GESD ransomware: what it is and how to remove it
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.
Facts checked October 6, 2026. Removal steps tested on Windows 11 (26H2) and checked against Microsoft's and the browser makers' current documentation. Sections marked as our earlier report are the original text: they describe the threat as it was then and have not been reviewed since. The 2026 status, the removal steps and the questions are current.
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GESD ransomware: summary
| Distribution | Ransomware viruses are often spread via software cracks, vulnerable RDP configuration, malicious hyperlinks and ads, email spam messages that hold infectious attachments |
|---|---|
| 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 |
| Removal | Scan the PC with security software to find and remove the malware and anything installed with it. Fortect scans Windows for malware and repairs the system files and settings it damaged. Remove it nowTo use the full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Fortect. The scan is free. |
Show 15 more facts
| 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 |
| Detection names | No Microsoft detection name is known |
| Contact | datarestorehelp@firemail.cc, datahelp@iran.ir |
| Encrypted file extension | .gesd |
| Decryptor | No free decryptor is known for this variant; check No More Ransom (nomoreransom.org) for updates |
| Damage | Not recorded in the old report |
| Type | File-encrypting ransomware |
| Symptoms | Files renamed with a new extension and a ransom note left in folders |
| Evidence | 5 write-ups by security sites; no sample analysed yet |
| Encrypted files | .gesd |
| Attacker contacts | datarestorehelp@firemail.cc |
| Free decryptor | No free decryptor is known (checked 6 October 2026) |
| First seen | 9 December 2019 |
| Facts checked | 6 October 2026 |
- File extension:
.gesd - Note file:
_readme.txt - Contact:
datarestorehelp@firemail.cc
From our report of Dec 2019 · not reviewed since
More from our earlier report on GESD ransomware
- 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
The GESD ransomware note
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.cc
Reserve e-mail address to contact us:
datahelp@iran.ir
Your personal ID:
How to remove GESD ransomware
Tools you'll need
All of these are free except where noted. Download them on a clean device if the infected PC is offline.
- A USB stick: to keep the ransom note, two or three encrypted files and screenshots off the infected PC.
- Microsoft Defender Offline: built into Windows 11 and Windows 10; scans before Windows starts, so running malware cannot hide.
- Microsoft Safety Scanner: a second, portable scanner with current signatures; each download works for 10 days.
- ID Ransomware: identifies the family from the note and one encrypted file and says whether a decryptor exists.
- No More Ransom: the free decryptors from police and security companies; check it again every few months.
- Fortect (optional): scans Windows for malware and repairs the system files and settings it damaged. The free scan is in the box above.
How to remove GESD ransomware and get your files back
Work in this order.
Disconnecting comes first, removal comes before any restore, and nothing here asks you to contact the attackers.
Step 1: Disconnect the PC and unplug backup drives
GESD ransomware encrypts everything it can reach, including drives and shares you connect later. Cut the network first: cable out, or Wi-Fi off from the taskbar.
Then unplug every USB stick and backup disk and pause cloud sync, so the encrypted versions do not replace your online copies. Do not reconnect any of them until the ransomware is removed from the Windows 11 or Windows 10 PC.
Windows 11: turn off Wi-Fi to take the PC offline. Full procedure with screenshots: Ransomware: first steps, finding a decryptor and recovering files
Step 2: Save the ransom note and confirm the family
Copy
_readme.txtand one or two files ending in.gesdto a USB stick, and leave the originals where they are.From another device, upload the note and a sample file to ID Ransomware or No More Ransom's Crypto Sheriff, which name the family from the note, the extension and the file structure.
Write down the contact address and your personal ID from the note, because a decryptor or the police may ask for them.
Warning: Never contact the attackers from the infected Windows 11 or Windows 10 PC.
Windows 11: the ransom note and encrypted files to copy for identification. Full procedure with screenshots: Ransomware: first steps, finding a decryptor and recovering files
Step 3: Check for a free decryptor
For GESD ransomware, no free decryptor is known (checked 6 October 2026). Search the family name in the No More Ransom decryption tools list and in the free decryptors of Emsisoft, Avast and Kaspersky, because new tools appear years after an attack.
Important: Keep the encrypted files even if nothing works today, and do not pay before every free option is ruled out: payment does not guarantee a working key.
Decryptors run on Windows 11 and Windows 10, but only after the ransomware itself is removed.
Full procedure with screenshots: Ransomware: first steps, finding a decryptor and recovering files
Step 4: Remove the ransomware before you restore or decrypt
Restoring or decrypting files while GESD ransomware still runs lets it encrypt them again. Run a Full scan in Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Scan options, then the Microsoft Defender Antivirus (offline scan).
If the ransomware blocks Windows Security, start Safe Mode with Networking and scan from there. Some families install a password stealer as well, so let both scans finish on Windows 11 or Windows 10.
