GANDCRAB 5.1.0 Ransomware – How To Remove Infections

by Martin Beltov | December 19, 2018 | 0 Comments GandCrab, GandCrab 5.1.0, random extensions, ransomware, Update February 2019, virus

This article has been created in order to show what is GANDCRAB 5.1.0 ransomware and how to remove it from your PC and try to restore files, encrypted by it.

A new strain of the notorious GandCrab ransomware family, called GANDCRAB 5.1.0 has been released in the wild and infections with it have been reported. This strain follows the classic infection behavior by encrypting files on the target computers and coercing the victims into paying them a decryption fee. If your computer has been infected by this instance of GandCrab ransomware, we suggest that you read the following article as it explains more about GANDCRAB 5.1.0 and aims to show how to remove it and how you can attempt to recover encrypted files by yourself.

Threat Summary

Name	GANDCRAB 5.1.0
Type	Ransomware, Cryptovirus
Short Description	The GANDCRAB 5.1.0 ransomware is a variant of GandCrab family and encrypts files on your computer system and demands a ransom to be paid to decode them.
Symptoms	The ransomware will encrypt your files adding a random file extension 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 GANDCRAB 5.1.0.
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.

GandCrab Ransomware – Update February 2019

Update! February 2019 brings good news as malware researchers from BitDefender have released a new version for their GandCrab Decryption tool, which is available from the link leading to the BitDefender GandCrab 5.1 Decryptor.

GANDCRAB 5.1.0 – Distribution Techniques

The GandCrab 5.1.0 ransomware sample is being distributed using the common methods attributed to the GandCrab family of malware. Most of the infections are caused through exploit kits that coordinate the attacks mainly through phishing email messages that impersonate legitimate notifications from web services or software companies. The users are coerced to interact with them in some way — to open a file, download a script or run a certain interactive element. The code that will lead to the Gandcrab 5.1.0 infection can be found in basically every element — pop-up, redirects, images and etc.

The criminals can additionally opt to create malicious web pages that may impersonate vendor download pages, portals or other sites that the users can access and infect themselves with the GandCrab ransomware samples. They will use stolen design elements, text and layout that can impersonate the real web sites. To further manipulate the victims similar sounding domain names and stolen security certificates.

Infected payload carriers may also be the cause of contaminated hosts, there are two popular types:

Application Installers — The malware code can be embedded in the setup files of popular programs that are downloaded by end users: system utilities, creativity programs, productivity and office solutions and etc. Even simply running the file can lead to a successful GandCrab 5.1.0 infection.
Infected Documents — The other method used to infect files targets documents of all popular types: spreadsheets, presentations, text files and databases. Whenever they are opened by the users a prompt will appear asking them to enable the built-in macros (scripts) in order to view the document or interact with its built-in fields. If this action is done the virus will be deployed to the target machines.

We have received confirmation that GandCrab ransomware is widely distributed across file-sharing networks and BitTorrent in particular. This peer-to-peer technology is widely used to share both legitimate content and also pirate software, cracks and games.

Infections with this threat can also be caused through the installation of malware plugins made for the most popular web browsers, alternatively known as browser hijackers. They are uploaded to the relevant repositories using fake developer credentials and user reviews in order to coerce the users into downloading and installing them. The descriptions will offer promises of new features or performance optimizations. Instead of this when installed they will change the settings of the browsers in order to redirect the users to a scam landing page. At the same time the ransomware threat will be deployed alongside it.

GANDCRAB 5.1.0 – Detailed Analysis

Like previous GandCrab versions the security analysis of the captured GandCrab 5.1.0 ransomware samples reveals a complex infection scheme.

When the virus is introduced on the victim machine the engine will deploy the threat as a persistent infection. This means that it will modify the operating system settings, boot options and important configuration files in order to automatically start itself every time the computer is started. This is very dangerous as it practically renders many manual user removal guides non-working, in this event the victims may need to use a quality anti-spyware solution to completely restore their systems.

Another function that is called by the engine is the security bypass which will search the operating system for security software or services that may be installed. Their real-time engines will be disabled in order to block detection of the malware. Some advanced samples may additionally delete themselves if they fail this step. It can also detect whether or not the instance is run inside a virtual machine or a debug environment. This is another dangerous tactic which makes security analysis very difficult.

When these steps have completed information harvesting will take place. The typical cases usually group the data in two main categories:

Personal Information — This group of data can directly reveal personal information bout the computer user: their name, address, phone number, location and any stored account credentials. This is possible thanks to the possibility of the GandCrab 5.1.0 ransomware engine to search the local hard drive contents, memory and other sources of data.
Machine Identification — Ransomware strains like this one assign an unique ID which is made based on input values that are collected by the engine. The required data is obtained from the list of installed hardware parts, user settings and operating system conditions.

When all of these components have finished running the virus will proceed with System modifications, particularly ones concerning the Windows Registry. Modifications made to strings belonging to the operating system can result in serious problems with the stability of the affected machines. Modifications to third-party applications can render them completely unusable.

