Geek's Advice

GTYS ransomware is a malicious computer virus created to extort you

GTYS ransomware is a new computer virus variant originating from the STOP/DJVU ransomware gang. It is recognized as the 439th version that encrypts files on victim’s computer and marks them with .gtys extension. To illustrate, a file originally named 1.jpg appears as 1.jpg.gtys after the attack. To provide the computer user with information regarding intentions of the cybercriminals behind this, the ransomware drops a copy of _readme.txt (the ransom note) in every folder. The message in it explains that all files were modified with robust encryption algorithm, and that the only way to restore them is by purchasing GTYS decryption tool from the ransomware operators.

As it turns out, actors behind GTYS ransomware virus seek to encrypt files on victim’s computer for a reason – since files are no longer accessible and naturally the user seeks to find a way to reverse the damage, the criminals suggest a solution – pay a ransom for a file decryption tool. In the _readme.txt note, they specify that the virus used strongest encryption algorithm along with unique key to securely lock all of victim’s photos, videos, documents and other data formats. The ransom note suggests that the only way to contact the ransomware operators is via two provided email addresses: support@sysmail.ch and supportsys@airmail.cc.

The ransom note also suggests that the victim can get a 50% discount on the decryption tool price if one manages to settle an agreement with the criminals within the first 72 hours (3 days) following the attack. This would set the ransom amount to $490 instead of $980. However, if the victim delays writing to the attackers, the criminals won’t provide no discounts. Moreover, to encourage the computer user to “trust” them, they recommend sending one encrypted file as an attachment via email to them. They promise to reply with instructions how to pay the ransom and a decrypted file version.

Although it might seem tempting to pay the ransom, especially if you’ve lost extremely important files such as memories, work or study related files – we do not recommend paying the ransom. The attackers will only accept transactions via cryptocurrency such as Bitcoin, so there will be no way to track them down and arrest them. According to the official FBI’s recommendations, paying a ransom is not a good idea, because there’s still a chance you will not recover your files. Moreover, by sending your money to them, you will help them to fund their operations and might eventually become a target in further attacks.

Data encryption isn’t the only malicious activity induced by this malware. Apparently it drops AZORULT or VIDAR Trojans on the compromised system, and these are known to belong to Remote Access Trojans category, meaning that they can be controlled by the cybercriminals remotely. With their hands on such tools, the crooks can extract various information from the computer, including saved passwords, browsing history, stealing cryptocurrency wallets and even installing more malware.

To prevent any further damage, we strongly recommend you to remove GTYS ransomware virus along with other malware from your computer immediately. Follow the instructions provided below to start your computer in Safe Mode with Networking and then run your chosen antivirus or anti-malware software of your choice. In addition, our team advises downloading RESTORO to repair virus damage on Windows OS files.

Ransomware Summary

REMOVE MALWARE & REPAIR VIRUS DAMAGE

How ransomware-type viruses are distributed

Variants of STOP/DJVU such as GTYS virus are typically promoted via rogue websites in a form of torrents or password-protected archives that are presented as pirated software versions. Computer users who tend to look for illegal ways to activate paid software versions for free are at high risk of installing severe malware instead of desired software or computer games. Victims of this ransomware strain report getting infected after launching a fake installer for these programs:

• Fifa 20;
• Tenorshare 4ukey;
• AutoCad;
• Corel Draw;
• Nero Burning ROM;
• VMware Workstation;
• Adobe Illustrator;
• League of Legends;
• Microsoft Visio PRO;
• Internet Download Manager;
• Adobe Photoshop;
• KMSPico (illegal Windows activation tool).

Tp avoid getting infected, stay away from various software cracks and visit official websites belonging to software vendors or confirmed partners only. Remember that damages inflicted by malware hiding in illegal downloads will result in much higher expenses than a legitimate software license usually costs.

Cybercriminals also distribute malware via malicious email spam containing attachments. The ransomware can hide even in files that appear as regular documents, for instance, XLS, DOCX, PDF. The criminals might name them as invoices, order summaries, parcel tracking information and similar. Beware that the sender’s address that looks legitimate may be spoofed. Therefore, you should only open email attachments if you are 100% sure they come from a legitimate entity and was awaited. If you can spot some suspicious signs such as typo mistakes in the message, weirdly aligned logos or unfamiliar greeting line, delete such email without any hesitations.

Finally, watch out of rogue websites offering decryption tools – these can hide another ransomware variant. On top of that, you should know that there are scammers promoting various scam Instagram pages or Whatsapp numbers promising decryption solutions. However, by contacting these, you might be swindled out of money and receive nothing in return.

