What is GandCrab v5.1 Ransomware
GandCrab v5.1 Ransomware is fifth generation of very dangerous and harmful GandCrab Ransomware. It is yet unknown what type of encryption algorithm it uses. Virus assigns randomly generated identification code to each particular user. It looks like set of 8 letters and GandCrab v5.1 Ransomware uses it to create .[random-letters] extension and ransom note filename will look like this: [random-letters]-DECRYPT.txt and [random-letters]-DECRYPT.html. The contents of this ransom note is slightly different from previous versions of this malware:
---= GANDCRAB V5.1 =---
***********************UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES DO NOT DELETE THIS FILE, UNTIL ALL YOUR DATA IS RECOVERED***********************
*****FAILING TO DO SO, WILL RESULT IN YOUR SYSTEM CORRUPTION, IF THERE ARE DECRYPTION ERRORS*****
Attention!
All your files, documents, photos, databases and other important files are encrypted and have the extension: .HJNAKLIQ
The only method of recovering files is to purchase an unique private key. Only we can give you this key and only we can recover your files.
The server with your key is in a closed network TOR. You can get there by the following ways:
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| 0. Download Tor browser - https://www.torproject.org/
| 1. Install Tor browser
| 2. Open Tor Browser
| 3. Open link in TOR browser: http://gandcrabmfe6mnef.onion/da9ad04e1e857d00
| 4. Follow the instructions on this page
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On our page you will see instructions on payment and get the opportunity to decrypt 1 file for free.
ATTENTION!
IN ORDER TO PREVENT DATA DAMAGE:
* DO NOT MODIFY ENCRYPTED FILES
* DO NOT CHANGE DATA BELOW
---BEGIN GANDCRAB KEY---
******
---END GANDCRAB KEY---
---BEGIN PC DATA---
******
---END PC DATA---
Unfortunately, files encrypted by GandCrab v5.1 Ransomware are currently not decryptable. However, as some of the previous versions had decryptor from BitDefender, we will provide download link for this tool below. There is a possibility, that they will update the program to decrypt latest instances of GandCrab Ransomware. We also provide general manual instructions, that can, in many cases, help you restore some or even all encrypted files. All these methods are worth trying. Also, there is a link for recovery software, that can restore copies of your files, probably, removed earlier. Read the tutorial to remove GandCrab v5.1 Ransomware and decrypt .[random-letters] files in Windows 10, 8/8.1, Windows 7.
List of file extensions subject to encryption:
.1st, .602, .7z, .7-zip, .abw, .act, .adoc, .aim, .ans, .apkg, .apt, .arj, .asc, .asc, .ascii, .ase, .aty, .awp, .awt, .aww, .cab, .doc, .docb, .docx, .dotm, .gzip, .iso, .lzh, .lzma, .pot, .potm, .potx, .ppam, .pps, .ppsm, .ppsx, .ppt, .pptm, .pptx, .rar, .sldm, .sldx, .tar, .vbo, .vdi, .vmdk, .vmem, .vmx, .xla, .xlam, .xll, .xlm, .xls, .xlsb, .xlsm, .xlsx, .xlt, .xltm, .xltx, .xlw, .xps, .z, .zip
How GandCrab v5.1 Ransomware infected your PC
According to security researchers, GandCrab v5.1 Ransomware uses malicious .doc, .xls, js and .zip files with macroses for infection. It can be also distributed by hacking through an unprotected RDP configuration, using email spam and malicious attachments, deceptive downloads, botnets, exploits, web injections, fake updates, repackaged and infected installers. Virus assigns certain ID with the victims, that is used to name those files and supposedly to send decryption key. In order to prevent infection with this type of threats in future we recommend you to use SpyHunter 5, HitmanPro with Cryptoguard or any reputable antivirus program.
Download GandCrab v5.1 Ransomware Removal Tool
To remove GandCrab v5.1 Ransomware completely we recommend you to use Norton Antivirus from Symantec. It detects and removes all files, folders and registry keys of GandCrab v5.1 Ransomware.
How to remove GandCrab v5.1 Ransomware manually
It is not recommended to remove GandCrab v5.1 Ransomware manually, for safer solution use Removal Tools instead.
GandCrab v5.1 Ransomware files:
[random-letters]-DECRYPT.txt
{random}.exe
GandCrab v5.1 Ransomware registry keys:
HKCU\SOFTWARE\keys_data\data
How to decrypt and restore .[random-letters] files
Use automated decryptors
Use following tool from BitDefender called BitDefender GandCrab Decryptor, that can decrypt .[random-letters] files. Download it here:
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.
If you are infected with GandCrab v5.1 Ransomware and removed it 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 Phoenix Data Recovery Pro to restore .[random-letters] files
- Download Stellar Phoenix Data Recovery Pro.
- Select location to scan for lost files and click Scan button.
- Wait until Quick and Deep scans finish.
- Preview found files and restore them.
Using Windows Previous Versions option:
- Right-click on infected file and choose Properties.
- Select Previous Versions tab.
- Choose particular version of the file and click Copy.
- To restore the selected file and replace the existing one, click on the Restore button.
- In case there is no items in the list choose alternative method.
Using Shadow Explorer:
- Download Shadow Explorer program.
- Run it and you will see screen listing of all the drives and the dates that shadow copy was created.
- Select the drive and date that you want to restore from.
- Right-click on a folder name and select Export.
- In case there are no other dates in the list, choose alternative method.
If you are using Dropbox:
- Login to the DropBox website and go to the folder that contains encrypted files.
- Right-click on the encrypted file and select Previous Versions.
- Select the version of the file you wish to restore and click on the Restore button.
How to protect computer from viruses, like GandCrab v5.1 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.
2. Back up your files
Regardless of success of protection against ransomware threats, you can save your files using simple online backup. Cloud services are quite fast and cheap nowadays. There is more sense using online backup, than creating physical drives, that can get infected and encrypted when connected to PC or get damaged from dropping or hitting. Windows 10 and 8/8.1 users can find pre-installed OneDrive backup solution from Microsoft. It is actually one of the best backup services on the market, and has reasonable pricing plans. Users of earlier versions can get acquainted with it here. Make sure to backup and sync most important files and folders in OneDrive.
3. Do not open spam e-mails and protect your mailbox
Malicious attachments to spam or phishing e-mails is 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 very high level of anti-spam protection.
