This article is made to explain to you what is the [mrpeterson@cock.li].GFS files ransomware virus and how you can remove this variant of Gefest ransomware from your computer and how you can try and restore .GFS encrypted files.
A ransomware virus, using the .GFS extension was recently detected to cause a heap of trouble for users. The malware may or may not be a version, deriving from the [wplinkpreview url=”https://sensorstechforum.com/gefest-scarab-ransomware-remove/”]Scarab Gefest family of viruses. This is a virus that enters your computer silently and then performs number of malicious activities that result in you no longer being able to open your files because they are encrypted. The encrypted files have overwritten data in them, preventing them from being used and we are talking about the most commonly used file types on the infected computer. After encryption, a ransom note is dropped, called “HOW TO RECOVER ENCRYPTED FILES.txt” and it has instructions for victims how they can pay ransom to buy off the access to their files again – something which is NOT recommended. If your computer has been infected by the [mrpeterson@cock.li].GFS files ransomware, read this article to learn how to remove this ransomware safely and how to try other methods to restore your files, that do not involve paying criminal hackers.
Threat Summary
| Name | [mrpeterson@cock.li].GFS GEFEST Virus |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | Possibly a variant of Gefest Ransomware. Encrypts files and asks victims of infected computers to pay ransom in cryptocurrecnies to get the files to be decoded and work again. |
| Symptoms | Infects the computer and then adds the [mrpeterson@cock.li].GFS file extension. The ransomware also adds the “HOW TO RECOVER ENCRYPTED FILES.txt” ransom note, containing the extortionist message. |
| 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 [mrpeterson@cock.li].GFS GEFEST 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. |
[mrpeterson@cock.li].GFS Files Ransomware – How Did I Get It
The most likely method via which your computer may have caught the [mrpeterson@cock.li].GFS Files Virus could be if you opened a malicious e-mail attachment. Usually e-mails account for over 80% of ransomware infection and the GEFEST virus being of this type, it may be spread via this method. What the crooks do is they send you an e-mail, containing the infection file off GEFEST ransomware and this file could be pretending to be:
- An invoice.
- Purchase receipt.
- Report for a revoked plane ticket or an online purchase.
- Document from a bank, concerning a loan or something similar.
- Document stating you broke the law.
Another likely scenario via which viruses, like GEFEST ransomware could be spread is for the crooks to upload the infection file on multiple third-party sites and wait for the victim to download the virus and open it. Usually these sites are low-reputation websites or compromised WordPress sites, where the malware may reside, pretending to be:
- A software setup.
- Portable program./span>
- Activator for a license.
- Crack.
- Key generator.
[mrpeterson@cock.li].GFS Files Ransomware – Activity
Once your computer becomes a victims with [mrpeterson@cock.li].GFS file ransomware, the virus’s files may be dropped in the following directories:
- %AppData%
- %Roaming%
- %Temp%
- %Local%
- %LocalLow%
The [mrpeterson@cock.li].GFS ransomware may also drop its ransom note file on the infected computers. It has the following contents:
“HOW TO RECOVER ENCRYPTED FILES.txt” ransom note’s content:
GEFEST RANSOMWARE
Your files has been encrypted using RSA2048 algorithm with unique public-key stored on your PC.
There is only one way to get your files back: contact with us, pay, and get decryptor software.
We accept Bitcoin, and other cryptocurrencies, you can find exchangers on bestbitcoinexchange.io
You have unique idkey , write it in letter when contact with us.
Also you can decrypt 1 file for test, its guarantee what we can decrypt your files.
Attention!
Do not rename encrypted files.
Do not try to decrypt your data using third party software, it may cause permanent data loss.
Contact information:
primary email: mrpeterson@cock.li
reserve email: debora2019@airmail.cc
Your unique idkey:
Besides te ransom note, victims can also miss out multiple hidden activiites that may be done by the [mrpeterson@cock.li].GFS virus, such as:
- Execute commands in Windows Command Prompt.
- Obtain your location and IP address.
- Perform privilege escalation.
- Obtain administrator permissions.
- Create mutexes.
