How to remove GandCrab v4.1 Ransomware and decrypt .krab files

What is GandCrab v4.1 Ransomware

GandCrab v4.1 Ransomware represents a formidable evolution in the realm of cyber threats. As a part of the notorious GandCrab ransomware family, this version continues to employ advanced encryption techniques, specifically using AES-256 and RSA-2048 algorithms, to secure its hold over victims’ files. Victims will notice that files previously accessible suddenly bear a new extension, specifically the .krab extension, rendering them unreadable without the decryption key. The ransomware stealthily infiltrates systems, often through vulnerabilities such as unprotected Remote Desktop Protocol connectors or through malicious email attachments and links. It further erases shadow copies from the system, which exacerbates the difficulty in restoring data. Upon successful encryption, GandCrab leaves behind a ransom note named krab-decrypt.txt on the infected machine. This note informs victims about the compromised state of their files and provides instructions to access a site via the TOR network. Victims are urged not to modify encrypted files, as these could become permanently damaged beyond recovery.

Decryption tools for GandCrab v4.1 Ransomware have been released in the past, albeit effectiveness fluctuates due to the rapid iterations of ransomware. Emsisoft and Bitdefender have previously developed decryption utilities for earlier versions of GandCrab, offering hope to some victims who have opted against paying the ransom. It remains crucial for those affected by GandCrab v4.1 to avoid succumbing to payment demands, which paradoxically funds further criminal activity and offers no guarantee of file recovery. Identifying the ransomware variant through services like ID Ransomware can help ascertain whether a decryption solution is available. Even without shadow copies, some individuals may recover files through third-party data recovery programs or by employing systematic backups. Until more potent decryption tools are universally applicable, authorities advise maintaining robust prevention measures, such as frequent backups and updated security programs, to safeguard against ransomware infiltration.

How GandCrab v4.1 Ransomware infects computers

GandCrab v4.1 Ransomware is a sophisticated piece of malware that infiltrates computers through various attack vectors. One of its primary methods of distribution is via malicious email attachments and links, which often masquerade as legitimate documents or messages from trusted sources. Once a user opens these attachments or clicks on the links, the ransomware is executed, beginning the encryption process on the system. Additionally, GandCrab v4.1 exploits vulnerabilities in Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) configurations, allowing attackers to gain unauthorized access to systems with weak or exposed credentials. Another common infection pathway is through exploit kits like RIG EK and GrandSoft EK, which take advantage of software vulnerabilities in outdated applications and systems. By employing these diverse tactics, GandCrab v4.1 effectively spreads across networks, making it crucial for users to maintain updated security measures and exercise caution with unsolicited communications.

1. Download GandCrab v4.1 Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .krab 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 GandCrab v4.1 Ransomware

GandCrab v4.1 Ransomware files:


krab-decrypt.txt
{randomname}.exe


GandCrab v4.1 Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .krab files

Use automated decryptors

Download BitDefender GandCrab Decryptor

Use the following tool from BitDefender called GandCrab Decryptor, that can decrypt .krab files. Download it here:

Download GandCrab Decryptor

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 .krab 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 GandCrab v4.1 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 .krab 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 GandCrab v4.1 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. GandCrab v4.1 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