Gyga virus belongs to Dharma ransomware family and targets to encrypt data
Contents
Gyga ransomware is a virus that comes from the Dharma ransomware family and aims to encrypt data on the affected computer. The encoded files are marked with a multi-layered extension that consists of the primary name of the file, unique victim’s ID, attackers’ e-mail address, and .Gyga extension. Encrypted information becomes unavailable for regular use and cybercriminals demand to pay a ransom to restore it. Victims are informed about the attack in FILES ENCRYPTED.txt ransom note and urged to contact the attackers via gygabot@cock.li and gygabot@protonmail.com e-mail addresses.
Along with the STOP/DJVU ransomware family with ZIDA, USAM, and VAWE variants, file-encrypting viruses from the Dharma family were the second most spread infections in 2019. Once this particular version infiltrates the system, all corrupted data is appended with a long extension. For example, if the original filename is “document.txt”, after encryption it looks like “document.txt.id-1E857D00.[gygabot@cock.li].gyga”. Note that none of the encrypted information is accessible and users cannot open or run any files.
After the encryption, people receive a pop-up window that drops the ransom note. The message informs that affected data can be restored if the victims agree to pay up and contact the cybercriminals via the given e-mail address. In case they do not respond within the first 12 hours, users should contact them via another indicated e-mail address. The final part of the note includes warnings not to try to use alternative recovery methods or it can damage the encrypted files permanently.
The transcript of the pop-up window with the message:
YOUR FILES ARE ENCRYPTED
Don’t worry,you can return all your files!
If you want to restore them, follow this link:email gygabot@cock.li YOUR ID – XXX
If you have not been answered via the link within 12 hours, write to us by e-mail:gygabot@protonmail.com
Attention!
Do not rename encrypted files.
Do not try to decrypt your data using third party software, it may cause permanent data loss.
Decryption of your files with the help of third parties may cause increased price (they add their fee to our) or you can become a victim of a scam.
The transcript of the FILES ENCRYPTED.txt ransom note:
all your data has been locked us
You want to return?
write email gygabot@cock.li or gygabot@protonmail.com
Reasons not to pay the ransom
Usually, cybercriminals demand from several hundred up to a thousand dollars in cryptocurrency to restore the affected information. They point out that Gyga decryptor is a unique sequence of numbers, letters, and characters that cannot be duplicated. Thus, they indicate themselves as the only way to get back corrupted files. However, the are numerous cases where victims were tricked and never received the decryption tool.
Therefore, we highly recommend not to contact the criminals and remove Gyga ransomware right after the infection. Note that file-encrypting viruses are highly advanced and their elimination can be carried only by professionals. Likewise, we suggest an easy way out — install a professional malware removal software instead and run an entire system scan. Robust security tools are capable to deal with such infections without the need of professional in-person help. For virus damage repair, scan with RESTORO.
After successful Gyga ransomware removal, you can easily restore your data by using the latest backup copy stored on the Cloud. If you do not keep backups, there are alternative ways how you can get back to your files. Additionally, security experts are continuously working on developing verified decryption keys that could help thousands of cryptomalware victims.
Ransomware Overview
Name | Gyga virus |
Type | Ransomware, File-encrypting virus, Cryptomalware |
Family | Dharma |
Other variants | Nemty, Phobos, JOPE |
Extension | .id-XXX.[gygabot@cock.li].gyga |
Ransom note | FILES ENCRYPTED.txt |
Amount of money demanded | The sum demanded is not specified in the ransom note |
Distribution | Software cracks, malicious spam e-mails |
Removal | You can uninstall the ransomware with malware removal tools. Speaking of virus damage repair, scan with RESTORO. |
The primary ransomware distribution sources
Cybercriminals create either legitimate-looking spam e-mails or fake software cracks to spread these file-encrypting viruses. Regular computer users are often gullible and fall for the disguise of ransomware resulting in an infection.
For example, many attackers send e-mails designed to look like representing a well-known company and include a malicious link. People who open the message believe that it is completely legitimate and click on the link this way installing the ransomware on their computers. Experts warn to check the e-mail addresses since they might be misspelled or have other errors. Thus, never open such messages on your computer.
Furthermore, users still continue to search for software cracks on various peer-to-peer (P2P) networks. Likewise, attackers upload ransomware executables under the name of poplar software cracks and try to lure people into downloading it. Note that those who are not highly advanced in tech cannot check if the file is infected. Therefore, you should never download any type of programs from illegal websites and use authorised sites instead.
