Goldeneye ransomware: virus decryption and removal

Similarly to its prototype called Petya, the new Goldeneye ransomware overwrites the Master Boot Record on PCs and demands a ransom to unlock the system.

The nefarious craft of the Petya disk-encrypting ransomware is continuing with a new, slightly modified incarnation. As of December 6, 2016, numerous computer users are reporting attacks by a crypto virus sample calling itself the Goldeneye ransomware. The majority of infections are localized to Germany at this point, just like it was at the dawn of the predecessor’s extortion campaign. The proliferation geography is likely to expand soon, though. This category of perpetrating code is particularly dangerous, because it does not even allow victims to boot into the operating system. When it comes to the Goldeneye strain, its allegation of the machine’s entire HDD being encrypted is bluff. What it actually does is it encodes the master file table (MFT), which completely scrambles file associations and prevents the OS from running.

At the early stage of the compromise, the payload of Goldeneye virus overwrites the target computer’s Master Boot Record (MBR) with its own boot loader. This boot loader, in its turn, triggers a small-size malign kernel that fires up the encryption workflow proper. This whole chain of adverse events is obfuscated through a counterfeit CHKDSK (check disk) screen wrongfully stating that the C disk file system repairing is in progress. This technique makes the breach appear true-to-life, so the victim will probably stick with the on-screen recommendation not to turn off the PC, thinking that doing so could destroy all of their data. In the meanwhile, Goldeneye ransomware is encrypting the master file table.

Once this phase has been completed, the pest straightforwardly explains what actually happened. It displays a scary black warning screen with text in yellowish font. The ransom note says, “You became victim of the GOLDENEYE RANSOMWARE! The hard disks of your computer have been encrypted with a military grade encryption algorithm. There is no way to restore your data without a special key.” The victim is therefore told to download and install Tor Browser, visit one of the two darknet pages provided, enter their unique hexadecimal code there, and submit an extorted amount of Bitcoin to obtain their unlock key. The personal decryption page informs the user of the ransom size, which is typically 1 BTC, and provides a deadline countdown – the necessary amount of cryptocurrency will double in 7 days.

The Goldeneye virus is currently distributed via a spam campaign. The crooks send out bogus emails with an XLS attachment. The spreadsheet won’t load properly unless the user enables macros. If this manipulation ends up successful, the VBA macro will execute the infection in the background. Again, this specimen is more difficult to handle than commonplace file-encrypting threats. The troubleshooting in this case requires some special footwork with the offending code. So follow the steps below and try to get around the firm grip of Goldeneye ransomware.

Goldeneye ransomware automated removal and data recovery

When faced with ransomware like Goldeneye, one of the best shortcuts in terms of removal is to use Combo Cleaner, a lightweight and incredibly effective application with PC security and optimization features under the hood. It detects and thoroughly deletes threats while giving you insights into the overall health of your computer.

This program’s protection power spans modules that forestall all known types of malware, including ransomware and browser hijackers, and take your online security to the next level by blocking phishing sites and other suspicious web pages. Follow these simple steps to eliminate the infection for good:

1. Download Combo Cleaner installer.

Download Goldeneye remover

^{Combo Cleaner scans your PC with no strings attached, but you’ll have to buy its fully functional version to remove the threats it detects. The disk optimization tools that find large files and duplicates are free to use.}

2. Open the CCSetup.exe file to get started. Several subsequent screens will allow you to make initial customizations so that the program works exactly as you need from the get-go.

3. The installation will be followed by an update of malware signatures. Once this process is through, click the Start Scan button in the left-hand sidebar.

4. Combo Cleaner will then check system locations that are most often polluted by Windows malware. The first scan can take a while to finish.

5. Combo Cleaner will display a system tray notification as soon as the scan is over. Click the Resolve found threats button to view the results.

6. The scan summary shows the names and types of the detected threats as well as their statuses and locations. Click the Remove all threats button and follow further on-screen prompts to get rid of these items.

Data recovery toolkit to the rescue

Some strains of ransomware are known to delete the original files after the encryption routine has been completed. As hostile as this activity appears, it can play into your hands. There are applications designed to revive the information that was obliterated because of malfunctioning hardware or due to accidental removal. The tool called Stellar Data Recovery features this type of a capability and therefore it can be applied in ransom attack scenarios to at least get the most important files back. So use the app to get an idea of what data can be restored and let it do the recovery job. Here is a step-by-step walkthrough:

1. Download and install Stellar Data Recovery.

Download Stellar Data Recovery

2. Open the application, select the types of recoverable files to look for, and click Next.

3. Choose the areas you want the tool to recover from and click the Scan button.

4. Having scanned the specified locations, the program will display a notification about the total amount of recoverable data. Close the dialog and click the Recover button. This will hopefully help you get some of your valuable files back.

Goldeneye ransomware manual removal and file recovery

Some ransomware strains terminate themselves after completing the encryption job on a computer, but some don’t. Furthermore, the Goldeneye virus may prevent victims from using popular antimalware tools in order to stay on board for as long as possible. Under the circumstances, it may be necessary to utilize the Safe Mode with Networking or System Restore functionality.

Be advised that even after the ransomware is removed, files will still be encrypted and inaccessible. The malicious code cleanup part, however, is important because it keeps a relapse of the infection from occurring further on and eliminates all opportunistic malware.

Ways of non-ransom recovery of Goldeneye-encrypted data

Cracking the crypto used by this ransom Trojan is more of a science fiction thing rather than an attainable prospect for the masses. This is why the troubleshooting in predicaments of this sort is a matter of two approaches: one is to pay the ransom, which isn’t an option for many victims; and the other is to apply instruments that take advantage of the ransomware’s possible weaknesses. If the latter is your pick, the advice below is a must-try.

Ransomware Prevention Tips

To avoid Goldeneye ransomware and other file-encrypting infections in the future, follow several simple recommendations:

These techniques are certainly not a cure-all, but they will add an extra layer of ransomware protection to your security setup.

Revise your security status

Post-factum assessment of the accuracy component in malware removal scenarios is a great habit that prevents the comeback of harmful code or replication of its unattended fractions. Make sure you are good to go by running an additional safety checkup. Another benefit of using the antimalware tool is that it will keep ransomware threats from intruding on your computer further on.

Download Goldeneye removal tool