How to remove Globe2 ransomware virus

Globe2 is a devastating crypto-virus which targets Turkish victims

Globe2 is a dangerous ransomware which was discovered in October 2016. It is a new version of Globe ransomware.^[1] virus, which encrypts all users' files and demands ransom to be paid for their encryption. Developers presented an updated version of the virus that appends .abc file extension in November 2017, later moving to .vrmrkz file extension. It is worth mentioning that this virus is closely related to such threats like Cryptoboss ransomware and Hnumkhotep@india.com ransomware.

The newest version of the virus was reported by malware researcher Michael Gillespie on 23rd of February 2018. It appends .frmvrlr2017 extension to each of the infected files. It has very similar functionality to its predecessors, though. The ransom note is delivered via an .HTA file; it informs the victims that all their files are encrypted and that the ransom in Bitcoin cryptocurrency must be paid. irmaverileri2017@yandex.com email address is provided as a primary contact information. Since the note is written in Turkish language, it is evident that this version of Globe2 ransomware is aimed at Turkish speaking users as well.

Fortunately, security experts long discovered decyprtor for all versions of the virus, so make sure you remove Globe2 ransomware and move to files' recovery.

Globe2 ransomware virus uses Blowfish cryptography^[2] to encrypt victim’s files stored on the compromised computer, which is quite interesting considering that other ransomware viruses typically employ either RSA or AES encryption algorithms.^[3]

The crypto-malware uses different file extensions to lock files and prevent victims from accessing their documents, pictures and other important data. Current versions of the Globe 2 uses these file extensions:

• .raid10 file extension;
• .globe;
• .blt;
• .mia.kokers@aol.com;
• .encrypted;
• .abc;
• .vrmrkz.
• .frmvrlr2017

Once all relevant data is locked, the virus opens a ransom note on victim’s screen, which is called “How to restore files.hta.” The ransom note includes an extremely long “personal ID to decrypt,” which is a unique identification number that victims need to send to cyber criminals in case they wish to decrypt corrupted data. The rest of the ransom note looks like this:

ATTENTION!!!

All your important files are ciphered!!!
We are ready to help you!!!
Communicate with us on an email address help_you@india.com
Important!!!
Don’t try to delete the program or to launch anti-virus means
Attempts of independent decryption of files will lead to loss of your data
Decoders of other users are incompatible with your data as each user has a unique key of encoding

Contacting cyber criminals is neither recommended nor needed. Security specialists from Emsisoft^[4] released a free decryption software that can restore corrupted data without paying the ransom. However, before downloading this tool, you have to remove Globe2 from the computer.

Ransomware should be eliminated automatically, using professional malware removal software, such as FortectIntego. Full Globe2 removal instructions, as well as data recovery guide, are provided below.

Ransomware is distributed mostly with spam emails, urging victims to open the infected file

When it comes to distribution of this virus, we can only say that Globe2 virus uses Trojan horse technique to infiltrate target computer system. It pretends to be a trustworthy file, for instance, invoice, report, announcement, a document containing medical test results, and the like.

Such concealed files are distributed with the help of mass email campaigns monitored by cyber criminals. Be carefull when you receive an email from an unknown source because it can contain malicious links or attachments.

Security experts from viruset.no^[5] tell that there are more ways how Globe2 virus can get inside your computer system. One of them is known as malvertising – it is a technique when online advertising is used to spread malicious programs.

Cyber criminals inject malicious advertisements into ad networks, and later on, websites that publish ads by the particular ad network starts displaying these malware-laden ads alongside safe ones. This way, even legitimate and safe websites can become affected.

Delete Globe2 ransomware using a robust anti-malware program

Users should remove Globe2 virus immediately if they do not want to encounter more security-related problems. If you are not a professional IT expert, use anti-malware software to fix your PC. If you are not sure what tool to choose, you should employ FortectIntego or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes.

If ransomware blocks access to security software, please check Globe2 removal instructions below. Additionally, there you will find a guide how to restore your files as well. But don’t forget to get rid of the virus first!