Do you know what Gandcrab V4 is?
Gandcrab V4 seems to be the newest version of a vicious threat called GandCrab Ransomware. Its primary task is to encrypt user’s files and then show a warning asking to purchase a private decryption key. In other words, the malicious application's creators seek to extort money from you. Naturally, if you want to learn more about this malware as well as how it might be distributed and what you could do to keep your system safe from it, you should read the rest of the article. Besides details about it, we can offer a removal guide that will show how users might get rid of Gandcrab V4 manually step by step. Needless to remind, if you need further assistance or have other questions about this malicious application you could leave us a comment at the end of this page.
According to our researchers, Gandcrab V4 might be spread through compromised WordPress CMS websites or malicious web pages offering pirated software. Also, it is believed some versions might enter the system by employing SMB1 exploitation for the Windows XP and Windows 2003 operating systems. One way or the other, these possible distribution channels suggest users could catch this vicious threat because of their careless behavior. Clearly, downloading installers from torrent or other unreliable file-sharing web pages alike is never a good idea. It is also dangerous to use outdated operating systems or other software. It is natural you might feel attached to an earlier version of a particular program and may fear the new one will not be good enough, but keep it in mind software updates are done not only for the sake of improvement. New versions and patches can eliminate vulnerabilities that could be exploited by cybercriminals and as a result, make your system less vulnerable to hacker attacks.
After infecting the system, the malware should start encrypting various files that could have high value to the user with the Salsa20 encryption algorithm. Our computer security specialists say it is not the same encryption algorithm that was used in earlier Gandcrab V4 versions; it is one of the first difference we noticed about this new variant. What’s more, the threat now places .KRAB extension at the end of all encrypted files titles, for example, picture.jpg.KRAB. Besides, the research shows the malicious application may generate an invalid server path, which computer security specialists suspect could be used later on. There is even proof the malware might acquire abilities to exploit some antimalware applications. Lastly, after it settles in and encrypts user’s files, Gandcrab V4 should show a ransom note explaining how to reach a website where the user could purchase a private decryption key. The price might be up to 1600 US dollars, which is no doubt a huge sum and we would not recommend risking it.
For users who encountered this malware and do not want to take any chances of losing their money in vain, we would recommend deleting Gandcrab V4. More experienced users could follow the removal guide available below and eliminate the malicious application manually. Obviously, if the instructions seem to be a little difficult or you wish to clean the system from other potential threats as well; it would be wiser to employ a reputable antimalware tool and scan the system with it.
Erase Gandcrab V4
- Press Ctrl+Alt+Delete.
- Select Task Manager.
- Locate the threat’s process.
- Mark this process and click the End Task button.
- Leave Task Manager.
- Press Windows Key+E.
- Navigate to the following paths:
%TEMP%
%USERPROFILE%\desktop
%USERPROFILE%\downloads - Find the file that infected the device.
- Right-click the malicious file and press Delete.
- Locate KRAB-DECRYPT.txt, then right-click it (and rest of its copies) and press Delete.
- Close File Explorer.
- Empty your Recycle bin.
- Restart the system.
In non-techie terms:
Gandcrab V4 may harm various private files located on the infected computer, for example, user’s photographs, pictures, videos, music files, text or other type documents, and so on. As usual for threats, all of the encrypted files should be marked with a specific extension (.KRAB). If you noticed the infection’s extension on your data, you should also find a ransom note offering to purchase a private decryption key from a particular website one can access only through the Tor browser. The reason, our computer security specialists, do not advise paying the ransom is there are no guarantees the user will receive what is promised. Unfortunately, in an event, he gets scammed the money would be lost in vain as getting a refund is not an option when dealing with cybercriminals. If you think putting up with the malware’s displayed demands could be too risky too, we encourage you to erase the malicious application with the removal guide available above or a reputable antimalware tool you trust.