The .gocr file virus is yet another DCry ransomware strain that has been suspected by security researchers. It is a crypto virus that blocks access to valuable files by encrypting them with strong cipher algorithm. Files remain unusable until the victim pays the attacker a ransom for the unique decryption key. After file encryption, the ransomware drops a file named HOW_TO_GET_MY_FILES.txt that contains a ransom message by attackers.
This article includes thorough information about .gocr file virus and detailed guide for its removal from the infected system.
Threat Summary
| Name | .gocr file virus |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | Encrypts the files on the infected computer. Demands ransom payoff in BitCoin. The ransom varies. |
| Symptoms | The files are encrypted with the .gocr file extension added to them. The virus drops a ransom note, named HOW_TO_GET_MY_FILES.txt. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Executable files |
| Detection Tool |
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss .gocr file virus. |
| Data Recovery Tool | Windows Data Recovery by Stellar Phoenix Notice! This product scans your drive sectors to recover lost files and it may not recover 100% of the encrypted files, but only few of them, depending on the situation and whether or not you have reformatted your drive. |
Distribution of .gocr File Virus
The threat payload may be distributed via several ways. As preferred one are considered to be spam emails with malicious attachments or compromised links. Such emails usually impersonate well-known business organizations or even governmental institutions aiming to mislead the receiver and make him quite willing to act according to the text message. The email attachment may be documented with embedded malicious macros that contain the ransomware payload. When the document is opened, the user is asked to enable macros. If he does, an executable file triggers the ransomware infection. The links may be destined to mirrored web pages of popular websites. Usually corrupted web pages are designed to download and start the ransomware payload on the computer automatically. Other methods of distribution are fake software notifications, fake setups of free programs, and malicious adverts.
Overview of .gocr Virus Attack
Once the malicious .gocr ransomware payload is running on the system, the attack begins. The .gocr file virus also known as DCry ransomware performs a sequence of malicious activities starting with downloading additional malware files that support the successful infection. These files may be situated in Windows directories like:
- %AppData%
- %Temp%
- %Roaming%
- %Common%
- %UserProfile%
- %System32%
After all malicious files are obtained the ransomware can execute various functionalities. One of the most common actions carried out by crypto viruses like .gocr is shadow volume copies wipe. By acquiring administrator privileges, the threat can execute the following command in Windows Command Prompt:
→ vssadmin.exe delete shadows /all /quiet
This will delete all backed up files on the computer called shadow volume copies and prevent one of the possible ways for .gocr files recovery. In addition .gocr file virus is believed to create registry entries within the following Windows Registry sub-keys:
→HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
Those keys are targeted as they are behind all automatically executed processes on every Windows start up. When .gocr file virus adds its malicious values, it is able to load each time the user starts the PC. The ransomware uses the functionalities of Run and RunOnce keys to display its ransom note at the end of the attack. The message is stored in a text file with the name HOW_TO_GET_MY_FILES.txt. Once it is opened the victim can see the following text:
Hello my friend, first sorry for this.
Your files have been crypted with the AES-256 method.
Don’t try decrypt files use third-party software, otherwise you may loss all files permanently.
If you want to decrypt your data, write to e-mail: lnq@protonmail.com.
If you want to test the decrypt, go to https://s7c4wrcmzgbtldbs.onion (use tor browser)Your ID: STGO_[redacted base64]
It is advisable to restrict any negotiations with cyber criminals. Even though they are likely to promise victims that after ransom payment all .gocr files will be decrypted, there is no guarantee that they will keep the promise. For the sake of your security, we recommend following the step-by-step instructions to remove .gocr file virus and restore corrupted data.