Safe Gyga ransomware virus removal and decryption options
Before heading to restore your data, you must first remove Gyga ransomware virus from your computer. Usually, file-encrypting viruses contain many different components that reside in various locations on the computer. It is not advised to look for those elements and try to delete them on your own. Otherwise, you might get rid of essential system files and damage your computer permanently.
You should run an entire system scan with RESTORO or another malware removal software that is recommended by the experts. It will quickly identify all virus-related elements and clean your system from all suspicious applications, including this dangerous ransomware. Additionally, this antivirus offers to fix malware damage caused during the infection as its extra feature.
Once you perform Gyga ransomware removal, you should think about the potential decryption options. As we have already mentioned, you can restore files from the latest backup. Alternative decryption methods are still on the way, as ransomware-type infections are updated with every new variant and become even harder to decrypt.
Although, earlier Dharma variants can be decrypted with Rakhni Decryptor by Kaspersky Lab (usage guide) or Trend Micro Ransomware Decryptor (usage guidelines).
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GYGA ransomware Removal Guidelines
Method 1. Enter Safe Mode with Networking
Step 1. Start Windows in Safe Mode with Networking
Before you try to remove the virus, you must start your computer in Safe Mode with Networking. Below, we provide the easiest ways to boot PC in the said mode, but you can find additional ones in this in-depth tutorial on our website – How to Start Windows in Safe Mode. Also, see a video tutorial on how to do it:
Instructions for Windows XP/Vista/7 users
- First of all, turn off your PC. Then press the Power button to start it again and instantly start pressing F8 button on your keyboard repeatedly in 1-second intervals. This launches the Advanced Boot Options menu.
- Use arrow keys on the keyboard to navigate down to Safe Mode with Networking option and press Enter.
Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10 users
- Open Windows Start menu, then press down the Power button. On your keyboard, press down and hold the Shift key, and then select Restart option.
- This will take you to Windows Troubleshoot screen. Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings > Restart. Tip: If you can't find Startup Settings, click See more recovery options.
- In Startup Settings, press the right key between F1-F9 to enter Safe Mode with Networking. In this case, it is the F5 key.
Step 2. Remove files associated with the virus
Now, you can search for and remove GYGA ransomware files. It is very hard to identify files and registry keys that belong to the ransomware virus, Besides, malware creators tend to rename and change them repeatedly. Therefore, the easiest way to uninstall such type of a computer virus is to use a reliable malware removal program. In addition, we suggest trying a combination of INTEGO Antivirus (removes malware and protects your PC in real-time) and RESTORO (repairs virus damage to Windows OS files).
Method 2. Use System Restore
In order to use System Restore, you must have a system restore point, created either manually or automatically.
Step 1. Boot Windows in Safe Mode with Command Prompt
Instructions for Windows XP/Vista/7 users
- Shut down your PC. Start it again by pressing the Power button and instantly start pressing F8 button on your keyboard repeatedly in 1-second intervals. You will see Advanced Boot Options menu.
- Using arrow keys on the keyboard, navigate down to Safe Mode with Command Prompt option and press Enter.
Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10 users
- Launch Windows Start menu, then click the Power button. On your keyboard, press down and hold the Shift key, and then choose Restart option with the mouse cursor.
- This will take you to Windows Troubleshoot screen. Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings > Restart. Tip: If you can't find Startup Settings, click See more recovery options.
- In Startup Settings, press the right key between F1-F9 to enter Safe Mode with Command Prompt. In this case, press F6 key.
Step 2. Start System Restore process
- Wait until system loads and command prompt shows up.
- Type cd restore and press Enter, then type rstrui.exe and press Enter. Or you can just type %systemroot%system32restorerstrui.exe in command prompt and hit Enter.
- This launches System Restore window. Click Next and then choose a System Restore point created in the past. Choose one that was created before ransomware infection.
- Click Yes to begin the system restoration process.
After restoring the system, we recommend scanning the system with antivirus or anti-malware software. In most cases, there won't be any malware remains, but it never hurts to double-check. In addition, we highly recommend checking ransomware prevention guidelines provided by our experts in order to protect your PC against similar viruses in the future.
Alternative software recommendations
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware
Removing spyware and malware is one step towards cybersecurity. To protect yourself against ever-evolving threats, we strongly recommend purchasing a Premium version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware, which provides security based on artificial intelligence and machine learning. Includes ransomware protection. See pricing options and protect yourself now.
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Scott Bolton is a senior content strategist in our Geek’s Advice team. He is exceptionally passionate about covering the latest information technology themes and inspire other team members to follow new innovations. Despite the fact that Scott is an old-timer among the Geeks, he still enjoys writing comprehensive articles about exciting cybersecurity news or quick tutorials.
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