GandCrab 5.0.5 ransomware (Removal Guide) - Quick Decryption Solution
GandCrab 5.0.5 virus Removal Guide
What is GandCrab 5.0.5 ransomware?
GandCrab 5.0.5 ransomware – the newest variant of the infamous crypto-locker which is immune to the released decryptor
GandCrab 5.0.5 is a file locking virus that has been infecting PCs or not only regular users but also organizations all over the world since early 2018. To this date, it is estimated that the malware affected around half a million victims worldwide. Because it operates ransomware as a service scheme, many cybercriminals are employing GandCrab for money extortion purposes, which explains the immense prevalence of the threat. Recently, security researches claimed a victory against hackers by releasing a free decryptor which worked for GandCrab versions 1, 4 and 5.[1] Unfortunately, crooks are quick to recover, and this variant of malware is not decryptable.[2] Just as its predecessors, GandCrab 5.0.5 virus uses Salsa20 and RSA-2048 to encrypt data, adds .[random_5] file extension, and asks for payment in Dash or Bitcoin in [random_5]-DECRYPT.txt ransom note.
| SUMMARY | |
| Name | GandCrab 5.0.5, |
| Type | Ransowmare |
| Most recent variants | Gandcrab 5.0.1, GandCrab 5.0.2, GandCrab 5.0.3, GandCrab 5.0.4 |
| Cipher used | Salsa20 and RSA-2048 |
| File extension | .[random-5] |
| Ransom note | [random_5]-DECRYPT.txt |
| Distribution | Fallout EK, spam emails, vulnerabilities, weak RDP, etc. |
| Elimination | Use FortectIntego or SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner to get rid of the virus |
GandCrab 5.0.5 ransomware uses various infiltration techniques. Looking at the infection rate alone, one can conclude that those methods are very successful. Hackers can use the following to spread the malware:
- Exploit kits (Rig, GrandSoft, Fallout)[3]
- Contaminated email attachments
- Weak RDP configuration
- Software vulnerabilities (ALPC Task Scheduler)
- Backdoor trojans
- Fake updates, etc.
As soon as GandCrab 5.0.5 virus is injected into the PC, it modifies Windows settings to retain persistence, for example, adds Windows Registry keys. Next, it starts the scan on the computer, looking for personal files to encode (note that system and few other file types are not affected). After that, GandCrab 5.0.5 ransomware contacts C&C server which is controlled by hackers and sends off the decryption key, uploading the ransom note to the victim's PC.
While GandCrab 5.0.5 ransomware removal will not return the files back to normal, it will make sure that your machine is virus-free again. Besides, as ransomware can get in with the help on a trojan horse, there is a chance that more cyber threats might be present. We recommend using FortectIntego or SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner for prompt elimination, although any other reputable software that detects the infection can work as well.
GandCrab 5.0.5 uses a preset list of countries which computers the virus avoids. Among such countries are mainly post-Soviet ones, such as Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, Armenia, etc. Surprisingly, malware authors recently released a free decryptor for Syrian residents, showing sympathy to the victims of a relentless war. However, they do claim that such action is unique and will not be repeated in the future. GandCrab 5.0.5 now also includes Syria in its list of exemptions.
Nevertheless, malware authors are still criminals, and should never be trusted, even if the act mentioned above was considerate. Therefore, if you found your files encrypted by the virus, better remove GandCrab 5.0.5 ransomware from your PC and attempt to recover your files with the help of third-party software, if you have not kept backups of your data.
Be attentive while browsing the internet, it will help you avoid ransomware attacks
Ransomware, among all the other cyber threats, is one of the most impactful and prevalent viruses in the existence because it can result in permanent data loss and disrupt the operation of the vital sectors like healthcare units or the aircraft plants. WannaCry was one of the most successful ransomware attacks in history, showing cybercriminals that the potential of such malware is immense.
Those who infect their machines are very unlucky. Putting luck aside, many things can be done to prevent the infiltration. Experts suggest to do the following:
- Beware of phishing emails, do not open attachments or click on hyperlinks inside – these actions can result in the immediate payload execution on your machine;
- Update your software as soon as security patches come out. This way, exploit kits will not be able to penetrate your system;
- Protect your RDP by using strong passwords and VPN;
- Avoid file-sharing and torrent sites. Malware can be disguised as legitimate executables;
- Employ sophisticated security software to prevent viruses from entering.
