This blog post is made to help you understand what exactly is GANDCRAB 5.1.5 ransomware virus and how you can remove this threat from your PC and try to recover your files.
A new variant of GANDCRAB ransomware has been detected, using the 5.1.5 version as a name. GANDCRAB 5.1.5 belongs to the GandCrab ransomware family of viruses. It aims to lock your access to your personal documents, videos, images and other files and then set a random file extension. The end goal is for you to pay the criminals behind this virus ransom payment in BitCoin or ZCash in order for them to grant access back to your own files. If your computer has been affected by GANDCRAB 5.1.5 ransomware, we suggest that you read this article thoroughly.
Threat Summary
| Name | GANDCRAB 5.1.5 |
| Type | Ransomware |
| Short Description | Version 5.1.5 of GANDCRAB ransomware. Encrypts your data and holds it hostage for ransom payment. |
| Symptoms | Your files become encrypted with an added 7 random letters as a file extension after their original one. A ransom note is dropped with the file extension and then “-DECRYPT.txt”, containing the ransom message of GANDCRAB. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Executable files |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
Download
Malware Removal Tool
|
User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss GANDCRAB 5.1.5. |
| 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 5.1.5 –How Does It Infect
When it comes to infection, GANDCRAB 5.1.5 ransomware may use several different tactics to infect it’s victims’ PCs. One of them is to pretend that a file which is uploaded online is legitimate and trick users into downloading and executing the file in question. The main files which are used for those sort of infection procedures often end up to be the following:
- Portable versions of programs.
- Activation software.
- Key generators.
- Setups of programs.
These types of files can usually be encountered In multiple different websites, like torrent sites and compromised web pages of legitimate sites.
Another method of infection that is used by GandCrab 5.1.5 ransomware is to spread it’s payload as a form of a document that only seems legitimate, but is not. These methods of infection are usually conducted via e-mail and the infection process imitates invoices, receipts and other forms of files that appear legitimate, but may have malicious macros embedded in them:
GANDCRAB 5.1.5 Virus – What Does It Do
When you have become infected by the 5.1.5 version of [wplinkpreview url=”https://sensorstechforum.com/remove-gandcrab-5-1-6-ransomware/”]GandCrab, you will know it. This is because the virus firstly drops and executes it’s primary payload file, which has the following identification:
→ SHA256: b36c91065db430ce667ffc2d64149ccc45e6abf0df1cc11265f657b2a34f5677
Name: 5.exe
Size: 139.36 KB
In addition to the main malicious files of this virus, other modules (.dll, .tmp, .bat, etc.) may also be dropped in the following system directories of Windows:
- %AppData%
- %Local%
- %Roaming%
- %Temp%
Among these files that are dropped is also the DECRYPT.txt ransom note of GANDCRAB 5.1.5 ransomware which includes the name of the file extension used by this virus for it’s own name. The note has the following message to victims:
—= GANDCRAB V5.1.5 =—
UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES DO NOT DELETE THIS FILE, UNTIL ALL YOUR DATA IS RECOVERED
FAILING TO DO SO WIL RESULT IN YOUR SYSTEM CORRUPTION, IF THERE ARE DECRYPTION ERRORSAttention!
All your files, documents, photos, databases and other important files are encrypted and have the extension:
The only method of recovering files is to purchase an unique private key. Only we can give you this key and only 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/371525fbc2a9ddd2
| 4. Follow the instructions on this page—————————————————————————————–
On our page you will see instructions on payment and get the opportunity to decrypt 1 file for free.
ATTENTION!
IN ORDER TO PREVENT DATA DAMAGE:
* DO NOT MODIFY ENCRYPTED FILES
* DO NOT CHANGE DATA BELOW
The ransom note of this virus aims to take users to the main TOR web page of GANDCRAB ransomware which looks like the following:
Furthermore, GANDCRAB Ransomware does not stop there as the virus also changes your wallpaper with a shortened version of the virus’s ransom note:
In addition to this, GANDCRAB 5.1.5 ransomware may also perform the following actions on the compromised computers:
- Delete Shadow copies.
- Touch or modify Windows System files.
- Change registry entries.
- Create tasks.
- Delete the Volume shadow copies.
- Disable backup and recovery services.
GANDCRAB 5.1.5 – Encryption
For encryption, GANDCRAB 5.1.5 ransomware uses the Salsa20 encryption algorithm, but it may combine it with the RSA encryption cipher to encode the encryption key. The virus encrypts blocks of data of the files which is enough to make them unreadable, but it does not encrypt the whole file, since the process is made to be fast.
GANDCRAB 5.1.5 ransomware targets the following files for encryption:
- Videos.
- Images.
- Databases.
- Documents.
- Archives.
After the files are encrypted, GANDCRAB 5.1.5 adds a 7 random letter extension to the end of each file, which is also used to name the ransom note. The files begin to appear like the following:
Furthermore, GANDCRAB 5.1.5 ransomware may also delete the shadow copies of the infected computer and disable system backup with he main goal of restricting the possibility of the user recovering his or her files this way. GANDCRAB ransomware does this by allegedly running the following commands as administrator on the victim PC:
→ sc stop VVS
sc stop wscsvc
sc stop WinDefend
sc stop wuauserv
sc stop BITS
sc stop ERSvc
sc stop WerSvc
cmd.exe /C bcdedit /set {default} recoveryenabled No
cmd.exe /C bcdedit /set {default} bootstatuspolicy ignoreallfailures
C:\Windows\System32\cmd.exe” /C vssadmin.exe Delete Shadows /All /Quiet
Remove GANDCRAB 5.1.5 and Restore Encrypted Files
Before starting the removal process of GANDCRAB 5.1.5, please backup your files, despite the fact that they may all be encrypted, just in case.
If you want to remove GANDCRAB 5.1.5 ransomware, you can do so either by yourself or automatically and information and steps for both are available in the removal accordion underneath. If manual removal does not seem to have any effect, we strongly suggest as what most security experts would use – to download and run a scan with an advanced anti-malware program, the main idea of which is to scan your computer for malicious files and objects and remove them thoroughly.
If you want to restore files, encrypted by GANDCRAB 5.1.5, we suggest that you give the steps underneath a try, since they aim to help you recover as many files as possible, even though they come with no 100% guarantee.
Ventsislav Krastev
Ventsislav is a cybersecurity expert at SensorsTechForum since 2015. He has been researching, covering, helping victims with the latest malware infections plus testing and reviewing software and the newest tech developments. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for learning new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management, Network Administration and Computer Administration of System Applications, he found his true calling within the cybersecrurity industry and is a strong believer in the education of every user towards online safety and security.
Follow Me:
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for GANDCRAB 5.1.5 with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall GANDCRAB 5.1.5 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 5.1.5 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 5.1.5 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 5.1.5
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by GANDCRAB 5.1.5.
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 5.1.5 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 5.1.5-FAQ
What is GANDCRAB 5.1.5 Ransomware?
GANDCRAB 5.1.5 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 5.1.5 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 5.1.5 Infect?
Via several ways.GANDCRAB 5.1.5 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 5.1.5 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 5.1.5 files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .GANDCRAB 5.1.5 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 5.1.5 files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".GANDCRAB 5.1.5" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .GANDCRAB 5.1.5 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 5.1.5 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 5.1.5 ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .GANDCRAB 5.1.5 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 5.1.5 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 5.1.5 Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this GANDCRAB 5.1.5 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 5.1.5 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.