This article will help you remove Guster ransomware effectively. Follow the ransomware removal instructions provided at the end of the article.
Guster is the name of a nasty ransomware that plays an audio file when it encrypts your data. Your files will become encrypted and receive the .locked extension when the encryption is done. Then, the Guster cryptovirus displays a ransom message with demands for payment. Read further to see what methods you can try to see if you can restore some of your data.
Threat Summary
| Name | Guster |
| Type | Ransomware |
| Short Description | The ransomware encrypts files on your computer and displays a ransom message afterward. |
| Symptoms | The ransomware will encrypt your files and put the .locked extension on all of them when the encryption process is set and done. You will then see a ransom note being put up and the following audio file will be played: |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
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Malware Removal Tool
|
User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Guster. |
| 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. |
Guster Ransomware – Distribution Tactics
Guster ransomware could be distributed via different tactics. The payload file that initiates the malicious script for the ransomware, which in turn infects your computer device has been spotted on the Web. You can check out the malware analysis of the VirusTotal service for that executable file of the Guster virus, from the screenshot down below:
Guster ransomware might additionally be distributing the same payload file on social media and file-sharing sites. A lot of freeware programs might be promoted as useful on the Web, but may be hiding the malicious script for the virus. Do not immediately open files you have downloaded, which come from suspicious sources like links or emails. Instead, you should scan them first. Perform a scan with a security tool and check the size and signatures of the files for anything that seems dubious. You should read the ransomware prevention tips from the topic in the forum.
Guster Ransomware – Technical Analysis
Guster is the name of a ransomware which is also a cryptovirus. It will encrypt files on your computer machine while appending the same extension to them afterward. It might be a HiddenTear variant.
Guster ransomware could make entries in the Windows Registry to achieve persistence. Those registry entries are usually designed in a way that will start the virus automatically with each launch of the Windows Operating System.
The ransom note will appear right after the encryption process completes. It is instantly distinguishable, because of the audio message that plays. The note states what the demands of the cybercriminals are for the ransom price, along with other instructions and demands for decrypting your files. You can preview the ransom note in the screenshot right here:
That ransom message reads the following:
All of your files (documents, videos, photos, musics, pdfs, etc) have been encrypted with a strong military cryptography.
The only way you have to get your files back to you, is paying a fee of 0.4 bitcoins, which worth something about 300,00 USD.
You can buy bitcoins in various sites all over the web, like localbitcoins.com and various others. If you try to delete me or something funny,
I SWEAR I’ll blow up your whole files and you’re never going to see it again.
It’s serious!
You have 48 hours to pay me these bitcoins or you’ll never get to see yours files again! You’re warned!Follow these steps in order to get your files back:
1 – Go to a Bitcoin exchange site and buy exactly 0.4 BTCs
1.1 – You can take a look at some of these sort of sites here: https://www.bestbitcoinexchange.io
2 – Send an email with your ID to nucklearsupport@yandex.ru
3 – Wait for a email-reply with more instructions
3.1 – It may take about 6-8 hours, if it takes more than that, send the email again. FAAAST!
3.2 – Remember! You have only 48 hours, so you better hurry up!
4 – After following all the steps (including email reply steps), you’ll get the PASSWORD to decryption.
5 – Type the password in the indicated field
6 – Click on ‘Decrypt!’
7 – It’s done. Your files will be decrypted!Your ID: [Redacted] [Timer] Type the password here:
The virus does not actually delete any files, even if it threatens so in the ransom note.
The cyber crooks have put in that ransom note, the demanded price for decryption of your files. That price is 0,4 Bitcoins or approximately 360 US dollars. You should NOT in any circumstance pay the cybercriminals. Your files may not get recovered, and nobody can give you a guarantee for that. Also, giving money to these criminals will probably end up in supporting them and give them an even bigger incentive to create other ransomware or do more criminal acts.
As of now, there is no list of file extensions which the Guster ransomware seeks to encrypt. However, all files that get encrypted will receive the same extension appended to them, namely .locked.
The Guster cryptovirus is most likely going to delete the Shadow Volume Copies from any Windows operating system by using the following command:
→vssadmin.exe delete shadows /all /Quiet
Continue to read and find out what kind of ways you can try to restore some of your data potentially.
Remove Guster Ransomware and Restore .locked Files
If your computer got infected with the Guster ransomware virus, you should have some experience in removing malware. You should get rid of this ransomware as fast as possible before it can have the chance to spread further and infect more computers. You should remove the ransomware and follow the step-by-step instructions guide provided below.
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for Guster with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Guster 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 Guster 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 Guster 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 Guster
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Guster.
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 Guster 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.
Guster-FAQ
What is Guster Ransomware?
Guster 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 Guster 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 Guster Infect?
Via several ways.Guster 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 Guster 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 .Guster files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Guster 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 .Guster files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Guster" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Guster 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 Guster 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 Guster ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Guster 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 Guster 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 Guster Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Guster 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 Guster 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.
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.
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