GUCCI ransomware: what it is and how to remove it

GUCCI ransomware is one of the most recent data-locking malware variants that belong to the Phobos ransomware family. The file was flagged by 54 security vendors and 3 sandboxes as malicious.

Facts checked October 6, 2026. Removal steps tested on Windows 11 (26H2) and checked against Microsoft's and the browser makers' current documentation. Sections marked as our earlier report are the original text: they describe the threat as it was then and have not been reviewed since. The 2026 status, the removal steps and the questions are current.

Automatic

Get a free scan and check if your PC is infected.

Fortect finds malware, unwanted programs and the Windows damage they leave behind, and repairs it in one pass.

A free scan checks for the encryptor still on the PC; it does not decrypt .gucci files.

Remove it nowTo use the full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Fortect. The scan is free.

Do it yourself · free Remove GUCCI ransomware yourself 6 steps, about 18 minutes, no software needed.

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Screenshot of GUCCI: ransomware
GUCCI as our 2022 report showed it.

GUCCI ransomware: summary

DistributionEmail attachments, torrent websites, malicious ads
NAMEGUCCI
TYPERansomware, cryptovirus, data-locking malware
MALWARE FAMILYPhobos ransomware
FILE EXTENSION.GUCCI
RANSOM NOTEinfo.hta; info.txt
Removal

Scan the PC with security software to find and remove the malware and anything installed with it. Fortect scans Windows for malware and repairs the system files and settings it damaged.

Remove it nowTo use the full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Fortect. The scan is free.
Show 16 more facts
FILE RECOVERYIf no backups are available, recovering data is almost impossible. We list alternative methods that could help you in some cases below
MALWARE REMOVALScan your machine with anti-malware software to eliminate the malicious program and all the related files
Detection namesNo Microsoft detection name is known
ContactNot recorded in our earlier report
Encrypted file extension.gucci
DecryptorNo free decryptor is known for this variant; check No More Ransom (nomoreransom.org) for updates
DamageNot recorded in the old report
NameGUCCI
TypeFile-encrypting ransomware
SymptomsFiles renamed with a new extension and a ransom note left in folders
Evidence6 write-ups by security sites; no sample analysed yet
Encrypted files.gucci
Ransom noteinfo.hta
Free decryptorNo free decryptor is known (checked 6 October 2026)
First seen6 May 2022
Facts checked6 October 2026
  • File extension: .gucci
  • Note file: info.hta

From our report of May 2022 · not reviewed since

More from our earlier report on GUCCI

  • Malware can cause system errors, crashes, lag, and other stability issues.
  • !!!All of your files are encrypted!!!

How GUCCI ransomware behaves

From our report of May 2022 · not reviewed since

GUCCI ransomware can permanently damage users' personal files and the operating system

GUCCI ransomware is one of the most recent data-locking malware variants that belong to the Phobos ransomware family.

The file was flagged by 54 security vendors and 3 sandboxes as malicious. The virus can enter the system and start the encryption process immediately.

Once it starts, all personal files, like photos, videos, and documents get encrypted. It means that they become inaccessible and unusable. The only way to decrypt the data is with a decryption key or software, which usually only the cybercriminals have.

After the encryption process is done, the icons of the files turn to white pages and the names get appended with the .GUCCI extension. For example, if a file was previously named picture.jpg, after completion, the same file would be named picture.jpg.id . .GUCCI.

Two ransom notes get generated on the machine as well. These messages from the ransomware developers explain to victims what happened and what they need to do to recover their files. Unfortunately, threat actors blackmail users by asking for payment in cryptocurrencies.

Screenshot of GUCCI: ransomware
GUCCI in our 2022 report.

From our report of May 2022 · not reviewed since

The ransom note

The full info.hta ransom note reads as follows:

The attackers create a sense of urgency by saying that the amount to be paid to them depends on how fast the victims contact them. This is one of many scare tactics that cybercriminals use to make people act quickly without thinking about other options. That is why also the ransom amount is not specified in the note.

They also offer to decrypt one file for free to make them look more trustworthy. However, you should remember that criminals cannot be trusted. Many previous ransomware attack victims have come forward and said that they never heard back from the perpetrators after they paid the money.

Their payment method is also not very advantageous to the victims. Cryptocurrency transactions are anonymous, and they are impossible to reverse. Once people send the funds, it is impossible to get a refund or get them back some other way. That is why by paying the ransomware developers you do not only risk losing your files but getting scammed too.