How this ransomware operates

GTYS ransomware begins the attack by running its main executable that is usually named with 4 random characters. Therefore, it might appear as 7BG3.exe, 9H6A.exe or similar. It also downloads build.exe, build2.exe or build3.exe to help it perform all of the malicious activities and communicate with its Command&Control server.

Before initiating data encryption, this ransomware first connects to https[:]//api.2ip.ua/geo.json and drops geo.json file on the computer. It contains victim’s geolocation-related data, including country, city, zip code and other details as shown below.

The ransomware then compares victim’s computer’s geolocation with its exception list and if it detects any of the following countries, it stops its processes: Ukraine, Russian Federation, Syria, Armenia, Tajikistan, Kazachstan, Kyrgyzstan, Belarus, and Uzbekistan. Otherwise, it proceeds to create information.txt file which is used to store computer’s hardware details, installed software and active processes lists.

The virus then attempts to establish a connection with its Command&Control server, hoping to request a unique encryption key for the victim. If this fails, it then decodes a hardcoded encryption key from its code and uses it instead. The encryption key and the victim’s Personal ID assigned to the computer will be saved into a file named bowsakkdestx.txt and the ID will be saved individually to PersonalID.txt. Both files are displayed below.

GTYS ransomware has two encryption modes, often referred to as online and offline. The online encryption type indicates that the malware has successfully received a unique encryption key and ID for the victim. When it comes to offline encryption mode, it means that the computer’s Internet connectivity had some issues or the C&C server was down at the time of the request, so a hardcoded encryption key was used so that the ransomware could operate autonomously despite issues reaching C&C server.

Victims can identify offline encryption usage by inspecting the last two characters at the end of their PersonalID (a file located in C:\SystemID). If these are t1, it means that offline key was used and there’s a slight chance to recover all data in the future. Read more on how and when you can decrypt/repair STOP/DJVU encrypted data here.

After deciding on the encryption type, the virus begins locking all of victim’s files with a combination of encryption algorithms (Salsa20 + RSA-2048). During this procedure, the virus marks each locked file with .gtys extension.

The ransomware also drops the discussed ransom note (_readme.txt) in each folder where at least one file was encrypted.

The last modification performed on the system is editing of Windows HOSTS file. The virus adds a list of various cybersecurity blogs and news websites that provide information regarding ransomware attacks and maps them to localhost IP, which triggers web browsers to display errors similar to DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN when the computer user attempts to visit them. In other words, the cybercriminals do not want the victim to reach help online.

Remove GTYS Ransomware Virus and Decrypt Your Files

Computer users who have fallen victim to this variant of STOP/DJVU should remove GTYS ransomware virus along with Trojans it installed without any delay. You can follow the free guidelines provided below to boot your PC in Safe Mode with Networking, which is a better environment for malware removal. It helps to neutralize malicious processes that might try to stop your antivirus or anti-malware programs from identifying and deleting dangerous files. To repair virus damage on Windows OS files, we strongly recommend downloading this tool – RESTORO (secure download link).

Once GTYS ransomware virus removal is complete, do not forget to report the cyberattack incident to local law enforcement agencies and change all of the passwords you used on the compromised computer. Once your computer is secure again, you can connect your data storage drive containing a backup and recover your files. For more data decryption/repair solutions officially confirmed at this time, visit this guide.

OUR GEEKS RECOMMEND

Our team recommends a two-step rescue plan to remove ransomware and other remaining malware from your computer, plus repair caused virus damage to the system:

STEP 1. REMOVE AUTOMATICALLY WITH ROBUST ANTIVIRUS

REMOVE & PROTECT WITH INTEGO

Get INTEGO ANTIVIRUS for Windows to remove ransomware, Trojans, adware and other spyware and malware variants and protect your PC and network drives 24/7.. This VB100-certified security software uses state-of-art technology to provide protection against ransomware, Zero-Day attacks and advanced threats, Intego Web Shield blocks dangerous websites, phishing attacks, malicious downloads and installation of potentially unwanted programs.

Use INTEGO Antivirus to remove detected threats from your computer.

Read full review here.

STEP 2. REPAIR VIRUS DAMAGE TO YOUR COMPUTER

DOWNLOAD RESTORO

RESTORO provides a free scan that helps to identify hardware, security and stability issues and presents a comprehensive report which can help you to locate and fix detected issues manually. It is a great PC repair software to use after you remove malware with professional antivirus. The full version of software will fix detected issues and repair virus damage caused to your Windows OS files automatically.

RESTORO uses AVIRA scanning engine to detect existing spyware and malware. If any are found, the software will eliminate them.

Read full review here.

GeeksAdvice.com editors select recommended products based on their effectiveness. We may earn a commission from affiliate links, at no additional cost to you. Learn more.

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.