GX40 ransomware / virus (Virus Removal Guide) - Free Instructions
GX40 virus Removal Guide
What is GX40 ransomware virus?
What lies behind GX40?
GX40 virus is another malware from the recent string of ransomware infections[1]. The ransom note suggests that this infection is the misdeed of teenage hackers. However, this malware is still able to encrypt files and append .encrypted file extension your files. Luckily, this cyber infection is suspected to be still under development as it only targets desktop files. As common for this type of infection, it frightens users with alerts not to take any extra measures but instead pay the ransom and supposedly receive the decryption key. Instead of considering the payments, instead, focus on GX40 removal.
Luckily, this malware targets only the desktop files. Regarding some of the alternative names by which the ransomware is detected, it seems to have been created on the basis of HiddenTear ransomware. Despite similar beta-version crypto-malware, the malware still performs its function. It alarms victims to pay the ransom within 2 days[2]. In exchange for the files, the hackers demand 80 dollars. However, in the following provisions, the fraudsters indicate the 7-day period for receiving payment. If a victim fails to make the transaction within that period, the decryption key will be deleted. In either case, even if you transmit the money, there are no extra guarantees that you will succeed in retrieving undamaged files. Considering the fact that this malware is still under development[3], the virus researchers might come with a decryption key. This is the key argument for you to remove GX40 virus. In addition, let us warn you not to purchase any GX40 decryption software promoted by the hackers. While you may succeed in decrypting the files, the software may drop fraudulent elements on the system which later on serve to accelerate the hijack.
The distribution tendencies of the malware
It spreads in the trojanized form of the malware. Fortunately, GX40 malware is already detected by several anti-virus utilities: Gen:Heur.Ransom.HiddenTears.1, Ransom_CRYPTEAR.SM, Win32.Trojan-Ransom.Filecoder.P@gen. Regarding the latter, it refers to another ransomware – FileCoder virus. These infections seem to be a single-time crypto-malware. Nonetheless, the overall activity reminds the virtual community to be nonetheless even more cautious. The phenomenon of “educational’ ransomware only boosts the number of new infections as they help even crooks with little knowledge release their own file-encrypting virus into the wild. In addition, you should beware of spam emails. Despite constant warnings, users still fail for the felons’ hook and recklessly open the attachments bearing the infection. Thus, do not give in to your curiosity and verify the sender before opening shady added files and evade not only Gx40 hijack but other severe ransomware as well. In addition, make sure you download updates for important applications in official websites. Fake Skype and Adobe Flash Player updates constantly happen to be the cover for hackers to disguise their malware[4].
Terminating Gx40 ransomware
You can remove Gx40 virus automatically by launching the system scan with FortectIntego or Malwarebytes. It is of key importance for them to be updated. Though this malware does not seem very sophisticated, it is still likely to lock your computer screen. You will need to launch your computer in Safe Mode and start the scan. Note that such application does not decrypt files. That is why you will need to opt for alternative solutions to retrieve the files. There is no Gx40 Decrypter released yet, thus do not rely on third-party applications. Note that mobile devices are becoming frequent targets for ransomware hackers as well[5]. That is why you need to secure your smartphone with proper security application.
Getting rid of GX40 virus. Follow these steps
Manual removal using Safe Mode
Reboot your computer in Safe mode to continue Gx40 removal.
Important! →
Manual removal guide might be too complicated for regular computer users. It requires advanced IT knowledge to be performed correctly (if vital system files are removed or damaged, it might result in full Windows compromise), and it also might take hours to complete. Therefore, we highly advise using the automatic method provided above instead.
Step 1. Access Safe Mode with Networking
Manual malware removal should be best performed in the Safe Mode environment.
Windows 7 / Vista / XP
- Click Start > Shutdown > Restart > OK.
- When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 button (if that does not work, try F2, F12, Del, etc. – it all depends on your motherboard model) multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
- Select Safe Mode with Networking from the list.
Windows 10 / Windows 8
- Right-click on Start button and select Settings.
- Scroll down to pick Update & Security.
- On the left side of the window, pick Recovery.
- Now scroll down to find Advanced Startup section.
- Click Restart now.
- Select Troubleshoot.
- Go to Advanced options.
- Select Startup Settings.
- Press Restart.
- Now press 5 or click 5) Enable Safe Mode with Networking.
Step 2. Shut down suspicious processes
Windows Task Manager is a useful tool that shows all the processes running in the background. If malware is running a process, you need to shut it down:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
- Click on More details.
- Scroll down to Background processes section, and look for anything suspicious.
- Right-click and select Open file location.
- Go back to the process, right-click and pick End Task.
