This new virus is believed to be highly destructive and can render files stored in any computer useless through encryption. From what can be detected so far, it is very similar to earlier versions of the STOP/DJVU ransomware series. For instance, those behind it would embed the virus in cloned/pirated software contents and upload them to online torrent platforms. If unsuspecting end users downloads such to their computers, they trigger a ransomware attack. Another prolific method of distribution used by cybercriminals is through emails and attachments. They would create fake emails and send to random people while impersonating renowned brands or individuals. Either way, if a computer owner opens such content on their computer, they would unknowingly unleash the virus.

Contents of the ransom note

At this point, most victims would be destabilized on discovering they can’t have access to their vital files anymore and would be confused about how best to overcome the challenge. Such a dicey situation would be made worse if they weren’t proactive enough to have backup copies. The cybercriminals would envisage the victim’s dilemma and would equally forward two email addresses, namely: support@bestyourmail.ch and supportsys@airmail.cc with suggestions that their victim should write to them using any of the emails. If the victim reaches out to them, they would further reel out more conditions and the specific amount the victim must pay as ransom. Specifically, they will inform the victim that the ransom fee is $980 but they would be willing to accept half of it (i.e. $490) provided they would receive it within 3 days. They would also warn that failure to make the payment within the stipulated deadline, the ransom would automatically revert to the maximum amount i.e. $980.  As if such conditions aren’t challenging enough, the cybercriminals would also emphasize that the victim can only make ransom payment through cryptocurrency transfer. The obvious reason they shun payment methods like the use of banks or other money conventional money transfer methods is to avoid anything that exposes their real details or physical address. To assure the victim of their capacity to restore their encrypted files, they may even suggest that parts of the encrypted data should be forwarded to them for test decryption. However, they would quickly add that such result would only be returned to the victim if they consider it as unimportant; otherwise they would withhold it until the ransom is paid. This is only a mind game they play with the victim just to convince them that they possess the skills to retrieve the encrypted data. Regardless of what happens, the victim is advised never to comply with the demands of cybercriminals. This message is contained in a memo circulated by the FBI and is also supported by top cyber security experts. Some of the reasons given by them for taking such position are given below:

There is guarantee you will recover your lost data even after paying huge sums of money as ransom.It is considered illegal to pay ransom in any guise. When ransom is paid to cybercriminals, it gives them the incentive to continue attacking other computer users so they could get money from them. Even the paying victim is likely to be attacked again in the future for more extortions. 

More information regarding this computer threat

From the studies we conducted, we were able to make some interesting observations about this virus and how those behind it operate. Despite having a global reach, we discovered that the cybercriminals had selected some countries they placed on their exemption list. They include Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, Kazachstan, Syria, Kyrygzstan, Armenia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Once the malware determines the geo-location of the computer by connecting with https[:]//api.2ip.ua/geo.json, it would also classify other relevant details like zip code, IP address, town/city, country and longitude/latitude. Such pieces of information would prompt it to continue with the attack or to abort it.  Other dangers associated with GHSD ransomware virus include the spread of RATs i.e. Remote Access Trojans. Although less known, but RATs are equally dangerous. They are purposely used in pilfering vital information such as banking details, passwords, cryptocurrency wallets etc. and can be exploited for stealing or blackmail purposes.  To prevent all these from happening, victims of STOP/DJVU ransomware virus are advised to remove GHSD virus and similar ones ASAP. You can set up the infected computer in Safe Mode with Networking and also make use of genuine antivirus software to effectively get rid of it. For those that may be seeking for ways to recover some files, you should download RESTORO and use it to restore some of the corrupted Windows OS files.

Ransomware Summary

REPAIR VIRUS DAMAGE Screenshot demonstrating how files affected by this ransomware appear in data folders.

How to Avoid Becoming a Victim of STOP/DJVU Ransomware

Computer users are advised to work responsibly whenever they’re online. You should avoid illegal or careless activities like going to dubious sites such as online torrent platforms, opening of emails and attachments from unknown sources etc. Cybercriminals usually embed malware in cloned software copies or email attachments. Therefore, being proactive by avoiding them could make all the difference.  From our records, we realized that some popular software copies are often pirated and exploited by cybercriminals in spreading ransomware. Below are some of the cloned software copies often used by cybercriminals: 

AutoCad;Corel Draw;Adobe Photoshop;Wondershare Filmora;VMware Workstation;Cubase;Tenorshare 4ukey;League of Legends;Internet Download Manager.

