Grovat ransomware (Virus Removal Guide) - Decryption Methods Included

What is Grovat ransomware?

Grovat ransomware is a cryptovirus that marks users' files with .grovat extension and demands ransom of $980 in Bitcoin

Grovat ransomware is a file locker that targets databases, documents, pictures, and other files in order to prevent users from accessing them.

Grovat is a computer infection that belongs to ransomware category. These threats are introduced to the target computer systems with the help of various deceptive ways, such as fake updates, spam email attachments or hyperlinks, exploit kits, etc.

Once inside, the malware performs a variety of system changes and then looks for databases, documents, pictures, videos and other personal files to encrypt. For that, it is using AES-256 cipher. Grovat virus contacts with its owners via a C&C server,^[1] and then delivers a unique identifier along with decryption code designed for each user separately. The attack is then followed by a ransom note which hasn't been changing since the introduction – _readme.txt. In it, hackers explain what happened to victims' files and that they need to pay $980 ransom in Bitcoin, after contacting crooks via merosa@india.com or merosa@firemail.cc emails.

Grovat ransomware stems from the notorious STOP/Djvu virus family that has been one of the most widespread cryptoviruses worldwide. Thanks to this fact, virus victims can try STOPDecrypter to recover their encrypted files. You can find a download link below for the tool.

One of the well-known malware researchers Michael Gillespie updates the decryption tool each time a new malware sample of this STOP virus family gets released in the wild. However, as the researcher notes this tool works for victims with offline IDs. If the tool is not working for your affected files at the moment, you can try removing the virus with automatic anti-malware tools and wait for the newer update on the decryptor.

Grovat ransomware is just one of many STOP virus variants that have been actively infecting users' computers worldwide. Among them, are such threats like Grovas, Tronas, Chech, Kropun, and many others. Hackers are keen to release these new variants because security researchers are continually working and decryption tool that can help victims to retrieve their files for free. Unfortunately, Grovat ransomware is currently not decryptable, although the chances are that it will be in the near future.

After entering the system, Grovat ransomware changes Windows registry to start running with every Windows boot.^[2] This assures prevalence. Additionally, it removes Shadow Volume Copies to prevent a speedy recovery. Nevertheless, users still might be successful with tools like ShadowExplorer if this process fails. However, Grovat ransomware removal needs to be performed before file recovery attempt, or the data will be encrypted repeatedly.

Grovat is a crypto malware that hails from STOP ransomware family

During the encryption process, Grovat virus runs a fake Windows update pop-up, which deceives users, making them think that it is just another Windows update. However, once the fake patching is finished, users will find their files marked with the .grovat file extension, and that they cannot access any of their personal data anymore.

The ransom note _readme.txt states the following:

ATTENTION!

Don't worry my friend, 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-1LFQOfI0Se
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” folder if you don't get answer more than 6 hours.

To get this software you need write on our e-mail:
merosa@india.com

Reserve e-mail address to contact us:
merosa@firemail.cc

Your personal ID:

Do not contact bad actors behind the Grovat ransomware attack, as there is a high chance of being scammed. In such a case you would not only lose your personal files but also waste your money, all while sponsoring cybercriminal activity. Instead, remove Grovat ransomware from your device using anti-malware solutions like FortectIntego or SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner. Check out our instructions below for more details.

Decryption is possible for the new STOP virus versions

Grovat belongs to a known ransomware family that has been active recently and releasing various versions targeting people all over the world. STOP ransomware virus decrypter that was developed for the initial threat now can possibly work for this version and many others of the family since malware researchers create and update the tool once a new malware sample gets submitted to them.

Make sure to wait for the particular tool update that is coming from developers, if the version that exists is not helpful in your case. Remember that Djvu virus developers release new versions constantly and the newest versions require different coding of the tool. STOP virus decrypter works for OFFLINE IDs, you can get more information from links listed at the start of the article.

Grovat ransomware is the virus that can be decrypted with the STOP ransomware virus decrypter since it gets updated.

If you are downloading insecure programs, make sure you scan it with appropriate tools before opening the executable

Third-party websites that distribute illegal software or its cracks are notorious for malware. While it is highly likely that owners of such sites like Pirate Bay or KickAss Torrents did not place malicious software onto their site purposely, there are many other vectors involved in the whole file-sharing scheme, and it makes file torrenting particularly dangerous.

Generally, experts^[3] advise staying away from file-sharing sites that host illegal software or its cracks. However, users will always be keen on acquiring a piece of software for free instead of paying. Unfortunately, such actions might cost you much more – loss of all personal files, along with the money.

Nevertheless, if you do visit sites that are not particularly safe, make sure you use some precautionary measures. Employ anti-malware software with real-time scanning feature, along with Firewall, use ad-blocker and scan every executable you download with tools like Virus Total.

Also, make sure you patch your system with the latest security updates, use adequate protection for RDP^[4] and all other accounts, use caution when opening spam emails and generally be careful when browsing the net.

Remove Grovat ransomware from your computer and only then attempt file recovery

Before you can attempt to recover the locked data, you need to remove Grovat virus from your device. While doing so manually is possible, extensive IT knowledge is required, and most regular users would not be able to perform such a complicated task. Automatic malware damage removal tools that can work to fix alterations on your PC: FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner, Malwarebytes.

Therefore, download professional anti-malware software and run a full system scan. In case Grovat ransomware is tampering with the security application, you should access Safe Mode with Networking, as explained in our instructions below.

Once you complete Grovat ransomware removal, you can attempt file recovery. As we previously mentioned, there is no decryptor created for this variant yet. Thus, if you want to avoid paying crooks, you will have to wait until one is built. In the meantime, you can use alternative file recovery options – check them out below.