What Is Gaze Virus?
The GAZE virus is a ransomware that belongs to the STOP/DJVU family and affects Windows OSs. It employs a complex encryption process to lock the files, appending the .gaze extension to them. Subsequently, a ransom note is displayed, requesting the victims to pay a certain sum of money to get the decryption key and recover access to the blocked files. If the payment isn’t made within the allotted time, the files may be irreversibly erased.
What Is Ransomware?
Ransomware is a type of malicious software designed to deny access to a computer system or data until a ransom is paid. Usually, it is disseminated through phishing emails, malicious links, or by exploiting existing software vulnerabilities. This type of malware is capable of encrypting files and/or locking users out of their computers, making it almost impossible to access data without paying the ransom.
Gaze Virus – How Did I Get Infected?
This virus is usually circulated through emails and webpages that contain hazardous material, as well as through downloading dangerous software. Additionally, security vulnerabilities in the operating system or other software may be taken advantage of to contract the virus. The major ways of dispersal for this ransomware:
- If it is sent to you as an e-mail attachment or a URL.
- By being downloaded from a shady site.
Gaze Virus – Details
Name | Gaze virus, also known as UDS:Trojan.Win32.Chapak.gen, Ransom:Win32/StopCrypt.KM!MTB, Win32:PWSX-gen [Trj], Win32:PWSX-gen [Trj], A Variant Of Win32/GenKryptik.FHJB – more detections of this virus on VirusTotal |
File Extension | .gaze |
Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
Short Description | The ransomware encrypts files on your computer system and demands a ransom to be paid to allegedly recover them. |
Symptoms | The Gaze Virus ransomware will encrypt your files by appending the .gaze extension to them. |
Ransom Demanding Note | _readme.txt |
Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
Detection Tool |
See If Your Mac Has Been Affected by Gaze
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Malware Removal Tool
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Gaze Virus – What Does It Do?
Once the ransomware has infiltrated your system, it will start to encrypt your documents. It will then display a prompt requesting a payment for the decryption key which will give you access to the encrypted files. Usually, the notification will alert that the encrypted files will be deleted for good if the ransom is not paid before a certain deadline.
The virus ay leave its payload files in the following directories:
- %Local%
- %Temp%
- %Windows%
- %SystemDrive%
- %LocalLow%
- %AppData%
- %System%
- %system32%
The Gaze virus diffuses its _readme.txt ransom note, the text of which reads:
Gaze virus may generate numerous value entries, some of which could exist in the Windows Run and RunOnce Registries .
What Are .gaze Files
Files with the .gaze extension have been infiltrated by ransomware, making them inaccessible until the encryption is removed. To retrieve the files, either the ransom should be paid or a trustworthy data recovery tool employed. This virus targets certain file types and applies the AES encryption algorithm to encrypt them.
- Videos (.mp4, .avi, etc.).
- Audio (.mp3, .wav, etc.).
- Picture file kinds (.jpg, .png, .etc).
- Archive file formats (.zip, .rar, etc).
- Documents of different types (.docx, .pptx, etc.).
- Others.
After encryption, the files begin to appear, like the following:
Picture.jpg.gaze
How to Open .gaze Files
Upon the detection of .gaze virus ransomware on your system, the most critical thing to do is to delete the malicious virus and recover the files from a backup, as it is impossible to open the encrypted files without paying the ransom demanded by the cybercriminals. If it is DJVU ransomware that has encrypted your files, the same action should be taken as a priority.
What To Do If My Files Are .gaze?
The only guaranteed way to retrieve files encrypted by Gaze virus ransomware is to restore them from a backup or by reversing the cipher. If no backup is accessible, data restoration software can be employed in an effort to get back the files, as outlined in the guide below. Yet, there is no promise that these procedures will be effective.
How To Protect Windows from Ransomware In The Future?
To guard your Windows system from the Gaze virus ransomware, ensure you are regularly installing the most recent security patches and updates, safely store your files, be vigilant when navigating the web, and be aware of the files you download.
How to Remove Gaze Virus?
To block additional encryption of documents by the Gaze virus ransomware, unplug your computer from the web. Subsequently, use a powerful anti-malware software to scan and delete any malicious files. If you have a backup, you can use it to restore the documents. On the other hand, you can try using data recovery tools to try to regain the encrypted files.
How to Decrypt / Fix .gaze Files?
If you are looking for a way to decode the files secured by this virus, our main advice is to apply a tool that will help find your decryption key. This tool can be found in the STOP Ransomware decryption steps.
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for Gaze with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Gaze 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:
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by Gaze 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 Gaze there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
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 Gaze
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Gaze.
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 Gaze 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.
Gaze-FAQ
What is Gaze Ransomware?
Gaze 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 Gaze 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 Gaze Infect?
Via several ways.Gaze 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 Gaze 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 .Gaze files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Gaze 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 .Gaze files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Gaze" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Gaze 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 Gaze 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 Gaze ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Gaze 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 Gaze 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 Gaze Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Gaze 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 Gaze 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.