Considering the risk factors listed so far, it is evident that trying to make use of freebies like peer-to-peer sharing of software contents as well as downloads from online torrent platforms are not worth it. Computer users are better off paying the requisite fees and obtaining their software needs legitimately from the original content producers or third party affiliates. By so doing, they won’t be at risk of ransomware attack and the accompanying loss of data, time and possibly money. Also note that cybercriminals often use files like PDF, DOCX or XLS among similar ones they have macro functions that enable malware to be embedded and triggered randomly.  You should also avoid fraudulent sites that claim to have solutions for STOP/DJVU ransomware attacks. They’re mostly dubious with ulterior motives except the duo of Emsisoft/DiskTuna that have proven to be reliable. 

Remove GHSD Ransomware & Restore Files

Once again, it is vital to set up the infected computer in Safe Mode with Networking booting process before using genuine antivirus to remove GHSD ransomware virus. Afterwards, the steps outlined below should be taken. 

Consider downloading RESTORO for easy reparation of virus-damaged Windows OS files.Report to the local police or relevant government agencies. Look for any available backup to restore lost files.Study means through which files affected by STOP/DJVU ransomware virus could be fixed. Now is the time to change all passwords used in the compromised computer.

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.

Method 1. Enter Safe Mode with Networking

Before you try to remove GHSD Ransomware Virus 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, if you prefer a video version of the tutorial, check our guide How to Start Windows in Safe Mode on Youtube. Instructions for Windows XP/Vista/7 users Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10/11 users Now, you can search for and remove GHSD Ransomware Virus 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 security program such as INTEGO Antivirus. For virus damage repair, consider using RESTORO.

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 8/8.1/10/11 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.

Alternative software recommendations

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware 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.

System Mechanic Ultimate Defense If you’re looking for an all-in-one system maintenance suite that has 7 core components providing powerful real-time protection, on-demand malware removal, system optimization, data recovery, password manager, online privacy protection and secure driver wiping technology. Therefore, due to its wide-range of capabilities, System Mechanic Ultimate Defense deserves Geek’s Advice approval. Get it now for 50% off. You may also be interested in its full review.

Disclaimer. This site includes affiliate links. We may earn a small commission by recommending certain products, at no additional cost for you. We only choose quality software and services to recommend.

Decrypt GHSD files

Fix and open large GHSD files easily:

It is reported that STOP/DJVU ransomware versions encrypt only the beginning 150 KB of each file to ensure that the virus manages to affect all files on the system. In some cases, the malicious program might skip some files at all. That said, we recommend testing this method on several big (>1GB) files first.

STOP/DJVU decryption tool usage guide

STOP/DJVU ransomware versions are grouped into old and new variants. GHSD Ransomware Virus is considered the new STOP/DJVU variant, just like BPTO, ISWR, ISZA, BPSM, ZOUU, MBTF, ZNSM (find full list here). This means full data decryption is now possible only if you have been affected by offline encryption key. To decrypt your files, you will have to download Emsisoft Decryptor for STOP DJVU, a tool created and maintained by a genius security researcher Michael Gillespie. Note! Please do not spam the security researcher with questions whether he can recover your files encrypted with online key - it is not possible. In order to test the tool and see if it can decrypt GHSD files, follow the given tutorial.

Meanings of decryptor’s messages

The GHSD decryption tool might display several different messages after failed attempt to restore your files. You might receive one of the following messages: Error: Unable to decrypt file with ID: [example ID] This message typically means that there is no corresponding decryption key in the decryptor’s database. No key for New Variant online ID: [example ID]Notice: this ID appears to be an online ID, decryption is impossible This message informs that your files were encrypted with online key, meaning no one else has the same encryption/decryption key pair, therefore data recovery without paying the criminals is impossible. Result: No key for new variant offline ID: [example ID]This ID appears to be an offline ID. Decryption may be possible in the future. If you were informed that an offline key was used, but files could not be restored, it means that the offline decryption key isn’t available yet. However, receiving this message is extremely good news, meaning that it might be possible to restore your GHSD extension files in the future. It can take a few months until the decryption key gets found and uploaded to the decryptor. We recommend you to follow updates regarding the decryptable DJVU versions here. We strongly recommend backing up your encrypted data and waiting.

Victims of GHSD Ransomware Virus should report the Internet crime incident to the official government fraud and scam website according to their country:

In the United States, go to the On Guard Online website.In Australia, go to the SCAMwatch website.In Germany, go to the Bundesamt für Sicherheit in der Informationstechnik website.In Ireland, go to the An Garda Síochána website.In New Zealand, go to the Consumer Affairs Scams website.In the United Kingdom, go to the Action Fraud website.In Canada, go to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.In India, go to Indian National Cybercrime Reporting Portal.In France, go to the Agence nationale de la sécurité des systèmes d’information.

If you can’t find an authority corresponding to your location on this list, we recommend using any search engine to look up “[your country name] report cyber crime”. This should lead you to the right authority website. We also recommend staying away from third-party crime report services that are often paid. It costs nothing to report Internet crime to official authorities. Another recommendation is to contact your country’s or region’s federal police or communications authority.