Gyga virus belongs to Dharma ransomware family and targets to encrypt dataReasons not to pay the ransomRansomware OverviewThe primary ransomware distribution sourcesSafe Gyga ransomware virus removal and decryption options
Along with the STOP/DJVU ransomware family with ZIDA, USAM, and VAWE variants, file-encrypting viruses from the Dharma family were the second most spread infections in 2019. Once this particular version infiltrates the system, all corrupted data is appended with a long extension. For example, if the original filename is “document.txt”, after encryption it looks like “document.txt.id-1E857D00.[gygabot@cock.li].gyga”. Note that none of the encrypted information is accessible and users cannot open or run any files. After the encryption, people receive a pop-up window that drops the ransom note. The message informs that affected data can be restored if the victims agree to pay up and contact the cybercriminals via the given e-mail address. In case they do not respond within the first 12 hours, users should contact them via another indicated e-mail address. The final part of the note includes warnings not to try to use alternative recovery methods or it can damage the encrypted files permanently. The transcript of the pop-up window with the message:YOUR FILES ARE ENCRYPTEDDon’t worry,you can return all your files!If you want to restore them, follow this link:email gygabot@cock.li YOUR ID – XXXIf you have not been answered via the link within 12 hours, write to us by e-mail:gygabot@protonmail.comAttention!Do not rename encrypted files.Do not try to decrypt your data using third party software, it may cause permanent data loss.Decryption of your files with the help of third parties may cause increased price (they add their fee to our) or you can become a victim of a scam. The transcript of the FILES ENCRYPTED.txt ransom note:all your data has been locked usYou want to return?write email gygabot@cock.li or gygabot@protonmail.com
Reasons not to pay the ransom
Usually, cybercriminals demand from several hundred up to a thousand dollars in cryptocurrency to restore the affected information. They point out that Gyga decryptor is a unique sequence of numbers, letters, and characters that cannot be duplicated. Thus, they indicate themselves as the only way to get back corrupted files. However, the are numerous cases where victims were tricked and never received the decryption tool. Therefore, we highly recommend not to contact the criminals and remove Gyga ransomware right after the infection. Note that file-encrypting viruses are highly advanced and their elimination can be carried only by professionals. Likewise, we suggest an easy way out — install a professional malware removal software instead and run an entire system scan. Robust security tools are capable to deal with such infections without the need of professional in-person help. For virus damage repair, scan with RESTORO. After successful Gyga ransomware removal, you can easily restore your data by using the latest backup copy stored on the Cloud. If you do not keep backups, there are alternative ways how you can get back to your files. Additionally, security experts are continuously working on developing verified decryption keys that could help thousands of cryptomalware victims.
Ransomware Overview
The primary ransomware distribution sources
Cybercriminals create either legitimate-looking spam e-mails or fake software cracks to spread these file-encrypting viruses. Regular computer users are often gullible and fall for the disguise of ransomware resulting in an infection. For example, many attackers send e-mails designed to look like representing a well-known company and include a malicious link. People who open the message believe that it is completely legitimate and click on the link this way installing the ransomware on their computers. Experts warn to check the e-mail addresses since they might be misspelled or have other errors. Thus, never open such messages on your computer. Furthermore, users still continue to search for software cracks on various peer-to-peer (P2P) networks. Likewise, attackers upload ransomware executables under the name of poplar software cracks and try to lure people into downloading it. Note that those who are not highly advanced in tech cannot check if the file is infected. Therefore, you should never download any type of programs from illegal websites and use authorised sites instead.
Safe Gyga ransomware virus removal and decryption options
Before heading to restore your data, you must first remove Gyga ransomware virus from your computer. Usually, file-encrypting viruses contain many different components that reside in various locations on the computer. It is not advised to look for those elements and try to delete them on your own. Otherwise, you might get rid of essential system files and damage your computer permanently. You should run an entire system scan with RESTORO or another malware removal software that is recommended by the experts. It will quickly identify all virus-related elements and clean your system from all suspicious applications, including this dangerous ransomware. Additionally, this antivirus offers to fix malware damage caused during the infection as its extra feature. Once you perform Gyga ransomware removal, you should think about the potential decryption options. As we have already mentioned, you can restore files from the latest backup. Alternative decryption methods are still on the way, as ransomware-type infections are updated with every new variant and become even harder to decrypt. Although, earlier Dharma variants can be decrypted with Rakhni Decryptor by Kaspersky Lab (usage guide) or Trend Micro Ransomware Decryptor (usage guidelines). 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 GYGA 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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