How to remove G-STARS Ransomware and decrypt .G-STARS files

What is G-STARS Ransomware

G-STARS Ransomware, also known as Phobos, is a type of malware that encrypts data on the victim’s system and then demands payment from the victim in exchange for the decryption key. G-STARS is a malicious program belonging to the Phobos ransomware family. It is propagated through spam email attachments, pornographic websites, cost-free programs, and vulnerable web servers. Once it infects a computer, it encrypts files and alters their names by appending a unique ID, the email address of the cybercriminals, and the .G-STARS extension. G-STARS Ransomware drops its ransom notes, the (info.txt), in the infected computer’s directories containing encrypted files and creates a pop-up window (info.hta). As many other ransomware viruses G-STARS uses the Advanced Encryption Standard AES-256 alongside another popular algorithm, RSA-1024. Here are the samples of ransom messages:

There is no free decryption tool available for G-STARS Ransomware. However, RansomHunter has developed an in-house technology called Tracer, capable of decrypting files affected by some types of ransomware. Stellar Data Recovery Pro also offers solutions capable of restoring files impacted by G-STARS Ransomware, by recovering their deleted copies from your hard drive. It is important to note that paying the ransom demanded by the cybercriminals is not recommended, as it does not guarantee the recovery of the encrypted files and may encourage further criminal activity. It is also recommended to implement security best practices, such as keeping backups in multiple locations, using strong passwords, two-factor authentication, regular software updates and patches, employee security awareness training, and the use of security tools like firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and antivirus software.

G-STARS Ransomware (pop-up window)

G-STARS Ransomware (ransom note)

How G-STARS Ransomware infected your computer

G-STARS Ransomware is often spread through phishing emails that contain malicious attachments or through drive-by downloading. Drive-by downloading occurs when a user unknowingly visits an infected website, and then malware is downloaded and installed without the user’s knowledge. It can also be spread through social media, such as web-based instant messaging applications. Additionally, newer methods of ransomware infection have been observed, such as vulnerable web servers being exploited as an entry point to gain access to an organization’s network.

1. Download G-STARS Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .G-STARS files
3. Recover encrypted files with Stellar Data Recovery Professional
4. Restore encrypted files with Windows Previous Versions
5. Restore files with Shadow Explorer
6. How to protect from threats like G-STARS Ransomware

G-STARS Ransomware files:


info.hta
info.txt
{randomname}.exe


G-STARS Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .G-STARS files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

Use following tool from Kaspersky called Rakhni Decryptor, that can decrypt .G-STARS files. Download it here:

There is no purpose to pay the ransom because there is no guarantee you will receive the key, but you will put your bank credentials at risk.

Dr.Web Rescue Pack

Famous antivirus vendor Dr. Web provides free decryption service for the owners of its products: Dr.Web Security Space or Dr.Web Enterprise Security Suite. Other users can ask for help in the decryption of .G-STARS files by uploading samples to Dr. Web Ransomware Decryption Service. Analyzing files will be performed free of charge and if files are decryptable, all you need to do is purchase a 2-year license of Dr.Web Security Space worth $120 or less. Otherwise, you don’t have to pay.

If you are infected with G-STARS Ransomware and removed from your computer you can try to decrypt your files. Antivirus vendors and individuals create free decryptors for some crypto-lockers. To attempt to decrypt them manually you can do the following:

Use Stellar Data Recovery Professional to restore .G-STARS files

1. Download Stellar Data Recovery Professional.
2. Click Recover Data button.
3. Select type of files you want to restore and click Next button.
4. Choose location where you would like to restore files from and click Scan button.
5. Preview found files, choose ones you will restore and click Recover.

Using Windows Previous Versions option:

1. Right-click on infected file and choose Properties.
2. Select Previous Versions tab.
3. Choose particular version of the file and click Copy.
4. To restore the selected file and replace the existing one, click on the Restore button.
5. In case there is no items in the list choose alternative method.

Using Shadow Explorer:

1. Download Shadow Explorer program.
2. Run it and you will see screen listing of all the drives and the dates that shadow copy was created.
3. Select the drive and date that you want to restore from.
4. Right-click on a folder name and select Export.
5. In case there are no other dates in the list, choose alternative method.

If you are using Dropbox:

1. Login to the DropBox website and go to the folder that contains encrypted files.
2. Right-click on the encrypted file and select Previous Versions.
3. Select the version of the file you wish to restore and click on the Restore button.

How to protect computer from viruses, like G-STARS Ransomware , in future

1. Get special anti-ransomware software

Use ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware

ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware Dashboard

ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware Alert

ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware Blocked

Famous antivirus brand ZoneAlarm by Check Point released a comprehensive tool, that will help you with active anti-ransomware protection, as an additional shield to your current protection. The tool provides Zero-Day protection against ransomware and allows you to recover files. ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware is compatible with all other antiviruses, firewalls, and security software except ZoneAlarm Extreme (already shipped with ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware) or Check Point Endpoint products. The killer features of this application are: automatic file recovery, overwrite protection that instantly and automatically recovers any encrypted files, file protection that detects and blocks even unknown encryptors.

2. Back up your files

As an additional way to save your files, we recommend online backup. Local storage, such as hard drives, SSDs, flash drives, or remote network storage can be instantly infected by the virus once plugged in or connected to. G-STARS Ransomware uses some techniques to exploit this. One of the best services and programs for easy automatic online backup is iDrive. It has the most profitable terms and a simple interface. You can read more about iDrive cloud backup and storage here.

3. Do not open spam e-mails and protect your mailbox

Malicious attachments to spam or phishing e-mails are the most popular method of ransomware distribution. Using spam filters and creating anti-spam rules is good practice. One of the world leaders in anti-spam protection is MailWasher Pro. It works with various desktop applications and provides a very high level of anti-spam protection.