Encryption Means of .gocr File Virus
For the encoding process, the .gocr ransomware is considered to use the AES 256 cipher algorithm. It can modify original code of target files in such a way that they become completely unusable. Each encrypted file is marked with the specific file extension .gocr. Тhe .gocr virus may encrypt files with the following extensions:
→ “PNG .PSD .PSPIMAGE .TGA .THM .TIF .TIFF .YUV .AI .EPS .PS .SVG .INDD .PCT .PDF .XLR .XLS .XLSX .ACCDB .DB .DBF .MDB .PDB .SQL .APK .APP .BAT .CGI .COM .EXE .GADGET .JAR .PIF .WSF .DEM .GAM .NES .ROM .SAV CAD Files .DWG .DXF GIS Files .GPX .KML .KMZ .ASP .ASPX .CER .CFM .CSR .CSS .HTM .HTML .JS .JSP .PHP .RSS .XHTML. DOC .DOCX .LOG .MSG .ODT .PAGES .RTF .TEX .TXT .WPD .WPS .CSV .DAT .GED .KEY .KEYCHAIN .PPS .PPT .PPTX ..INI .PRF Encoded Files .HQX .MIM .UUE .7Z .CBR .DEB .GZ .PKG .RAR .RPM .SITX .TAR.GZ .ZIP .ZIPX .BIN .CUE .DMG .ISO .MDF .TOAST .VCD SDF .TAR .TAX2014 .TAX2015 .VCF .XML Audio Files .AIF .IFF .M3U .M4A .MID .MP3 .MPA .WAV .WMA Video Files .3G2 .3GP .ASF .AVI .FLV .M4V .MOV .MP4 .MPG .RM .SRT .SWF .VOB .WMV 3D .3DM .3DS .MAX .OBJ R.BMP .DDS .GIF .JPG ..CRX .PLUGIN .FNT .FON .OTF .TTF .CAB .CPL .CUR .DESKTHEMEPACK .DLL .DMP .DRV .ICNS .ICO .LNK .SYS .CFG”Source:fileinfo.com
After locking files, the ransomware demands payment for their decryption which should be in Bitcoins.
Remove .gocr File Ransomware and Restore Files
To completely get rid of the .gocr file virus, carefully follow the step-by-step removal instructions provided below. After ransomware removal follows .gocr data recovery step.
Gergana Ivanova
Highly motivated writer with 5+ years of experience writing for ransomware, malware, adware, PUPs, and other cybersecurity-related issues. As a writer, I strive to create content that is based on thorough technical research. I find joy in the process of creating articles that are easy to understand, informative, and useful. Follow me on Twitter (@IRGergana) for the latest in the field of computer, mobile, and online security.
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Step 1: Scan for .gocr file virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall .gocr file virus and related malware from Windows
Here is a method in few easy steps that should be able to uninstall most programs. No matter if you are using Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista or XP, those steps will get the job done. Dragging the program or its folder to the recycle bin can be a very bad decision. If you do that, bits and pieces of the program are left behind, and that can lead to unstable work of your PC, errors with the file type associations and other unpleasant activities. The proper way to get a program off your computer is to Uninstall it. To do that:
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully delete most unwanted and malicious programs.
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by .gocr file virus on your computer.
The usually targeted registries of Windows machines are the following:
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
You can access them by opening the Windows registry editor and deleting any values, created by .gocr file virus there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
Tip: To find a virus-created value, you can right-click on it and click "Modify" to see which file it is set to run. If this is the virus file location, remove the value.
Before starting "Step 4", please boot back into Normal mode, in case you are currently in Safe Mode.
This will enable you to install and use SpyHunter 5 successfully.
Step 4: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove .gocr file virus
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by .gocr file virus.
Method 1: Use STOP Decrypter by Emsisoft.
Not all variants of this ransomware can be decrypted for free, but we have added the decryptor used by researchers that is often updated with the variants which become eventually decrypted. You can try and decrypt your files using the instructions below, but if they do not work, then unfortunately your variant of the ransomware virus is not decryptable.
Follow the instructions below to use the Emsisoft decrypter and decrypt your files for free. You can download the Emsisoft decryption tool linked here and then follow the steps provided below:
1 Right-click on the decrypter and click on Run as Administrator as shown below:
2. Agree with the license terms:
3. Click on "Add Folder" and then add the folders where you want files decrypted as shown underneath:
4. Click on "Decrypt" and wait for your files to be decoded.
Note: Credit for the decryptor goes to Emsisoft researchers who have made the breakthrough with this virus.
Method 2: Use data recovery software
Ransomware infections and .gocr file virus aim to encrypt your files using an encryption algorithm which may be very difficult to decrypt. This is why we have suggested a data recovery method that may help you go around direct decryption and try to restore your files. Bear in mind that this method may not be 100% effective but may also help you a little or a lot in different situations.
Simply click on the link and on the website menus on the top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.
.gocr file virus-FAQ
What is .gocr file virus Ransomware?
.gocr file virus is a ransomware infection - the malicious software that enters your computer silently and blocks either access to the computer itself or encrypt your files.
Many ransomware viruses use sophisticated encryption algorithms to make your files inaccessible. The goal of ransomware infections is to demand that you pay a ransom payment to get access to your files back.
What Does .gocr file virus Ransomware Do?
Ransomware in general is a malicious software that is designed to block access to your computer or files until a ransom is paid.