Furthermore, the GEFEST Ransomware virus may also tamper with the Run an RunOnce registry sub-keys, where value strings with data may be created in order to run the virus file each time you start Windows. The sub-keys have the following locations:
→ 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
The [mrpeterson@cock.li].GFS may also delete the shadow copies on the computers that have been infected by it by executing the following commands as an administrator on victimized machines:
→ 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
[mrpeterson@cock.li].GFS Ransomware – Encryption
The files that could become encrypted as a result of an infection with [mrpeterson@cock.li].GFS ransomware could end up to be from the following file types:
→ “PNG .PSD .PSPIMAGE .TGA .THM .TIF .TIFF .YUV .AI .EPS .PS .SVG .INDD .PCT .PDF .XLR .XLS .XLSX .ACCDB .DB .DBF .MDB .PDB .SQL .APK .APP .BAT .CGI .COM .EXE .GADGET .JAR .PIF .WSF .DEM .GAM .NES .ROM .SAV CAD Files .DWG .DXF GIS Files .GPX .KML .KMZ .ASP .ASPX .CER .CFM .CSR .CSS .HTM .HTML .JS .JSP .PHP .RSS .XHTML. DOC .DOCX .LOG .MSG .ODT .PAGES .RTF .TEX .TXT .WPD .WPS .CSV .DAT .GED .KEY .KEYCHAIN .PPS .PPT .PPTX ..INI .PRF Encoded Files .HQX .MIM .UUE .7Z .CBR .DEB .GZ .PKG .RAR .RPM .SITX .TAR.GZ .ZIP .ZIPX .BIN .CUE .DMG .ISO .MDF .TOAST .VCD SDF .TAR .TAX2014 .TAX2015 .VCF .XML Audio Files .AIF .IFF .M3U .M4A .MID .MP3 .MPA .WAV .WMA Video Files .3G2 .3GP .ASF .AVI .FLV .M4V .MOV .MP4 .MPG .RM .SRT .SWF .VOB .WMV 3D .3DM .3DS .MAX .OBJ R.BMP .DDS .GIF .JPG ..CRX .PLUGIN .FNT .FON .OTF .TTF .CAB .CPL .CUR .DESKTHEMEPACK .DLL .DMP .DRV .ICNS .ICO .LNK .SYS .CFG”
After GEFEST ransomware encrypts those files, the virus may generate a uniuqe RSA decryption key for each file, which makes decrption much more difficult than normal. The ransomware may then leave the files looking like the following:
Remove GEFEST Ransomware and Try Restoring .GFS Files
If you want to get rid of the Gefest ransomware virus, we strongly advise you to do a backup of your files first, even though they cannot be opened. This is done to make sure that your files do not get permanently damaged during the removal process. The safest process is to create a system image of Windows, instructions for which can be found on the following URL. This avoids damage to your files by CBC(cipher block chaining) and other mechanisms ransomware viruses, like GEFEST may use to permanently damage your files if you tamper with them or try to change their extension.
To remove GEFEST Ransomware, you are welcome to try the manual removal steps underneath this article. Their main idea is to help you manually find and delete the files of GEFEST ransomware from your computer. If manual removal does not work or you want a fast and effective solution, then we recommend that you follow the automatic removal steps under step 1 and 2 below. They include scanning your computer with an advanced anti-malware software, the main idea of which is to scan your computer easily and detect and remove any virus files, belonging to GEFEST ransomware automatically from it. Installing such software also minimises the risk of your computer becoming a ransomware victim in the future too.
If you want to try and recover your files, you can see the “Try to restore” step underneath. It contains a lot of file recovery methods that can assist you in getting at least some of your data back. Be advised that the methods may not be 100% effective, but they are a good temporary solution, at least until researchers release a working decryption tool, which will be added in this article as an update when released. Keep following this post for further updates on the situation.
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.
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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.
About the [mrpeterson@cock.li].GFS GEFEST Virus Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this [mrpeterson@cock.li].GFS GEFEST 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 [mrpeterson@cock.li].GFS GEFEST 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.
References
1. How to Recognize Spam Emails with Ransomware
2. How Does Ransomware Encryption Work?
3. How to Decrypt Ransomware Files
4. Ransomware Getting Greedier and Bigger, Attacks Increase by 40%
5. 1 in 5 Americans Victim of Ransomware
- Guide 1: How to Remove [mrpeterson@cock.li].GFS GEFEST Virus from Windows.
- Guide 2: Get rid of [mrpeterson@cock.li].GFS GEFEST Virus from Mac OS X.
How to Remove [mrpeterson@cock.li].GFS GEFEST Virus from Windows.
Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove [mrpeterson@cock.li].GFS GEFEST Virus
1. Hold Windows Key + R.
2. The "Run" Window will appear. In it, type "msconfig" and click OK.
3. Go to the "Boot" tab. There select "Safe Boot" and then click "Apply" and "OK".
4. When prompted, click on "Restart" to go into Safe Mode.
5. You can recognise Safe Mode by the words written on the corners of your screen.
Step 2: Uninstall [mrpeterson@cock.li].GFS GEFEST Virus 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:
1. Hold the Windows Logo Button and "R" on your keyboard. A Pop-up window will appear.
2. In the field type in "appwiz.cpl" and press ENTER.
3. This will open a window with all the programs installed on the PC. Select the program that you want to remove, and press "Uninstall"
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall most programs.
