How to remove Gosw ransomware

Gosw ransomware belongs to a malware family that releases new variants weekly

Gosw is a malicious form of ransomware,^[1] part of the Djvu ransomware family, that targets user data by encrypting^[2] files on impacted computers and rendering them unusable until the ransom is paid. Gosw makes no distinction between file types; documents, images, audio/video recordings, and archives are all vulnerable to its attack; however, system folders are unaffected. As a result, if left unchecked, this virus can cause irreversible damage.

Because of the ransomware's covert operations, victims may not realize their files have been encrypted until it is too late. It also uses a .gosw file extension to identify compromised files and may try to conceal its actions by displaying false Windows update pop-ups.

The ransom note

Gosw ransomware drops a _readme.txt ransom note which reads as follows:

ATTENTION!

Don't worry, you can return all your files!
All your files like pictures, 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:
hxxps://we.tl/t-rayImYlyWe
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:
support@freshmail.top

Reserve e-mail address to contact us:
datarestorehelp@airmail.cc

Your personal ID:
–

The message informs the victim that all of their important files, including photos, databases, and documents, have been encrypted using strong encryption and a unique key known only to cyber criminals. The only way for the victim to recover their files is to pay the cybercriminals for a decryption tool and a unique key. The note includes an email address for the victim to contact the cybercriminals as well as a link to a video overview of the decrypt tool.

Victims should not pay cybercriminals because even after paying the ransom, there is no guarantee that they will receive the decryption tool and key. Furthermore, paying the ransom encourages cybercriminals to continue their criminal activities and target new victims in the future.

Even after paying the ransom and receiving the decryption tool and key, the victim cannot be certain that the cybercriminals did not leave any malware^[3] or other malicious software on their computer or network. It is always preferable for victims to try to recover their files using alternative methods, such as backups or seeking the assistance of a professional data recovery service.

Ransomware removal

Gosw ransomware is a dangerous threat that, if not addressed immediately, can destroy your computer and data. To avoid further damage, it is critical to use anti-malware tools as soon as possible to remove the virus from your system. These utilities are designed to detect and eliminate this specific threat, providing you with increased security.

If the malicious software is not removed on time, it may continue to harm your device; there may be no way to recover lost data after a certain point! To keep your system secure, you must remove the virus using anti-malware tools based on dependable antivirus detection mechanisms such as MalwarebytesMalwarebytes and SpyHunterCombo Cleaner.

A full system scan will aid in the detection of all potential threats such as viruses and potentially hazardous programs. By removing any threat, malware, or destructive data from your device, you can prevent the ransomware from spreading further. Make sure to double-check any files before recovering them to ensure they are not damaged.

Decrypt .gosw files

If your computer has been infected with a variant of the Djvu ransomware, you may be able to recover your data using the Emsisoft decryptor. It should be noted that this tool may not be suitable for everyone. It can only be used if the data was locked with an offline ID, meaning the malware failed to communicate with its remote servers.

Even if your case meets this condition, someone among the victims must pay the attackers, obtain the offline key, and share it with the security researchers at Emsisoft. This means that you may not be able to restore your encrypted files immediately. If the decryptor indicates that your data was locked with an offline ID but cannot be recovered at this time, it is recommended to try again later. To use the decryptor, you will also need to upload a set of files – one encrypted and one healthy – to the company's servers.

• Download the app from the official Emsisoft website.
• After pressing Download button, a small pop-up at the bottom, titled decrypt_STOPDjvu.exe should show up – click it.
  
• If User Account Control (UAC) message shows up, press Yes.
• Agree to License Terms by pressing Yes.
  
  
• After Disclaimer shows up, press OK.
• The tool should automatically populate the affected folders, although you can also do it by pressing Add folder at the bottom.
  
• Press Decrypt.
  
  

From here, there are three available outcomes:

1. “Decrypted!” will be shown under files that were decrypted successfully – they are now usable again.
2. “Error: Unable to decrypt file with ID:” means that the keys for this version of the virus have not yet been retrieved, so you should try later.
3. “This ID appears to be an online ID, decryption is impossible” – you are unable to decrypt files with this tool.

System file recovery

Malware can be extremely damaging to a computer's operation, wreaking havoc in the Windows registry database, corrupting critical bootup and other components, deleting or damaging DLL files, and much more. In some cases of file damage caused by malware infection, antivirus software may be unable to repair it, leaving your system with stability issues that can only be resolved by a full Windows reinstallation.

To resolve these problems, we suggest FortectIntego, a patented and exclusive repair technology. This application is also capable of remedying an array of Windows errors unrelated to malware infections, such as Blue Screen issues, system freezes, registry errors, and damaged DLLs.

• Download the application by clicking on the link above
• Click on the ReimageRepair.exe
  
  
• If User Account Control (UAC) shows up, select Yes
• Press Install and wait till the program finishes the installation process
• The analysis of your machine will begin immediately
• Once complete, check the results – they will be listed in the Summary
• You can now click on each of the issues and fix them manually
• If you see many problems that you find difficult to fix, we recommend you purchase the license and fix them automatically.