Ransomware viruses can also damage your system, corrupt data and delete files, resulting in the permanent loss of important files.
How Does .gocr file virus Infect?
Via several ways..gocr file virus Ransomware infects computers by being sent via phishing emails, containing virus attachment. This attachment is usually masked as an important document, like an invoice, bank document or even a plane ticket and it looks very convincing to users.
Another way you may become a victim of .gocr file virus is if you download a fake installer, crack or patch from a low reputation website or if you click on a virus link. Many users report getting a ransomware infection by downloading torrents.
How to Open ..gocr file virus files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the ..gocr file virus files are encrypted. You can only open them once they are decrypted using a specific decryption key for the particular algorithm.
What to Do If a Decryptor Does Not Work?
Do not panic, and backup the files. If a decryptor did not decrypt your ..gocr file virus files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore "..gocr file virus" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore ..gocr file virus files.
These methods are in no way 100% guaranteed that you will be able to get your files back. But if you have a backup, your chances of success are much greater.
How To Get Rid of .gocr file virus Virus?
The safest way and the most efficient one for the removal of this ransomware infection is the use a professional anti-malware program.
It will scan for and locate .gocr file virus ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important ..gocr file virus files.
Can I Report Ransomware to Authorities?
In case your computer got infected with a ransomware infection, you can report it to the local Police departments. It can help authorities worldwide track and determine the perpetrators behind the virus that has infected your computer.
Below, we have prepared a list with government websites, where you can file a report in case you are a victim of a cybercrime:
Cyber-security authorities, responsible for handling ransomware attack reports in different regions all over the world:
Germany - Offizielles Portal der deutschen Polizei
United States - IC3 Internet Crime Complaint Centre
United Kingdom - Action Fraud Police
France - Ministère de l'Intérieur
Italy - Polizia Di Stato
Spain - Policía Nacional
Netherlands - Politie
Poland - Policja
Portugal - Polícia Judiciária
Greece - Cyber Crime Unit (Hellenic Police)
India - Mumbai Police - CyberCrime Investigation Cell
Australia - Australian High Tech Crime Center
Reports may be responded to in different timeframes, depending on your local authorities.
Can You Stop Ransomware from Encrypting Your Files?
Yes, you can prevent ransomware. The best way to do this is to ensure your computer system is updated with the latest security patches, use a reputable anti-malware program and firewall, backup your important files frequently, and avoid clicking on malicious links or downloading unknown files.
Can .gocr file virus Ransomware Steal Your Data?
Yes, in most cases ransomware will steal your information. It is a form of malware that steals data from a user's computer, encrypts it, and then demands a ransom in order to decrypt it.
In many cases, the malware authors or attackers will threaten to delete the data or publish it online unless the ransom is paid.
Can Ransomware Infect WiFi?
Yes, ransomware can infect WiFi networks, as malicious actors can use it to gain control of the network, steal confidential data, and lock out users. If a ransomware attack is successful, it could lead to a loss of service and/or data, and in some cases, financial losses.
Should I Pay Ransomware?
No, you should not pay ransomware extortionists. Paying them only encourages criminals and does not guarantee that the files or data will be restored. The better approach is to have a secure backup of important data and be vigilant about security in the first place.
What Happens If I Don't Pay Ransom?
If you don't pay the ransom, the hackers may still have access to your computer, data, or files and may continue to threaten to expose or delete them, or even use them to commit cybercrimes. In some cases, they may even continue to demand additional ransom payments.
Can a Ransomware Attack Be Detected?
Yes, ransomware can be detected. Anti-malware software and other advanced security tools can detect ransomware and alert the user when it is present on a machine.
It is important to stay up-to-date on the latest security measures and to keep security software updated to ensure ransomware can be detected and prevented.
Do Ransomware Criminals Get Caught?
Yes, ransomware criminals do get caught. Law enforcement agencies, such as the FBI, Interpol and others have been successful in tracking down and prosecuting ransomware criminals in the US and other countries. As ransomware threats continue to increase, so does the enforcement activity.
About the .gocr file virus Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this .gocr file virus how-to removal guide included, is the outcome of extensive research, hard work and our team’s devotion to help you remove the specific malware and restore your encrypted files.
How did we conduct the research on this ransomware?
Our research is based on an independent investigation. We are in contact with independent security researchers, and as such, we receive daily updates on the latest malware and ransomware definitions.
Furthermore, the research behind the .gocr file virus ransomware threat is backed with VirusTotal and the NoMoreRansom project.
To better understand the ransomware threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.
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