %LOCALAPPDATA%. These are the components you must remove.
Jope Ransomware screenshot
Scroll down for full removal instructions
The text file dropped by Jope Ransomware tries to convince victims that they need to send a message to helpdatarestore@firemail.cc or helpmanager@mail.ch – both of which can be linked to many other STOP Ransomware variants – to find out how to pay for a decryptor. The cost of this tool is $490, and while that might not seem like a lot to some, this is not the kind of money anyone should be wasting. The good news is that there is no need for that as well. A free tool called STOP Decryptor exists, and it might help some victims. It cannot guarantee full decryption, but it certainly is a tool you should look into if you do not have backups. Backups are copies of files that can replace the lost, damaged, or encrypted files. Of course, when it comes to Jope Ransomware, you need copies stored outside the computer. In the future, we recommend relying on external drives and virtual drives (we recommend using both) to keep copies of all important files safe.
Whether you have backups, you can use the free decryptor, or you do not care about the decrypted files at all, you must delete Jope Ransomware in the end. Hopefully, if you need to, you can recover or replace all files, but even if you cannot, do not give in to the demands of cybercriminals. The instructions below show how to remove Jope Ransomware manually, but if you lack experience with malware or removal, we suggest installing anti-malware software instead. This is not something you should dread doing because once this software is installed, you also gain full Windows protection, which is crucial if you want to prevent new malware attacks. Remember that if you do not secure your system, you could face new threats soon.
Remove Jope Ransomware
- Delete recently downloaded suspicious files.
- Tap Windows and E keys to access File Explorer.
- Enter %HOMEDRIVE% into the quick access field
- Delete the file named _readme.txt and the folder named SystemID.
- Enter %LOCALAPPDATA% into the quick access field.
- Delete the {long random name} folder that contains a malicious .exe file.
- Empty Recycle Bin and then immediately perform a full system scan.
In non-techie terms:
Your operating system must be unguarded if Jope Ransomware has managed to slither in. Therefore, you should not only think about the removal of this threat or the decryption of your personal files. When it comes to decryption, the attackers want you to pay the ransom, but that is not something you should do under any circumstances. You could try using a free decryptor, but it is best to replace files using your own copies if you have them. In the future, always create copies and store them outside the computer. To delete Jope Ransomware, we recommend implementing anti-malware software because besides performing automated malware removal it also can secure your system. If you want to get rid of this threat manually, use the guide above.