Can GC47 ransomware be related to Cerber virus?
Recently discovered GC47 ransomware virus might have a relationship with the infamous Cerber ransomware. This file-encrypting virus appends either .cerber3 or .Fuck_You file extension to the encoded files. Due to the latter file extension the virus is also known as .Fuck_You File virus. It seems that the virus is still in-development mode, but we can already discuss what online community can expect from this cyber threat. GC47 virus is based on HiddenTear/EDA2 open-source project.[1] After infiltration the virus might make entries in Windows Registry that allows starting the virus automatically every time when user runs the computer. Then, it starts scanning the system and looking for the targeted file-types. Malware distorts files using AES encryption.[2] Unfortunately, this symetric-key algorithm is not breakable easily. Thus, GC47 removal won’t help to recover the files. Victims need to obtain a decryption key in order to get back important documents, sentimental pictures, audio or video collection, and other files. The full list of the targeted files you can find below:
.txt, .doc, .docx, .xls, .xlsx, .pdf, .pps, .ppt, .pptx, .odt, .gif, .jpg, .png, .db, .csv, .sql, .mdb.sln.php, .asp, .aspx, .html, .xml, .psd, .frm, .myd, .myi, .dbf, .mp3, .mp4, .avi, .mov, .mpg, .rm, .wmv, .m4a, .mpa, .wav, .sav, .gam, .log, .ged, .msg, .myo, .tax, .ynab, .ifx, .ofx, .qfx, .qif, .qdf, .tax2013, .tax2014, .tax2015, .box, .ncf, .nsf, .ntf, .lwp.
Once the data encryption is over, GC47 ransomware drops a ransom note called READ_IT.txt. The ransom-demanding message is short and does not give information to the victims what have happened with their files. The author of the ransomware is only interested in the most important information to him or her. The hacker just asks to transfer 50 USD in Bitcoins to the provided Bitcoin wallet address and send an email. Nevertheless, the ransom is not huge; we still do not recommend paying it. If you do not have data backups, data decryption possibilities are not high because GC47 virus might delete Shadow Volume Copies that are crucial in data recovery process. Though, paying the ransom might not end up as you wish. You cannot be sure whether the hacker actually can provide you necessary tools that can decrypt files safely. We do not recommend spending your money and motivating the hacker to develop bigger projects in the future. It’s better to remove GC47 from the computer and spend 50 dollars for data backup solutions[3] or good antivirus software[4] that would protect from cyber threats in the future. For virus elimination, we suggest installing FortectIntego and scanning the system. Though, you can find detailed instructions how to treat the malware at the end of the article.
How can you get infected with a file-encrypting virus?
The specific distribution methods how GC47 malware spreads are still unknown. The virus payload might be distributed via malicious email attachments, fake software updates or downloads, infected links, malware-laden ads, social media or file-sharing websites, etc. Cyber criminals employ various methods to launch successful attacks and hijack the computers. Thus, if you do not want to become a victim of GC47 ransomware or other file-encrypting viruses[5], you should be careful when browsing the web. Avoid clicking suspicious links and ads, do not browse through insecure websites, and always choose reliable sources for software installation and downloads. What is more, don’t forget that malware might appear in your inbox as a legitimate message and safe-looking document. Thus, be vigilant!
How to treat GC47 ransomware virus?
After the attack, you have to focus on GC47 removal. We recommend employing powerful and professional malware removal tools such as FortectIntego or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes. These programs are capable of detecting and eliminating all malicious files and programs from the device. However, you can choose any other program as well. Just make sure that it is reliable! What is more, if you cannot install the program or run a full system scan, you need to reboot your computer to the Safe Mode. The instructions below will show you how to do it. When in Safe Mode, you should try to install or run the security tool again and let it remove GC47 from the system.
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