GESD ransomware encrypts files that have a matching extension from its target list, including .doc, .jpg, .png, .avi, .mp4, .xls, and others. It does so without any interruptions as it tends to disable firewalls and security software beforehand. After corrupting files in one folder, the ransomware creates a ransom note in it, called _readme.txt. This note also automatically appears on the screen once all data on computer gets encoded.
Threat Summary
The ransom note demands money
The ransom note suggests contacting the criminals via two provided emails – datarestorehelp@firemail.cc or datahelp@iran.ir. According to the note, the ransom price depends whether the victim manages to pay up within 72 hours or not. Therefore, it ranges between $490-$980 in Bitcoin. However, we never recommend paying the ransom as it gives no guarantees you’ll get your data back; besides, sponsoring further hackers’ operations is never a good idea. The attackers also suggest sending one encrypted .gesd file for free decryption. They offer this service to prove you their decryption works and force you to pay a ransom. GESD ransomware deletes any system restore points to prevent data recovery for the victims. What is more, it installs Azorult Trojan on the system and possibly additional malware. It goes without saying that an immediate elimination of all this virus’ wrongdoings should be carried out. We recommend using the instructions provided below this article to remove GESD ransomware virus safely.
Decryption opportunities
Each GESD victim’s primary goal is to recover lost data as soon as possible. Victims keep seeking for help in various forums trying to find a way to decrypt files. Unfortunately, only victims subject to offline key encryption can hope to restore some data in the near future. How to figure out whether your files were encrypted with online or offline key: Please refer to STOP decryption guide for more information regarding free data recovery.
Distribution via malicious downloads
GESD file virus is essentially similar to RIGH, MSOP, HETS and other STOP variants. It travels along malicious Internet downloads. To be precise, it hides in various illegal files such as software cracks and keygens (these tools are used to activate licensed software for free). In general, we advise staying away from shady peer-to-peer file sharing files accessible from suspicious third-party websites online. Malware creators know the computer users’ greed to access paid products for free, and this is where they bait for victims. Do not let them fool you and choose official software websites to download your programs.
Remove GESD ransomware virus effectively
The best way to remove GESD ransomware is provided down below. You can use any antivirus tool of your choice – run it after booting your PC in Safe Mode. Keep in mind that you might need to boot in Safe Mode with Networking if you do not have a security software yet. The reason why we suggest using automatic GESD ransomware removal method rather than manual is because it is extremely hard to find all malicious remains by hand. OUR GEEKS RECOMMEND Our team recommends a two-step rescue plan to remove ransomware and other remaining malware from your computer, plus repair caused virus damage to the system: GeeksAdvice.com editors select recommended products based on their effectiveness. We may earn a commission from affiliate links, at no additional cost to you. Learn more. Get INTEGO ANTIVIRUS for Windows to remove ransomware, Trojans, adware and other spyware and malware variants and protect your PC and network drives 24/7. This VB100-certified security software uses state-of-art technology to provide protection against ransomware, Zero-Day attacks and advanced threats, Intego Web Shield blocks dangerous websites, phishing attacks, malicious downloads and installation of potentially unwanted programs. Use INTEGO Antivirus to remove detected threats from your computer. Read full review here. RESTORO provides a free scan that helps to identify hardware, security and stability issues and presents a comprehensive report which can help you to locate and fix detected issues manually. It is a great PC repair software to use after you remove malware with professional antivirus. The full version of software will fix detected issues and repair virus damage caused to your Windows OS files automatically. RESTORO uses AVIRA scanning engine to detect existing spyware and malware. If any are found, the software will eliminate them. Read full review here.
Alternative software recommendations
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware
Method 1. Enter Safe Mode with Networking
Before you try to remove the virus, you must start your computer in Safe Mode with Networking. Below, we provide the easiest ways to boot PC in the said mode, but you can find additional ones in this in-depth tutorial on our website – How to Start Windows in Safe Mode. Also, see a video tutorial on how to do it: Instructions for Windows XP/Vista/7 users Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10 users Now, you can search for and remove GESD Ransomware files. It is very hard to identify files and registry keys that belong to the ransomware virus, Besides, malware creators tend to rename and change them repeatedly. Therefore, the easiest way to uninstall such type of a computer virus is to use a reliable malware removal program. In addition, we suggest trying a combination of INTEGO Antivirus (removes malware and protects your PC in real-time) and RESTORO (repairs virus damage to Windows OS files).
Method 2. Use System Restore
In order to use System Restore, you must have a system restore point, created either manually or automatically. Instructions for Windows XP/Vista/7 users Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10 users After restoring the system, we recommend scanning the system with antivirus or anti-malware software. In most cases, there won’t be any malware remains, but it never hurts to double-check. In addition, we highly recommend checking ransomware prevention guidelines provided by our experts in order to protect your PC against similar viruses in the future. Removing spyware and malware is one step towards cybersecurity. To protect yourself against ever-evolving threats, we strongly recommend purchasing a Premium version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware, which provides security based on artificial intelligence and machine learning. Includes ransomware protection. See pricing options and protect yourself now.
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