This article will aid you to remove .GBLOCK Ransomware. Follow the ransomware removal instructions provided at the end of the article.
.GBLOCK Ransomware is one that encrypts your data and demands money as a ransom to get it restored. Files will receive the .GBLOCK extension. The .GBLOCK Ransomware 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 | .GBLOCK ransomware |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | The ransomware encrypts files by placing the .GBLOCK extension on the 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 |
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss .GBLOCK ransomware. |
| 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. |
.GBLOCK Ransomware – Distribution Techniques
The .GBLOCK ransomware is a new sample that originates from the Matrix family of malware threats. As a representative of this type of viruses its development is probably tied to one of these two possibilities:
- Own Creation — The sample may have been created by the same hackers as the ones that are behind its distribution. This is done by by taking the original Matrix ransomware engine and modifying it in order to produce this new virus.
- Custom Order — The hacker team behind this particular threat can order its creation on the underground hacker markets. Customization orders are one of the most common services that are available in these communities.
Popular methods for spreading such viruses rely on several well-known mechanisms that have proven successful for delivering large-scale ransomware infections. A prime example is the coordination of email phishing messages that aim to impersonate notifications that have been sent in by companies or services. They are recreated by the criminals to contain the exact same layout and contents of the real ones which makes them very difficult to distinguish.
Another tactic relies on the creation of malicious web sites that aim to copy legitimate and well-known Internet sites: download portals, search engines, product landing pages and etc. They are hosted on domains that have a similar name to the legitimate sites and often use stolen or self-signed security certificates.
The virus files can also be spread on file-sharing networks like BitTorrent which is a widely used platform for sharing both pirate and legitimate files.
The .GBLOCK ransomware engine can be installed via scripts that can be embedded in infected documents. They can be of all popular types (text files, presentations, databases and spreadsheets) and will spawn a notification message asking the users to enable the built-in code in order to correctly view the file. If this si done the infection will be caused.
A similar strategy is the creation of dangerous application installers which are modified version of popular software. The criminals typically choose those ones that are most likely to be downloaded by end users: system utilities, creativity suites, productivity and office products and others. They are created by embedding the necessary code in the files and then spreading them through over the Internet.
Another popular method that is used by many viruses is the use of browser hijackers which represent malicious plugins made for the most popular web browsers. They are mostly found on the relevant repositories posted with elaborate descriptions offering performance optimizations and new features. A large percentage of them will utilize fake or stolen developer credentials and user reviews. Once installed they will immediately deploy the .GBLOCK ransomware. The traditional behavior pattern is to change the default settings in order to redirect the victims to a hacker-controlled site.
.GBLOCK Ransomware – Detailed Analysis
The .GBLOCK ransomware as a representative of the Matrix malware family can follow the traditional behavior as observed by previous samples. It is built on a modular platform which allows the hackers to customize each individual attack.
Usually these type of attacks begin with an information gathering component that will be started. It will harvest information that can be categorized into two main groups:
- Personal Information — The engine can search for information that can directly expose the identity of the victims: a person’s name, address, interests, phone number and even any stored account credentials.
- Machine Information — An unique infection ID can be assigned to every single computer by using an algorithm that will output based on gathered information. The input values are usually system settings, user preferences and the list of installed hardware parts.
The collected information can be used for another purpose as well — the security bypass procedure. Based on the made analysis of the machines the engine can search for and bypass services and applications that can block the virus: anti-virus software, firewalls, sandbox and debug environments and virtual machine hosts.
Most Matrix ransomware engines can also be programmed to make changes to the Windows Registry. This can be either the creation of strings for the ransomware itself or modifications to operating system entries or those that are used by third-party applications. This can result in severe performance issues, the inability to start certain functions and unexpected shut downs and error messages.
The ransomware engine can also modify the boot options thereby setting itself as a persistent threat. This means that it will start automatically when the computer boots and make it impossible to access the recovery menus. This renders most of the manual user recovery guides non-working. In addition the engine can delete important system data such as backups, restore points and shadow volume copies. In this case the victims will need to use a combination of a quality anti-spyware solution and a data recovery program.
Matrix ransomware strains such as the .GBLOCK virus samples can also be programmed to deliver other threats as the security barriers have already been penetrated. This is especially dangerous concerning Trojan horse infections that allow the victims to take over control of the affected machines, hijack user files and cause all sorts of malicious actions.
.GBLOCK Ransomware – Encryption Process
Like other popular malware samples the .GBLOCK ransomware will launch the encryption engine once all prior modules have finished running. It will probably use a built-in list of target file type extensions which are to be processed by a strong cipher. An example list can include the following data types:
- Backups
- Databases
- Archives
- Images
- Music
- Videos
All affected files will receive the .GBLOCK extension. The associated ransomware is crafted in a file called !GBLOCK_INFO.rtf.
Remove .GBLOCK Ransomware and Try to Restore Data
If your computer system got infected with the .GBLOCK 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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Step 1: Scan for .GBLOCK ransomware with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall .GBLOCK ransomware 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 .GBLOCK ransomware 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 .GBLOCK ransomware 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 .GBLOCK ransomware
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by .GBLOCK ransomware.
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 .GBLOCK ransomware 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.
.GBLOCK ransomware-FAQ
What is .GBLOCK ransomware Ransomware?
.GBLOCK ransomware 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 .GBLOCK ransomware 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 .GBLOCK ransomware Infect?
Via several ways..GBLOCK ransomware 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 .GBLOCK ransomware 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 ..GBLOCK ransomware files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the ..GBLOCK ransomware 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 ..GBLOCK ransomware files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore "..GBLOCK ransomware" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore ..GBLOCK ransomware 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 .GBLOCK ransomware 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 .GBLOCK ransomware ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important ..GBLOCK ransomware 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 .GBLOCK ransomware 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 .GBLOCK ransomware Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this .GBLOCK ransomware 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 .GBLOCK ransomware 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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