Windows 11: Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Scan options. Full procedure with screenshots: Run a Microsoft Defender Offline scan
Step 5: Look for shadow copies of the files
Open Command Prompt as administrator and run
vssadmin list shadows. If it lists copies dated before the attack, right-click a folder with encrypted files in File Explorer, choose Properties > Previous Versions, and open or restore a version from before that date.ShadowExplorer, a free tool, shows the same copies when the tab is empty or hidden. Most current families delete shadow copies, so an empty list is normal, but the check takes two minutes on Windows 11 or Windows 10.
Windows 11: vssadmin list shadows shows whether shadow copies exist. Full procedure with screenshots: Ransomware: first steps, finding a decryptor and recovering files
Step 6: Restore the files from a backup or recover deleted originals
Restore from an external backup, File History or OneDrive's version history, choosing a date before the attack. Connect the backup drive only after the scans are clean, or the ransomware encrypts it too.
If there is no backup, file recovery software can sometimes find the deleted originals, because some ransomware writes an encrypted copy and deletes the original file.
Stop writing to the drive and try recovery on Windows 11 or Windows 10 before new files overwrite the space.
Full procedure with screenshots: Recover deleted files (Recycle Bin, backups, OneDrive) On uGetFix
Instructions for each browser and system
The detailed steps for every browser and system this guide covers. Open the one you use.
Manual removal using Safe Mode
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.
From our report of Dec 2019 · not reviewed since
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.
Gesd ransomware is currently undecryptable as the Emsisoft decryption software works for Djvu ransomware variants that have been released before August 2019. 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:
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 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 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. Some people have already found the decryption tool helpful for certain Djvu ransomware variants.
From our report of Dec 2019 · not reviewed since
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.
From our report of Dec 2019 · not reviewed since
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.
From our report of Dec 2019 · not reviewed since
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 or and if these tools detect something, you can try repairing the system with .
From our report of Dec 2019 · not reviewed since
GESD video removal guide to help you get rid of elimination issues
According to LesVirus.fr experts, 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:
[GI=method-1]To diminish malicious changes on your Windows computer, you should boot the system in Safe Mode with Networking. Complete this task by performing the following guidelines.
[GI=method-2]To restore your computer to its primary state, complete the following guidelines and activate the System Restore feature.
If you are looking for a way to recover corrupted, locked, or deleted data, you can try using this type of third-party software. Complete all steps exactly as described to succeed in the process.
Windows Previous Versions feature might help with data restore.
If you have enabled the System Restore function in the past, you can give this technique a try.
Try Shadow Explorer for file recovery.
You can use this tool for recovering some of your data. However, make sure that the ransomware virus did not damage or delete the Shadow Volume Copies of corrupted files first.
Currently, there is no available official decryptor for this ransomware variant.
Report it and recover your files
Report it
Report the attack even if you do not expect the files back: insurers and banks ask for the report number, and police use the contacts in the note to link cases.
- United States
- FBI IC3 · FTC ReportFraud
- United Kingdom
- Report Fraud (formerly Action Fraud) · NCSC
- Australia
- ReportCyber (ASD)
- EU countries
- Europol: national reporting sites
Give the victim ID, the note and the date the files were encrypted. A business that holds personal data may also have to notify its data protection authority, in the EU within 72 hours.
Protect the files you restore
Restore only after the scans are clean and the PC no longer shows files that end in .gesd and no longer open; otherwise the restored copies can be damaged again.
Then build a backup that survives the next infection:
- one copy in the cloud with version history
- one on an external drive that is disconnected between backups
- the working copy on the PC
Version history matters because a backup that syncs damaged files overwrites the good ones.
How to do this with the tools built into Windows: the 3-2-1 backup rule on Windows.
Do not let government spy on you
The government has many issues in regards to tracking users' data and spying on citizens, so you should take this into consideration and learn more about shady information gathering practices.
Avoid any unwanted government tracking or spying by going totally anonymous on the internet.
You can choose a different location when you go online and access any material you want without particular content restrictions. You can easily enjoy internet connection without any risks of being hacked by using VPN.
Control the information that can be accessed by government any other unwanted party and surf online without being spied on. Even if you are not involved in illegal activities or trust your selection of services, platforms, be suspicious for your own security and take precautionary measures by using the VPN service.
Backup files for the later use, in case of the malware attack
Computer users can suffer from data losses due to cyber infections or their own faulty doings.
Ransomware can encrypt and hold files hostage, while unforeseen power cuts might cause a loss of important documents. If you have proper up-to-date backups, you can easily recover after such an incident and get back to work. It is also equally important to update backups on a regular basis so that the newest information remains intact - you can set this process to be performed automatically.
When you have the previous version of every important document or project you can avoid frustration and breakdowns. It comes in handy when malware strikes out of nowhere. Use for the data restoration process.
Questions about GESD ransomware
Is there a decryptor for .gesd files?
