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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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.
How to Remove Gorgon from Windows.
Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove Gorgon
Step 2: Uninstall Gorgon 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:
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall most 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: Scan for Gorgon with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 5 (Optional): 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 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 top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.
Get rid of Gorgon from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall Gorgon 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:
- 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 Gorgon 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:
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 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 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 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 and how does it work?
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 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 Gorgon ransomware infect my computer?
Via several ways.Gorgon 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 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. At this point the .Gorgon 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 .Gorgon files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
One way to restore files, encrypted by Gorgon 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 ".Gorgon" files (Other Methods)?
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% 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 Gorgon 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 Gorgon ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Gorgon files.
Also, keep in mind that viruses like Gorgon 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.
