How to remove GrafGrafel Ransomware and decrypt .GrafGrafel files

What is GrafGrafel Ransomware

GrafGrafel is a type of ransomware, a malicious software that encrypts data and demands a ransom for its decryption. It is part of the Phobos ransomware family. The GrafGrafel ransomware targets both local and network-shared files, leaving critical system files unaffected. Once GrafGrafel ransomware infects a computer, it encrypts files and alters their filenames. The original titles are appended with a unique ID assigned to the victim, the cyber criminals’ email address, and a .GrafGrafel extension. For example, a file initially named 1.jpg would appear as 1.jpg.id[G7RF34WQE-5687].[GrafGrafel@tutanota.com].GrafGrafel following encryption. The specific encryption algorithm used by GrafGrafel ransomware is yet unknown. However, ransomware typically uses strong encryption algorithms that can only be unlocked by a decryptor code known only to the attacker. After the encryption process is completed, GrafGrafel ransomware creates ransom notes in a pop-up (info.hta) and text files (info.txt). These notes are dropped in encrypted directories and on the desktop.

The text in the pop-up and text files is identical, stating that the victim’s files were encrypted and sensitive company data was exfiltrated. The messages warn against actions that may lead to permanent data loss, such as restarting or shutting down the system, renaming/copying/moving or otherwise modifying the affected files, using third-party decryption tools, and contacting recovery companies or the authorities.

As of the current date, there are no specific decryption tools mentioned for GrafGrafel ransomware. However, several organizations offer free ransomware decryption tools for various ransomware variants. These include Avast, AVG, Emsisoft, Kaspersky, McAfee, the No More Ransom Project, Quick Heal, and Trend Micro. It’s always recommended to check these sources for available decryption tools if your computer is infected with ransomware.

Decrypting .GrafGrafel files involves obtaining the specific decryption key, which is typically held by the attacker. Paying the ransom is not recommended as it does not guarantee the recovery of the files and encourages the attackers to continue their illicit activities. Instead, victims should remove the ransomware from their system and then try to recover their files using safe decryption tools made by legitimate companies. If a specific decryption tool for GrafGrafel is not available, victims can try to restore their files from backups if they have them.

How GrafGrafel Ransomware infects computers

GrafGrafel ransomware, like other ransomware, can infect computers through various methods. The most common infection methods include phishing emails using social engineering, malvertising and exploit kits, fileless attacks, remote desk protocol, drive-by downloads, pirated software, network propagation, malware obfuscation, and ransomware-as-a-service. It can also enter systems through spam emails, porn websites, or fake links produced by adware, spyware, browser hijacker, or trojan.

1. Download GrafGrafel Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .GrafGrafel 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 GrafGrafel Ransomware

GrafGrafel Ransomware files:


info.hta
info.txt
{randomname}.exe


GrafGrafel Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .GrafGrafel files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

Use the following tool from Kaspersky called Rakhni Decryptor, that can decrypt .GrafGrafel 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 .GrafGrafel 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 GrafGrafel 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 .GrafGrafel files

1. Download Stellar Data Recovery Professional.
2. Click Recover Data button.
3. Select the type of files you want to restore and click Next button.
4. Choose the 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 a 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 are no items in the list, choose an alternative method.

Using Shadow Explorer:

1. Download Shadow Explorer program.
2. Run it, and you will see a 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 an 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 GrafGrafel 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. GrafGrafel 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.