That depends on the family behind the .gesd extension, which this guide cannot confirm yet from the reports alone. Check No More Ransom and ID Ransomware with your ransom note and one encrypted file; they list families with free tools.
If none exists today, keep the encrypted files and a copy of the note on a separate drive, because decryptors are sometimes published months later after flaws are found or servers are seized. Never buy a decryptor from a website that is not the security company that made it.
How do I open .gesd files?
You cannot open them by renaming or by choosing another program. The .gesd ending shows that GESD ransomware encrypted the content, and only the matching key can reverse it. Renaming a file back to .docx or .jpg changes nothing except the icon, and it can confuse a future decryptor, so leave the names as they are.
To get the content back, use a backup, an unencrypted copy elsewhere, or a decryptor listed on No More Ransom if one exists for GESD ransomware. Store the encrypted files on an external disk until then.
Can a data-recovery company decrypt my files for a fee?
Only if a decryptor already exists or the company pays the attackers for you. Some "ransomware recovery" services advertise that they can decrypt families with no known flaw; in practice they negotiate with the attackers and add their own fee. Others use the same free tools listed on No More Ransom.
Before you hire anyone, ask in writing how they will recover the files, whether they will contact the attackers and what happens if they fail. A legitimate service answers clearly. If a free decryptor exists for your family, you can run it yourself.
Should I pay the ransom?
We advise against it, and so do the FBI, Europol and national cyber agencies. Payment does not guarantee a working tool: some attackers never reply, some tools damage files, and some variants have no decryptor at all. Paying also funds further attacks and can make you a target again.
Before considering payment, try every recovery option in this guide and report the attack. Companies must involve their legal adviser and insurer, because payments to sanctioned groups can be illegal. If files are truly irreplaceable, store the encrypted copies and wait; decryptors sometimes appear later.
How did GESD ransomware get on my computer?
The way GESD ransomware spreads has not been documented yet, so look at your own recent activity. On home PCs, ransomware most often comes with cracked programs, game cheats, key generators and fake updates, or with an e-mail attachment that was opened. On business networks, attackers usually log in through Remote Desktop with a stolen or guessed password.
Think back to what was downloaded or installed in the days before files that end in .gesd and no longer open, and check the Downloads folder and Installed apps sorted by date. Keep anything suspicious for your report, but do not run it again.
Did GESD ransomware steal my files or passwords?
We do not know yet. Nothing published so far shows data theft by GESD ransomware, but the only confirmed sign is files that end in .gesd and no longer open, which says nothing about what happened before. Many current ransomware attacks copy files or run a password stealer first, so it is wise to act as if they did.
From a clean device, change the passwords that were saved in the browsers on this PC, starting with e-mail and banking, sign out of all sessions and turn on two-step verification. Watch bank statements and account activity for the next few weeks.
Is GESD ransomware the same as other ransomware with a similar name?
Not necessarily. Ransomware names come from the file extension, the note or a word in the code, so unrelated families often end up with similar names, and one family can appear under several names. The difference matters: a decryptor or advice for one family does not fit another and can damage files.
Compare the ending added to your files and the exact name of the note with the summary table at the top of this guide, then upload the note and one encrypted file to ID Ransomware from a clean device. If the result names another family, follow the guide for that family instead.
Can I delete _readme.txt?
Yes, the note itself is harmless text and deleting it does not affect your files. Keep at least one copy first, outside the infected PC. _readme.txt contains your personal ID and the attackers' contact details, which identification services use to tell which family encrypted your files, and which a decryptor may need later.
Police reports also ask for it. Once you have saved a copy, you can remove the notes from every folder after the ransomware program has been removed and your files are restored or backed up.
Should I reinstall Windows after the .gesd attack?
Reinstalling removes the ransomware but not the encryption: your files ending in .gesd stay encrypted afterwards. So first copy the encrypted files and the ransom note to a separate drive, in case a decryptor appears later. Then decide:
- a clean-up with an offline scan is often enough for home PCs
- while a full reset is safer if remote access was involved
- scans keep finding new items
Restore your backups only after the PC is clean, and change passwords from another device.
Will Fortect remove GESD ransomware?
Fortect scans Windows for malware and unwanted programs and repairs the system files and settings they change, and its free scan shows what it finds on your PC before you decide anything.
For GESD ransomware, follow the plan above as well: the browser steps take back permissions and settings that no scanner treats as a threat, and uninstalling the program that brought it removes the source.
Run Microsoft Defender's full scan and, if anything was found, its offline scan as a second opinion. If the symptoms are gone after the plan and both scans are clean, there is nothing more to do.
Sources
- Emsisoft: Emsisoft Decryptor for STOP Djvu (read October 6, 2026)
- Dr Web products: Dr.Web Rescue Pack (read October 6, 2026)
- LesVirus: LesVirus.fr (read October 6, 2026)
- CISA: StopRansomware (read October 6, 2026)
- No More Ransom (read October 6, 2026)