GESD ransomware – a Djvu variant that can destroy the Windows hosts file to prevent victims from accessing cybersecurity websites and forums
GESD ransomware is a relative of Djvu virus that has been releasing new versions rapidly. This latest variant appends the .gesd appendix to all locked data and leaves the _readme.txt ransom message on the computer's desktop and also places a copy of the note into every folder that holds encrypted material. .gesd files virus urges for a ransom price starting at $490 in BTC if the money is transferred via 72 hours and ending with a doubled price if the payment is delayed. All Djvu/STOP versions hold the same ransom note and seek to trick people by claiming that purchasing the decryption tool from the criminals is the only way to recover data and offer to send one small file for evidence of the key's existence.
| Name | GESD ransomware |
|---|---|
| Category | Ransomware virus/file-locking threat |
| Family | Djvu/STOP ransomware |
| Appendix | When data files and documents are locked by using a unique encryption key, the .gesd appendix is added to each filename |
| Ransom note | The criminals provide the _readme.txt message which holds all of the ransom demands and is the same note used by all Djvu ransomware versions |
| Price | The crooks urge for $490 in BTC if the payment is delivered via 72 hours and $980 if the victim fails to transfer the money during the limited time |
| Offer | In order to show proof of the decryption key's existence, the cybercriminals offer to send them one small file for free decryption via datarestorehelp@firemail.cc or datahelp@iran.ir email addresses |
| Distribution | Ransomware viruses are often spread via software cracks, vulnerable RDP configuration, malicious hyperlinks and ads, email spam messages that hold infectious attachments |
| Removal | If you are looking for a way to remove .gesd files virus, we recommend doing it automatically only. Download and install reliable antimalware software |
| Repair | If you have found some system files or entries that have been corrupted by the ransomware virus, try repairing them with the help of software such as FortectIntego |
Gesd ransomware is currently undecryptable as the Emsisoft decryption software works for Djvu ransomware variants that have been released before August 2019.[1] However, this is still not a factor to pay the demanded ransom to the cybercriminals as there is a big risk to get scammed by these people.
According to the GESD ransomware ransom note, the only possible way to recover encrypted files is by paying the $490 or $980 price in Bitcoin, otherwise, all locked components will stay like this forever:
ATTENTION!
Don’t worry, you can return all your files!
All your files like photos, databases, documents and other important are encrypted with strongest encryption and unique key.
The only method of recovering files is to purchase decrypt tool and unique key for you.
This software will decrypt all your encrypted files.
What guarantees you have?
You can send one of your encrypted file from your PC and we decrypt it for free.
But we can decrypt only 1 file for free. File must not contain valuable information.
You can get and look video overview decrypt tool:
https://we.tl/t-7YSRbcuaMa
Price of private key and decrypt software is $980.
Discount 50% available if you contact us first 72 hours, that’s price for you is $490.
Please note that you’ll never restore your data without payment.
Check your e-mail “Spam” or “Junk” folder if you don’t get answer more than 6 hours.To get this software you need write on our e-mail:
datarestorehelp@firemail.ccReserve e-mail address to contact us:
datahelp@iran.irYour personal ID:
Criminals obviously seek to scare the victims and convince them to pay the demanded ransom price. However, our option would be to perform GESD ransomware removal and then go to the end of this article where our experts have provided a few methods that might appear helpful in the data recovery process.
There are many reasons why you should remove GESD ransomware from your Windows computer. First of all, you will not be able to decrypt your files until the infection remains put on your machine as it might include automatical startup and check the system regularly for new files to encrypt.
Continuously, Gesd ransomware might make modifications to your Windows Registry, Task Manager, and load these sections with bogus processes, entries, and files. The malware can damage the Windows hosts file[2] to prevent you from accessing cybersecurity-related forums and receiving valuable data on the malware removal process.
In addition, GESD ransomware might be capable of installing additional malware into your Windows computer system that might bring big damage to your machine and unrepairable harm to some system components. If you have already discovered some compromised locations, you can try repairing them with FortectIntego after the ransomware is gone.
An alternative method for recovering files encrypted by GESD ransomware would be purchasing DrWeb's Rescue Pack for $150 that includes decryption software and 2 years of computer protection.[3] Some people have already found the decryption tool helpful for certain Djvu ransomware variants.
The increased rate of recently released Djvu ransomware variants is fascinating
Djvu ransomware is one of the most popular ransom-demanding cyber threats that have been developing very fastly. There are about 200 different variants that come from this family. Some of the latest versions include Righ ransomware, Msop ransomware, Grod ransomware, etc.
The cybercriminals are seeking to infect the biggest number of users possible and holding hundreds of ransomware versions seems to be a way to do it. Additionally, Djvu developers have been rapidly releasing new malware variants after summer this year as cybersecurity experts have discovered the official decryption tool for Djvu virus variants that have been released before August 2019.
Versions that have been developed after August 2019 use a different encryption key for locking files and are currently undecryptable. However, cybersecurity experts are currently working on the decryption product and will inform users when the tool has been made.
Spreading tactics of file-encrypting malware
Cybercriminals often try to camouflage their malicious threats as something legitimate. For example, you might find ransomware in a bogus email message as a clipped attachment that comes in the form of an executable or word document. The crooks in these types of notes pretend to be from reliable organizations, for example, shipping firms such as FedEx or DHL.
DO NOT open any attachments that hold a concerning look. Better always scan every attached file with reliable antimalware software just in case of a malware attack. Also, always check the deliverer of the email message and search for possible grammar mistakes in the text.
Continuously, hackers sometimes hide their infections in fake software updates. Be aware of any suspicious JavaScript or Adobe Flash Player upgrade that might appear while visiting unsecured websites. If you ever get any concerns about particular program updates, you should go to its official webpage and view the list of all recently released upgrades.
Other ransomware distribution sources can be software cracks (these actually take up to a big part of ransomware infiltrations), vulnerable RDPs that include weak passwords or none security codes at all, malicious hyperlinks and advertisements that you might encounter while visiting third-party sources.
GESD ransomware elimination guidelines
GESD ransomware removal is a process that requires advanced skills and some time. This is one of the reason's why we do not recommend eliminating ransomware viruses on your own. Additionally, you might make some unrepairable mistakes while completing the process and cause severe damage to your machine.
Better not to take such risks and remove GESD ransomware properly. This includes installing trustworthy malware removal software that will be able to handle a threat like this. Also, search for damaged components with software such as SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes and if these tools detect something, you can try repairing the system with FortectIntego.
GESD video removal guide to help you get rid of elimination issues
According to LesVirus.fr experts,[4] viruses such as GESD ransomware might be capable of preventing antimalware detection. If this is also happening to you, you should boot your computer in Safe Mode with Networking or activate the System Restore feature as explained in the following guidelines.
To know more, watch the video:
Was this guide helpful?
Be the first to comment