What Is Goba Virus?
The Goba virus is a STOP/DJVU variant that seeks to lock your files and demand a ransom payment in Bitcoin. It is an unwanted threat that should be avoided. In this article, you can learn more about the Goba virus, the .goba files it produces, the _readme.txt note it generates and what to do if your computer is infected.
Goba Virus – Why Is My Windows Infected?
Infection from Goba ransomware is often conducted through opening malicious emails, downloading software from unverified websites, clicking on malicious online ads and links, and inserting infected external devices like USB drives. This ransomware utilizes an obfuscator to stay hidden while it infiltrates your system.
Goba Virus – How Did I Get Infected?
Ransomware known as “Goba” is mainly distributed through email attachments, malicious websites, and software that are downloaded from unauthentic sources. It can even be transmitted through reputable websites that have been compromised.
- If it is sent to you as an e-mail attachment or a URL.
- By being downloaded from a shady site.
Goba Virus – What Does It Do?
Goba ransomware is a malicious virus that encrypts all of the files on an infected computer, changing their file extensions to “.goba” and demanding a ransom in exchange for the decryption key. It may drop its payload files and they could be found in the following Windows directories:
- %Local%
- %Temp%
- %Windows%
- %SystemDrive%
- %LocalLow%
- %AppData%
- %System%
- %system32%
The virus also drops its _readme.txt file, which has the following extortion message:
This virus may also add multiple different value entries in some specific Windows Registries.
Goba Virus – Details
Name | Goba 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 | .goba |
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 Goba Virus ransomware will encrypt your files by appending the .goba extension to them. |
Ransom Demanding Note | _readme.txt |
Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
Detection Tool |
See If Your Mac Has Been Affected by Goba
Download
Malware Removal Tool
|
What Are .goba Files
The files that have been encoded using the AES encryption algorithm are the .goba encrypted files. This encryption technique utilizes a combination of symmetric-key and public-key cryptography to ensure the privacy and security of the files. These files may be targeted by a virus to be encrypted.
- 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 being encrypted, the files begin to look like the following:
How to Open .gobaFiles
It is not recommended to try and open .goba virus encrypted files without a decryption key, as there is no guaranteed way to do so. However, you may be able to recover your files using a data recovery software or system backup, as the ransomware may not have fully destroyed the original files. You could also contact the ransomware authors and ask for a free decryption key, or purchase one from them – though this is not advised.
What To Do If My Files Are .goba?
The optimal solution for this ransomware attack is to delete the malicious software from your system and restore your .goba encrypted files from a backup. If no backup is available, you may attempt to decrypt your files using a reliable decryption tool. Unfortunately, since this is a new ransomware, no freely available tool exists to decrypt its cipher, unless your decryption key is stored offline.
How To Protect Windows In The Future?
To protect yourself from this ransomware and other malicious software, it is essential to ensure your system is always up-to-date with the latest security updates and to have an up-to-date antivirus program installed. Additionally, it is important to know how to safely store your files to protect them from ransomware
How to Remove Goba Virus?
The installation of a reliable anti-malware program is the most effective way to eliminate the Goba virus. Additionally, advanced users may attempt to manually delete any suspicious or malicious files related to it, following the prescribed guide. After the malicious files have been removed, it is important to change all passwords and update security software while also regularly backing up data to protect against future attacks.
How to Decrypt / Fix .goba Files?
To attempt to decrypt the .goba files, you can follow the STOP Ransomware decryption steps linked here. These files are encrypted and have either an online or offline decryption key.
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for Goba with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Goba 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 Goba 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 Goba 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 Goba
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Goba.
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 Goba 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.
Goba-FAQ
What is Goba Ransomware?
Goba 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 Goba 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 Goba Infect?
Via several ways.Goba 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 Goba 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 .Goba files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Goba 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 .Goba files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Goba" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Goba 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 Goba 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 Goba ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Goba 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 Goba 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 Goba Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Goba 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 Goba 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.