How to remove GUCCI ransomware

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^[1] 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[victim-id].[tox].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.^[2]

The ransom note

The full info.hta ransom note reads as follows:

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.

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:

!!!All of your files are encrypted!!!
To decrypt them:
TOX messenger: CD54A20BCCDAA8209805BB8D4BDE15D542A66CF6E155783ECBE7549D0D6FBD0A59C16E9FD95C
You can download TOX messenger here hxxps://tox.chat/
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.

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.

Use anti-malware tools like SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes to scan your system. 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

1. Click Start > Shutdown > Restart > OK.
2. 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.
3. Select Safe Mode with Networking from the list.

Windows 10 / Windows 8

1. Right-click on the Start button and select Settings.
   
2. Scroll down to pick Update & Security.
3. On the left side of the window, pick Recovery.
4. Now scroll down to find the Advanced Startup section.
5. Click Restart now.
6. Select Troubleshoot.
7. Go to Advanced options.
8. Select Startup Settings.
9. Click Restart.
10. Press 5 or click 5) Enable Safe Mode with Networking.

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 FortectIntego was developed. This powerful software can fix a lot of the damage caused by GUCCI ransomware. Blue Screen errors,^[3] 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
• If you see many problems that you find difficult to fix, we recommend you purchase the license and fix them automatically.

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:

• 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.

Install data recovery software

1. Download Data Recovery Pro.
2. Double-click the installer to launch it.
3. Follow on-screen instructions to install the software.
4. As soon as you press Finish, you can use the app.
5. Select Everything or pick individual folders where you want the files to be recovered from.
6. Press Next.
7. At the bottom, enable Deep scan and pick which Disks you want to be scanned.
8. Press Scan and wait till it is complete.
9. You can now pick which folders/files to recover – don't forget you also have the option to search by the file name!
10. Press Recover to retrieve your files.

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^[4] 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^[5] 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.