An infection with the dangerous GANDCRAB 5.0.1 ransomware virus leads to serious security issues. With our removal guide, victims can try to restore and protect their computers.
Manual Removal Guide
Files Recovery Approaches
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Distribution of GANDCRAB 5.0.1 Ransomware Virus
GANDCRAB 5.0.1 virus is a new data locker ransomware that has been released in attack campaigns against computer users worldwide. The threat could be utilizing widely used tactics of distribution to infect computer systems.
One of the easiest ways for the criminals to spread the payload of GANDCRAB 5.0.1 ransomware is by attaching it to email messages that are later released in active attack campaigns. The method allows hackers to send the virus to large lists of potential victims. The attachments to malicious email spam messages usually have Word documents or other types of files which users open without hesitation. Once opened on a target host these compromised files trigger the ransomware payload and infect the device with GANDCRAB 5.0.1 crypto virus. Another infection tactic related to emails is hyperlink inserted in the content of the messages. The links are usually labeled as leading to a familiar website or a file of user interest.
Computer criminals behind this new ransomware can be using malicious sites or download portals to distribute malware of different kinds, including GANDCRAB 5.0.1 virus. A popular option is the use of infected documents which may be of different types ‒ spreadsheets, rich text documents, presentations and databases. They are modified to initiate the virus once the built-in scripts are run. Usually when the files are opened a notification will ask the users to run the macros (scripts). If this is done the infection follows.
The hacker-controlled sites are specialist portals that have been created either manually or automatically by the criminals behind GANDCRAB 5.0.1 virus. They can either directly distribute the threat by initiating various scripts or automated operations or link to such instances. Redirects are usually caused by email interaction, ad networks or other browsing activity. However one of the main sources is the availability of browser hijackers. They are malicious add-ons made for the most popular web browsers ‒ Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, Opera, Microsoft Edge and Safari. Once installed they not only infect the users with the malware but also redirect the victims to a hacker-controlled site. Depending on the configuration the browser hijackers can also steal sensitive information such as any stored passwords, account credentials, history, bookmarks, form data and settings.
Impact of GANDCRAB 5.0.1 Ransomware Virus
GANDCRAB v5.0.1 crypto virus is a fresh new ransomware version that belongs to GandCrab ransomware family. Soon after the release of GANDCRAB V5.0 of this threat this iteration was spotted in the wild. Apparently, the creators of this ransomware aim to harass more and more online users.
The analyses of GANDCRAB v5.0.1 samples reveal that hackers have updated the code with some minor features. However, the main goal of this crypto virus remains the same. Once after the ransomware plagues predefined system components it initiates the encryption of important data.
It will use a strong cipher in order to target a built-in list of target file type extensions. A typical set of the affected files is the following:
- Archives
- Databases
- Backups
- Images
- Music
- Videos
One of the major differences between previous iterations of GandCrab is that the GandCrab 5.0.1 ransomware version will append a 5-characters long random extension. The corresponding ransomware note will be crafted using the following formula: [EXTENSION-ID]-DECRYPT.html.
The occurrence of this enables attackers to blackmail victims into paying them a ransom in DASH or Bitcoins. Supposedly the ransom should guarantee the decryption of corrupted files but you never know where you stand with a hacker. So in case of infection with this devastating threat, we advise you to refrain from paying cyber criminals the ransom.
As of the infection process initiated by the threat it begins right after its specific payload file is executed on a target system. It could be designed to drop or create additional malicious files needed for the next phases of the attack. Some system files could be modified by GANDCRAB v5.0.1 as well. Files associated with the ransomware could be stored in a randomly named folder in C:\Users\ folder.
The consequent execution of newly created files and objects leads to total corruption of some essential system components. Among them is the Registry Editor. Several values are added under specific sub-keys there in order that GANDCRAB v5.0.1 could load its infection files on each system start. The automatic display of the ransom messages happens by manipulating the functionalities of Run and RunOnce registry sub-keys as well. One of the messages appears as desktop wallpaper as shown in the picture below:
All that could be read is:
ENCRYPTED BY GANDCRAB 5.0.1
DEAR
YOUR FILES ARE UNDER STRONG PROTECTION BY OUR SOFTWARE IN ORDER TO RESTORE IT YOU MUST BUY DECRYPTIOR
For further steps read [extension letters].DECRYPT.html that is located in every encrypted folder.
