Ransomware

Gatq Ransomware is, in fact, a subtype of notorious STOP Ransomware (DjVu Ransomware), that has been active since December 2017. The virus uses AES-256 (CFB-mode) encryption algorithm. This new version appeared in the middle of May 2023 and adds .gatq extension to encrypted files. STOP Ransomware belongs to a family of crypto-viruses, that demand money in exchange for decryption. The good news is, that most of previous versions of Gatq Ransomware could be decrypted using a special tool called STOP Djvu Decryptor (download link below in the article), developed by EmsiSoft. Gatq Ransomware uses exactly the same e-mails, ransom note patterns and other parameters as dozens of its predecessors: support@freshmail.top and datarestorehelp@airmail.cc. Malware creates _readme.txt ransom note file with all the contact information and explanations.

Gaze Ransomware is one of many ransomware versions issued by the STOP/Djvu family. This particular version was released in the end of May 2023. Just like older versions, Gaze Ransomware encrypts PC-stored data and demands crypto ransom for unique decryption software that will unlock this data. Most often, malware like Gaze will scout through the available files and block access to the most valuable ones. The list of such usually consists of images, music, videos, and documents containing important information. After locating these files, the file-encryptor will write strong cryptographic algorithms over the targeted files to prevent users from manually approaching their decryption. Victims infected with this ransomware version will see their data changed with the .gaze extension. This means a compromised file like 1.pdf will change to something like 1.pdf.gaze. Then, Gaze developers set up their virus to create the _readme.txt file that features decryption guidelines.

Gapo Ransomware or as it is often called STOP Ransomware or Djvu Ransomware belongs to the large family of file-encryption viruses with long history and multiple modifications. Currently, this is one of the most widespread ransomware. We won't go deep into technical details of the infection, but explain simple methods and chances to decrypt affected files and remove the virus. The first thing you should know, there are cases, that can be treated successfully, the bad news is - chances of a successful outcome are less than 5%. In this article, we will observe variations that append .gapo extensions to files and appeared in the end of May 2023. Gapo Ransomware uses a similar pattern with all victims. It comes as a fake Windows update from torrent websites that run executable to disable security programs and starts the encryption process of valuable files, such as docs, videos, photos, music. In the end, it places a ransom note (_readme.txt) file in every folder with encrypted files.

Xaro is the name of a new file-encryptor virus recently developed by the STOP/Djvu ransomware genealogy. This ransomware variant appeared in May 2023 and shares generally identical traits with other versions released by this group of cybercriminals. The only thing that makes it unique is the .xaro extension that gets appended to targeted files during encryption. Once encrypted, files will no longer be accessible and look something like 1.pdf.xaro without the original shortcut icon. Following this, Xaro Ransomware creates a text note called _readme.txt to feature decryption guidelines. Overall, it is said victims have to pay for the unique decryption key (and tool) in order to recover the data. The price for decryption accounts for $490 within the first 72 hours and is claimed to double to $980 unless victims fit in the given timeframe. To make this demanded payment, victims have to initiate communication with swindlers (via e-mail) and get further instructions on paying the ransom.

If unexpectedly the names of your files changed, .xatz is added at the end of their name, and the files themselves stopped opening, this means that your computer is infected with the file-encryption virus called Xatz Ransomware (STOP Ransomware). Using a strong hybrid encryption system and a unique key, this virus encrypts all files located on the infected computer. Each encrypted file receives new extension: .xatz. This version appeared in the middle of May 2023. To encrypt data, the parasite uses a combination of AES and RSA algorithms. New versions appear almost every week, although they all show their activity according to the same template. Even if you delete the new extension or completely rename the file, it will not help restore access to its contents. Only the key and decryptor that the authors of the Xatz Ransomware have can decrypt the files. Fortunately for the victims of this virus, a free decryptor was created, which in some cases can help decrypt affected files. After encryption malware places a special text file with instructions to pay the ransom (ransom note), called _readme.txt in each folder.

Being part of the Djvu/STOP family, Xash is a new ransomware infection targeting data encryption. It was released in the middle of May 2023. Just like other malware of this type, STOP Ransomware of this version appends its own .xash extension to encrypted files. In the vast majority of cases, data becomes undecryptable with conventional methods. Only 1-2% of occasions can be decrypted by designated decryption tool. However, with instructions we provide on this page, there is high chance you'll recover some important files. To illustrate, an innocent file like 1.mp4 will change to 1.pdf.xash, and similarly with other files. Developers of ransomware infections pursue monetary benefits – this is why there are providing paid instructions to decrypt your data. This information can be found in a text note (_readme.txt) created in each folder with the encrypted files.

Gatz Ransomware is a disastrous virus, that uses AES encryption algorithms to encrypt users' files. After encoding, files obtain following extensions: .gatz. The malware aims at encryption of personal data, such as documents, photos, videos, music, e-mails. Deep encoding makes those files unapproachable, and decryption instruments available today cannot help in most cases. To start automatically each time the OS starts, the cryptographer creates an entry in the Windows registry key that defines a list of programs that start when the computer is turned on or restarted. To determine which key to use for encryption, Gatz Ransomware tries to establish a network connection with its command server. The virus sends information about the infected computer to the server and receives the encryption key from it. In addition, the command server can send additional commands and modules to the virus that will be executed on the victim's computer. If the data exchange with the command server was successful, the virus uses the received encryption key (online key). This key is unique for each infected computer. If Gatz Ransomware was unable to establish a connection with its server, a fixed key (offline key) will be used to encrypt files.

Gash Ransomware is a complex encryption-type virus, that uses AES (Salsa20) algorithm to cipher user files. Data affected by this malware become unavailable without a special decryption key. The virus gets slightly modified every week, and recent version, that appeared in the end of November, appends the following extension: .gash. Gash Ransomware does not touch system files, but may block navigation to certain security websites using the Windows "hosts" file. When users try to download anti-malware or decryption tools, the pest won't allow them to do it. You can easily download recommended programs from our site and read instructions on how to use them. Ransomware copies file _readme.txt, the so-called "ransom note", to the desktop and to the folders with encrypted files.