Gergana has completed a bachelor degree in Marketing from the University of National and World Economy. She has been with the STF team for three years, researching malware and reporting on the latest infections. She believes that in times of constantly evolving dependency of network connected technologies, people should spread the word not the war.
Gergana has completed a bachelor degree in Marketing from the University of National and World Economy. She has been with the STF team for three years, researching malware and reporting on the latest infections. She believes that in times of constantly evolving dependency of network connected technologies, people should spread the word not the war.
Gergana has completed a bachelor degree in Marketing from the University of National and World Economy. She has been with the STF team for three years, researching malware and reporting on the latest infections. She believes that in times of constantly evolving dependency of network connected technologies, people should spread the word not the war.
Note! Your computer might be affected by Gorgon and other threats.
Threats such as Gorgon may be persistent on your system. They tend to re-appear if not fully deleted. A malware removal tool like SpyHunter will help you to remove malicious programs, saving you the time and the struggle of tracking down numerous malicious files. SpyHunter’s scanner is free but the paid version is needed to remove the malware threats. Read SpyHunter’s EULA and Privacy Policy
Gergana has completed a bachelor degree in Marketing from the University of National and World Economy. She has been with the STF team for three years, researching malware and reporting on the latest infections. She believes that in times of constantly evolving dependency of network connected technologies, people should spread the word not the war.
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 .[[email protected]] . 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 .[[email protected]] and extorts a ransom fee for thier decryption.
Symptoms
You cannot open files renamed with .[[email protected]] extension. Your desktop wallpaper is changed with a ransom image.
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 .[[email protected]]
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 [[email protected]]
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 .[[email protected]] 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 .[[email protected]] 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.
Note! Your computer system may be affected by Gorgon and other threats. Scan Your PC with SpyHunter SpyHunter is a powerful malware removal tool designed to help users with in-depth system security analysis, detection and removal of threats such as Gorgon. Keep in mind, that SpyHunter’s scanner is only for malware detection. If SpyHunter detects malware on your PC, you will need to purchase SpyHunter’s malware removal tool to remove the malware threats. Read our SpyHunter 5 review. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter’s EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria.
To remove Gorgon follow these steps:
1. Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove Gorgon files and objects
OFFER
Manual Removal Usually Takes Time and You Risk Damaging Your Files If Not Careful!
We Recommend To Scan Your PC with SpyHunter
Keep in mind, that SpyHunter’s scanner is only for malware detection. If SpyHunter detects malware on your PC, you will need to purchase SpyHunter’s malware removal tool to remove the malware threats. Read our SpyHunter 5 review. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter’s EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria
Boot Your PC Into Safe Mode
1. For Windows XP, Vista and 7. 2. For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10. Fix registry entries created by malware and PUPs on your PC.
For Windows XP, Vista and 7 systems:
1. Remove all CDs and DVDs, and then Restart your PC from the “Start” menu. 2. Select one of the two options provided below:
– For PCs with a single operating system: Press “F8” repeatedly after the first boot screen shows up during the restart of your computer. In case the Windows logo appears on the screen, you have to repeat the same task again.
– For PCs with multiple operating systems: Тhe arrow keys will help you select the operating system you prefer to start in Safe Mode. Press “F8” just as described for a single operating system.
3. As the “Advanced Boot Options” screen appears, select the Safe Mode option you want using the arrow keys. As you make your selection, press “Enter“.
4. Log on to your computer using your administrator account
While your computer is in Safe Mode, the words “Safe Mode” will appear in all four corners of your screen.
Step 1: Open up the Start Menu.
Step 2: Click on the Power button (for Windows 8 it is the little arrow next to the “Shut Down” button) and whilst holding down “Shift” click on Restart.
Step 3: After reboot, a blue menu with options will appear. From them you should choose Troubleshoot.
Step 4: You will see the Troubleshoot menu. From this menu choose Advanced Options.
Step 5: After the Advanced Options menu appears, click on Startup Settings.
Step 6: From the Startup Settings menu, click on Restart.
Step 7: A menu will appear upon reboot. You can choose any of the three Safe Mode options by pressing its corresponding number and the machine will restart.
Some malicious scripts may modify the registry entries on your computer to change different settings. This is why cleaning your Windows Registry Database is recommended. Since the tutorial on how to do this is a bit long and tampering with registries could damage your computer if not done properly you should refer and follow our instructive article about fixing registry entries, especially if you are unexperienced in that area.
