The GANDCRAB V4.4 Virus is the latest iteration of the GandCrab ransomware family of threats. It uses the same .KRAB extension to encrypt target user data and extorts the victims for a ransomware payment. The new iteration can be customized further by the hacker operators, its modules can be set up according to the ongoing attack campaign. It is expected that several attacks will follow in the coming weeks.
Threat Summary
| Name | GANDCRAB V4.4 Virus |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | The ransomware encrypts sensitive information on your computer system with the .KRAB extensions and demands a ransom to be paid to allegedly recover them. |
| Symptoms | The ransomware will encrypt your files with a strong encryption algorithm. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
| Detection Tool |
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss GANDCRAB V4.4 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. |
GANDCRAB V4.4 Virus – Distribution Ways
The main delivery method associated with the GANDCRAB V4.4 Virus is the coordination of a SPAM email campaign. A popular tool to fuel the infections is the RIG Exploit Kit used to send out many messages to targets on a global scale. The criminal operators program templates that contain various graphics, text and design layouts that are hijacked from legitimate companies. Upon receiving the messages the users may notice the same notifications and messages as the ones that are typically sent by an Internet site or service that they use. In many cases familiar sounding domain names are used and even security certificates. The scope of messages that are being sent by the hackers can range from password reminders, update notifications, advertising materials and etc.
Many of the messages contain the GANDCRAB V4.4 virus under various forms:
- Adobe Flash Exploit — The victim users are sent malicious Adobe Flash interactive elements that take advantage of vulnerabilities identified in the client software. Adobe Flash remains as one of the most common applications that are targeted by computer hackers.
- File Attachments — The dangerous files can be attached directly to the messages. The body contents will contain instructions that coerce the victims into executing them.
- Infected Payload Carriers — Some hackers can embed the GANDCRAB V4.4 virus in payload carriers that be software installers, updates or pop-ups. They are made by taking the legitimate files from the official vendors and bundling them with the virus code. Whenever they are installed the GANDCRAB V4.4 virus infection will be started.
- Macro-Infected Documents — The hackers can embed scripts in popular document types: rich text documents, spreadsheets, databases and presentations. Whenever they are opened by the victim users a notification prompt will be spawned requesting them to run the built-in code. If this is done the virus infection will begin.
The hackers can also construct fake download sites that imitate the legitimate download pages or well-known Internet portals. To help spread them the criminals can utilize various scripts such as pop-ups, banners, in-line hyperlinks and etc.
The virus executable files, payloads and payload carriers can also be spread in archives, even password-protected ones. In a situation where a string is required in order to unlock the files the hackers can place them in messages, notification boxes and other contents.
GANDCRAB V4.4 virus can also be spread via malicious browser extensions, also called hijackers. They are created for the most popular web browsers and are spread on the official repositories with fake user reviews and developer credentials. The associated descriptions coerce the victims into installing them — the description promises to add new features or enhance already existing ones. Once they are installed the built-in code will start to modify the application settings to redirect the users to hacker-controlled page. Following this the GANDCRAB V4.4 virus infection will start.
GANDCRAB V4.4 Virus – In-Depth Analysis
Following the infiltration of the malware threat on the victim hosts several security checks are performed in order to bypass processes that may interfere with its correct execution. A modular framework is used which allows the main infection engine to access and manipulate different system settings.
One of the first actions that are executed by the malicious code is the information harvesting one. There are two main types of data that are commonly hijacked:
- Private Data — The collected information can be used to expose the identity of the victims. The engine will automatically hijack personal data such as strings related to their name, address, phone number, location, interests and account credentials.
- Campaign Metrics — Other information that can be used to optimize the attacks can include a report on the installed hardware components, user settings and operating system variables.
The collected information can then be processed by another component called stealth protection. It is used to scan for applications and services that can interrupt the GANDCRAB V4.4 virus execution. The list of target programs includes: anti-virus products, sandbox environments and virtual machine hosts. The identified processes will be stopped and the applications themselves can be removed from the systems. This allows the virus to be able to take full control of the devices — the GANDCRAB V4.4 virus can create its own processes, hook up to existing ones and spawn multiple threads.
Constant monitoring of the system is enforced — the analysis reveals that the infection engine can monitor for changes in both operating system settings, Windows Registry values, files and etc.
The analysis shows that the engine has the ability to interact with the system Volume manager. This means that the virus will have access to removable storage devices and available network shares. This means that a single infection can potentially trigger a whole network takeover.