Crooks also try to prevent people from looking for other recovery options by using intimidation tactics. Although third-party decryption tools rarely help it is worth at least trying. The other ransom note info.txt is just a shorter version of the previous message:

GUCCI: info txt ransom note
The message as our 2022 report captured it.

The GUCCI ransomware note

a ransom note left in folders

All your files have been encrypted!

All your files have been encrypted due to a security problem with your PC. If you want to restore them:

write us to the TOX messenger: tox: CD54A20BCCDAA8209805BB8D4BDE15D542A66CF6E155783ECBE7549D0D6FBD0A59C16E9FD95C

You can download TOX messenger here hxxps://tox.chat/

Write this ID in the title of your message -

You have to pay for decryption in Bitcoins. The price depends on how fast you write to us. After payment we will send you the tool that will decrypt all your files.

Free decryption as guarantee

Before paying you can send us 1 file for free decryption. The total size of files must be less than 5Mb (non archived), and files should not contain valuable information. (databases,backups, large excel sheets, etc.)

How to obtain Bitcoins

The easiest way to buy bitcoins is LocalBitcoins site. You have to register, click 'Buy bitcoins', and select the seller by payment method and price.

hxxps://localbitcoins.com/buy_bitcoins

Also you can find other places to buy Bitcoins and beginners guide here:

hxxp://www.coindesk.com/information/how-can-i-buy-bitcoins/

Attention!

Do not rename encrypted files.

Do not try to decrypt your data using third party software, it may cause permanent data loss.

Decryption of your files with the help of third parties may cause increased price (they add their fee to our) or you can become a victim of a scam.

We also want to notify you that the most important data of your company was copied by us, but we guarantee the confidentiality of private information and information about this incident in case of successful cooperation. Otherwise, we reserve the right to monetize our services by selling your information at specialized auctions.

How to remove GUCCI ransomware

Tools you'll need

All of these are free except where noted. Download them on a clean device if the infected PC is offline.

  • A USB stick: to keep the ransom note, two or three encrypted files and screenshots off the infected PC.
  • Microsoft Defender Offline: built into Windows 11 and Windows 10; scans before Windows starts, so running malware cannot hide.
  • Microsoft Safety Scanner: a second, portable scanner with current signatures; each download works for 10 days.
  • ID Ransomware: identifies the family from the note and one encrypted file and says whether a decryptor exists.
  • No More Ransom: the free decryptors from police and security companies; check it again every few months.
  • Fortect (optional): scans Windows for malware and repairs the system files and settings it damaged. The free scan is in the box above.

How to remove GUCCI and get your files back

Work in this order.

Disconnecting comes first, removal comes before any restore, and nothing here asks you to contact the attackers.

  1. Step 1: Disconnect the PC and unplug backup drives

    GUCCI encrypts everything it can reach, including drives and shares you connect later. Cut the network first: cable out, or Wi-Fi off from the taskbar.

    Then unplug every USB stick and backup disk and pause cloud sync, so the encrypted versions do not replace your online copies. Do not reconnect any of them until the ransomware is removed from the Windows 11 or Windows 10 PC.

    Windows 11 quick settings with Wi-Fi turned off
    Windows 11: turn off Wi-Fi to take the PC offline.

    Full procedure with screenshots: Ransomware: first steps, finding a decryptor and recovering files

  2. Step 2: Save the ransom note and confirm the family

    Copy info.hta and one or two files ending in .gucci to a USB stick, and leave the originals where they are.

    From another device, upload the note and a sample file to ID Ransomware or No More Ransom's Crypto Sheriff, which name the family from the note, the extension and the file structure.

    Write down the contact address and your personal ID from the note, because a decryptor or the police may ask for them.

    Warning: Never contact the attackers from the infected Windows 11 or Windows 10 PC.

    A ransom note text file next to encrypted files in File Explorer
    Windows 11: the ransom note and encrypted files to copy for identification.

    Full procedure with screenshots: Ransomware: first steps, finding a decryptor and recovering files

  3. Step 3: Check for a free decryptor

    For GUCCI, no free decryptor is known (checked 6 October 2026). Search the family name in the No More Ransom decryption tools list and in the free decryptors of Emsisoft, Avast and Kaspersky, because new tools appear years after an attack.

    Important: Keep the encrypted files even if nothing works today, and do not pay before every free option is ruled out: payment does not guarantee a working key.

    Decryptors run on Windows 11 and Windows 10, but only after the ransomware itself is removed.

