What is Gomer ransomware? How did it infect your system? Is there a chance to restore your .gomer files?
Gomer Ransomware
New ransomware named Gomer virus has been spotted in the wild. It is a data locker ransomware that infects computer systems in order to corrupt personal files. Afterward, Gomer ransomware blackmails victims into paying a ransom fee to cybercriminals. At this point, it is clear that the ransomware drops a ransom note file called GOMER-README.txt. This note contains a text message with extortion details. Since there is no guarantee that hackers could provide an efficient decryption tool, we recommend you to avoid any negotiations with them and navigate to the security solutions presented in our guide.
Gomer Ransomware Summary
| Name | Gomer |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Ransom Note | GOMER-README.txt |
| Short Description | Severe malware that is designed to encrypt valualbe files stored on compromised computers so that it can then extort ransom fee from victims. |
| Symptoms | Files are encrypted and renamed with the extension .gomer Ransom message extorts a payment for files recovery. |
| 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 Gomer 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. |
Gomer ransomware – How Did I Get It and What Does It Do?
The Gomer is malicious software that belongs to the ransomware category. Its origin comes from the Outsider Ransomware that has appeared on the malware stage two years before.
The ransomware loads on PCs by being masqueraded as a freeware installer, fake software update notification, email attachment, advertisement, etc. Most of the time, threats like Gomer are spread via malspam (emails that attempt to deliver malicious code on computer operating systems).
Emails that are part of such campaigns usually have some traits. When you know about these traits you could easily prevent falling victim to ransomware/malware attack.
Trait number one – a URL address. This URL address may appear as a direct link, clickable button, or an in-text link. Such a link usually opens a corrupted web page that host malicious code. Messages presented on this page may be misleading. At worst, the page may activate a download script to deliver the ransomware once you load it in your default browser.
Trait number two – an attached file. This file can be designed to activate the malicious code on the device when it is loaded on the system.
Trait number three – the email sender and the address are spoofed. They may appear as if they are related to a reliable institution such as a bank, a telecom, an internet provider, a governmental structure, a news website, and so on. Pay attention to typos, strange email services and fake logos.
The moment Gomer ransomware’s activation file loads on a target operating system, it triggers a long sequence of malicious operations that enable the ransomware to evade detection, misuse system functionalities and eventually encode valuable personal files.
For the corruption of personal files, the Gomer virus needs to activate a built-in cipher module. The module is designed to scan all drives for certain types of files that are most likely storing important personal information and apply changes to their code. The encryption process could be accomplished with the help of sophisticated cipher algorithms such as RSA, AES, and Salsa20.
Due to the complexity of applied changes, your files remain inaccessible until their code is reverted back to its original state. Unfortunately, you may not be able to view the information stored by the following files of yours:
- Audio files
- Video files
- Document files
- Image files
- Backup files
- Banking credentials, etc
One way to recognize an encrypted file is by the appearance of the extension .gomer in its name.
After encryption, the Gomer ransomware creates a ransom note inside a text file. The note is named Gomer-readme.txt as you can see from the below screenshot:
The note reads the following:
! ATTENTION !
———————————-
! STRICTLY FORBIDDEN TO USE THIRD-PARTY DECRYPTION SOFTWARE – FILES WILL BE LOST !
———————————-
Due vulnerability in your system all files have been protected with strong private key to safe them from unathorized access.
To RESTORE your files, follow this instructions:
1. Gomer service charges a payment for file decryption tool
2. Contact us with attached Gomer-readme.txt
3. Receive Gomer file decryption tool
4. Run the tool and successfully RESTORE all your files!
We guarantee:
100% Successful restoring all of your files
100% Satisfaction guarantee
100% Fast and secure service
As a proof of our trusted service, you can send us 1 file and get it decrypted for free!
———————————-
! ONLY ORIGINAL GOMER DECRYPTION TOOL CAN RESTORE YOUR FILES !
———————————-
Contacts: support-gomer@pm.me
Payments accepted: Bitcoin (BTC)
ID KEY:
–
~ GOMER ~
We know that you need to restore .gomer files but we advise against transferring money to cybercriminals. Your files may not get recovered, and nobody could give you a guarantee for that. Adding to that, giving money to cybercriminals will most likely motivate them to create new ransomware viruses or commit different criminal activities.
For the sake of your security, we recommend you to clean your computer from present malicious files and wait for an eventual release of a free decryption tool. Meanwhile, you may want to consider the help of alternative data recovery methods.
Remove Gomer Ransomware Virus and Attempt to Restore Data
The so-called Gomer ransomware is a threat with highly complex code that heavily damages both essential system settings and valuable data. So the only way to use your infected system securely again is to remove all malicious files and objects created by the ransomware. For the purpose, you could follow our step-by-step removal guide.
In the event that you want to attempt to restore .gomer files with the help of alternative data recovery methods, do check step four – Try to Restore files encrypted by Gomer Ransomware. We remind you to back up all encrypted files to an external drive before you begin with the recovery process.
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 Gomer Ransomware from Windows.
- Guide 2: Get rid of Gomer Ransomware from Mac OS X.
How to Remove Gomer Ransomware from Windows.
Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove Gomer Ransomware
Step 2: Uninstall Gomer Ransomware 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 Gomer 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 Gomer 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: Scan for Gomer Ransomware with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 5 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Gomer Ransomware.
Ransomware infections and Gomer 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 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 Gomer Ransomware from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall Gomer Ransomware 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 Gomer Ransomware 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 Gomer Ransomware.
Ransomware infections and Gomer 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 top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.
Gomer Ransomware FAQ
What is Gomer Ransomware ransomware and how does it work?
Gomer 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 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 Gomer Ransomware ransomware infect my computer?
Via several ways.Gomer Ransomware 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 Gomer 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 .Gomer Ransomware files?
You can't. At this point the .Gomer Ransomware 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 .Gomer Ransomware files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
One way to restore files, encrypted by Gomer Ransomware 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 ".Gomer Ransomware" files (Other Methods)?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Gomer Ransomware 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 Gomer Ransomware 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 Gomer Ransomware ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Gomer Ransomware files.
Also, keep in mind that viruses like Gomer Ransomware 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.
