Gotcha ransomware (Virus Removal Instructions) - Free Guide

What is Gotcha ransomware?

Gotcha ransomware is the cryptovirus that encrypts files using AES-256 and RSA-2048 algorithms and marks files with .gotcha appendix

Gotcha ransomware virus is the threat that demands ransom after encryption in the ransom note file named !GOTCHA!.txt.

Gotcha ransomware is the cyber threat that requires ransom in Bitcoin because the main goal of the developers is to gain profit from victims. Criminals who develop such malware demand for cryptocurrency payment after victims' files get locked and encoded. The ransom demand appears in the note file named !GOTCHA!.txt that gets placed in every folder with affected data. Often threats like this target huge companies besides everyday users and, in most cases, focus on English-speaking users what allows spreading the virus all over the world.^[1]

Although the primary purpose of Gotcha ransomware virus is to make users documents, photos or archives useless this threat also changes various parts of the system files or adds new programs, files, registry entries. This additional activity allows the virus to keep running on the system and disable some security functions or even AV programs. For this reason, we recommend entering the Safe Mode and scanning the machine with reputable anti-malware tools to get rid of all associated files and secretly installed malicious programs.

Since Gotcha ransomware is one of the most serious and harmful cyber threats, you shouldn't even consider paying the ransom, no matter how small it appears or how important your files are. Contacting these criminals can lead to more severe damage to your system or permanent data, money loss.

Gotcha ransomware virus developers haven't stated much about themselves or the encryption process besides the details about encryption method in the ransom note file. Based on that information your data gets encoded using both RSA and AES algorithms. The ransom note also includes the unique ID that is generated for each victim.

Gotcha ransomware ransom note is placed in !GOTCHA!.txt file and reads the following:

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!! IMPORTANT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We gotcha files encrypted using encryption AES256-bit and RSA2048-bit. It is impossible to use private key. If you are interested in getting your files, contact immidiately!
Send your email to:
[redacted]
[redacted]
YOUR ID:
[redacted 16 uppercase AZ]
IMPORTANT: INCLUDE YOUR ID IN BODY OR SUBJECT FOR FAST REPLY!
– Team GOTCHA!
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!= IMPORTANT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Gotcha ransomware affects files found on the infected device and, in most cases, focuses on photos, documents, videos or archives for this encryption process. Unfortunately, your data cannot be easily recovered from the encoding. For that, you need either the tool that virus developers offer or the official decryptor that often can be developed by malware researchers.

Gotcha ransomware is the cryptovirus that makes files useless by changing the original code.

However, trusting Gotcha ransomware developers is not recommended. Experts^[4], in most cases, advise removing the virus first and then restoring files from data backups stored on external devices or cloud services. But many users need alternate methods for this process so we have a few suggestions for data recovery software down below.

Remove Gotcha ransomware using professional anti-malware tools and then clean possible virus damage with FortectIntego which can improve the performance of your Windows device. Then, you can be sure that the PC is malware-free and your recovered files cannot get encrypted again.

Automatic Gotcha ransomware removal is the best choice because all executables, payloads and additional programs get deleted this way. When ransomware is not properly terminated other files can get encrypted and this way you lose your data permanently.

Beware of the infected MS documents on the email

Ransomware remains the most harmful threat in the cyber world, and it is a virus that spreads using various deceptive techniques that involve spam email campaigns or even security vulnerabilities. Protecting a computer, employing reputable security tools can be crucial when it comes to ransomware infiltration. In most cases, AV tools block deceptive sites, malicious domains or even infected files before opening or visiting them. However, the tool should be running on the machine all the time to protect the device from cyber threats.

When not protected, the system can easily get ransomware or other malware infection from one users' click. Spam email campaigns include various file attachments on the emails. When you open MS word or excel file, a PDF or executable malicious payload can get loaded directly on the machine.

Often those files include content enabling link, and malicious macros get triggered this way when you open the file, download it on the computer and allow the additional content. Clean the email box more often if you want to avoid this cyber threat or even more severe malware infection. At least pay closer attention to received emails and avoid downloading random files from the notification.

Get rid of Gotcha ransomware and make your device clean and working properly again

Gotcha ransomware virus is the threat that requires more help for the termination processes. It is a persistent threat and can affect more crucial parts like system files or even security programs. Based on this information and common cryptovirus symptoms we have a few additional tips for the process.

You should focus on the complete Gotcha ransomware removal and then worry about your files because cryptovirus that is not terminated correctly can get your data encrypted again or even damage those files permanently. So double check if needed or use a few different tools to make sure.

Remove Gotcha ransomware with anti-malware tool like FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner, or Malwarebytes and clean the system fully. You should benefit from Safe Mode or System Restore feature, so check our tips below too.