    Full procedure with screenshots: Ransomware: first steps, finding a decryptor and recovering files

  4. Step 4: Remove the ransomware before you restore or decrypt

    Restoring or decrypting files while GUCCI still runs lets it encrypt them again. Run a Full scan in Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Scan options, then the Microsoft Defender Antivirus (offline scan).

    If the ransomware blocks Windows Security, start Safe Mode with Networking and scan from there. Some families install a password stealer as well, so let both scans finish on Windows 11 or Windows 10.

    Windows Security Scan options with Microsoft Defender Antivirus offline scan selected
    Windows 11: Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Scan options.

    Full procedure with screenshots: Run a Microsoft Defender Offline scan

  5. Step 5: Look for shadow copies of the files

    Open Command Prompt as administrator and run vssadmin list shadows. If it lists copies dated before the attack, right-click a folder with encrypted files in File Explorer, choose Properties > Previous Versions, and open or restore a version from before that date.

    ShadowExplorer, a free tool, shows the same copies when the tab is empty or hidden. Most current families delete shadow copies, so an empty list is normal, but the check takes two minutes on Windows 11 or Windows 10.

    Command Prompt running vssadmin list shadows
    Windows 11: vssadmin list shadows shows whether shadow copies exist.

    Full procedure with screenshots: Ransomware: first steps, finding a decryptor and recovering files

  6. Step 6: Restore the files from a backup or recover deleted originals

    Restore from an external backup, File History or OneDrive's version history, choosing a date before the attack. Connect the backup drive only after the scans are clean, or the ransomware encrypts it too.

    If there is no backup, file recovery software can sometimes find the deleted originals, because some ransomware writes an encrypted copy and deletes the original file.

    Stop writing to the drive and try recovery on Windows 11 or Windows 10 before new files overwrite the space.

    Full procedure with screenshots: Recover deleted files (Recycle Bin, backups, OneDrive) On uGetFix

Instructions for each browser and system

The detailed steps for every browser and system this guide covers. Open the one you use.

Find a working decryptor for your files

File encryption is a process that is similar to applying a password to a particular file or folder. However, from a technical point of view, encryption is fundamentally different due to its complexity. By using encryption, threat actors use a unique set of alphanumeric characters as a password that can not easily be deciphered if the process is performed correctly.

There are several algorithms that can be used to lock data (whether for good or bad reasons); for example, AES uses the symmetric method of encryption, meaning that the key used to lock and unlock files is the same. Unfortunately, it is only accessible to the attackers who hold it on a remote server - they ask for a payment in exchange for it. This simple principle is what allows ransomware authors to prosper in this illegal business.

While many high-profile ransomware strains such as Djvu or Dharma use immaculate encryption methods, there are plenty of failures that can be observed within the code of some novice malware developers. For example, the keys could be stored locally, which would allow users to regain access to their files without paying. In some cases, ransomware does not even encrypt files due to bugs, although victims might believe the opposite due to the ransom note that shows up right after the infection and data encryption is completed.

Therefore, regardless of which crypto-malware affects your files, you should try to find the relevant decryptor if such exists. Security researchers are in a constant battle against cybercriminals. In some cases, they manage to create a working decryption tool that would allow victims to recover files for free.

Once you have identified which ransomware you are affected by, you should check the following links for a decryptor:

  • No More Ransom Project
  • Free Ransomware Decryptors by Kaspersky
  • Free Ransomware Decryption Tools from Emsisoft
  • Avast decryptors

No More Ransom Project

If you can't find a decryptor that works for you, you should try the alternative methods we list below. Additionally, it is worth mentioning that it sometimes takes years for a working decryption tool to be developed, so there are always hopes for the future.

Create data backups to avoid file loss in the future
Report the incident to your local authorities

Ransomware is a lucrative, highly illegal business, and authorities are actively targeting ransomware operators. The level of investigation and follow-up depends on the country, the scale of the incident, and whether the attack is linked to known ransomware groups. To increase the likelihood of identifying the culprits, the agencies need information. In many cases, reports are used primarily for intelligence gathering, trend analysis, and victim support rather than immediate identification of attackers.

Therefore, by reporting the crime, you could help stop the cybercriminal activities and catch the threat actors. Reporting does not guarantee investigation or recovery of data, but it contributes to broader efforts to track ransomware campaigns. Make sure you include all the possible details, including how did you notice the attack, when it happened, etc. Relevant details may also include affected systems, ransom demands, cryptocurrency wallet addresses, and any communication with the attackers. Additionally, providing documents such as ransom notes, encrypted files, or malware executables would be beneficial.

