How to remove GandCrab v5.0.4 Ransomware and decrypt .[random-letters] files

What is GandCrab v5.0.4 Ransomware

Update, November, 2018: BitDefender updated its decryption tool for GandCrab Ransomware series. Now it should be able to decrypt files encrypted by GandCrab Ransomware up to version 5.0.5. Download is available below in the article.

Update, October 17, 2018: For the victims of GandCrab-5 from Syria, the developers of the extortionist cryptographer released free decryption keys. For this and all previous versions. Syria is now likely to be included in the white list of countries.

GandCrab v5.0.4 Ransomware is fourth generation of notorious GandCrab Ransomware. Virus uses complex combination of AES-256 (CBC-mode), RSA-2048 and Salsa20 encryption algorithms. This particular version adds .[random-letters] extension to encrypted files and creates slightly different ransom note called [random-letters]-DECRYPT.txt. [Random-letters] stands for 4-5-6-7 or 8 random letter set, generated uniquely for each individual computer. Here is the content of this file:

---= GANDCRAB V5.0.4 =---
Attention!
All your files, documents, photos, databases and other important files are encrypted and have the extension: .ROTXKRY
The only method of recovering files is to purchase an unique private key. Only we can give you this key and only we can recover your files.
The server with your key is in a closed network TOR. You can get there by the following ways:
---------------------------------

---BEGIN PC DATA---
-
---END PC DATA---


GandCrab v5.0.4 Ransomware demands ransom in BitCoins. Usually, it estimates $800. GandCrab does not use a C&C server, so it can encrypt files of users whose PCs are not connected to the Internet. GandCrab v5.0.4 encrypts the network resources that the affected PC uses. The virus determines the language of the system and shows the requirements in this language. Malware encrypts all types of files except ones in the whitelist and some necessary for Windows operation. All photos, documents, videos, databases get encrypted after infection. Virus uses

WMIC.exe shadowcopy delete

command to remove shadow copies and reduce the chances of recovery. Unfortunately, at the moment we write this article, current decryption tools cannot decrypt GandCrab v5.0.4 Ransomware, but we will still provide links to this utilities as they can be updated any day. Use this guide to remove GandCrab v5.0.4 Ransomware and decrypt .[random-letters] files in Windows 10, 8/8.1, Windows 7.

List of file extensions subject to encryption:
.1st, .602, .7z, .7-zip, .abw, .act, .adoc, .aim, .ans, .apkg, .apt, .arj, .asc, .asc, .ascii, .ase, .aty, .awp, .awt, .aww, .cab, .doc, .docb, .docx, .dotm, .gzip, .iso, .lzh, .lzma, .pot, .potm, .potx, .ppam, .pps, .ppsm, .ppsx, .ppt, .pptm, .pptx, .rar, .sldm, .sldx, .tar, .vbo, .vdi, .vmdk, .vmem, .vmx, .xla, .xlam, .xll, .xlm, .xls, .xlsb, .xlsm, .xlsx, .xlt, .xltm, .xltx, .xlw, .xps, .z, .zip

GandCrab v5.0.4 Ransomware Desktop Wallpaper

GandCrab v5.0.4 Ransomware Ransom Note

How GandCrab v5.0.4 Ransomware infected your PC

GandCrab v5.0.4 Ransomware exploits the recently discovered Windows Task Scheduler Zero Day Exploited by Malware Task Scheduler vulnerability (ALPC-TaskSched-LPE or Windows Task Scheduler ALPC Zero-Day), which allows you to run executable files with the privileges of system applications that allow you to run commands with administrative rights. The vulnerability affects versions with Windows 7, 8/8.1, 10, both x32 and x64-bit and can be used by an attacker to elevate the privileges of their malware. According to security researchers GandCrab v5.0.4 Ransomware uses malicious DOC files with macros for infection when opened. Can be distributed by hacking through an unprotected RDP configuration, using email spam and malicious attachments, deceptive downloads, botnets, 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.

Download GandCrab v5.0.4 Ransomware Removal Tool

To remove GandCrab v5.0.4 Ransomware completely we recommend you to use Norton Antivirus from Symantec. It detects and removes all files, folders and registry keys of GandCrab v5.0.4 Ransomware.

How to remove GandCrab v5.0.4 Ransomware manually

It is not recommended to remove GandCrab v5.0.4 Ransomware manually, for safer solution use Removal Tools instead.

GandCrab v5.0.4 Ransomware files:

[random-letters]-DECRYPT.txt
Crack_Ghost_Mouse_Auto_Clicker.exe
1.pdf
1.exe
{random}.exe
pidor.bmp
Loader.exe
Winsvc32.exe
Randomld.exe
{random}.exe


GandCrab v5.0.4 Ransomware registry keys:


HKCU\SOFTWARE\keys_data\data


How to decrypt and restore .[random-letters] files

Use automated decryptors

Use following tool from BitDefender called BitDefender GandCrab Decryptor, that can decrypt .[random-letters] 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.

If you are infected with GandCrab v5.0.4 Ransomware and removed it 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 Phoenix Data Recovery Pro to restore .[random-letters] files

1. Download Stellar Phoenix Data Recovery Pro.
2. Select location to scan for lost files and click Scan button.
3. Wait until Quick and Deep scans finish.
4. Preview found files and restore them.

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 v5.0.4 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

Regardless of success of protection against ransomware threats, you can save your files using simple online backup. Cloud services are quite fast and cheap nowadays. There is more sense using online backup, than creating physical drives, that can get infected and encrypted when connected to PC or get damaged from dropping or hitting. Windows 10 and 8/8.1 users can find pre-installed OneDrive backup solution from Microsoft. It is actually one of the best backup services on the market, and has reasonable pricing plans. Users of earlier versions can get acquainted with it here. Make sure to backup and sync most important files and folders in OneDrive.

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.