This article explains the issues that occur in case of infection with GandCrab v5.1.4 ransomware and provides a thorough removal guide as well as alternative data recovery approaches.
GandCrab v5.1.4 is yet another iteration of the infamous GandCrab ransomware family. Once loaded on a target system this cryptovirus plagues essential system components so that it can activate sophisticated cipher algorithm and encrypt valuable data. Following encryption, corrupted files are renamed with a specific extension that contains several random alphanumeric characters. Due to the fact that your access to the information stored by encrypted files is restricted, hackers attempt to blackmail you into paying them a ransom fee. For the extortion the ransomware drops a ransom message and triggers its display.
Threat Summary
| Name | GandCrab v5.1.4 |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | A data locker ransomware, variant of the GandCrab ransomware family that utilizes strong cihper algorithm to encrypt important files so it can then demands a ransom payment for a decryption solution. |
| Symptoms | Important files are locked and renamed with an extension of several random alphanumeric symbols. The access to their data is restricted and a ransom is demanded. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Infected Installers |
| 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 GandCrab v5.1.4. |
| 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 v5.1.4 Ransomware – Distribution
At this point, the methods used for the distribution of this iteration of GandCrab ransomware are not revealed. However, hackers probably bet on the traditional ones among which are malspam, malicious advertising, corrupted web pages, infected software installers, software cracks, and fake software updates.
The primary method is likely to be the malspam. Malspam or emails that attempt to deliver malicious code on your device enables hackers to reach large number of users. For the purpose, they launch massive email spam campaigns that carry the infection code of GandCrab v5.1.4 ransomware.
The purpose of each email that contains malicious code is to trick you into following the instructions presented in its text part. In addition, an email that attempts to deliver GandCrab v5.1.4 on your device could appear as sent by a representative of any legitimate institution. Such a trick aims to make you more prone to interact with the malicious email elements.
Similar to previous attack campaigns the subjects of these emails may be following one of the below mentioned patterns:
Document #{number}
Invoice #{number}
Order #{number}
Payment #{number}
Payment Invoice #{number}
Payment Invoice #{number}
Ticket #{number}
Your Document #{number}
Your Order #{number}
Your Ticket #{number}
As of the elements that could be cause an infection with GandCrab v5.1.4 ransomware they could be compromised file attachments of common file types or links to corrupted web pages.
A tip that will help you to improve your online security and keep devastating malware infections like GandCrab v5.1.4 away from your PC is to use a free online malware scanner before opening dubious files on your device. Such a tool will scan the file you upload and generate a report on its security level.
GandCrab v5.1.4 Ransomware – Infection Overview
An infection with this version of GandCrab ransomware begins with the execution of its payload on your system. Since the attack could not be realized with the help of only one file, GandCrab v5.1.4 needs to establish additional malicious files on it. Some of these files may remain on the system after the end of the attack while other may implement an auto-delete command and disappear soon after the attack is over. Where the ransomware is likely to store its malicious files is in some essential system folders like:
- %Roaming%
- %Windows%
- %AppData%
- %Local%
- %Temp%
By being set to utilize sophisticated obfuscation techniques, this ransomware becomes able to evade detection and remain on the infected system even after the completion of its mission. In order to ensure its persistent presence on the system, GandCrab v5.1.4 could affect the Registry Editor. Among the affected keys could be the Run and RunoOnce as once affected by the ransomware it becomes able to manipulate their functionalities. By doing this its infection files are automatically executed on each system start.
Furthermore, the analyses of this GandCrab version reveal that the ransomware is able to access target browsers and steal all credentials saved there. So in case that you have saved the logins for your preferred websites you should immediately change all of the passwords.
Following all initial infection stages including the encryption that is explained in the next paragraph, GandCrab v5.1.4 drops a ransom note file in an attempt to blackmail you into paying a ransom fee. The content name of this file contains all random characters that are appended as an extension to all encrypted files followed by -DECRYPT.txt
So if for example you see the extension .FHNTRSDQDC after all your corrupted files you should also have a ransom note file called FHNTRSDQDC-DECRYPT.txt dropped on the system.
Beware that even a successful ransom payment does not guarantee the recovery of your files. So we recommend the use of alternative data recovery tools instead.
GandCrab v5.1.4 Ransomware – Encryption Process
GandCrab v5.1.4 is a threat that primarily aims to encode files that are commonly used for the storage of important information. So when it reaches the encryption stage, it first runs a scan to find the location of certain types of files that are listed in its code and then utilizes a strong cipher algorithm to transform parts of the code of these files.
At the end of the process all of the following files of yours could appear corrupted and renamed with an extension of up to ten random alphanumeric characters:
- Audio files
- Video files
- Document files
- Image files
- Backup files
- Banking credentials, etc
Along with data encryption process GandCrab v5.1.4 cryptovirus could also erase all Shadow Volume Copies from the Windows operating system. This process is realized with the help of the following command:
→vssadmin.exe delete shadows /all /Quiet
The execution of the above-stated command strengthens the devastating data encryption impact as it eliminates one of the prominent ways to restore your data.
If your computer device was infected with this ransomware and your files are locked, read on to find out how you could potentially restore some files back to their normal state.
Remove GandCrab v5.1.4 Ransomware and Restore Files
The GandCrab v5.1.4 ransomware is a threat with highly complex code that plagues not only your files but your whole system. So you should clean and secure properly your infected system before you could use it regularly again. Below you could find a step-by-step removal guide that may be helpful in attempting to remove GandCrab v5.1.4 ransomware. Choose the manual removal approach if you have previous experience with malware files. If you don’t feel comfortable with the manual steps select the automatic section from the guide. Steps there enable you to check the infected system for ransomware files and remove them with a few mouse clicks.
In order to keep your system safe from ransomware and other types of malware in future, you should consider the installation of a reliable anti-malware program. Additional security layer that could prevent the occurrence of ransomware attacks is [wplinkpreview url=”https://sensorstechforum.com/the-most-popular-free-anti-ransomware-tools/”]anti-ransomware tool.
If you want to understand how to fix encrypted files without paying the ransom read carefully all the details mentioned in the step “Restore files”. Beware that before the data recovery process you should back up all encrypted files to an external drive as this will 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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Step 1: Scan for GandCrab v5.1.4 with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall GandCrab v5.1.4 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 v5.1.4 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 v5.1.4 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 v5.1.4
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by GandCrab v5.1.4.
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 v5.1.4 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 v5.1.4-FAQ
What is GandCrab v5.1.4 Ransomware?
GandCrab v5.1.4 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 v5.1.4 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 v5.1.4 Infect?
Via several ways.GandCrab v5.1.4 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 v5.1.4 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 v5.1.4 files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .GandCrab v5.1.4 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 v5.1.4 files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".GandCrab v5.1.4" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .GandCrab v5.1.4 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 v5.1.4 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 v5.1.4 ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .GandCrab v5.1.4 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 v5.1.4 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 v5.1.4 Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this GandCrab v5.1.4 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 v5.1.4 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.
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