How to remove GMPF ransomware

GMPF ransomware is a virus that corrupts data stored on infected devices and demands ransom

GMPF ransomware — cryptovirus that employs both AES and RSA encryption^[1] algorithms to make users' data useless. Discovered in October 2018, this threat is the latest addition to Matrix ransomware family that was first spotted at the end of 2016. There is not much information discovered about GMPF ransomware yet, but it is known that the virus adds .GMPF file extension to encrypted data. Since this cyber threat focuses on getting money from affected users, immediately after locking victim's data, it develops a ransom note and places the file on every folder in the system containing encoded data. Based on previous versions, this ransom message should be placed in TXT or RTF file. 

It is believed that GMPF ransomware virus, as the previous versions in the family, is using a sophisticated encryption method which is combined of AES-128 and RSA-2048 algorithms. During this process, the virus changes the original code of the file and makes data inaccessible with these two algorithms. The additional file marker is written in the following pattern: [GetMyPass@qq.com].user ID – random letters and numbers.GMPF. The file extension is placed to indicate which ones are encoded.

Encrypted files become corrupted and inaccessible until decryption. However, we do not recommend paying the ransom for the alleged decryption cybercriminals state they can perform. It may lead to more severe damage or even permanent data or money loss.^[2] Hackers may disappear after payment is done. 

The unique keys formed during the whole encryption process transferred to hackers' server and cannot be reached by anyone else. Since there is no official decryption tool developed by security specialists your only choice is to restore data or replace files from a backup.

At the time of writing, there is not much information about the particular variant and the ransom note or ransom amount. However, there is a tendency to form ransom messages in a similar pattern for each version in the family. GMPF ransomware ransom note might look similar:

ALL YOUR FILES HAVE BEEN ENCRYPTED!

All of important data on this computer was encrypted with strong RSA-2048 algorithm due to the violation of the federal laws of the United States of America! (Article 1, Section 8, Clause 8; Article 2010 of the Criminal Code of U.S.A provides for a deprivation of liberty for four to twelve years.)

Following violations were detected:
Your IP address was used to visit websites containing pornography, child pornography, zoophilia and child abuse!

To unlock your files you have to pay the penalty!

You have only 96 hours to recover your personal data! After this time your unique key will be deleted and files decryption will become impossible!
Each 12 hours the payment size will be automatically increased by 100$!
You must pay the payment through the Bitcoin Wallet.
To get your unique key and unlock files, you should send the following code:
to our agent emails:
Your will receive all necessary instructions!

HURRY UP OR YOU WILL BE ARRESTED!!!

The ransom note composed for particular GMPF ransomware might differ from any other version of crypto-demanding threats, but the primary purpose of this message is to inform the victim about the following steps and solutions for the whole attack. Also, often ransomware developers display instructions on payment methods to make the ransom payment easier. The ransom amount might also differ, but you shouldn't consider paying these hackers at all.

You need to remove GMPF ransomware from the system entirely and do not contact these cybercriminals. When your device is clean, you can then perform a file recovery using software or data backups. It is the safes way even though not all of your files can be restored. If you enter the external drive on the infected device ransomware encrypts additional data.

If you have no data that can replace encoded files you need to perform GMPF ransomware removal using anti-malware like FortectIntego and then use data recovery tools. Researchers^[3] note that you should double-check before adding any new software or devices on the system. Scan the device fully and get rid of any possible threats. Check virus elimination tips down below.  

Deceptive email elements used to trick people into downloading malware

Spam email techniques are the most commonly used to spread malware including ransomware. Hackers use malspam widely to distribute their malicious products all over the world. Misleading messages, familiar company names or types of documents, subject lines suggesting the urgency can trick people into believing everything. 

File attachments as commonly used MS Excel or Word files look legitimate enough to download them on the device without thinking. However, once opened these files trigger the virus payload and enable the malicious functionality of a file or load the direct ransomware payload on the system. File attachments may come in various formats:

• PDF documents that include malicious JavaScript code;
• archives in ZIP or RAR format;
• documents filed with malicious macros. 

You can avoid this cyber infection if you scan files before downloading and opening them on your computer. Also, cleaning suspicious emails from the email box can be beneficial for the general security of your system. Additionally scanning the system with anti-malware ensures that there is no unwanted applications and malware on the PC.

Terminate GMPF ransomware and other threats affecting your device

To remove GMPF ransomware from the system, you should rely on professional tools like FortectIntego, SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes. These anti-malware programs can scan your device fully and indicate cyber threats, other system issues that need fixing. This approach is more beneficial for the system and easier to achieve.

Manual GMPF ransomware removal demands practice in malware elimination. Ransomware is a very complex virus and can be more persistent than you think. Cryptovirus changes various registry keys and system files to make sure that there is no easy way to terminate the malware completely. 

Using reputable anti-malware helps remove all GMPF ransomware virus related files and then fixes all virus damage. You may need to enter the Safe Mode with Networking before scanning the device, but we have prepared a few tips down below to make this process easier for you. Check data recovery software down below too.