In addition, another message loaded from an HTML file could appear on screen. Alike the message associated with the previous version of the ransomware the one used by GANDCRAB v5.0.1 reads:
—= GANDCRAB V5.0.1 =—
Attention!
All your files, documents, photos, databases and other important files are encrypted and have the extension:
The only method of recovering files is to purchase an unique private key. Only we can give you this key and only we can recover your files.
The server with your key is in a closed network TOR. You can get there by the following ways:>
—————————————————————————————->
•Download Tor browser – https://www.torproject.org/
• Install Tor browser
• Open Tor Browser
• Open link in TOR browser: http://gandcrabmfe6mnef.onion/e499c8afc4ba3647
• Follow the instructions on this page
—————————————————————————————-
On our page you will see instructions on payment and get the opportunity to decrypt 1 file for free.
ATTENTION!
IN ORDER TO PREVENT DATA DAMAGE:
* DO NOT MODIFY ENCRYPTED FILES
* DO NOT CHANGE DATA BELOW
Remove GANDCRAB 5.0.1 Ransomware Virus and Restore PC
Please note that paying the requested ransom fee to cyber criminals does not really solve your problem with GANDCRAB 5.0.1 crypto virus. In fact, you only encourage hackers to continue spreading ransomware of this kind. Instead, you must remove the threat immediately, and only then look for optional ways to recover your data.
WARNING! Manual removal of GANDCRAB 5.0.1 ransomware virus requires being familiar with system files and registries. Removing important data accidentally can lead to permanent system damage. If you don’t feel comfortable with manual instructions, download a powerful anti-malware tool that will scan your system for malware and clean it safely for you.
DOWNLOAD SpyHunter Anti-Malware ToolGANDCRAB 5.0.1 Ransomware Virus – Manual Removal Steps
Start the PC in Safe Mode with Network
This will isolate all files and objects created by the ransomware so they will be removed efficiently. The steps below are applicable to all Windows versions.
1. Hit the WIN Key + R
2. A Run window will appear. In it, write msconfig and then press Enter
3. A Configuration box shall appear. In it Choose the tab named Boot
4. Mark Safe Boot option and then go to Network under it to tick it too
5. Apply -> OK
Show Hidden Files
Some ransomware threats are designed to hide their malicious files in the Windows so all files stored on the system should be visible.
1. Open My Computer/This PC
2. Windows 7
-
– Click on Organize button
– Select Folder and search options
– Select the View tab
– Go under Hidden files and folders and mark Show hidden files and folders option
3. Windows 8/ 10
-
– Open View tab
– Mark Hidden items option
4. Click Apply and then OK button
Enter Windows Task Manager and Stop Malicious Processes
1. Hit the following key combination: CTRL+SHIFT+ESC
2. Get over to Processes
3. When you find suspicious process right click on it and select Open File Location
4. Go back to Task Manager and end the malicious process. Right click on it again and choose End Process
5. Next, you should go folder where the malicious file is located and delete it
Repair Windows Registry
1. Again type simultaneously the WIN Key + R key combination
2. In the box, write regedit and hit Enter
3. Type the CTRL+ F and then write the malicious name in the search type field to locate the malicious executable
4. In case you have discovered registry keys and values related to the name, you should delete them, but be careful not to delete legitimate keys
Click for more information about Windows Registry and further repair help
Recover .id.ransomed@india(.)com Files
WARNING! All files and objects associated with GANDCRAB 5.0.1 ransomware virus should be removed from the infected PC before any data recovery attempts. Otherwise the virus may encrypt restored files. Furthermore, a backup of all encrypted files stored on external media is highly recommendable.
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1. Use present backups
2. Use professional data recovery software
Stellar Phoenix Data Recovery – a specialist tool that can restore partitions, data, documents, photos, and 300 more file types lost during various types of incidents and corruption.
3. Using System Restore Point
-
– Hit WIN Key
– Select “Open System Restore” and follow the steps
4. Restore your personal files using File History
-
– Hit WIN Key
– Type restore your files in the search box
– Select Restore your files with File History
– Choose a folder or type the name of the file in the search bar
– Hit the “Restore” button
