How to remove GhostLocker Ransomware and decrypt .ghost files

What is GhostLocker Ransomware

GhostLocker is a type of ransomware developed by the GhostSec cybercriminal group. Ransomware is a type of malware designed to encrypt data and demand payment for its decryption. GhostLocker targets a wide range of data types, including documents, spreadsheets, drawings, images, movies, and videos. It is a derivative of the BURAN Ransomware and is distributed in a worldwide campaign. GhostLocker encrypts files and appends their names with a .ghost extension. For example, an original filename such as 1.jpg would appear as 1.jpg.ghost. The encryption process is simple – every file that gets encrypted becomes unusable. GhostLocker uses AES encryption, a symmetric encryption algorithm known for its speed and security. GhostLocker leaves a ransom note in a text file (lmao.html), warning against renaming the encrypted files or using third-party recovery tools, as this may lead to permanent data loss. The victim is also warned that seeking aid from third-parties or authorities will result in data loss and the stolen content getting leaked.

Unfortunately, there are currently no known decryption tools for GhostLocker ransomware. The only surefire way to recover encrypted data is from a backup, if one was created prior to the ransomware attack and stored in a different location. It’s important to note that removing GhostLocker ransomware from the operating system will prevent it from further encryptions, but it will not restore already locked files. To prevent GhostLocker and other ransomware infections, it’s crucial to have a dependable antivirus installed and kept updated. Regular system scans should be performed to detect and remove threats. It’s also recommended to avoid downloading files or clicking on links from unknown sources, and to keep regular backups of important data in several separate locations.

How GhostLocker infects computers

GhostLocker primarily infects computers through several methods:

• Spam Emails and Email Attachments: GhostLocker often enters computers through spam emails. These emails may contain malicious attachments or links that, when clicked, download and install the ransomware.
• Malicious Software Installers: GhostLocker may also be embedded within application installers for popular applications. When these applications are installed, the ransomware is also installed.
• Web Injectors: GhostLocker can be placed within web browser plugins, also known as “hijackers”. These plugins promise new features or performance optimizations, but instead deliver the ransomware.
• Misleading Online Advertisements: Clicking on misleading online advertisements can also lead to a GhostLocker infection.
• File Sharing Networks: GhostLocker can be distributed through file sharing networks like BitTorrent.

Once the ransomware is executed, it immediately infects the system and communicates with a remote server to generate a unique key for the encryption process.

1. Download GhostLocker Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .ghost 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 GhostLocker Ransomware

GhostLocker Ransomware files:


lmao.html
{randomname}.exe


GhostLocker Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .ghost files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

Use following tool from Kaspersky called Rakhni Decryptor, that can decrypt .ghost 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 .ghost 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 GhostLocker 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 .ghost files

1. Download Stellar Data Recovery Professional.
2. Click Recover Data button.
3. Select type of files you want to restore and click Next button.
4. Choose 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 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 is no items in the list choose alternative method.

Using Shadow Explorer:

1. Download Shadow Explorer program.
2. Run it and you will see 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 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 GhostLocker 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. GhostLocker 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