Tutorials

To start, javaw.exe is an executable file that belongs to the Java Platform and implements an important function related to Java services. It is also known as Java Web Start Launcher. In fact, this process is not essential for Windows, however, different malfunctions may lead to crashes and errors of apps that are run on Java Platform. After failing to launch a Java-based program, you will be presented with a pop-up message saying "Windows cannot find javaw.exe. Make sure you typed the name correctly, and then try again." Apparently, the problem means that javaw.exe is either missing or corrupted. Sometimes such violations may be caused due to manual or malware intervention that could modify the settings. This is why we have prepared a couple of methods that will help you easily solve the problem and continue using java software without errors.

Although there are various alternatives that outrace the in-built antivirus designed by Microsoft, Windows Defender still remains as one of the favorites around many users because it comes along Windows installation and requires no fee to start being protected right off the bat. Recently, however, people started seeing a warning that Windows Defender is disabled and does not implement any protection. Some people tried to go in Services and launch Windows Defender Antivirus Service or Network Inspection Service. After attempting to do so, users receive error 577 saying that Windows cannot verify the digital signature for the file. If this is exactly your case, we will share some other methods to solve the issue down below.

NTFS, also known as New Technology File System, has changed the way data is recorded and stored. This revolutionary new system developed by Microsoft was embodied since Windows NT 3.1 came out on a global market. Moving to Mac, most users encounter probably the most irritating issue - pervasive incompatibility with Windows software. Unfortunately, default Mac settings negate the ability to manipulate with NTFS files to the fullest. You can open the file itself, but protectionary protocols do not allow users to dig down the file and implement edits. This makes it harder to carry the data over to macOS and use it in the future. Of course, there is a way to solve the snag by formatting NTFS to FAT (an older file system), as somebody would say. However, this method does not fit everybody who does not want to despair the excellent performance of NTFS. Luckily, there are some loopholes using both native and third-parties methods to make the usage of NTFS become a reality on Mac.

A long time back in 2017, the world of Mac experienced a new threat - FindZip Ransomware. It was found disguised as cracks for Adobe Premiere Pro and Microsoft Office promoted on piracy websites. When you open the downloaded file, you will be presented with a transparent window. FindZip does not infect users by force. To launch the encryption, you have to click on the "Start" button. Then, the client starts imitating the cracking process, which will turn your desktop into an encrypted mess. All files are getting ciphered using the zip folders to contain files with the .crypt extension. Amazingly, the encryption keys created by FindZip are not stored on the hacker's server. Even after sending 0.25 BTC to purchase the decryption key, you will not receive any promised tools to recover the data. Interestingly, the virus acts uncertainly, it does not touch Time Machine backups and external devices as well. Even though FindZip used strong algorithms at that time, experts from Malwarebytes laboratory found a way to decrypt files without permanent loss.

Tomas is a high-risk threat, classified as ransomware. Using special algorithms, infections of such type encrypt personal data and demand money from victims. Tomas is not an exception, it targets various kinds of data including images, videos, text files, and other valuable sorts. When Tomas appears on your system, it disables protectionary services and activates the encryption of data. During the process, the virus changes the stored files beyond recognition. For instance, a file like 1.mp4 will be changed using a long string of symbols like this 1.mp4.[E3CEFA3F].[tomasrich2020@aol.com].tomas. This model consists of the original filename, personal ID, cybercriminal's email address, and the .tomas extension to finish. After the process is done, Tomas creates a note called readme-warning.txt that states how to decrypt your data. Cybercriminals are trying to wind you down after such a big loss saying that your files can be decrypted. The only thing required to do is buying a decryption key that may cost you over a monthly salary - approximately 3000 dollars, which are accepted only in Bitcoin.

Back in 2016, KeRanger became the very first ransomware that attacked Mac users. Most users were mind-blown when realized that their data is locked because they downloaded a legitimate BitTorrent Client called Transmission. At that time, cybercriminals managed to hack their website and ingrain a file-encrypting virus into a new version that was about to come out. Therefore, users inadvertently caught a malware attack by updating the previously installed application. Unfortunately, laboratories have not identified the appropriate measure to decrypt the inflicted data. Instead, victims offer a paid solution which is buying a decryption program. The transaction has to be made via the Tor browser by paying 1 BTC (around 407 at that time), now Bitcoin accounts for roughly $5,260. Extortionists also claim that they will answer any of your questions if you are really motivated to pay a ransom. You can also decrypt 1 file via the Tor page linked in the note. As mentioned, third-parties tools are currently unable to decipher the locked data.

Whilst most ransomware developers focus on infecting Windows-based systems, AgeLocker targets Mac and Linux, instead. The ransomware positions itself as a business-oriented virus that spreads on corporative companies, however, attacks on regular users happen as well. The encryption process looks pretty similar to Windows, the only difference is using different extensions and file formats. AgeLocker applies its personal command prompt to run the encryption process. Files that have been impacted by AgeLocker get assigned with personalized extensions based on user's names. It is impossible to identify which file was infected because of AgeLocker ciphers the original name and adds a random extension at the end. Some people reported that their files were added with the .sthd2 extension and the name of encrypted files starts with the age-encryption.org URL-address. Once all files get locked successfully, the virus sends a ransom note (security_audit_.eml) to the victim's e-mail.

AESMewLocker Ransomware is a real menace that targets your data by encrypting it with AES File Format algorithms. It is nothing peculiar to the ransomware world. The virus popped up on multiple forums a couple of days ago and raised a big question around its victims - how to decrypt files? For now, there are no viable ways to unlock files that are getting encrypted with the .locked extension after penetration. All of your files become inaccessible and can be unlocked, only if you meet the swindler's requirements and pay for the decryption key. The key itself is not cheap, you have to spend 0.05 BTC and contact extortionists to get decryption instructions. All of this information is stated in a ransom note (READ_IT.txt) created after successful encryption.