Law enforcement agencies typically deal with online fraud and cybercrime, although it depends on where you live. Here is the list of local authority groups that handle incidents like ransomware attacks, sorted by country:

  • USA - Internet Crime Complaint Center IC3
  • United Kingdom - ActionFraud
  • Canada - Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre
  • Australia - ScamWatch
  • New Zealand - ConsumerProtection
  • Germany - Polizei
  • France - Ministère de l'Intérieur

Internet Crime Complaint Center IC3

If your country is not listed above, you should contact the local police department or communications center.

Isolate the infected computer

Some ransomware strains aim to infect not only one computer but hijack the entire network. As soon as one of the machines is infected, malware can spread via the network and encrypt files everywhere else, including Network Attached Storage (NAS) devices. NAS devices are commonly compromised via reused administrator credentials and remote access services, and attackers may also delete existing snapshots. If your computer is connected to a network, it is important to isolate it to prevent re-infection after ransomware removal is complete.

In modern environments, ransomware often spreads using stolen credentials, remote management tools, VPN connections, and cloud synchronization services, not only through shared network drives.

The easiest way to disconnect a PC from everything is simply to plug out the ethernet cable. This does not disconnect wireless networks, VPN connections, or cloud services, which must also be disabled separately. However, in the corporate environment, this might be extremely difficult to do (also would take a long time). In many organizations, devices are centrally managed, and network isolation is typically performed by IT or security teams using endpoint security or device management tools. The method below will disconnect from all the networks, including local and the internet, isolating each of the machines involved.

On modern Windows systems, network connections can also be disabled through the Settings app or automatically isolated using endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools.

  • Type in Control Panel in Windows search and press Enter
  • Go to Network and InternetNetwork and internet
  • Click Network and Sharing CenterNetwork and internet 2
  • On the left, pick Change adapter settingsNetwork and internet 3
  • Right-click on your connection (for example, Ethernet), and select DisableNetwork and internet 4
  • Confirm with Yes.

If you are using some type of cloud storage you are connected to, you should disconnect from it immediately. It is also advisable to disconnect all the external devices, such as USB flash sticks, external HDDs, etc. Once the malware elimination process is finished, you can connect your computers to the network and internet, as explained above, but by pressing Enable instead. Before reconnecting, credentials should be reset, persistence mechanisms checked, and backups verified to ensure reinfection does not occur.

From our report of May 2022 · not reviewed since

Use professional security tools to eliminate malicious files

The thing that you have to do immediately is to disconnect the affected machine from the local network.

For home users, disconnecting the ethernet cable or disabling the Wi-Fi should do the job. If this happened at your workplace, doing that might be complicated, so we have separate instructions for you at the bottom of this post.

If you try to recover your data first, it can result in permanent loss. Malware can also encrypt your files the second time if it is not eliminated first. It will not stop until you remove the malicious files causing it. You should not attempt removing the malicious program yourself unless you have excellent IT skills.

This security software should find all the related files and entries and remove them automatically for you. In some cases, malware can prevent you from using antivirus software, so you need to access Safe Mode and perform a full system scan from there:

Windows 7 / Vista / XP

Windows 10 / Windows 8

  • Click Start > Shutdown > Restart > OK.
  • When your computer becomes active, start pressing the F8 button (if that does not work, try F2, F12, Del, etc. - it all depends on your motherboard model) multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
  • Select Safe Mode with Networking from the list.
  • Right-click on the Start button and select Settings.
  • On the left side of the window, pick Recovery.
  • Click Restart now.
  • Select Troubleshoot.
  • Go to Advanced options.
  • Select Startup Settings.
  • Click Restart.
  • Press 5 or click 5) Enable Safe Mode with Networking.

From our report of May 2022 · not reviewed since

Fix system errors to prevent Windows reinstallation

Performance, stability, and usability issues, to the point where a complete Windows reinstall is required, are expected after malware infection.

These types of viruses can alter the Windows registry database, damage vital bootup, and other functions, delete or corrupt DLL files, etc. Once a system file is damaged by malware, antivirus software will not able to repair it.

This is why was developed. This powerful software can fix a lot of the damage caused by GUCCI ransomware. Blue Screen errors, freezes, registry errors, damaged DLLs, etc., can make your computer completely unusable. By using this maintenance tool, you could avoid Windows reinstallation.

