Article created to show you how to remove the Gomme Ransom virus from your computer and restore files encrypted with .gommemode file extension.
A new ransomware virus has appeared at the end of March 2017. The virus encrypts the files on the compromised computers adding the file extension .gommemode after their files. After having encrypted the files on the computer Gomme ransomware demands the victims to pay a ransom “fee” of $25 in BitCoin in order to restore the files back to their working state. In case your computer has been infected by this ransomware infection, we advise you to read the following material thoroughly.
Threat Summary
Name | Gomme Ransom |
Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
Short Description | Gomme Ransom encrypts files on the computers infected by it, demanding a ransom payoff of $25 in BTC for the files’ decryption. |
Symptoms | The files are encrypted with the aid of a cipher after which the file extension .gommemode has been added to them. |
Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Executable files |
Detection Tool |
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Gomme Ransom. |
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. |
Gomme Ransomware – Distribution
For the Gomme ransomware virus to cause infections, the malware may use different tactical approaches for it’s distribution. The most widely used method to infect unsuspecting users is via malicious e-mail spam, also known as malspam. Such campaigns include deceptive e-mail messages pretending they come from big organizations, for example:
- PayPal.
- DHL.
- FedEx.
- Various banks.
- eBay.
- Amazon.
- AliExpress.
The e-mails usually have different types of deceptive messages in them, like pretending to be confirmation letter or an invoice of a purchase which the targeted user has not made. Some e-mails go as far as claiming there is suspicious activity in the bank account of the user and may even use your name in them. There are also blank e-mails with just the attachment in them.
Besides e-mail spam, various other methods may be used to infect computers, such as:
- Fake Adobe or Java updates.
- Distribution via browser redirects caused by unwanted software (PUPs).
- Fraudulent key generators, license activators or patches uploaded on suspicious sites.
- Fake setups uploaded online.
Gomme Ransomware – Analysis
After the victim is infected one way or another, the Gomme Ransom virus begins to drop it’s malicious files on the compromised computer. It’s primary malicious executable is called gmm33.exe and it may be located in:
- %AppData%
- %Temp%
- %Windows%
- %Roaming%
- %Local%
- %LocalLow%
After the file has been dropped on the infected computer, the ransomware infection also leaves a portable file, named TORBrowser.exe, which is a portable TOR Browser with which the victim can pay the ransom anonymously.
The virus also drops it’s ransom note file, which has the following contents:
“=====Gomme Ransom=====
ALL OF YOUR FILES HAVE BEEN ENCRYPTED!
Everything, Music, Documents, Programs etc, has been encrypted!
WARNING: IF YOU RESTART YOUR COMPUTER WE WON’T BE ABLE TO RESTORE YOUR FILES & YOU WILL LOSE THEM FOREVER!
How can I get my files back?
You will need to pay $25, as soon as you did, you will receive your files back.
You will find the ‘TOR Browser’ on your desktop.
lf you don’t own BTC, purchase some at paxful.com or localbitcoins.
SEND THE MONEY TO THIS ADDRESS:”
The Gomme Ransom virus may also perform other type of activities such as create other support files in the above mentioned Windows directories and tamper with the Windows Registry Editor.
Gomme Ransom – Encryption Process
The encryption of Gomme Ransom is performed so that all important files on the infected computer are encrypted. We are talking about MS Office documents, PDF files, pictures, music, video and other types of files. Gomme Ransom is very careful not to encrypt the system files of Windows, because this may break the operating system, so it may avoid system folders. After the encryption is complete, the files are left with the .gommemode file extension appended to them and look like the following:
Remove Gomme Ransom and Restore .gommemode Files
Before beginning to remove the virus files of Gomme Ransom from your computer, we strongly recommend you to backup all the encrypted files, in case they are lost during removal.
Then, for the removal process, advices are to follow the removal instructions below. They are specifically designed to initially isolate the virus in safe mode and then manually delete the malicious objects. In case manual removal is something you are not technically prepared to do, malware experts often advise using an advanced anti-malware software in order to completely remove Gomme Ransom from your computer and protect your computer in the future as well.
After the removal process, you can try to restore your encrypted files using the alternative tools in the removal instructions below. They are in no way 100% guarantee that all of your files will be recovered, but with their aid you can restore at least a portion of your encrypted files.
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for Gomme Ransom with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Gomme Ransom 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 Gomme Ransom 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 Gomme Ransom 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 Gomme Ransom
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Gomme Ransom.
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 Gomme Ransom 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.
Gomme Ransom-FAQ
What is Gomme Ransom Ransomware?
Gomme Ransom 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 Gomme Ransom 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 Gomme Ransom Infect?
Via several ways.Gomme Ransom 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 Gomme Ransom 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 .Gomme Ransom files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Gomme Ransom 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 .Gomme Ransom files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Gomme Ransom" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Gomme Ransom 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 Gomme Ransom 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 Gomme Ransom ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Gomme Ransom 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 Gomme Ransom 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 Gomme Ransom Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Gomme Ransom 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 Gomme Ransom 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.
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- Always check "About Us" web page.
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