Gandcrab2 Ransomware Removal Guide

Gandcrab2 Ransomware can encipher a lot of different file types, so infecting your system with this malicious application might cause a lot of damage. The only safe way to get the affected files back is to replace them with copies from removable media devices, cloud storage, etc. The problem is, some users think about backup only when it is too late. Knowing this, cybercriminals who create threats like Gandcrab2 Ransomware target various personal files the user would not like to lose, e.g., photos, videos, text documents, and so on. As usual to extort money from their victims the malware’s creators offer decryption services in exchange for a payment. The bad news is dealing with them could be extremely risky because there are no guarantees and no refunds. This is why we are against paying the ransom and if you do not think it to be wise either we encourage you to use the removal instructions located at the end of the article. As for more information about this malicious application you should keep reading our report.

According to our specialists, Gandcrab2 Ransomware can settle in after opening a suspicious file downloaded from the Internet, or it could be dropped on the device by the cybercriminals who developed it. It appears to be before Gandcrab2 Ransomware there was a threat called GandCrab Ransomware, and its developers distributed it by exploiting targeted computers’ vulnerabilities. We believe this infection could be its updated version and so it would not surprise us if it was spread by using the same methods.

In any case, if Gandcrab2 Ransomware already settled in it is important to realize it most likely happened because you were too careless while browsing the Internet or you did not do everything to strengthen your system. For starters, we would advise being careful with any file that comes with Spam emails or is sent by a person you are not familiar with. What’s more, to avoid malware, users should stop visiting unreliable file-sharing web pages. Instead, it would be best to download software from legitimate websites. This way, you could stay away from infected setup files.

However, if the malicious application gets in it might immediately start enciphering your private files. As for the data belonging to the operating system or other software on the computer, our specialists say it should not be encrypted. Of course, you can quickly recognize affected data on your own by just looking at the title of the file. To be more accurate, if at the end of it you see a specific second extension (e.g., sunset.jpg.crab) it means the file could have been enciphered by the malware. To confirm it you only need to try to open the file, and since encrypted data cannot be launched, it is easy to separate it.

Later on, Gandcrab2 Ransomware is supposed to create a text document carrying a specific message we call ransom note. It could be placed on the infected computers Desktop or other locations where users would instantly notice it. The message inside the document should claim the user can recover enciphered data if he does as instructed. Nonetheless, given the instructions may lead to a website where you might be asked to pay about $800, we do not advise doing so. Clearly, the cybercriminals cannot be trusted and considering the risks the sum seems to be a bit too large to give it away without any guarantees.

If you do not want to gamble with your money, you should erase Gandcrab2 Ransomware with no hesitation. There are two ways to get rid of the malicious application. Firstly, you could try our recommended deletion instructions located at the end of this paragraph. These steps will explain what you need to do to eliminate the malware manually. Users who find this task a bit too complicated should download a reliable security tool instead and perform a full system scan. Afterward, the infection could be erased by just pressing the given deletion button.

Remove Gandcrab2 Ransomware

1. Tap Ctrl+Alt+Delete.
2. Select Task Manager.
3. Locate a particular process belonging to the malware.
4. Mark it and press End Task.
5. Exit Task Manager.
6. Press Win+E.
7. Locate the given directories:
   %TEMP%
   %USERPROFILE%\Desktop
   %USERPROFILE%\Downloads
8. Find a malicious file downloaded before the malware appeared.
9. Right-click the doubtful file and select Delete.
10. Locate the following path: %APPDATA%\Microsoft
11. Look for a randomly titled executable file, e.g., wngtom.exe.
12. Right-click it and select Delete.
13. Find and remove the ransom note.
14. Exit File Explorer.
15. Press Win+R.
16. Type Regedit and click OK.
17. Go to this location: HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
18. Look for a randomly titled value name, right-click it and select Delete.
19. Leave Registry Editor.
20. Empty your Recycle Bin.
21. Restart the system.