Gryphon ransomware: decrypt .gryphon files and remove virus

Learn how the new Gryphon ransomware gains a foothold on a computer, how it affects victim’s personal data, and how to try and restore hostage files for free.

The ransomware ecosystem has been generally idle over the past several weeks, with nothing but crude, poorly coded samples popping up once in a while. The strain called Gryphon, though, stands out from this low-level pack as it sports strong encryption and follows “best” practices of e-extortion. Originally discovered on July 28, this specimen appears to have gone through testing mode to in-the-wild distribution ever since. Its first iteration spotted by researchers would speckle encrypted files with the .[test].gryphon extension, where the “test” part was supposed to match the threat actor’s email address. A few days later, an edition surfaced that started utilizing the .[decr@cock.li].gryphon string to label ransomed data items.

Ultimately, a sample file named Car.png will be renamed to Car.png.[decr@cock.li].gryphon. The file extension alone provides clues on what the victim should do to sort things out. The key component is the email address that must be contacted for further directions. To explicate the recovery steps further, the Gryphon ransomware drops a rescue note into every folder with enciphered files. Several different names of these notes have been reported, including HELP.inf, Info.txt, and !## DECRYPT FILES ##!.txt.

Despite different titles, their contents are identical. The wording goes, “Your documents, photos, databases and other important files have been encrypted cryptographically strong, without the original key recovery is impossible! To decrypt your files you need to buy the special software – GRYPHON DECRYPTER.” This part is followed by a recommendation to refrain from using third party recovery software otherwise the data may become irrecoverable.

In order to regain access to scrambled files, the victim is then instructed to reach the attackers by sending a message to decr@cock.li, or alternatively to decrsup@cock.li. The plagued user should write “encryption” in the subject line, enter their ID in the body of the email, and attach 3 encrypted files, each one under 2 MB in size. To put addition pressure on the victim, the crooks also state in the ransom note that they won’t keep decryption keys on their server for more than a week. There is no accurate data regarding the amount of cryptocurrency that the felons demand, but it’s usually in the range of $500-$1400 worth of Bitcoin (0.2-0.5 BTC).

Gryphon ransomware tends to infiltrate computers via rogue emails, mostly ones generated by an automated malicious network called “botnet”. These underground services can spew out thousands of malspam messages in one shot. Once an email like that reaches someone’s inbox, chances are the recipient ends up opening it, thinking it’s actually an invoice, a missed courier delivery notification or something similar. The file attached to this message is typically camouflaged as a benign ZIP archive, but when opened it turns out to contain malicious JavaScript. This JS code, in its turn, downloads the Gryphon ransomware executable and runs it on the host. So much for the infection chain.

When it comes to data restoration, it’s recommended to avoid any deals with the attackers, because they hardly ever carry through with their promises. Even if you pay up there is no guarantee that you’ll get your decryption key. So the first thing to try and get off the hook is to use a specially crafted procedure to get rid of the offending program and drag the data out of the cipher jeopardy.

Gryphon ransomware automated removal and data recovery

When faced with ransomware like Gryphon, 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 Gryphon 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.

Gryphon 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 Gryphon 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 .gryphon extension 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 Gryphon 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 Gryphon removal tool