Remove GROD Ransomware Virus (Decryption Guide 2019)

GROD ransomware attacks computer systems to turn personal files useless

GROD ransomware is a malicious computer virus that seeks to encrypt files on a target system. It belongs to the new STOP DJVU malware family, therefore it uses an updated RSA encryption algorithm. The malware is set to disable firewalls, delete system restore points and encode data, adding .grod file extensions to original filenames. Next, it inserts a ransom note called _readme.txt in every folder containing encrypted data, which instructs the victim to pay a hefty ransom to the criminals in order to access data ever again. Victims of this ransomware should be aware of password-stealing Trojan that it installs on the system, named Azorult.

GROD ransomware encrypts victim’s files to demand a sum which ranges from $490 to $980. It depends whether the victim manages to collect the specified sum of money and obtain Bitcoins to pay the criminals within 72 hours. The attackers suggest decrypting one file for free to test the GROD decryptor software that they offer. To get detailed instructions on how to pay the ransom and also test the decrypter, the ransom note suggests sending a message to one of the provided emails:

• [email protected];
• [email protected] 

If you can no longer access your files and you can see .grod extensions on them, it means that you have become a victim of a highly dangerous DJVU ransomware attack. Unfortunately, you were hit with an updated malware version which cannot be decrypted at the moment. You only have hope to restore part of the data if the virus used an offline key to corrupt your data. More on that will be provided below.

Threat Summary

The file-encrypting virus uses either online or offline key to corrupt data

In order to better understand your chances of recovering files encrypted by GROD virus, you must know a bit about how the virus operates. Once run on the target machine, the virus attempts to establish a connection with its remote server to get online keys to encrypt data. If it fails to do so, it uses a static offline encryption key. A sign that such key was used for your machine is if your personal ID (found in the ransom note) ends with t1. An example of an online and offline keys are provided below.

Personal ID example indicating encryption using online key:

Your personal ID:
0273HfghKy12nGO5B7fewTPmpErj3m2FccWnHvCkaQ24Pefmk

Personal ID example indicating encryption using offline key:

Your personal ID:
0273HfghKy12nGO5B7fewTPmpErj3m2FccWnHvCkaQ24Peft1

As a result, if the security researchers will be able to extract this offline key in the future, you will recover some of your files. However, please note that this does not apply to those attacked with online keys. It is impossible to extract these keys in any way.

Please read more about STOP DJVU ransomware decryption options in this in-depth guide here.

However, we suggest backing up your encrypted data and wait for the best to happen – criminals might get caught one day.

Meanwhile, you must remove GROD ransomware virus using good antivirus software. Please use the instructions provided at the end of this article for guidance. Use security software of your choice or consider reading reviews provided on our site.

Distribution of STOP ransomware variants

GROD file virus, just like other STOP/DJVU ransomware variants (PEET, MOSK, TOEC, LOKF, RECO) are all distributed in one simple way. The attackers bundle the malicious executive along with software cracks, keygens and other not-so-legal downloads that help to activate paid software products for free.

Therefore, if you found all your files turned into .grod file type, it means that you have recently downloaded a compromised software activation tool. Please remember that such downloads are easy bait for victims as they’re extremely popular. By buying official software licenses, you do not risk your safety and not break any copyright laws. Besides, it is usually cheaper than paying a ransom to cybercriminals.

However, such illegal tools isn’t the only way to spread malware. You can also become a victim if you use outdated software (such as Flash Player), tend to explore suspicious emails sent to you or visit shady peer-to-peer, gambling, or adult sites. These are known to be the highest-risk when it comes to ransomware distribution.

Remove GROD ransomware virus from your PC and restore your files

Remove GROD ransomware virus from your computer to prevent its further malicious operations. We recommend scanning your computer with a trustworthy antivirus software of your choice. Running an automatic malware removal software will ensure a thorough cleanse from ransomware remains as well as Azorult Trojan. 

Please follow the GROD ransomware removal guidelines provided below. These will guide you through steps required to boot your PC in Safe Mode. You need to start your computer in this mode to delete the malware without any obstacles. If you try to delete malware while in regular mode, your antivirus might get blocked.

Once the STOP DJVU ransomware is eliminated, you can start to recover your files using a backup. Plug it in your computer and simply move them from the external device to your chosen location. Make sure you do this step only with a clean computer, as the backup can get encrypted, too.

Norbert Webb

Norbert Webb is the head of Geek’s Advice team. He is the chief editor of the website who controls the quality of content published. The man also loves reading cybersecurity news, testing new software and sharing his insights on them. Norbert says that following his passion for information technology was one of the best decisions he has ever made. “I don’t feel like working while I’m doing something I love.” However, the geek has other interests, such as snowboarding and traveling.

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