Get rid of GandCrab 5.0.5 ransomware and only then attempt file recovery
Unfortunately, if you got infected with the latest variant of GandCrab virus family, the files cannot be decrypted without the original key. Nevertheless, contacting and paying cybercriminals is not an option, as you might get scammed and lose your money (hackers might ask as much as $2400).
Therefore, if you noticed that your files are encrypted, do not panic. There is still a possibility to recover your data, even if you have not kept any backups. See the below instructions on how to use third-party software for that. Nevertheless, before you proceed, you need to take care of GandCrab 5.0.5 virus removal.
You should not try to remove GandCrab 5.0.5 ransomware manually, as the procedure requires professional tools. We suggest using FortectIntego or SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner for the purpose, although other reputable security applications will work as well.
Getting rid of GandCrab 5.0.5 virus. Follow these steps
Manual removal using Safe Mode
To remove GandCrab 5.0.5 ransomware you should enter Safe Mode with Networking:
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 GandCrab 5.0.5 using System Restore
You can also use System Restore to get rid of the virus:
-
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.
-
Once your computer becomes active, select Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt in Startup Settings window.
-
Step 2: Restore your system files and settings
-
Once the Command Prompt window shows up, enter cd restore and click Enter.
-
Now type rstrui.exe and press Enter again..
-
When a new window shows up, click Next and select your restore point that is prior the infiltration of GandCrab 5.0.5. After doing that, click Next.
-
Now click Yes to start system restore.
-
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 GandCrab 5.0.5 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 GandCrab 5.0.5, you can use several methods to restore them:
Data Recovery Pro night help you recover files encrypted by GandCrab 5.0.5 ransomware
Data Recovery Pro is a professional tool that has been successful in retrieving encrypted data.
- 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 GandCrab 5.0.5 ransomware;
- Restore them.
Make use of Windows Previous Versions feature
This option will be functional only if you had System Restore enabled before the infection.
- Find an encrypted file you need to restore and right-click on it;
- Select “Properties” and go to “Previous versions” tab;
- Here, check each of available copies of the file in “Folder versions”. You should select the version you want to recover and click “Restore”.
ShadowExplorer might be the answer
While most of ransomware viruses aim to remove Shadow Volume copies, they might fail to do so occasionally. In such case, ShadowExplorer will recover all of your files.
- 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.
No decryptor is created yet
Finally, you should always think about the protection of crypto-ransomwares. In order to protect your computer from GandCrab 5.0.5 and other ransomwares, use a reputable anti-spyware, such as FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes
How to prevent from getting ransomware
Stream videos without limitations, no matter where you are
There are multiple parties that could find out almost anything about you by checking your online activity. While this is highly unlikely, advertisers and tech companies are constantly tracking you online. The first step to privacy should be a secure browser that focuses on tracker reduction to a minimum.
Even if you employ a secure browser, you will not be able to access websites that are restricted due to local government laws or other reasons. In other words, you may not be able to stream Disney+ or US-based Netflix in some countries. To bypass these restrictions, you can employ a powerful Private Internet Access VPN, which provides dedicated servers for torrenting and streaming, not slowing you down in the process.
Data backups are important – recover your lost files
Ransomware is one of the biggest threats to personal data. Once it is executed on a machine, it launches a sophisticated encryption algorithm that locks all your files, although it does not destroy them. The most common misconception is that anti-malware software can return files to their previous states. This is not true, however, and data remains locked after the malicious payload is deleted.
While regular data backups are the only secure method to recover your files after a ransomware attack, tools such as Data Recovery Pro can also be effective and restore at least some of your lost data.
If this free guide helped you and you are satisfied with our service, please consider making a donation to keep this service alive. Even a smallest amount will be appreciated.
- ^ Linas Kiguolis. Free decryptor released for GandCrab versions 1, 4, and 5. 2-spyware. Cybersecurity news and articles.
- ^ Tamas Boczan. GandCrab version 5.0.5 . Twitter. Social network.
- ^ Manish Sardiwal, Muhammad Umair, Zain Gardezi. Fallout Exploit Kit Used in Malvertising Campaign to Deliver GandCrab Ransomware. FireEye. Security experts.