This article will aid you to remove GarrantyDecrypt Virus. Follow the ransomware removal instructions provided at the end of the article.
GarrantyDecrypt Virus is one that encrypts your data and demands money as a ransom to get it restored. Files will receive the .decryptgarranty extension. The GarrantyDecrypt Virus will leave ransomware instructions as a desktop wallpaper image. Keep on reading the article and see how you could try to potentially recover some of your locked files and data.
Threat Summary
| Name | GarrantyDecrypt Virus |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | The ransomware encrypts files by placing the .decryptgarranty before the affected files on your computer system and demands a ransom to be paid to allegedly recover them. |
| Symptoms | The ransomware will encrypt your files and leave a ransom note with payment instructions. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
Download
Malware Removal Tool
|
User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss GarrantyDecrypt 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. |
GarrantyDecrypt Virus – Distribution Techniques
The GarrantyDecrypt virus has been identified in a limited attack campaign which means that it is probably a test release. This means that not all of the popular tactics are used and that the attack campaigns are limited in both scope and resources. We anticipate that if it is updated or run with other settings it might affect a much larger number of people.
One of the most popular tactics is to use email-based phishing messages that are sent in a bulk manner. The criminals will use common strategies such as preparing security announcements, patch update notifications or software promotions. By interacting with them the victims will infect themselves with the GarrantyDecrypt virus. The dangerous files can be directly attached or linked in the body contents via text links or graphics elements.
The phishing tactics can also be transferred over to fake web sites that copy vendor sites or download portals. By using similar sounding domain names and contents (designed like the real counterparts) computer users might be coerced into downloading and installing the applications.
The so-called infected payloads are a popular method for spreading malware threats like this one. There are two main types:
- Malicious Setup Files — They are made by taking the legitimate application installers of popular applications used by end users. They are downloaded from the official download sources and modified with the virus code.
- Macro-Infected Documents — A similar strategy is used with all popular file formats: presentations, rich text documents, databases and spreadsheets. When they are opened the relevant notification prompt will be spawned asking the users to enable the rich content. If this is done the built-in commands will download and run the ransomware.
These payloads and all virus code can also be uploaded to file-sharing networks like BitTorrent. Such places are used to spread both legitimate and pirate content.
Large-scale attack campaigns can be orchestrated by using browser hijackers. They are dangerous browser extensions made for the most popular web browsers for the purpose of installing the malicious code. They are uploaded to their relevant repositories often with fake user reviews and an elaborate description promising improvements to the application.
GarrantyDecrypt Virus – Detailed Analysis
The GarrantyDecrypt virus is a malware that is still in an early testing or development phase as it contains only the ransomware component at this time. An in-depth analysis is still not available. The known information about it origins so far suggest that it is not based on a well-known malware family which suggests that it might be created by the same individual or group behind its distribution.
We anticipate that if the initial attack is successful updates to its features list will be made. Some of the possible additions might be the following:
- Data Retrieval — The GarrantyDecrypt virus can extract valuable information from the compromised machines. Such examples include information about the installed hardware components or strings that can reveal the user’s identity. The engine can automatically search for such strings such as the person’s name, address, phone number and even stored online accounts information.
- Persistent Information — The ransomware can install itself in a persistent state. This means that it will be difficult for the victims to remove it unless an automatic anti-spyware solution is used. This is due to the fact that it will modify system configuration files and boot options in order to start automatically whenever the computer is powered on.
- Windows Registry Changes — The virus engine may also modify strings belonging both to the system and individual user-installed applications. These changes can make cause severe performance issues and the inability to run certain functions or launch programs.
- System Data Removal — The main engine can make it more difficult for the victims to restore their systems. Common tactics include the identification and deletion of System Restore Points, Backups and even Shadow Volume Copies. In these cases the victims will have to use a combination of data restore and anti-spyware solutions. Refer to our instructions below.
- Additional Payload Delivery — Active infections with this ransomware can lead to the deployment of other threats. A dangerous example is the delivery of Trojans that have the ability to spy on the users, take over control of their machines and hijack data before the encryption component begins.
Malware strains like this one are usually released in small batches against a limited number of targets. This is done in order to test how effective the base ransomware engine is. If this trial run proves effective additional modules can be added to the virus.
