How to remove GameCrypt Ransomware and decrypt .GameCrypt files

What is GameCrypt Ransomware

GameCrypt Ransomware is a malicious software designed to encrypt files on an infected computer, demanding a ransom payment for their decryption. Upon infection, it appends the file extension .GameCrypt to all encrypted files, making them unusable until a victim complies with the ransom demands. This ransomware employs a sophisticated encryption algorithm to secure the files, typically utilizing AES, which renders the data inaccessible without the proper decryption key. Victims are often greeted with a ransom note titled how_to_back_files.hta, which is usually placed on the desktop or within the affected folders, instructing them on how to pay the ransom, often in cryptocurrency, to purportedly regain access to their files.

Despite the menacing appearance of GameCrypt Ransomware, there exists a way to decrypt the affected files without paying the ransom. There are no specific decryption tools publicly available to handle this ransomware as of now. However, the decryption password is surprisingly simple: it is the first 16 bytes of the MD5 hash of the word “battlecats”. This means victims can recover their encrypted files by generating this hash and using the correct sequence from it. You don’t need to be a programming expert to accomplish this; by using standard MD5 hashing tools available online, one can extract the necessary bytes and decrypt their .GameCrypt files successfully. This method, fortunately, empowers victims to regain access to their data and mitigate the impact of ransomware without succumbing to the demands of cybercriminals.

How GameCrypt Ransomware infects computers

GameCrypt Ransomware employs several sophisticated methods to infiltrate computers, primarily leveraging phishing emails, malvertising, and fileless attacks. Phishing emails often use social engineering tactics to trick users into downloading malicious attachments or clicking on infected links, thereby initiating the ransomware payload. Malvertising, or malicious advertising, involves the distribution of malware through seemingly legitimate ads on reputable websites, leading unsuspecting users to compromised web pages that download the ransomware. Additionally, GameCrypt utilizes fileless attacks, which inject the malware directly into the system’s memory, bypassing traditional antivirus defenses and making detection extremely challenging. These multi-faceted infection vectors highlight the importance of maintaining robust cybersecurity practices and staying vigilant against potential threats.

1. Download GameCrypt Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .GameCrypt files
3. Recover encrypted files with Stellar Data Recovery Professional
4. Restore encrypted files with Windows Previous Versions
5. Restore files with Shadow Explorer
6. How to protect from threats like GameCrypt Ransomware

GameCrypt Ransomware files:


how_to_back_files.hta
{randomname}.exe


GameCrypt Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .GameCrypt files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

Use the following tool from Kaspersky called Rakhni Decryptor, that can decrypt .GameCrypt files. Download it here:

Download RakhniDecryptor

There is no purpose to pay the ransom because there is no guarantee you will receive the key, but you will put your bank credentials at risk.

Dr.Web Rescue Pack

Famous antivirus vendor Dr. Web provides free decryption service for the owners of its products: Dr.Web Security Space or Dr.Web Enterprise Security Suite. Other users can ask for help in the decryption of .GameCrypt files by uploading samples to Dr. Web Ransomware Decryption Service. Analyzing files will be performed free of charge and if files are decryptable, all you need to do is purchase a 2-year license of Dr.Web Security Space worth $120 or less. Otherwise, you don’t have to pay.

If you are infected with GameCrypt Ransomware and removed from your computer, you can try to decrypt your files. Antivirus vendors and individuals create free decryptors for some crypto-lockers. To attempt to decrypt them manually, you can do the following:

Use Stellar Data Recovery Professional to restore .GameCrypt files

1. Download Stellar Data Recovery Professional.
2. Click Recover Data button.
3. Select the type of files you want to restore and click Next button.
4. Choose the location where you would like to restore files from and click Scan button.
5. Preview found files, choose ones you will restore and click Recover.

Download Stellar Data Recovery Professional

Using Windows Previous Versions option:

1. Right-click on infected file and choose Properties.
2. Select Previous Versions tab.
3. Choose a particular version of the file and click Copy.
4. To restore the selected file and replace the existing one, click on the Restore button.
5. In case there are no items in the list, choose an alternative method.

Using Shadow Explorer:

1. Download Shadow Explorer program.
2. Run it, and you will see a screen listing of all the drives and the dates that shadow copy was created.
3. Select the drive and date that you want to restore from.
4. Right-click on a folder name and select Export.
5. In case there are no other dates in the list, choose an alternative method.

If you are using Dropbox:

1. Login to the Dropbox website and go to the folder that contains encrypted files.
2. Right-click on the encrypted file and select Previous Versions.
3. Select the version of the file you wish to restore and click on the Restore button.

How to protect computer from viruses, like GameCrypt Ransomware, in future

1. Get special anti-ransomware software

Use ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware

Famous antivirus brand ZoneAlarm by Check Point released a comprehensive tool, that will help you with active anti-ransomware protection, as an additional shield to your current protection. The tool provides Zero-Day protection against ransomware and allows you to recover files. ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware is compatible with all other antiviruses, firewalls, and security software except ZoneAlarm Extreme (already shipped with ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware) or Check Point Endpoint products. The killer features of this application are: automatic file recovery, overwrite protection that instantly and automatically recovers any encrypted files, file protection that detects and blocks even unknown encryptors.

Download ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware

2. Back up your files

As an additional way to save your files, we recommend online backup. Local storage, such as hard drives, SSDs, flash drives, or remote network storage can be instantly infected by the virus once plugged in or connected to. GameCrypt Ransomware uses some techniques to exploit this. One of the best services and programs for easy automatic online backup is iDrive. It has the most profitable terms and a simple interface. You can read more about iDrive cloud backup and storage here.

3. Do not open spam e-mails and protect your mailbox

Malicious attachments to spam or phishing e-mails are the most popular method of ransomware distribution. Using spam filters and creating anti-spam rules is good practice. One of the world leaders in anti-spam protection is MailWasher Pro. It works with various desktop applications and provides a very high level of anti-spam protection.

Download MailWasher Pro