This article has been created to explain what is GusLocker ransomware virus and how you can try and remove it from your computer, plus how to attempt and restore files, encrypted by it.
A new ransomware virus, known as GusLocker has been detected by cyber-security researchers. The virus aims to lock the files on the victim’s computer and then leave them no longer able to be opened, at least until the victim pays ransom to get them back. The virus also leaves an intimidating ransom note, called “ALL YOUR FILES LOCKED!” which asks victims to pay ransom to retrieve their files. If your computer has been affected by the GusLocker ransomware, we recommend that you read this article as it aims to help you remove GusLocker from your computer and aims to show you ways via which you can try and recover files, encoded by this ransomware infection on your PC.
Threat Summary
| Name | GusLocker |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | Holds your files hostage until you pay ransom in BitCoin. |
| Symptoms | The files on the victim’s computer become heavily encrypted and can not be opened until a ransom is paid. Ransom instructions are also dropped. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Executable files |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
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Malware Removal Tool
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss GusLocker. |
| 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. |
GusLocker – How Does It Infect
To infect computers, GusLocker may spread an infection file, which is responsible for directly infecting the victim PC. These files may be spread either via spammed e-mail messages or via malicious sites. If spread by e-mail, the files may pose as legitimate e-mail attachments, from the likes of:
- Invoices.
- Receipts for purchases.
- Banking statements and documents.
- Account retrieval forms.
The cyber-criminals may also become very cunning and imitate someone from the victim’s friend list in the emails. In most cases the malspam e-mails tend to imitate large companies, like PayPal, eBay and several other big ones.
In addition to this, GusLocker may also be spread via other forms as well, such as being posted online and pretend to be some sort of a patch or a crackfix for a game or a program.
GusLocker – Activity
The main activity of GusLocker invloves dropping it’s malicious files after infection. The primary malicious file of the virus can be identified with the following hash:
→ 5B58CCBB150683D0608C236F242ABC90
When an infection happens, GusLocker drops it’s malicious files in the following folder:
→ C:\Users\TheJustGus\source\repos\GUScryptolocker
update\Release\locker.pdb
Once there, the virus may perform series of malicious activitie son the victims’ computers, such as:
- Creating mutexes.
- Interfering with Windows system files.
- Interfering with the Windows Command Prompt.
- Interfering with the Windows Registry Editor.
- Interfering with the Task Scheduler.
If the GusLocker ransomware virus interacts with the Windows Registry Editor, the ransomware virus may create several registry entries in the following Windows sub-keys to get it’s malicious “GusLocker” file to run automatically:
• 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
Once having done this, GusLocker ransomware may delete the shadow volume copies of the infected machine by running a script, like the one below as an administrator in Windows Command Prompt:
→ sc stop VVS
sc stop wscsvc
sc stop WinDefend
sc stop wuauserv
sc stop BITS
sc stop ERSvc
sc stop WerSvc
cmd.exe /C bcdedit /set {default} recoveryenabled No
cmd.exe /C bcdedit /set {default} bootstatuspolicy ignoreallfailures
C:\Windows\System32\cmd.exe” /C vssadmin.exe Delete Shadows /All /Quiet
Having done this, GusLocker also aims to inform victims of it’s presence on their computers by showing it’s ransom note. It appears like the following:
Text from image:
ALL YOUR FILES LOCKED!
YOUR PID:{custom id}
YOUR PERSONAL EMAIL: 5BTC@PROTONMAIL.COM
WHAT NOW?
Email us
Write your ID at title of mail and country at body of mail and wait answer.
You have to pay some bitcoins to unlock your files!
DON’T TRY DECRYPT YOUR FILES!
If you try to unlock your files. you may lose access to them!
REMEMBER!
No one can guarantee you a 100% unlock except us!
How to buy bitcoin
GusLocker Encryption Process
So far, it is known that GusLocker aims to hunt for the files on the infected computer that are most often used, without encrypting important system files, belonging to Windows. To reach it’s end goal, GusLocker may download and run a file encryption procedure which scans for the files based on their file extensions, for instance:
→ “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”
After the files are encrypted, GusLocker may set either a fixed or a random file extension to the encrypted fils. Then, the ransomware virus may either self delete or remain to monitor your computer’s activity.
Remove GusLocker and Try Restoring Encrypted Files
Before begginng the removal process of GusLocker ransomware, we recommend that you backup your files, just in case. Then, you should follow the removal instructions that are underneath this article. They have been created in manual and automatic approach so that if one fails, you should try the other. Be advised that according to cyber-security experts, the best way of dealing with malware, like GusLocker is to downlaod and scan your computer, using an advanced anti-malware program. Such program aims to remove all files and folders, related to GusLocker on your PC and remove all settings changed by it.
If you want to try and restore files, infected by GusLocker, be advised that direct encryption is so far not available. However, we are following the situation on GusLocker and will update this article as soon as there is a free decryptor available. In the meantime you can see step “4. Try to restore files, encrypted by GusLocker” below. It contains alternative file recovery methods that may not be 100% effective to restore your files but may at least help you recover some of the encoded data.
Ventsislav Krastev
Ventsislav is a cybersecurity expert at SensorsTechForum since 2015. He has been researching, covering, helping victims with the latest malware infections plus testing and reviewing software and the newest tech developments. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for learning new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management, Network Administration and Computer Administration of System Applications, he found his true calling within the cybersecrurity industry and is a strong believer in the education of every user towards online safety and security.
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Step 1: Scan for GusLocker with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall GusLocker 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 GusLocker 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 GusLocker 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 GusLocker
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by GusLocker.
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 GusLocker 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.
GusLocker-FAQ
What is GusLocker Ransomware?
GusLocker 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 GusLocker 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 GusLocker Infect?
Via several ways.GusLocker 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 GusLocker 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 .GusLocker files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .GusLocker 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 .GusLocker files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".GusLocker" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .GusLocker 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 GusLocker 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 GusLocker ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .GusLocker 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 GusLocker 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 GusLocker Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this GusLocker 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 GusLocker 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.
As a site that has been dedicated to providing free removal instructions for ransomware and malware since 2014, SensorsTechForum’s recommendation is to only pay attention to trustworthy sources.
How to recognize trustworthy sources:
- Always check "About Us" web page.
- Profile of the content creator.
- Make sure that real people are behind the site and not fake names and profiles.
- Verify Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter personal profiles.