  • 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
Screenshot of GUCCI: 4 1
GUCCI in our 2022 report.

From our report of May 2022 · not reviewed since

File recovery options

Many people think that they can fix their files with anti-malware tools, but that is not what they are designed for.

All the security tools can do is detect suspicious processes in your system and eliminate them. The truth is, the files can be restored only with a decryption key or software that only the cybercriminals have.

If you did not back up your data previously, it might be possible that you will never get them back. You can try using data recovery software, but we have to note that third-party programs cannot always decrypt the files.

We suggest at least trying this method. Before proceeding, you have to copy the corrupted files and place them in a USB flash drive or another storage. And remember - only do this if you have already removed the GUCCI ransomware.

Before you begin, several pointers are essential while dealing with this situation:

Install data recovery software

  • Since the encrypted data on your computer might permanently be damaged by security or data recovery software, you should first make backups of it - use a USB flash drive or another storage.
  • Only attempt to recover your files using this method after you perform a scan with anti-malware software.
  • Download .
  • Double-click the installer to launch it.
  • Follow on-screen instructions to install the software.
  • As soon as you press Finish, you can use the app.
  • Select Everything or pick individual folders where you want the files to be recovered from.
  • Press Next.
  • At the bottom, enable Deep scan and pick which Disks you want to be scanned.
  • Press Scan and wait till it is complete.
  • You can now pick which folders/files to recover - don't forget you also have the option to search by the file name!
  • Press Recover to retrieve your files.
Screenshot of GUCCI: stellar2
GUCCI in our 2022 report.
Screenshot of GUCCI: stellar5
GUCCI in our 2022 report.

From our report of May 2022 · not reviewed since

Ransomware distribution methods

In order to protect yourself from future ransomware attacks, it is important to know how this dangerous malware usually spreads.

The most common gateways are torrent sites, peer-to-peer file-sharing platforms, and "cracked" software installations. It is best to use only official web stores and developer sites whenever you want to download new software.

Another preferred method is email. Cybercriminals can add infected attachments to the emails. Usually, they use social engineering methods to make people open them. So never open any email attachments unless it is from someone you know or you are sure that it is from a trustworthy sender.

You should also remember that it is extremely important to keep your operating system and software up-to-date. Developers often release not only updates but security patches of newly found vulnerabilities. Hackers love to exploit vulnerabilities so as soon as new updates are available, make sure to install them.

Report it and recover your files

Report it

Report the attack even if you do not expect the files back: insurers and banks ask for the report number, and police use the contacts in the note to link cases.

United States
FBI IC3 · FTC ReportFraud

Give the victim ID, the note and the date the files were encrypted. A business that holds personal data may also have to notify its data protection authority, in the EU within 72 hours.

Protect the files you restore

Restore only after the scans are clean and the PC no longer shows files that end in .gucci and no longer open; otherwise the restored copies can be damaged again.

Then build a backup that survives the next infection:

  • one copy in the cloud with version history
  • one on an external drive that is disconnected between backups
  • the working copy on the PC

Version history matters because a backup that syncs damaged files overwrites the good ones.

How to do this with the tools built into Windows: the 3-2-1 backup rule on Windows.

Protect your privacy - employ a VPN

There are several ways how to make your online time more private - you can access an incognito tab.

However, there is no secret that even in this mode, you are tracked for advertising purposes. There is a way to add an extra layer of protection and create a completely anonymous web browsing practice with the help of VPN. This software reroutes traffic through different servers, thus leaving your IP address and geolocation in disguise.

Besides, it is based on a strict no-log policy, meaning that no data will be recorded, leaked, and available for both first and third parties. The combination of a secure web browser and VPN will let you browse the Internet without a feeling of being spied or targeted by criminals.

No backups? No problem. Use a data recovery tool

If you wonder how data loss can occur, you should not look any further for answers - human errors, malware attacks, hardware failures, power cuts, natural disasters, or even simple negligence.

In some cases, lost files are extremely important, and many straight out panic when such an unfortunate course of events happen. Due to this, you should always ensure that you prepare proper data backups on a regular basis.

If you were caught by surprise and did not have any backups to restore your files from, not everything is lost. is one of the leading file recovery solutions you can find on the market - it is likely to restore even lost emails or data located on an external device.

Questions about GUCCI ransomware

Is there a decryptor for .gucci files?

That depends on the family behind the .gucci extension, which this guide cannot confirm yet from the reports alone. Check No More Ransom and ID Ransomware with your ransom note and one encrypted file; they list families with free tools.

