What is Gandcrab 3 Ransomware?
Gandcrab 3 Ransomware most likely comes from the same creators who developed GandCrab Ransomware and Gandcrab2 Ransomware. Our researchers report the malicious application is not much different from the other two mentioned infections. Apparently, it may apply a different second extension to the files it enciphers, show a bit modified ransom note, and change the user’s background picture (none of the previous versions were set to replace the wallpaper). If your files were affected by this malicious program, it would be a good idea to learn more about it and reading our full report should help you achieve that. Besides the information about Gandcrab 3 Ransomware we can also offer manual deletion instructions that should be available at the end of this article. Nevertheless, if you find you might be unable to remove the infection manually, we would recommend using a legitimate antimalware tool instead.
Where does Gandcrab 3 Ransomware come from?
One of the earlier Gandcrab 3 Ransomware versions were distributed through malicious sites designed to find the browser’s vulnerabilities. It looks like the malware was able to enter the system if it managed to find and exploit any weaknesses the browser may have had. Obviously, the newest variant may not necessarily use this method, although it is entirely possible the hackers could still be using it along with other distribution ways. For example, another way to spread such a threat would be to send potential victims infected email attachments or disguise the malicious program’s installer as some popular tool, game crack or keygen and share it via pop-ups ads, unreliable web pages, etc. Our researchers at Anti-spyware-101.com say it would be safest to both try to avoid potentially dangerous content and keep a legitimate antimalware tool installed on the computer you wish to protect. Users should especially be extra cautious with attachments from unknown senders; files suggested on annoying pop-up ads or torrent and similar untrustworthy file-sharing networks, etc.
How does Gandcrab 3 Ransomware work?
Our researchers could not obtain a fully working sample of Gandcrab 3 Ransomware, but from what we have learned it appears to be it should work almost the same as its earlier versions. The difference is the newest malware replaces user’s Desktop picture. Also, during the encryption process, it should apply .CRAB extension, not .GDCB. To encipher user’s private files, the infection is supposed to use AES encryption algorithm. It is a secure encryption method once adopted by the United States government and now used worldwide, so sadly it is practically impossible to decipher files if you do not have the right decryption key.
The bad news is this key gets created by the malicious program during the encryption process, and usually, it is saved on some remote server belonging to the threat’s developers. Meaning the only means to get your data back could be available only to the cybercriminals behind Gandcrab 3 Ransomware, although there are cases when volunteer computer security specialists manage to develop free encryption tools as well. If you have no backup and cannot restore your data, such a tool could be your last hope, so it might be wise to check who could be creating a decryptor for the threat you encountered. It might seem easier to pay the ransom (sum asked in CRAB-DECRYPT.txt), but keep it in mind it could be expensive and a waste of your money since there are no guarantees the hackers will bother helping you.
How to get rid of Gandcrab 3 Ransomware?
The easier option would be to acquire a legitimate antimalware tool. After all, such software is designed to look for and remove malicious programs. On the other hand, if you want to delete Gandcrab 3 Ransomware manually, you will have to find its created files on your own. Hopefully, the instructions available below will make this task a bit easier. Still, if you need more help while erasing the infection or want to ask something about it, feel free to leave a comment below as well.
Erase Gandcrab 3 Ransomware
- Tap Windows key+E.
- Check the given folders one by one:
%TEMP%
%USERPROFILE%\desktop
%USERPROFILE%\downloads - Look for the malware’s launcher (file opened before the computer got infected), then right-click it and press Delete.
- Then check this location %APPDATA%\Microsoft
- Search for a suspicious executable file created recently; right-click it and press Delete.
- Remove the malware’s ransom notes (documents called CRAB-DECRYPT.txt).
- Press Windows key+R.
- Insert Regedit and click Enter.
- Look for this directory HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
- Find a value name related to the malicious application, right-click it and select Delete.
- Leave Registry Editor.
- Empty Recycle bin.
- Restart the device.
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