Grethen Ransomware Removal Guide

Do you know what Grethen Ransomware is?

Grethen Ransomware is a malicious computer infection that is built to encrypt your files. As you can clearly tell by its name, the program is a ransomware app, and so it holds your files hostage demanding that you pay a ransom fee. Do you really have to pay that fee? Actually, no. Paying this infection would hardly solve anything. Instead, you need to remove Grethen Ransomware from your system, and then look for ways to restore your files. If you have a file back-up, you don’t have to worry about anything.

What is a file back-up? A file back-up is a collection of your files that you keep someplace else than your computer. Those are essentially copies of your files that are saved either on an external hard drive or some cloud storage. These days, it is common for operating systems to automatically back up user’s files on a cloud drive, as a precautionary measure against a ransomware infection. If you do not have this function enabled, you should definitely do that once you remove Grethen Ransomware from your computer. This way, you would have a lot less to worry about because ransomware is just one of the many threats that can affect your files.

Aside from backing up your files, to protect yourself from ransomware, you should be more attentive when you deal with new files. Ransomware like Grethen Ransomware often arrive through social engineering attacks via corrupted Remote Desktop Protocol connections or through spam email campaigns. The fact that ransomware STILL employs spam email campaigns and phishing attacks to reach their targets is quite frustrating. All the more so because it is possible to avoid getting infected if only you delete these emails without opening the files.Grethen Ransomware Removal GuideGrethen Ransomware screenshot
Scroll down for full removal instructions

So why do users still open spam emails? That is because those spam emails look sophisticated and reliable. They might look like business proposals or like online store invoices. What’s more, these emails are bound to come with an urgent tone that tries to push you into opening those “documents.” However, if you do ask you are asked without any second thought, it is only a matter of time before you get infected with Grethen Ransomware (or any other malicious program for that matter). In other words, your security is in your hands, and you have to be careful about it. Also, you can always scan the downloaded file with a security tool before opening it. If the file is malicious, an updated security tool would definitely inform you about it.

Now, Grethen Ransomware belongs to the Scarab Ransomware family, and so it functions just like Scarab-Cybergod Ransomware, Scarab-Good Ransomware, Scarab-Glutton Ransomware, and so on. In fact, there is nothing too unique about the way ransomware encrypts files. It just strides into the target system, scans it looking for the types of files it can encrypt, and then it launches the encryption, effectively locking the files from being accessed again. Once the encryption is complete, it also displays a ransom note that says the following:

All your files have been encrypted due to a security problem with your PC. If you want to restore them, write us to the e-mail grethen@tuta.io
Write this ID in the title of your message
<…>
You have to pay for decryption in Bitcoins. The price depends on how fast you write to us. After payment we will send you the decryption tool that will decrypt all your files.

As you can see, these criminals don’t even give you an idea how much they want for the decryption key. However, it doesn’t mean that you should do as they ask. Simply remove Grethen Ransomware right now, and then look for ways to get your files back.

If you do not have a file backup, you probably have the latest files saved on your other devices or in your inbox. You can also address a professional who would help you find other options. The point is that paying these criminals is never a good idea because it would only encourage them further.

When you remove Grethen Ransomware, do everything you can to avoid similar intruders in the future. Do not hesitate to ask for help, if you feel at a loss.

How to Delete Grethen Ransomware

  1. Press Win+R and the Run prompt will open.
  2. Type %AppData% into the Open box and click OK.
  3. Remove the osk.exe file from the directory (if it is there).
  4. Press Win+R and enter %TEMP%. Press OK.
  5. Remove the most recent files from the directory.
  6. Use SpyHunter to scan your system.

In non-techie terms:

Grethen Ransomware is a not a high-profile ransomware infection, but it can still block you from accessing your files. Please remove Grethen Ransomware from your system as soon as possible, and then explore all the possible ways you can get your files back. Protect your computer from similar intruders, and do not hesitate to educate yourself about similar infections. Finally, do not feel discouraged if you have to start building your file library anew. Ransomware infections are just that dangerous.