Do you know what Gesd Ransomware is?
Gesd Ransomware appears to be a dangerous file-encrypting threat. Cybersecurity specialists say that it encrypts various files found on an infected device and marks them with .gesd, for example, kittens.jpg.gesd. Encrypted data should become unreadable, which means users ought to be unable to open it. The bad news is that decrypting files requires a decryptor, and, as you can imagine, it is not easy to get. The malware’s developers might promise to send it if you pay a ransom, but you should realize that there are no guarantees they will hold on to their end of the bargain. In other words, users who deal with hackers might end up being scammed. Thus, we recommend thinking carefully what your next step should be if your system gets infected with Gesd Ransomware or a threat alike. To learn more about it, you should read our full report.
To start with, we should explain where Gesd Ransomware might come from and how users might receive it. Our researchers report that the sample they found was not working, which is why it was impossible to test it properly. However, from what we were able to learn, it looks like this malicious application is a clone of Stop Ransomware. Recently, there has been a lot of such clones. Specialists say that a lot of them are spread via Spam emails, suspicious advertisements, and untrustworthy file-sharing web pages. Naturally, to avoid such malware, we advise being careful when you receive emails with attachments from unknown or questionable sources as well as stay away from doubtful advertisements and websites. Also, it would be a good idea to install a reputable antimalware tool and use it to scan unreliable data before opening it to avoid launching ransomware or other infections unknowingly.
Since we were unable to test Gesd Ransomware properly, we cannot be certain about what it does when it enters a system. However, the malware appears to be a clone of Stop Ransomware, and since we have tested a lot of such threats, we can explain their effective manner instead. Usually, such malicious applications settle in by creating files that are mentioned in the removal guide available below. Afterward, they start the encryption process during which they may encipher all files except program data or files belonging to the operating system. As mentioned earlier, it looks like Gesd Ransomware should mark its encrypted files with .gesd. Then, it might create a text file called _readme.txt or similarly that could be placed on a victim’s Desktop or other locations containing encrypted data. Most of the notes displayed by Stop Ransomware’s clones show a message saying that users can get a decryptor to restore their files if they pay $490 in 72 hours.
If you see the described message after receiving Gesd Ransomware, you should not rush into anything. First, we advise thinking about whether you are prepared to lose the sum that the malware’s developers may ask you to pay for nothing. After all, there are no reassurances that the promised decryptor will reach you. What we are trying to say is that hackers could trick you, and if you do not want to risk it happening, we advise against paying the ransom. Instead, you could concentrate on how to delete Gesd Ransomware. Even though we provide a removal guide below, we recommend using a reputable antimalware tool since we cannot be sure that following our instructions will help erase this malware.
Erase Gesd Ransomware
- Restart your computer in Safe Mode with Networking.
- Click Windows Key+E.
- Navigate to the suggested paths:
%TEMP%
%USERPROFILE%Desktop
%USERPROFILE%Downloads - Find a file opened when the device got infected, right-click the malicious file, and select Delete.
- Find these paths:
%USERPROFILE%\Local Settings\Application Data
%LOCALAPPDATA% - Find the listed data in both mentioned folders:
{random name}.exe
script.ps1 - Right-click these files and choose Delete.
- Navigate to the same locations again:
%USERPROFILE%\Local Settings\Application Data
%LOCALAPPDATA% - Look for folders with long random names, for example, dfebd084-11fb-41be-bfb2-da7e291a4873; right-click them, and choose Delete.
- Locate this particular path: %WINDIR%\System32\Tasks
- Search for a folder or a file called Time Trigger Task, right-click it, and choose Delete.
- Exit File Explorer.
- Press Windows Key+R, type Regedit, and choose OK.
- Navigate to this path: HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- Look for a value name that could be related to the malicious application, for example, SysHelper.
- Right-click this value name and press Delete.
- Close the Registry Editor.
- Empty Recycle bin.
- Restart the computer.
In non-techie terms:
Gesd Ransomware might cause lots of trouble if you keep lots of important data on your computer, but do not back up it. This malicious application ought to encrypt pictures, various documents, and other similar files after it enters a system. Enciphered data ought to become unusable unless you have a particular decryptor that can restore files affected by this malware. Unfortunately, the threat’s creators are probably the only ones who can provide such a tool, and they might ask to pay a ransom in return. Of course, we do not think it would be a good idea since there is always a possibility that hackers might not hold on to their promises. In which case, you might be left with no decryptor and with a lighter wallet. Provided you have no wish to take any chances, we advise deleting Gesd Ransomware. Since we cannot be sure that the removal guide above will help you eliminate it, we recommend using a reputable antimalware tool that could remove this malware for you.