GandCrab v5.0 ransomware decryption and removal

GandCrab v5.0 is an outcome of the latest overhaul of the dangerous ransomware that now adds a random extension to filenames and uses a new ransom note.

New version releases are a normal thing in the evolution of major ransomware families. Sometimes these updates pursue to simply fine-tune the infections functionally, with hardly any conspicuous changes visible to the naked eye. In some cases, the blackmail viruses are revamped from the ground up so that even security researchers find it hard to identify them. But most of the time, these are moderate tweaks that give the data-encrypting baddies a fresh look and feel. The latter holds true for the recent GandCrab ransomware upgrade to version 5.0 as of late September 2018. The most obvious change is the new filename skewing tactic. Whereas the previous variant appended the .KRAB extension to encrypted files, GandCrab v5.0 uses a random one instead.

The extension is unique for every victim and consists of 5 random characters. It’s unclear at this point how exactly this string is derived. It may be grabbed from the infected computer’s specific hardware ID that’s not encountered on any other machine – a technique similar to how the ill-famed Cerber ransomware fetched extensions from hosts’ GUID value during its peak performance period. Anyway, a sample document named 7.docx, having been encrypted by GandCrab v5, will turn into something like 7.docx.icmso. Of course, editing the filename by deleting the rogue suffix will in no way make the item accessible again. That’s because cryptography is involved in the extortion chain. The ransomware scans the plagued computer and network drives for important files and encrypts them using asymmetric cipher. The above-mentioned extension is merely an external token that makes it easy for the victim to distinguish normal files from encoded ones.

After completing the data encryption part of the attack, GandCrab v5.0 follows the well-trodden ransomware path drops a rescue note. This is one more thing that makes this particular version different from its predecessor. The how-to is now named [capitalized extension]-DECRYPT.html. In our sample scenario, it would be ICMSO-DECRYPT.html. Again, the first part of the name matches the victim-specific filename tail, so it’s going to vary across the infected user base. A copy of the ransom note appears on the desktop, and every folder containing hostage files will get one added to it as well. Its intro goes:

GANDCRAB V5.0
All your files, documents, photos, databases and other important files are encrypted and have the extension: .ICMSO. The only method of recovering files is to purchase an [sic] unique private key. Only we can give you this key and only we can recover your files.

The manual also instructs the infected user to install Tor browser and open their personal link in it. The link leads to GandCrab v5.0 payment page, which coerces the victim to send $1,200 worth of Bitcoin or DASH cryptocurrency to the adversaries. The deadline to redeem files is set to 3 days, and the price will double afterwards. A script displaying the amount of time left before the increase puts some additional pressure on the user. By the way, the payment page is perhaps the only component of version 5 that didn’t undergo any noticeable modifications since the previous release.

Another thing that’s now inherent to the GandCrab ransomware is that the desktop background is replaced with a warning image. It addresses the prey by their username and ironically says their files are “under strong protection” by the malefactors’ software. Unfortunately, cryptography experts and security analysts are still struggling to find a way to decrypt GandCrab v5.0. Just like its precursors, it is professionally designed crypto-wise and the private key is uncrackable. The only good news is that the encoded data may be recoverable in other ways, for instance, by means of forensic tools. See the part below for details.

GandCrab v5.0 ransomware automated removal and data recovery

When faced with ransomware like GandCrab v5.0, 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 v5.0 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 v5.0 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 v5.0 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 files encrypted by GandCrab v5.0

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 v5.0 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 v5.0 removal tool