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by [mrpeterson@cock.li].GFS GEFEST 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 [mrpeterson@cock.li].GFS GEFEST Virus there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
1. Open the Run Window again, type "regedit" and click OK.
2. When you open it, you can freely navigate to the Run and RunOnce keys, whose locations are shown above.
3. You can remove the value of the virus by right-clicking on it and removing it.
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 [mrpeterson@cock.li].GFS GEFEST Virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
1. Click on the "Download" button to proceed to SpyHunter's download page.
2. After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to update automatically.
3. After the update process has finished, click on the 'Malware/PC Scan' tab. A new window will appear. Click on 'Start Scan'.
4. After SpyHunter has finished scanning your PC for any files of the associated threat and found them, you can try to get them removed automatically and permanently by clicking on the 'Next' button.
Video Guide for Automatic and Fast Removal
Step 5 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by [mrpeterson@cock.li].GFS GEFEST Virus.
Ransomware infections and [mrpeterson@cock.li].GFS GEFEST 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.
1. Download the recommended Data Recovery software by clicking on the link underneath:
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.
Step 6: How to Restore Files Encrypted by Ransomware (Video Guide)
Get rid of [mrpeterson@cock.li].GFS GEFEST Virus from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall [mrpeterson@cock.li].GFS GEFEST Virus 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:
2. Find Activity Monitor and double-click it:
3. In the Activity Monitor look for any suspicious processes, belonging or related to [mrpeterson@cock.li].GFS GEFEST Virus:
4. Click on the "Go" button again, but this time select Applications. Another way is with the ⇧+⌘+A buttons.
5. In the Applications menu, look for any suspicious app or an app with a name, similar or identical to [mrpeterson@cock.li].GFS GEFEST Virus. If you find it, right-click on the app and select “Move to Trash
”.
6. Select Accounts, after which click on the Login Items preference.
Your Mac will then show you a list of items that start automatically when you log in. Look for any suspicious apps identical or similar to [mrpeterson@cock.li].GFS GEFEST Virus. Check the app you want to stop from running automatically and then select on the Minus (“-“) icon to hide it.
7. Remove any left-over files that might be related to this threat manually by following the sub-steps below:
- 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 [mrpeterson@cock.li].GFS GEFEST Virus 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:
1: Click on "Go" and Then "Go to Folder" as shown underneath:
2: Type in "/Library/LauchAgents/" and click Ok:
3: Delete all of the virus files that have similar or the same name as [mrpeterson@cock.li].GFS GEFEST Virus. If you believe there is no such file, do not delete anything.
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 [mrpeterson@cock.li].GFS GEFEST Virus.
Ransomware infections and [mrpeterson@cock.li].GFS GEFEST 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.
1. Download the recommended Data Recovery software by clicking on the link underneath:
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.
[mrpeterson@cock.li].GFS GEFEST Virus FAQ
What is [mrpeterson@cock.li].GFS GEFEST Virus ransomware and how does it work?
[mrpeterson@cock.li].GFS GEFEST 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 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 [mrpeterson@cock.li].GFS GEFEST Virus ransomware infect my computer?
Via several ways.[mrpeterson@cock.li].GFS GEFEST Virus 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 [mrpeterson@cock.li].GFS GEFEST 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 .[mrpeterson@cock.li].GFS GEFEST Virus files?
You can't. At this point the .[mrpeterson@cock.li].GFS GEFEST Virus 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 .[mrpeterson@cock.li].GFS GEFEST Virus files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
One way to restore files, encrypted by [mrpeterson@cock.li].GFS GEFEST Virus 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 ".[mrpeterson@cock.li].GFS GEFEST Virus" files (Other Methods)?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .[mrpeterson@cock.li].GFS GEFEST Virus 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 [mrpeterson@cock.li].GFS GEFEST Virus 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 [mrpeterson@cock.li].GFS GEFEST Virus ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .[mrpeterson@cock.li].GFS GEFEST Virus files.
Also, keep in mind that viruses like [mrpeterson@cock.li].GFS GEFEST Virus 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.
estou com esta encriptação em meus arquivos… so q nao sabia ainda do que se tratava formatei meu pc… e agora nao tem nenhuma chave de decriptação…. e perdi as artes da gráfica q trabalho… o.O
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