How to remove GandCrab V3 Ransomware and decrypt .CRAB files

What is GandCrab V3 Ransomware

GandCrab V3 Ransomware is another generation of high-risk GandCrab virus, that uses AES-256 (CBC-mode) + RSA-2048 encryption algorithms. This version also appends .CRAB extensions to all encrypted files. GandCrab V3 creates similar CRAB-DECRYPT.txt file with changed ransom note. Here is updated content from this file:

Unlike previous versions GandCrab V3 Ransomware uses carder.bit as a server and Psi-Plus Jabber for communication. It also modifies desktop background with unpleasant inscription. Ransomware restarts the computer after encryption is finished, and creates autorun key in the registry to run on Windows startup and attack newly created files. Ransom amount is ~$1000 and can be paid in Dash or BitCoin. Virus creates counter and deadline after which ransom amount can double. Unfortunately, at the moment we write this article, current decryption tools cannot decrypt GandCrab V3 Ransomware, but we will still provide links to this utilities as they can be updated any day. Use this guide to remove GandCrab V3 Ransomware and decrypt .CRAB files in Windows 10, 8/8.1, Windows 7.

GandCrab V3 Ransom Note

GandCrab V3 Ransomware desktop wallpaper

How GandCrab V3 Ransomware infected your PC

According to security researchers this version was being distributed via the Magnitude exploit kit. GandCrab V3 Ransomware can be also distributed by hacking through an unprotected RDP configuration, using email spam and malicious attachments, fraudulent downloads, exploits, web injections, fake updates, repackaged and infected installers. Virus assigns certain ID with the victims, that is used to name those files and supposedly to send decryption key. In order to prevent infection with this type of threats in future we recommend you to use SpyHunter 5, HitmanPro with Cryptoguard or any reputable antivirus program.

1. Download GandCrab V3 Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .CRAB 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 GandCrab V3 Ransomware

GandCrab V3 Ransomware files:

CRAB-DECRYPT.txt
jin.exe (nslookup.exe)
kiqdsc.exe
kssbel.exe

GandCrab V3 Ransomware registry keys:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce "{randomname}" = "%AppData%\Microsoft\{randomname}.exe"

It is not recommended to remove GandCrab V3 Ransomware manually, for safer solution use Removal Tools instead.

How to decrypt and restore .CRAB files

Use automated decryptors

Download BitDefender GandCrab Decryptor

Use following tool from BitDefender called BitDefender GandCrab Decryptor, that can decrypt .CRAB 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 .CRAB files by uploading samples to Dr. Web Ransomware Decryption Service. Analyzing of 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 GandCrab V3 Ransomware and removed it from your computer you can try to decrypt .CRAB 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 .CRAB 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 GandCrab V3 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 storages, such as hard drives, SSDs, flash drives or remote network storages can be instantly infected by the virus once plugged in or connected to. GandCrab V3 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 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 is 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 very high level of anti-spam protection.