2. Find files created by Gorgon on your PC
Find files created by Gorgon
1. For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10. 2. For Windows XP, Vista, and 7.
For Newer Windows Operating Systems
Step 1:
On your keyboard press + R and write explorer.exe in the Run text box and then click on the Ok button.
Step 2:
Click on your PC from the quick access bar. This is usually an icon with a monitor and its name is either “My Computer”, “My PC” or “This PC” or whatever you have named it.
Step 3:
Navigate to the search box in the top-right of your PC’s screen and type “fileextension:” and after which type the file extension. If you are looking for malicious executables, an example may be “fileextension:exe”. After doing that, leave a space and type the file name you believe the malware has created. Here is how it may appear if your file has been found:
N.B. We recommend to wait for the green loading bar in the navination box to fill up in case the PC is looking for the file and hasn’t found it yet.
For Older Windows Operating Systems
In older Windows OS’s the conventional approach should be the effective one:
Step 1:
Click on the Start Menu icon (usually on your bottom-left) and then choose the Search preference.
Step 2:
After the search window appears, choose More Advanced Options from the search assistant box. Another way is by clicking on All Files and Folders.
Step 3:
After that type the name of the file you are looking for and click on the Search button. This might take some time after which results will appear. If you have found the malicious file, you may copy or open its location by right-clicking on it.
Now you should be able to discover any file on Windows as long as it is on your hard drive and is not concealed via special software.
IMPORTANT! Before starting the Automatic Removal below, 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.
Use SpyHunter to scan for malware and unwanted programs
3. Scan for malware and unwanted programs with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Scan your PC and Remove Gorgon with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool and back up your data
1. Install SpyHunter to scan for Gorgon and remove them.2. Scan with SpyHunter, Detect and Remove Gorgon. Back up your data to secure it from malware in the future.
Step 1: Click on the “Download” button to proceed to SpyHunter’s download page.
It is recommended to run a scan before purchasing the full version of the software to make sure that the current version of the malware can be detected by SpyHunter. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter’s EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria.
Step 2: Guide yourself by the download instructions provided for each browser.
Step 3: After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to update automatically.
Step 1: After the update process has finished, click on the ‘Malware/PC Scan’ tab. A new window will appear. Click on ‘Start Scan’.
Step 2: 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.
Step 3: If any threats have been removed, it is highly recommended to restart your PC.
Back up your data to secure it against attacks in the future
IMPORTANT! Before reading the Windows backup instructions, we highly recommend to back up your data with a cloud backup solution and insure your files against any type of loss, even from the most severe threats. We recommend you to read more about it and to download SOS Online Backup.
4. Try to Restore files encrypted by Gorgon
Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Gorgon
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 several alternative methods that may help you go around direct decryption and try to restore your files. Bear in mind that these methods may not be 100% effective but may also help you a little or a lot in different situations.
Method 1: Scanning your drive’s sectors by using Data Recovery software. Another method for restoring your files is by trying to bring back your files via data recovery software. Here are some suggestions for preferred data recovery software solutions:
Method 2: Trying Kaspersky and EmsiSoft’s decryptors. If the first method does not work, we suggest trying to use decryptors for other ransomware viruses, in case your virus is a variant of them. The two primary developers of decryptors are Kaspersky and EmsiSoft, links to which we have provided below:
To restore your data in case you have backup set up, it is important to check for Volume Shadow Copies, if ransomware has not deleted them, in Windows using the below software:
Method 4: Finding the decryption key while the cryptovirus sends it over a network via a sniffing tool.
Another way to decrypt the files is by using a Network Sniffer to get the encryption key, while files are encrypted on your system. A Network Sniffer is a program and/or device monitoring data traveling over a network, such as its internet traffic and internet packets. If you have a sniffer set before the attack happened you might get information about the decryption key. See how-to instructions below:
Gergana has completed a bachelor degree in Marketing from the University of National and World Economy. She has been with the STF team for three years, researching malware and reporting on the latest infections. She believes that in times of constantly evolving dependency of network connected technologies, people should spread the word not the war.
Gergana has completed a bachelor degree in Marketing from the University of National and World Economy. She has been with the STF team for three years, researching malware and reporting on the latest infections. She believes that in times of constantly evolving dependency of network connected technologies, people should spread the word not the war.
1. For Windows XP, Vista and 7.
2. For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10.
Fix registry entries created by malware and PUPs on your PC.
1. Install SpyHunter to scan for Gorgon and remove them.
Back up your data to secure it from malware in the future.
