Decrypt .GDCB files – remove GandCrab ransomware virus

Find out how the new GandCrab ransomware is different than the mainstream crypto threats and what methods might help restore encrypted .GDCB files.

Not only does the GandCrab ransomware stand out from the rest due to its bizarre name, but it also turns out to represent a new generation of blackmail viruses. It is competently coded and leverages a number of unconventional mechanisms that cannot be encountered elsewhere on the online extortion arena. First off, it is the only perpetrating program from this cluster that accepts ransoms in Dash cryptocurrency rather than Bitcoin, Monero or Ether. This choice of the threat actors has got some firm ground behind it – Dash is generally considered to offer a higher degree of privacy than competing platforms do. Another noteworthy trait of GandCrab is its use of the exploit kit called RIG, and more recently GrandSoft EK, to make the rounds.

The involvement of exploit kits in the propagation routine isn’t something you often see in this segment of the cybercrime ecosystem these days. Most attackers opt for more straightforward methods, such as spam or compromised RDP connections. The felons running the GandCrab campaign are, obviously, professional enough to deliver their payload via such a complex and evasive scheme. All it takes for a user to get infected is go to a hacked website that furtively redirects them to the EK. The rest is a matter of RIG or GrandSoft exploiting vulnerabilities in the host’s software behind the scenes.

When up and running on a computer, the GandCrab ransomware ends a few dozen processes that might prevent it from completing the crypto job. Specifically, if any valuable file is in use by one of these processes, the subsequent workflow of encrypting this particular file may fail. Next, the baddie attempts to establish connection with its Command and Control server, which is a .bit domain. If this part of the attack chain is successful and the culprit receives the public RSA key from the C2, it starts encrypting the victim’s files matching a hard-coded list of popular data formats. When done, GandCrab subjoins the .GDCB extension to every single object that was encrypted (Sample.jpg becomes Sample.jpg.GDCB). Copies of the ransom note named GDCB-DECRYPT.txt, which the Trojan sprinkles all over the system, instruct the user to visit a specified Tor page named GandCrab Decryptor. This page includes the following information: the victim’s operating system and country based on their IP address; the size of the ransom (1.54 Dash, or about $1200) along with the Dash address for payment; and a script displaying the countdown of four days. If the plagued user does not fit in this deadline, the ransom will double.

In summary, the GandCrab ransomware is shaping up to be a new major player on the extortion landscape. It is skillfully crafted, innovative, and its distribution is gearing up for a rise. The starting point in this attack scenario is to use the tried-and-true data recovery tricks below based on the best forensic practices. Coughing up the ransom is a dangerous game as it may turn out futile and the hostage files will remain inaccessible regardless.

GandCrab ransomware automated removal and data recovery

When faced with ransomware like GandCrab, 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 GandCrab 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.

GandCrab 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 GandCrab 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 .GDCB files

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 GandCrab 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 GandCrab removal tool