If none exists today, keep the encrypted files and a copy of the note on a separate drive, because decryptors are sometimes published months later after flaws are found or servers are seized. Never buy a decryptor from a website that is not the security company that made it.

How do I open .gucci files?

You cannot open them by renaming or by choosing another program. The .gucci ending shows that GUCCI encrypted the content, and only the matching key can reverse it. Renaming a file back to .docx or .jpg changes nothing except the icon, and it can confuse a future decryptor, so leave the names as they are.

To get the content back, use a backup, an unencrypted copy elsewhere, or a decryptor listed on No More Ransom if one exists for GUCCI. Store the encrypted files on an external disk until then.

Did GUCCI steal my files or passwords?

We do not know yet. Nothing published so far shows data theft by GUCCI, but the only confirmed sign is files that end in .gucci and no longer open, which says nothing about what happened before. Many current ransomware attacks copy files or run a password stealer first, so it is wise to act as if they did.

From a clean device, change the passwords that were saved in the browsers on this PC, starting with e-mail and banking, sign out of all sessions and turn on two-step verification. Watch bank statements and account activity for the next few weeks.

How did GUCCI get on my computer?

The way GUCCI spreads has not been documented yet, so look at your own recent activity. On home PCs, ransomware most often comes with cracked programs, game cheats, key generators and fake updates, or with an e-mail attachment that was opened. On business networks, attackers usually log in through Remote Desktop with a stolen or guessed password.

Think back to what was downloaded or installed in the days before files that end in .gucci and no longer open, and check the Downloads folder and Installed apps sorted by date. Keep anything suspicious for your report, but do not run it again.

Should I pay the ransom?

We advise against it, and so do the FBI, Europol and national cyber agencies. Payment does not guarantee a working tool: some attackers never reply, some tools damage files, and some variants have no decryptor at all. Paying also funds further attacks and can make you a target again.

Before considering payment, try every recovery option in this guide and report the attack. Companies must involve their legal adviser and insurer, because payments to sanctioned groups can be illegal. If files are truly irreplaceable, store the encrypted copies and wait; decryptors sometimes appear later.

Can a data-recovery company decrypt my files for a fee?

Only if a decryptor already exists or the company pays the attackers for you. Some "ransomware recovery" services advertise that they can decrypt families with no known flaw; in practice they negotiate with the attackers and add their own fee. Others use the same free tools listed on No More Ransom.

Before you hire anyone, ask in writing how they will recover the files, whether they will contact the attackers and what happens if they fail. A legitimate service answers clearly. If a free decryptor exists for your family, you can run it yourself.

Is GUCCI the same as other ransomware with a similar name?

Not necessarily. Ransomware names come from the file extension, the note or a word in the code, so unrelated families often end up with similar names, and one family can appear under several names. The difference matters: a decryptor or advice for one family does not fit another and can damage files.

Compare the ending added to your files and the exact name of the note with the summary table at the top of this guide, then upload the note and one encrypted file to ID Ransomware from a clean device. If the result names another family, follow the guide for that family instead.

Should I open info.hta?

Reading it is fine if you open it in Notepad. A plain text info.hta cannot harm the PC. Be careful with notes in HTA or HTML format: double-clicking those runs them in a window that can contain scripts, so right-click and choose Open with > Notepad instead.

The note tells you the contact addresses, the claimed amount and the deadline. Do not visit links or write to the addresses from this PC. Use the note to identify the family and check for a free decryptor first.

Will .gucci spread to my other drives?

It can. Ransomware encrypts every drive and network share it can reach while it runs, so external disks, USB sticks and shared folders connected during the attack may also have files ending in .gucci. Disconnect everything now, then check each device from a clean computer.

Do not plug a backup drive into the infected PC until the ransomware has been removed with an offline scan. Cloud folders such as OneDrive sync the encrypted versions, but they keep earlier versions you can usually restore.

Will Fortect remove GUCCI?

Fortect scans Windows for malware and unwanted programs and repairs the system files and settings they change, and its free scan shows what it finds on your PC before you decide anything.

For GUCCI, follow the plan above as well: the browser steps take back permissions and settings that no scanner treats as a threat, and uninstalling the program that brought it removes the source.

Run Microsoft Defender's full scan and, if anything was found, its offline scan as a second opinion. If the symptoms are gone after the plan and both scans are clean, there is nothing more to do.

Sources

More removal guides

Questions and experiences: GUCCI ransomware

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