GarrantyDecrypt Virus – Encryption Process
When all prior actions that are programmed have completed the ransomware engine will run. It will follow the classic infection pattern of using a built-in list of target extensions. An example one can include the following data:
- Archives
- Backups
- Databases
- Images
- Videos
- Music
The victim files will be encrypted with the .decryptgarranty extension. The captured strains use a ransomware note in order to blackmail the victims, the file is called #RECOVERY_FILES#.txt which reads the following:
All your files has been ENCRYPTED
Do you really want to restore your files?
Write to our email – decryptgarranty@airmail.cc
and tell us your unique ID
Remove GarrantyDecrypt Virus and Try to Restore Data
If your computer system got infected with the .decryptgarranty ransomware virus, you should have a bit of experience in removing malware. You should get rid of this ransomware as quickly as possible before it can have the chance to spread further and infect other computers. You should remove the ransomware and follow the step-by-step instructions guide provided below.
Martin Beltov
Martin graduated with a degree in Publishing from Sofia University. As a cyber security enthusiast he enjoys writing about the latest threats and mechanisms of intrusion.
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Attention! SensorsTechForum strongly recommends that all malware victims should look for assistance only by reputable sources. Many guides out there claim to offer free recovery and decryption for files encrypted by ransomware viruses. Be advised that some of them may only be after your money.
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.
About the GarrantyDecrypt Virus Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this GarrantyDecrypt 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 GarrantyDecrypt 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.
References
1. How to Recognize Spam Emails with Ransomware
2. How Does Ransomware Encryption Work?
3. How to Decrypt Ransomware Files
4. Ransomware Getting Greedier and Bigger, Attacks Increase by 40%
5. 1 in 5 Americans Victim of Ransomware
- Guide 1: How to Remove GarrantyDecrypt Virus from Windows.
- Guide 2: Get rid of GarrantyDecrypt Virus from Mac OS X.
How to Remove GarrantyDecrypt Virus from Windows.
Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove GarrantyDecrypt Virus
1. Hold Windows Key + R.
2. The "Run" Window will appear. In it, type "msconfig" and click OK.
3. Go to the "Boot" tab. There select "Safe Boot" and then click "Apply" and "OK".
4. When prompted, click on "Restart" to go into Safe Mode.
5. You can recognise Safe Mode by the words written on the corners of your screen.
Step 2: Uninstall GarrantyDecrypt Virus and related software 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:
1. Hold the Windows Logo Button and "R" on your keyboard. A Pop-up window will appear.
2. In the field type in "appwiz.cpl" and press ENTER.
3. This will open a window with all the programs installed on the PC. Select the program that you want to remove, and press "Uninstall"
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall most programs.
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by GarrantyDecrypt 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 GarrantyDecrypt Virus there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
1. Open the Run Window again, type "regedit" and click OK.
2. When you open it, you can freely navigate to the Run and RunOnce keys, whose locations are shown above.
3. You can remove the value of the virus by right-clicking on it and removing it.
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: Scan for GarrantyDecrypt Virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
1. Click on the "Download" button to proceed to SpyHunter's download page.
2. After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to update automatically.
3. After the update process has finished, click on the 'Malware/PC Scan' tab. A new window will appear. Click on 'Start Scan'.
4. After SpyHunter has finished scanning your PC for any files of the associated threat and found them, you can try to get them removed automatically and permanently by clicking on the 'Next' button.
Video Guide for Automatic and Fast Removal
Step 5 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by GarrantyDecrypt Virus.
Ransomware infections and GarrantyDecrypt 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.
1. Download the recommended Data Recovery software by clicking on the link underneath:
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.
Step 6: How to Restore Files Encrypted by Ransomware (Video Guide)
Get rid of GarrantyDecrypt Virus from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall GarrantyDecrypt Virus and remove related files and objects
1. Hit the ⇧+⌘+U keys to open Utilities. Another way is to click on “Go” and then click “Utilities”, like the image below shows:
2. Find Activity Monitor and double-click it:
3. In the Activity Monitor look for any suspicious processes, belonging or related to GarrantyDecrypt Virus:
4. Click on the "Go" button again, but this time select Applications. Another way is with the ⇧+⌘+A buttons.
5. In the Applications menu, look for any suspicious app or an app with a name, similar or identical to GarrantyDecrypt Virus. If you find it, right-click on the app and select “Move to Trash
”.