- Delete the contents of the malicious folder.
Step 3. Check program Startup
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
- Go to Startup tab.
- Right-click on the suspicious program and pick Disable.
Step 4. Delete virus files
Malware-related files can be found in various places within your computer. Here are instructions that could help you find them:
- Type in Disk Cleanup in Windows search and press Enter.
- Select the drive you want to clean (C: is your main drive by default and is likely to be the one that has malicious files in).
- Scroll through the Files to delete list and select the following:
Temporary Internet Files
Downloads
Recycle Bin
Temporary files - Pick Clean up system files.
- You can also look for other malicious files hidden in the following folders (type these entries in Windows Search and press Enter):
%AppData%
%LocalAppData%
%ProgramData%
%WinDir%
After you are finished, reboot the PC in normal mode.
Remove GX40 using System Restore
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Step 1: Reboot your computer to Safe Mode with Command Prompt
Windows 7 / Vista / XP- Click Start → Shutdown → Restart → OK.
- When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
-
Select Command Prompt from the list
Windows 10 / Windows 8- Press the Power button at the Windows login screen. Now press and hold Shift, which is on your keyboard, and click Restart..
- Now select Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings and finally press Restart.
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Once your computer becomes active, select Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt in Startup Settings window.
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Step 2: Restore your system files and settings
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Once the Command Prompt window shows up, enter cd restore and click Enter.
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Now type rstrui.exe and press Enter again..
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When a new window shows up, click Next and select your restore point that is prior the infiltration of GX40. After doing that, click Next.
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Now click Yes to start system restore.
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Once the Command Prompt window shows up, enter cd restore and click Enter.
Bonus: Recover your data
Guide which is presented above is supposed to help you remove GX40 from your computer. To recover your encrypted files, we recommend using a detailed guide prepared by 2-spyware.com security experts.If your files are encrypted by GX40, you can use several methods to restore them:
Opting for Data Recovery Pro
If you forgot to backup your files, this application might serve as data recovery tool.
- Download Data Recovery Pro;
- Follow the steps of Data Recovery Setup and install the program on your computer;
- Launch it and scan your computer for files encrypted by GX40 ransomware;
- Restore them.
ShadowExplorer solution
This ransomware is unlikely to delete shadow volume copies. Likewise, you can use this program which restores your affected files on the basis of these copies.
- Download Shadow Explorer (http://shadowexplorer.com/);
- Follow a Shadow Explorer Setup Wizard and install this application on your computer;
- Launch the program and go through the drop down menu on the top left corner to select the disk of your encrypted data. Check what folders are there;
- Right-click on the folder you want to restore and select “Export”. You can also select where you want it to be stored.
Finally, you should always think about the protection of crypto-ransomwares. In order to protect your computer from GX40 and other ransomwares, use a reputable anti-spyware, such as FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes
How to prevent from getting ransomware
Protect your privacy – employ a VPN
There are several ways how to make your online time more private – you can access an incognito tab. However, there is no secret that even in this mode, you are tracked for advertising purposes. There is a way to add an extra layer of protection and create a completely anonymous web browsing practice with the help of Private Internet Access VPN. This software reroutes traffic through different servers, thus leaving your IP address and geolocation in disguise. Besides, it is based on a strict no-log policy, meaning that no data will be recorded, leaked, and available for both first and third parties. The combination of a secure web browser and Private Internet Access VPN will let you browse the Internet without a feeling of being spied or targeted by criminals.
No backups? No problem. Use a data recovery tool
If you wonder how data loss can occur, you should not look any further for answers – human errors, malware attacks, hardware failures, power cuts, natural disasters, or even simple negligence. In some cases, lost files are extremely important, and many straight out panic when such an unfortunate course of events happen. Due to this, you should always ensure that you prepare proper data backups on a regular basis.
If you were caught by surprise and did not have any backups to restore your files from, not everything is lost. Data Recovery Pro is one of the leading file recovery solutions you can find on the market – it is likely to restore even lost emails or data located on an external device.
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- ^ Dutch parliament hit by 'ransomware' attack: ANP news. Reuters. Business and Financial News.
- ^ Tim Greene. Consultant urges never pay ransomware demands. ITWorld. IT news, career, busines technology, reviews.
- ^ Dutch parliament hit by 'ransomware' attack: ANP news. Reuters. Business and Financial News.
- ^ Graeme Burton. Skype users targeted by ransomware delivered via fake Flash ads. V3. Digital transformation news, analysis, and insight.
- ^ Prayank. 5 Tips to Prevent Your Android Device from Getting Hit by Ransomware. GuidingTech. Insightful and useful Stories on tech, Science, and Culture.