Follow-up infection actions can modify the web browser settings and redirect the victim machines to a hacker-controlled page. This is particularly useful when instituting the threat with blackmail tactics. The ransomware can also modify the Windows Registry. This means that it can access, modify and create new strings. When operating system ones affected then overall performance will suffer. Changes to individual applications can render certain services and functions non-working. In addition the malicious engine can create strings for itself and modify the boot settings thereby setting itself as a persistent threat. This means that it will start itself whenever the computer boots and disable access to the recovery boot menu.
Other malicious behavior includes the removal of Restore Data — Restore points and Shadow Volume Copies. To effectively restore them a professional software will need to be used, refer to our removal instructions.
The GANDCRAB V4.4 virus can be used to deliver Trojan infections. They create a secure connection to a hacker-controlled server. It allows the criminals to take over control of the infected machines, spy on the users and steal any file.
One of the key differences between this version and previous GandCrab ransomware threats is the fact that v4.4 creates a specific mutex value. It appears that under certain conditions this will block the operations of the virus. There are several explanations for this behavior:
- Killswitch Variant — One of the proposed speculations is that by acquiring this version of the GandCrab the automatic activation of the mutex lock will disable the virus’s ransomware component.
- Upgraded Weapon — The fact that the lock mutex is used probably means that the criminals behnd it are focusing on a stealth delivery. The ransomware component will be activated upon a command given by the operators.
- New Ransomware — The new GandCrab v4.4 threat may be created as an independent threat without having a connection to previous attackers. The developers of the v4.4 version may have taken the source code of already existing threats done by other hackers and modified them to create their own custom version.
GANDCRAB V4.4 Virus – Encryption Process
Like previous GandCrab ransomware threats the v4.4 version uses a built-in list of target file type extensions. They will be processed by a strong cipher, the encrypted files will not be accessible to the user. Teh lists include the most popular user data including the following:
- Archives
- Backups
- Documents
- Images
- Videos
- Music
The same .KRAB extension will be applied to the victims files.
A ransomware note will be created in a file called KRAB-DECRYPT.txt. A typical message will read the following contents:
—= GANDCRAB 4 =—
Attention!
All your files, documents. photos, databases and other important files are encrypted and have the
extension: .KRAB
The only method of recovering files is to purchase an unique private key. Only we can give you this key
and only we can recover your files.The server with your key is in a closed network TOR. You can get there by the following ways:
——————————————————————————–
|0. Download Tor browser – https://www.torproject.org/
|1. Install Tor browser
|2. Open Tor Browser
|3. Open link in TOR browser: https://gandcrabmfe6mnef.onion/
|4. Follow the instructions on this page
———————————————————————————On our page you will see instructions on payment and have the opportunity to decryp 1 file for free.
ATTENTION!
IN ORDER TO PREVENT DATA DAMAGE:* DO NOT MODIFY ENCRYPTED FILES
* DO NOT CHANGE DATA BELOW—BEGIN GANDCRAB KEY—
—END GANDCRAB KEY—
—BEGIN PC DATA—
—END PC DATA—
The ransomware note contains several fields that are generated automatically by the engine. The first part is the extension — while the generic .CRAB or .KRAB extension is used as one of the main identification signs for the ransomware family it can be customized by the hackers to something else. The GandCrab key is the unique identifier given to each individual infection. The PC DATA string is a type of uniquer user identifier — it is created by analyzing certain conditions and creating it based on the acquired data.
Remove GANDCRAB V4.4 Virus and Restore Encrypted Files
If your computer system got infected with the GANDCRAB V4.4 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 GANDCRAB V4.4 Virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall GANDCRAB V4.4 Virus 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 GANDCRAB V4.4 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 GANDCRAB V4.4 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: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove GANDCRAB V4.4 Virus
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by GANDCRAB V4.4 Virus.
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 GANDCRAB V4.4 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 the top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.
GANDCRAB V4.4 Virus-FAQ
What is GANDCRAB V4.4 Virus Ransomware?
GANDCRAB V4.4 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 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 GANDCRAB V4.4 Virus 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 GANDCRAB V4.4 Virus Infect?
Via several ways.GANDCRAB V4.4 Virus 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 GANDCRAB V4.4 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 .GANDCRAB V4.4 Virus files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .GANDCRAB V4.4 Virus 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 .GANDCRAB V4.4 Virus files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".GANDCRAB V4.4 Virus" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .GANDCRAB V4.4 Virus 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 GANDCRAB V4.4 Virus 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 GANDCRAB V4.4 Virus ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .GANDCRAB V4.4 Virus 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 GANDCRAB V4.4 Virus 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 GANDCRAB V4.4 Virus Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this GANDCRAB V4.4 Virus 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 GANDCRAB V4.4 Virus 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.
We are waiting for Grandcrab 4 decryptor. This ransomware is really cruel.
Tks