How to remove GonzoFortuna Ransomware and decrypt .gonzofortuna files

What is GonzoFortuna Ransomware

GonzoFortuna Ransomware is a malicious software designed to encrypt data on compromised systems, primarily targeting businesses through sophisticated double-extortion tactics. Identified as a member of the MedusaLocker ransomware family, it utilizes powerful RSA and AES cryptographic algorithms for encryption. Files affected by this ransomware are appended with the distinctive .gonzofortuna extension, making previously accessible files unusable without a decryption key. Once the encryption process is complete, the ransomware generates a ransom note in the form of an HTML file titled How_to_back_files.html, typically placed in various locations on the victim’s system, urging victims to contact the attackers via provided email addresses or Tor chat for instructions on how to regain access to their data. The ransom note often stresses the urgency by threatening data exposure if contact is not established within a strict 72-hour window.

Despite the grave threat imposed by this ransomware, there are no known public decryption tools available specifically for the GonzoFortuna variant. The creators of the ransomware store the decryption keys on remote servers, rendering free decryption nearly impossible if proper encryption techniques have been implemented. Therefore, decrypting .gonzofortuna files without involving the attackers or having backups is complicated and typically not feasible. It is generally advised against paying the ransom, as there is no guarantee that the perpetrators will provide a functional decryption tool, and doing so only supports their criminal activities. For victims, the best course of action remains restoring data from secure backups while taking steps to eradicate the ransomware from their systems, using reputable antivirus software, such as Combo Cleaner, to prevent further data loss and ensure system integrity.

How GonzoFortuna Ransomware infects computers

GonzoFortuna Ransomware is a sophisticated malware that infiltrates computers primarily through deceptive social engineering tactics and malicious distribution methods. Often, it exploits phishing emails that appear legitimate, enticing users to open infected attachments or click on malicious links, which in turn execute the ransomware payload. Additionally, this ransomware can be bundled with software from unreliable download sources, such as third-party websites and peer-to-peer sharing networks, where unsuspecting users download seemingly benign files. Once the ransomware gains access, it utilizes backdoor trojans or drive-by downloads to silently install itself on the system, often leveraging fake software updates or illegal activation tools (“cracks”) to mask its presence. Moreover, GonzoFortuna can spread across local networks and external storage devices, highlighting the importance of isolating infected machines promptly to prevent further damage. Users must remain vigilant, ensuring that they only download from trusted sources and maintain updated security software to mitigate such threats.

1. Download GonzoFortuna Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .gonzofortuna 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 GonzoFortuna Ransomware

GonzoFortuna Ransomware files:


How_to_back_files.html
{randomname}.exe


GonzoFortuna Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .gonzofortuna files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

Use the following tool from Kaspersky called Rakhni Decryptor, that can decrypt .gonzofortuna 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 .gonzofortuna 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 GonzoFortuna 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 .gonzofortuna 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 GonzoFortuna 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. GonzoFortuna 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