6. Select Accounts, after which click on the Login Items preference.
Your Mac will then show you a list of items that start automatically when you log in. Look for any suspicious apps identical or similar to GarrantyDecrypt Virus. Check the app you want to stop from running automatically and then select on the Minus (“-“) icon to hide it.
7. Remove any left-over files that might be related to this threat manually by following the sub-steps below:
- Go to Finder.
- In the search bar type the name of the app that you want to remove.
- Above the search bar change the two drop down menus to “System Files” and “Are Included” so that you can see all of the files associated with the application you want to remove. Bear in mind that some of the files may not be related to the app so be very careful which files you delete.
- If all of the files are related, hold the ⌘+A buttons to select them and then drive them to “Trash”.
In case you cannot remove GarrantyDecrypt Virus via Step 1 above:
In case you cannot find the virus files and objects in your Applications or other places we have shown above, you can manually look for them in the Libraries of your Mac. But before doing this, please read the disclaimer below:
1: Click on "Go" and Then "Go to Folder" as shown underneath:
2: Type in "/Library/LauchAgents/" and click Ok:
3: Delete all of the virus files that have similar or the same name as GarrantyDecrypt Virus. If you believe there is no such file, do not delete anything.
You can repeat the same procedure with the following other Library directories:
→ ~/Library/LaunchAgents
/Library/LaunchDaemons
Tip: ~ is there on purpose, because it leads to more LaunchAgents.
Step 3 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by GarrantyDecrypt Virus.
Ransomware infections and GarrantyDecrypt 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.
1. Download the recommended Data Recovery software by clicking on the link underneath:
Simply click on the link and on the website menus on top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.
GarrantyDecrypt Virus FAQ
What is GarrantyDecrypt Virus ransomware and how does it work?
GarrantyDecrypt 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 algorithm how 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.
How does GarrantyDecrypt Virus ransomware infect my computer?
Via several ways.GarrantyDecrypt Virus Ransomware infects computers by being sent via phishing e-mails, 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.
After you download and execute this attachment, a drive-by download occurs and your computer is infected with the ransomware virus.
Another way, you may become a victim of GarrantyDecrypt 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 .GarrantyDecrypt Virus files?
You can't. At this point the .GarrantyDecrypt Virus files are encrypted. You can only open them once they are decrypted.
Decryptor did not decrypt my data. What now?
Do not panic and backup the files. If a decryptor did not decrypt your .GarrantyDecrypt Virus files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
One way to restore files, encrypted by GarrantyDecrypt Virus ransomware is to use a decryptor for it. But since it's a new virus, advised that the decryption keys for it may not be out yet and available to the public. We will update this article and keep you posted as soon as this decryptor is released.
How Do I restore ".GarrantyDecrypt Virus" files (Other Methods)?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .GarrantyDecrypt Virus files.
These methods are in no way 100% guarantee that you will be able to get your files back. But if you have a backup, your chances of success are much greater.
How do I get rid of GarrantyDecrypt Virus ransomware virus?
The safest way and the most efficient one for the removal of this ransomware infection is the use a professional anti malware software. It will scan for and locate GarrantyDecrypt Virus ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .GarrantyDecrypt Virus files.
Also, keep in mind that viruses like GarrantyDecrypt Virus ransomware also install Trojans and keyloggers that can steal your passwords and accounts. Scanning your computer with an anti-malware software will make sure that all of these virus components are removed and your computer is protected in the future.
What to Do If nothing works?
There is still a lot you can do. If none of the above methods seem to work for you, then try these methods:
- Try to find a safe computer from where you can can login on your own line accounts like One Drive, iDrive, Google Drive and so on.
- Try to contact your friends, relatives and other people so that they can check if they have some of your important photos or documents just in case you sent them.
- Also, check if some of the files that were encrypted it can be re-downloaded from the web.
- Another clever way to get back some of your files is to find another old computer, a flash drive or even a CD or a DVD where you may have saved your older documents. You might be surprised what will turn up.
- You can also go to your email account to check if you can send any attachments to other people. Usually what is sent the email is saved on your account and you can re-download it. But most importantly, make sure that this is done from a safe computer and make sure to remove the virus first.
More tips you can find on our forums, where you can also asks any questions about your ransomware problem.
How to 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.