This article gives insight into .glutton files virus infection process. Additionally, you will find a thorough removal guide and alternative data recovery approaches.
A ransomware dubbed .glutton files virus has been spotted in active attack campaigns. In case of infection with this ransomware important files are blocked and renamed with the extension .glutton. Upon encryption, a ransom message appears on screen to demand a ransom for files decryption.
Threat Summary
| Name | .glutton Files Virus |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | Encrypts important files with the help of strong cihper algorithm. Then demands a ransom for their decryption. |
| Symptoms | Valuable data is locked and renamed with .glutton extension. It remains unusable and a ransom is demanded. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
| 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 .glutton Files 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. |
.glutton Files Virus – Distribution
The so-called .glutton files virus is a threat that could land on target computer systems as part of spam email campaigns initiated by hackers. Such emails often impersonate representatives of well-known organizations and institutions in order to mislead you and trick you into running the malicious code on your PC. As of the infection code of the ransomware it is usually concealed in a file attachment of commonly used type (document, image, archive, PDF) or injected into the source code of a web page the URL of which could be displayed as an in-text link, a button or a picture. The messages of these emails could state that you need to review these elements as soon as possible because the information they contain is of great importance.
The distribution of .glutton files virus may also happen with the help of various freeware available across the Web. Most of these free apps seem attractive and helpful but more often than not their installation setup contains additional programs that endanger the security of your PC.
You could check our forum for safety tips that reveal how to prevent infections like Scarab ransomware.
.glutton Files Virus – Overview
Yet another ransomware that belongs to Scarab family has been spotted in the wild. Its traits are the distinctive extension used for corrupted files – .glutton and ransom message file called !!!HOW TO RECOVER ENCRYPTED FILES!!!.TXT.
An infection with this ransomware begins after the execution of its payload on the system. This file could trigger all subsequent malicious activities that organize the attack and lead it to its end. At first, the so-called .glutton files virus is likely to initiate the creation of all needed malicious files. Some of these files could be dropped on the system from its command and control server. And there are several folder locations that may contain files and objects associated with this ransomware:
- %AppData%
- %Local%
- %LocalLow%
- %Roaming%
- %Temp%
- %Windows%
However, have in mind that locating malicious files properly may be a hard task even for tech-savvy guys. So in order to find and remove all malicious files and objects created by .glutton files virus you may need the help of an advanced anti-malware tool.
Once established on the computer malicious files are all used by the ransomware for the access to essential system resources. As a result, various system processes may be stopped, started or manipulated. Like the majority of ransomware .glutton Scarab is likely to compromise registry values stored in the Registry Editor.
This could be explained by the fact that values stored by some of the registry sub-keys including Run and RunOnce indicate which files and processes should execute automatically each time the system is loaded. By setting values under these keys .glutton files virus becomes able to run its infection files on each system start and this way attains persistence.
Another reason why the functionalities of these keys are manipulated is the display of the ransom note on the screen. This happens at the final stage of the attack when all target files are encoded and marked with .glutton extension. The ransom message aims to reveal the presence of Scarab .glutton on the system and further attempts to blackmail you into paying hackers a decryption ransom. It is contained in a text file named !!!HOW TO RECOVER ENCRYPTED FILES!!!.TXT and what it reads is:
Your files are now encrypted!
Your personal identifier:
6A02000000000000***XB81D7D
All your files have been encrypted due to a security problem with your PC.
Now you should send us email with your personal identifier.
This email will be as confirmation you are ready to pay for decryption key.
You have to pay for decryption in Bitcoins. The price depends on how fast you write to us.
After payment we will send you the decryption tool that will decrypt all your files.
Contact us using this email address: gluttonBD@protonmail.com
Free decryption as guarantee!
Before paying you can send us up to 3 files for free decryption.
The total size of files must be less than 10Mb (non archived), and files should not contain
valuable information (databases, backups, large excel sheets, etc.).
Attention!
* Do not rename encrypted files.
* Do not try to decrypt your data using third party software, it may cause permanent data loss.
* Decryption of your files with the help of third parties may cause increased price
(they add their fee to our) or you can become a victim of a scam.
.glutton Files Virus – Encryption Process
All initial system modifications performed by .glutton files virus support the uninterrupted implementation of data encryption phase. For this phase, the ransomware uses a built-in encryption module which is set to encode parts of the code of target files. When this process is finished all corrupted files remain inaccessible and marked with the specific extension .glutton.
Unfortunately, all files that store sensitive information could be encrypted by this Scarab version including:
- Audio files
- Video files
- Document files
- Image files
- Backup files
- Banking credentials, etc
We know that all these files are important for you and you need to restore them all as soon as possible. However, don’t rush into paying the ransom before you try the help of alternative data recovery methods as they are likely to restore a few to all of your .glutton files.
Remove .glutton Files Virus and Restore Data
Below you could find how to remove .glutton files virus step by step. Beware that ransomware is a threat with highly complex code that plagues not only your files but your whole system. To remove this ransomware manually you need to have a bit of technical experience and ability to recognize traits of malware files. So as recommended by security researchers you should utilize an advanced anti-malware tool for its complete removal. Such a tool will keep your system protected against devastating threats like Scarab .glutton and other kinds of malware that endanger your online security.
After you remove the ransomware make sure to check the “Restore Files” step listed in the guide below. But before you take any further actions, don’t forget to back up all encrypted files to an external drive in order to prevent their irreversible loss.
Gergana Ivanova
Highly motivated writer with 5+ years of experience writing for ransomware, malware, adware, PUPs, and other cybersecurity-related issues. As a writer, I strive to create content that is based on thorough technical research. I find joy in the process of creating articles that are easy to understand, informative, and useful. Follow me on Twitter (@IRGergana) for the latest in the field of computer, mobile, and online security.
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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.
- Guide 1: How to Remove .glutton Files Virus from Windows.
- Guide 2: Get rid of .glutton Files Virus from Mac OS X.
How to Remove .glutton Files Virus from Windows.
Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove .glutton Files Virus
Step 2: Uninstall .glutton Files 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:
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall most programs.
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by .glutton Files 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 .glutton Files Virus 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: Scan for .glutton Files Virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 5 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by .glutton Files Virus.
Ransomware infections and .glutton Files 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.
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.
Get rid of .glutton Files Virus from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall .glutton Files 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:
- 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 .glutton Files 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:
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 .glutton Files Virus.
Ransomware infections and .glutton Files 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.
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.
.glutton Files Virus FAQ
What is .glutton Files Virus ransomware and how does it work?
.glutton Files 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 .glutton Files Virus ransomware infect my computer?
Via several ways..glutton Files 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 .glutton Files 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 ..glutton Files Virus files?
You can't. At this point the ..glutton Files 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 ..glutton Files Virus files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
One way to restore files, encrypted by .glutton Files 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 "..glutton Files 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 ..glutton Files 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 .glutton Files 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 .glutton Files Virus ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important ..glutton Files Virus files.
Also, keep in mind that viruses like .glutton Files 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.
