How to remove Jeffery Ransomware and decrypt .Jeffery files

What is Jeffery Ransomware

Jeffery Ransomware is a form of malicious software that infiltrates a victim’s system, encrypts files, and then demands a ransom for their decryption. This particular strain appends a .Jeffery extension to the encrypted files, transforming them significantly—what once was a file named document.txt would become document.txt.Jeffery, thereby rendering the file inaccessible to its owner. The encryption mechanism employed by this ransomware, like many in its class, involves strong cryptographic algorithms that all but prevent file recovery without a decryption key. As part of its modus operandi, the ransomware alters the victim’s desktop wallpaper and deposits a ransom note titled JEFFERY_README.txt on the infected system. This note typically instructs victims to contact the attackers via a provided email address to negotiate the return of their files.

Presently, there are no publicly available tools capable of decrypting .Jeffery files without the original decryption key, should one exist. The security community warns against paying the ransom, as there is no guarantee that the attackers will provide the necessary tools for decryption even after payment. Instead, victims are encouraged to restore their files from backups if available, as this remains one of the most reliable methods to recover from such a ransomware attack. It is equally vital for users to report the incident to local or international cybercrime authorities to aid in curbing further proliferation of the malware. Given the absence of decryption tools, proactive measures such as maintaining up-to-date backups, using comprehensive security software, and applying caution with email attachments and downloads from unknown sources are crucial to protecting data from ransomware like Jeffery.

How Jeffery Ransomware infects computers

Jeffery Ransomware primarily infects computers through phishing and social engineering tactics, where unsuspecting users are tricked into downloading malicious files disguised as legitimate documents or software. These files can be embedded in email attachments, delivered through direct messages, or downloaded from untrustworthy websites, such as free file-hosting services and peer-to-peer networks. Once executed, the ransomware encrypts the victim’s files, appending a “.Jeffery” extension, rendering them inaccessible without a decryption key. The malware often changes the desktop wallpaper and creates a ransom note, “JEFFERY_README.txt,” instructing the victim to contact the attackers for file recovery. Additionally, Jeffery can spread through local networks and removable storage devices, further compromising connected systems. It is crucial for users to exercise caution when interacting with email attachments and online downloads, ensuring they come from reliable sources and are scanned with updated antivirus software.

1. Download Jeffery Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .Jeffery files
3. Recover encrypted files with Stellar Data Recovery Professional
4. Restore encrypted files with Windows Previous Versions
5. Restore files with Shadow Explorer
6. How to protect from threats like Jeffery Ransomware

Jeffery Ransomware files:


JEFFERY_README.txt
{randomname}.exe


Jeffery Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .Jeffery files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

Use the following tool from Kaspersky called Rakhni Decryptor, that can decrypt .Jeffery files. Download it here:

Download RakhniDecryptor

There is no purpose to pay the ransom because there is no guarantee you will receive the key, but you will put your bank credentials at risk.

Dr.Web Rescue Pack

Famous antivirus vendor Dr. Web provides free decryption service for the owners of its products: Dr.Web Security Space or Dr.Web Enterprise Security Suite. Other users can ask for help in the decryption of .Jeffery files by uploading samples to Dr. Web Ransomware Decryption Service. Analyzing files will be performed free of charge and if files are decryptable, all you need to do is purchase a 2-year license of Dr.Web Security Space worth $120 or less. Otherwise, you don’t have to pay.

If you are infected with Jeffery Ransomware and removed from your computer, you can try to decrypt your files. Antivirus vendors and individuals create free decryptors for some crypto-lockers. To attempt to decrypt them manually, you can do the following:

Use Stellar Data Recovery Professional to restore .Jeffery files

1. Download Stellar Data Recovery Professional.
2. Click Recover Data button.
3. Select the type of files you want to restore and click Next button.
4. Choose the location where you would like to restore files from and click Scan button.
5. Preview found files, choose ones you will restore and click Recover.

Download Stellar Data Recovery Professional

Using Windows Previous Versions option:

1. Right-click on infected file and choose Properties.
2. Select Previous Versions tab.
3. Choose a particular version of the file and click Copy.
4. To restore the selected file and replace the existing one, click on the Restore button.
5. In case there are no items in the list, choose an alternative method.

Using Shadow Explorer:

1. Download Shadow Explorer program.
2. Run it, and you will see a screen listing of all the drives and the dates that shadow copy was created.
3. Select the drive and date that you want to restore from.
4. Right-click on a folder name and select Export.
5. In case there are no other dates in the list, choose an alternative method.

If you are using Dropbox:

1. Login to the Dropbox website and go to the folder that contains encrypted files.
2. Right-click on the encrypted file and select Previous Versions.
3. Select the version of the file you wish to restore and click on the Restore button.

How to protect computer from viruses, like Jeffery Ransomware, in future

1. Get special anti-ransomware software

Use ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware

Famous antivirus brand ZoneAlarm by Check Point released a comprehensive tool, that will help you with active anti-ransomware protection, as an additional shield to your current protection. The tool provides Zero-Day protection against ransomware and allows you to recover files. ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware is compatible with all other antiviruses, firewalls, and security software except ZoneAlarm Extreme (already shipped with ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware) or Check Point Endpoint products. The killer features of this application are: automatic file recovery, overwrite protection that instantly and automatically recovers any encrypted files, file protection that detects and blocks even unknown encryptors.

Download ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware

2. Back up your files

As an additional way to save your files, we recommend online backup. Local storage, such as hard drives, SSDs, flash drives, or remote network storage can be instantly infected by the virus once plugged in or connected to. Jeffery Ransomware uses some techniques to exploit this. One of the best services and programs for easy automatic online backup is iDrive. It has the most profitable terms and a simple interface. You can read more about iDrive cloud backup and storage here.

3. Do not open spam e-mails and protect your mailbox

Malicious attachments to spam or phishing e-mails are the most popular method of ransomware distribution. Using spam filters and creating anti-spam rules is good practice. One of the world leaders in anti-spam protection is MailWasher Pro. It works with various desktop applications and provides a very high level of anti-spam protection.

Download MailWasher Pro