What’s more dangerous is that the virus can connect to a hacker-controlled server via a Trojan horse client with the TOR Hidden service. This anonymous network connection will report of the made infection and make it possible for the malicious operators to steal user data before the encryption takes place, take over control of the machines and deploy other threats.

GANDCRAB 5.1.0 – Encryption Process

As soon as all prior modules have completed running the ransomware component will be started. A built-in list of target file type extensions will be used to choose which user data to process with the powerful cipher:

Archives
Databases
Backups
Music
Videos
Images

The resulting data will be renamed with a randomly generated 6-character extension. Users can recognize the infection by looking at their wallpaper which will be changed with the ransomware note. Additionally the text can be copied in files that are found in various folders on the local hard disk drive.

Remove GANDCRAB 5.1.0 Virus and Try Restoring Data

If you are a victim of GANDCRAB v5.1.0 ransomware, you should get rid of this ransomware as quickly as possible before it replicates on other devices and infects them. You should remove the ransomware virus, preferably by following the manual or automatic removal steps underneath. They have been made with the main goal to help you detect and delete the virus files of GandCrab either manually or automatically. For best results, it is highly advisable to download and run a scan with a reputable anti-malware program. Such software aims to detect and remove all GANDCRAB 5.1.0-related files and objects automatically and also aims to ensure future threat protection.

If you want to recover files, encrypted by this GANDCRAB 5.1.0 variant, we would advise you to follow the file recovery methods below. We have created them to help users to try and restore as many files as possible, although the methods come with no 100% guarantee to work.

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.

How to Remove GANDCRAB 5.1.0 from Windows.

Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove GANDCRAB 5.1.0

OFFER

Manual Removal Usually Takes Time and You Risk Damaging Your Files If Not Careful!

We Recommend To Scan Your PC with SpyHunter

Keep in mind, that SpyHunter’s scanner is only for malware detection. If SpyHunter detects malware on your PC, you will need to purchase SpyHunter's malware removal tool to remove the malware threats. Read our SpyHunter 5 review. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter's EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria

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".

Tip: Make sure to reverse those changes by unticking Safe Boot after that, because your system will always boot in Safe Boot from now on.

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 GANDCRAB 5.1.0 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 GANDCRAB 5.1.0 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 GANDCRAB 5.1.0 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.

IMPORTANT!
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 GANDCRAB 5.1.0 with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool

1. Click on the "Download" button to proceed to SpyHunter's download page.

Download

Malware Removal Tool

It is recommended to run a scan before purchasing the full version of the software to make sure that the current version of the malware can be detected by SpyHunter. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter's EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria.

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.

If any threats have been removed, it is highly recommended to restart your PC.

Step 5 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by GANDCRAB 5.1.0.

Ransomware infections and GANDCRAB 5.1.0 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 reccomended Data Recovery software by clicking on the link underneath:

EaseUS Data Recovery Software

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.

Windows Mac OS X

Get rid of GANDCRAB 5.1.0 from Mac OS X.

Step 1: Uninstall GANDCRAB 5.1.0 and remove related files and objects

OFFER

Manual Removal Usually Takes Time and You Risk Damaging Your Files If Not Careful!

We Recommend To Scan Your Mac with SpyHunter for Mac

Keep in mind, that SpyHunter for Mac needs to purchased to remove the malware threats. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter’s EULA and Privacy Policy

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 GANDCRAB 5.1.0:

Tip: To quit a process completely, choose the “Force Quit” option.

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 GANDCRAB 5.1.0. 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 GANDCRAB 5.1.0. 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 GANDCRAB 5.1.0 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:

Disclaimer! If you are about to tamper with Library files on Mac, be sure to know the name of the virus file, because if you delete the wrong file, it may cause irreversible damage to your MacOS. Continue on your own responsibility!

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 GANDCRAB 5.1.0. 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 2: Scan for and remove malware from your Mac

When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts, programs and malware, the recommended way of eliminating the threat is by using an anti-malware program. Combo Cleaner offers advanced security features along with other modules that will improve your Mac’s security and protect it in the future.

Download

Combo Cleaner

Step 3 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by GANDCRAB 5.1.0.

1. Download the reccomended Data Recovery software by clicking on the link underneath:

EaseUS Data Recovery Software

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.

GANDCRAB 5.1.0 FAQ

What is GANDCRAB 5.1.0 ransomware and how does it work?

GANDCRAB 5.1.0 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 GANDCRAB 5.1.0 ransomware infect my computer?

Via several ways.GANDCRAB 5.1.0 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 GANDCRAB 5.1.0 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 .GANDCRAB 5.1.0 files?

You can't. At this point the .GANDCRAB 5.1.0 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 .GANDCRAB 5.1.0 files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.

One way to restore files, encrypted by GANDCRAB 5.1.0 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 ".GANDCRAB 5.1.0" files (Other Methods)?

Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .GANDCRAB 5.1.0 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 GANDCRAB 5.1.0 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 GANDCRAB 5.1.0 ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .GANDCRAB 5.1.0 files.

Also, keep in mind that viruses like GANDCRAB 5.1.0 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.