Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
Note! Your computer might be affected by GPCODE and other threats.
Threats such as GPCODE 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
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
Users report activity by ransomware known as GPCODE. This particular virus uses a combination of a very strong encryption ciphers – RSA and AES, both used by the government to hide top secret files. Not only this, but the GPCODE creators have quite the laughs at the expense of the user, adding a .LOL (Laughing Out Loud) file extension and a “funny” clown-like ransom note. All users who have been affected should not pay any ransom money to the makers of this nasty malware and focus on removing it and restoring the files themselves. We advise reading this article completely to learn more about removing this ransomware and restoring the encoded data yourself.
Threat Summary
Name
GPCODE
Type
Ransomware
Short Description
The ransomware encrypts files with the RSA algorithm and AES-128 ciphers and asks a ransom for decryption. Reported to attack servers and office networks.
Symptoms
Files are encrypted and become inaccessible. A ransom note with instructions for paying the ransom shows as a .txt file.
Distribution Method
Spam Email Attachments pretending to be the delivery company UPS.
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.
GPCODE Ransomware – Methods of Infection
Since this particular ransomware also known as the JOKE virus is reported to infect servers which have Citrix environment. Citrix is a system of programs designed to help cut costs by running multiple devices in a network using a virtual environment. Such servers may usually be infected if information about their IP address is known somehow. Since systems such as Citrix centralize on one device and the traffic goes partially through that device this may be one method of spreading. Let us imagine that one user on the Citrix system of devices is careless and opens up one of the two main spreading methods reportedly associated with GPCODE:
Malicious URLs.
Malicious e-mail attachments.
Even if the network does not use such systems, GPCODE is also reported to spread and encrypt shared files between the devices in the network. This is why one compromised computer by GPCODE is a risk to the whole network.
Infected users have also reported that the ransomware was spread via email attachments that had the following subject:
“Your UPS delivery confirmation.”
And this is not the worst part. System administrators of infected networks have also complained that this malware spreads via UNC paths which can be quite risky in multiple ways.
GPCODE Ransomware Viewed In Detail
Since a little is known about this ransomware, it is widely believed that it may situate files in the following file folders, containing different names:
After doing, so, GPCODE may modify the registry entries of the infected machine so that its file-encryption process starts when the PC is turned on. This is why we strongly advise users who believe they are infected not restart or power off their devices. The targeted registry key for this is:
Not only this, but the ransomware may use a unique file encryption method that consists of the two following ciphers:
RSA – 1048
AES – (128 or 256)
Researchers strongly believe that the AES algorithm is being used to encrypt the files GPCODE looks for whereas the RSA cipher is being used to encode the key which can be used to decrypt those AES files. This is particularly effective because even if the users have the decryptor provided by the cyber crooks, they cannot decrypt the key. And what is worse, is most malware writers set a unique private key, making the situation, even more, complicated.
Regarding the files it aims to encrypt, GPCODE is oriented towards as many commonly used file extensions as possible. It uses the .LOL file extension after it encrypts the data, for example:
New Text Document.txt.LOL
Not only this, but the GPCODE ransomware is reported by infected users to add a “JOKE” ransom note, named “how to get data.txt”:
→ “JOKE Hello boys and girls! Welcome to our high school “GPCODE”! If you are reading this text (read this very carefully, if you can read), this means that you have missed a lesson about safety and YOUR PC HACKED !!! Dont worry guys – our school specially for you! The best teachers have the best recommendations in the world! Feedback from our students, you can read here: 1)http://forum.kaspersky.com.2)http://forum.eset.com 3)http://forum.drweb.com 4) www.forospyware.com As you see- we trust their training,only we have spesial equipment(cryptor.exe and decryptor.exe).Only here you will get an unforgettable knowledge! The lesson costs not expensive. Calculate the time and money you spend on recovery. Time is very expensive, almost priceless.We think that it is cheaper to pay for the lesson and never repeat the mistakes.We guarantee delivery of educational benefits(decryptor.exe). First part(cryptor.exe) you have received 🙂 SERIOUSLY Your important files (photos, videos, documents, archives, databases, backups, etc.) which were crypted with the strongest military cipher RSA1024 and AES.No one can`t help you to restore files without our decoder. Photorec, RannohDecryptor etc repair tools are useless and can destroy your files irreversibly. If you want to restore files – send e-mail to [email protected] with the file “how to get data.txt” and 1-2 encrypted files less than 2 MB. PLEASE USE public mail like yahoo or gmail. You will receive decrypted samples and our conditions how you`ll get the decoder. Follow the instructions to send payment. P.S. Remember, we are not scammers. We don`t need your files. After one month all your files and keys will be deleted.Oops!Just send a request immediately after infection. All data will be restored absolutelly. Your warranty – decrypted samples and positive feedbacks from previous users.”Source: BleepingComputer
In addition to those, the ransomware may also spread out other files, such as a .RSA or .KEY file that contains the unique decryption key. The good news about it is that the cyber-criminals behind it may encrypt 1 or 2 files for free, and they do not demand a high amount of ransom payment (0.5 BTC which at the time of writing this is approximately 230$). Users who have paid the ransom have claimed that they were sent a decryptor containing their private key and were able to restore their files. However, we strongly advise considering other alternatives before funding cyber-crooks.
Remove GPCODE Ransomware and Restore Your Data
To remove this crypto malware, it is vital to isolate it, because like any other malware it may modify different settings of your PC to protect itself. This is why we recommend following the step-by-step instructions below for maximum effectiveness.
Unfortunately, there is no current solution for a direct file decryption that is working 100%, besides the reported ransom payment. However, we have prepared some alternative methods which you may want to try before paying any ransom. For more information on them check the step “Restore files encrypted by GPCODE”. Bear in mind that there is no guarantee that the methods will work for you.
Note! Your computer system may be affected by GPCODE 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 GPCODE. 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 GPCODE follow these steps:
1. Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove GPCODE 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 GPCODE on your PC
Find files created by GPCODE
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.
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 GPCODE with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool and back up your data
1. Install SpyHunter to scan for GPCODE and remove them.2. Scan with SpyHunter, Detect and Remove GPCODE. 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 GPCODE
Try to Restore Files Encrypted by GPCODE
Ransomware infections and GPCODE 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:
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
Users report activity by ransomware known as GPCODE. This particular virus uses a combination of a very strong encryption ciphers – RSA and AES, both used by the government to hide top secret files. Not only this, but the GPCODE creators have quite the laughs at the expense of the user, adding a .LOL (Laughing Out Loud) file extension and a “funny” clown-like ransom note. All users who have been affected should not pay any ransom money to the makers of this nasty malware and focus on removing it and restoring the files themselves. We advise reading this article completely to learn more about removing this ransomware and restoring the encoded data yourself.
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 GPCODE and remove them.
Back up your data to secure it from malware in the future.
