Gorgon ransomware is an infection that encrypts valuable files by utilizing one or more sophisticated cipher algorithms. Once started on a PC, it initiates a sequence of malicious operations that plague essential system settings. By doing this, Gorgon becomes able to corrupt target files and mark them with the extension .[buy-decryptor@pm.me] . Unfortunately, corrupted files cannot be opened until their code is reverted back to its original state.
In this article, you will find out how to remove Gorgon ransomware and how to attempt to restore encoded files.
Threat Summary
| Name | Gorgon |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | Encrypts valuable files stored on infected computers. Appends them the extension .[buy-decryptor@pm.me] and extorts a ransom fee for thier decryption. |
| Symptoms | You cannot open files renamed with .[buy-decryptor@pm.me] extension. Your desktop wallpaper is changed with a ransom image. |
| 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 Gorgon. |
| 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. |
Gorgon Ransomware – Distribution
For the spread of Gorgon ransomware, hackers are likely to use some of the most popular techniques. Such are malspam, software installers, links to infected web pages, forums, social media channels, fake software update notifications and other.
Among all these techniques malspam is likely to be the main one. Like the majority of ransomware infections that are spread in massive email spam campaigns, Gorgon is also believed to be spread this way. The technique enables hackers to include ransomware’s payload in deceptive emails that pose as legitimate organizations and businesses. Components like URL addresses, in-text links, buttons, images, and file attachments are often presented in such emails as they could be all misused for the delivery of the ransomware payload.
In order to make you more prone to interact with such a component and as a result enable the ransomware to access your system, the text messages in these emails try to provoke a sense of urgency.
Gorgon Ransomware – Overview
Gorgon ransomware contaminates computer systems in order to encode valuable files and extort ransom payment from its victims. Infection with this threat could be recognized by its associated extension .[buy-decryptor@pm.me]
To start the infection process, Gorgon needs to execute its payload file on the machine. As revealed by analyses published by security researchers, this file is called Gorgon.exe. Further analyses of the threat indicate that once executed on a target system, this file initiates a long sequence of malicious activities. Among these activities is believed to be the creation of additional malicious files and objects.
Here are the names of the folders that may be used for the storage of files associated with Gorgon ransomware:
- %AppData%
- %Local%
- %LocalLow%
- %Roaming%
- %Temp%
When established, these files are executed in a predefined order written in ransomware’s code. Successful execution of malicious files enables the ransomware to evade detection and eventually complete the attack to its very end. There is no doubt that the purpose of these files is the corruption of essential system components. And since the Registry Editor is among targeted components, you should know that Gorgon ransomware will be able to load its infection files each time you start the infected system until you clear malicious entries added under Run registry key. The manipulation of another registry key’s functionalities (RunOnce), on the other hand, could replace the preferred desktop wallpaper with the following image:
This image depicts the following message:
GORGON RANSOMWARE
All your important files have been encrypted!
If you want to decrypt your files
Please read the “#DECRYPT MY FILES#.HTML” for help
The purpose of this image is to inform you about the presence of Gorgon ransomware on your computer and guide you to another file called #DECRYPT MY FILES#.HTML where more details left by hackers could be revealed. When you find and open this file you are likely to see the this window:
What it informs is:
All your important files are encrypted!
#What happened?
All your important files(database,documents,images,videos,music,etc.)have been encrypted!and onlywe can decrypt!
To decrypt your files, you need to buy Gorgon Decryptor from us,we are the only one who can decrypt the file for you
#Attention!
Trying to reinstall the system and decrypting the file with a third-party tool will result in file corruption,which means no one can decrypt your file(including us)!
If you still try to decrypt the file yourself,you do so at your own risk!
#Test decryption!
As a proof,you can email us 3 files to decrypt,and we will send you the decrypted files to prove that we can decrypt your files
#How to decrypt?
1.Buy 0.3 Bitcoin at https://localbitcoins.com
Email [buy-decryptor@pm.me] Your ID
Apparently, the demanded ransom is 0.3 Bitcoin which at the moment of writing this article equals to 1,023.75 United States Dollars. For the sake of your security, we recommend you to avoid contacting hackers. Even a successful ransom payment does not guarantee the recovery of your .[buy-decryptor@pm.me] files. Cyber criminals could always decide to neglect your messages and send you no reply. Furthermore, since their decryptor may be broken, it may not be able to restore files.
Gorgon Ransomware – Encryption Process
For the encryption of target types of files, Gorgon ransomware activated a built-in cipher module. This module is designed to scan the infected system for files which usually store important data so it can transform parts of their code by means of sophisticated cipher algorithm. Unfortunately, encrypted could be all your:
- Audio files
- Video files
- Document files
- Image files
- Backup files
- Banking credentials, etc
The end of the encryption phase could be recognized by the appearance of the extension .[buy-decryptor@pm.me] in the names of all corrupted files. Information stored by corrupted files remains out of reach until their code is reverted back to its original state.
Remove Gorgon Ransomware and Restore Data
Gorgon ransomware is a threat with highly complex code designed to corrupt both system settings and valuable data. So the only way to use your system in a secure manner again is to remove all malicious files and objects created by the ransomware. For the purpose, we prepared a removal guide that reveals how to clean and secure your system step by step. In addition, you will find several alternative data recovery approaches that may be helpful in attempting to restore files encrypted by Gorgon ransomware. We need to remind you to back up all encrypted files to an external drive before the recovery process.
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 Gorgon with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Gorgon 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 Gorgon 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 Gorgon 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 Gorgon
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Gorgon.
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 Gorgon 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.
Gorgon-FAQ
What is Gorgon Ransomware?
Gorgon 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 Gorgon 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 Gorgon Infect?
Via several ways.Gorgon 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 Gorgon 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 .Gorgon files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Gorgon 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 .Gorgon files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Gorgon" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Gorgon 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 Gorgon 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 Gorgon ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Gorgon 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 Gorgon 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 Gorgon Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Gorgon 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 Gorgon 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.
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