Facts Worth To Know About .Gif File Extension Ransomware
.Gif File Extension Ransomware is a newly discovered ransomware detected by one of the most popular security researcher Brad. Belonging to the GlobeImposter Ransomware family, it aims to encrypts user’s stored files and demand ransom fee for undoing modifications made by ransomware. It often adds ‘.gif’ file extension to each piece of affected file as well as data and makes them unreadable or inaccessible. Currently it is unknown that which encryption algorithm employs by this ransomware but after locking files, it delivered a ransom note entitled as “Read_ME.txt” on desktop screen and infected folder which contains following text :
Technical details of .Gif File Extension Ransomware
Threat’s Name | .Gif File Extension Ransomware |
Family | GlobeImposter |
Category | Ransomware |
File Extension | .gif |
Discovered by | Brad |
Ransom Note | Read_ME.txt |
Behavior | Locks user’s all stored files by appending .gif file extension and demands victim for ransom fee. |
Ransom Size | 0.025 BTC; 0.052 BTW in 48 hrs |
Occurrences | Gambling sites, phishing emails, junk mail attachments, malicious files, exploit kits, drive-by-downloads etc. |
Removal | Possible, download free windows scanner to detect & delete .Gif File Extension Ransomware. |
Intrusion Method & File Encryption Procedure of .Gif File Extension Ransomware
Belonging to the GlobeImposter Ransomware, .Gif File Extension Ransomware uses several advanced methods or tricks to victimized Windows machine but mostly spread via spam emails. Spam emails often contains malicious payload attachment, once System user executed it intentionally or unintentionally it infected the Windows System. Besides, it also proliferate inside the System via so-called bundling method, dubious attachment, P2P file sharing network, torrent files, contaminated devices and much more.
Soon after .Gif File Extension Ransomware intrudes inside the PC, it immediately gets admin rights to alter the registry entries so that it can launch itself automatically when Windows is booted. It is capable to target several file types including audios or videos files, images, PDFs, documents, databases and much more. After targeting files, it affixed .gif file extension and makes them inaccessible or unreadable so that users cannot easily open their files.
After making all files inaccessible, it generate a text file and customized program window on desktop screen which explain victim to actually what happened to their PC. The ransom note often state that affected users should pay 0.026 ransom fee in BitCoin cryptocurrency within 48 hours. The time is often displayed on screen after some time passes, ransom fee is increased to 0.052 Bitcoin. To trick novice users, it offers free decryption of the single file. Once satisfying with offers some of the System users are easily desperate to fulfill hackers demands. However, security analysts advised victim not to contact with cyber criminals because their only aim to extort money from you. Rather than agreed to fulfill hackers demands, you must take an immediate action to delete .Gif File Extension Ransomware.
Free Scan your Windows PC to detect .Gif File Extension Ransomware
Remove .Gif File Extension Ransomware From Your PC
Step 1: Remove .Gif File Extension Ransomware in Safe Mode with Command Prompt
- First of all disconnect your PC with network connection.
- Click restart button and keep pressing F8 key regularly while system restart.
- You will see “Windows Advanced Options Menu” on your computer screen.
- Select “Safe Mode with Command Prompt” and press Enter key.
- You must login your computer with Administrator account for full privilege.
- Once the Command Prompt appears then type rstrui.exe and press Enter
- Now follow the prompts on your screen to complete system restore.
Step 2: Remove .Gif File Extension Ransomware using MSConfig in Safe Mode:
- Power off your computer and restart again.
- While booting press the “F8 key” continuously to open “Windows Advanced Options Menu”.
- Use the arrow keys to select “Safe Mode” option and press Enter key.
- Once system get started go to Start menu. Type “msconfig” in the search box and launch the application.
- Go to the Startup tab and look for files from %AppData% or %Temp% folders using rundll32.exe. See an example below:
C:\Windows\System32\rundll32.exe C:\Users\username\appdata\local\temp\regepqzf.dll,H1N1
- Disable all the malicious entries and save the changes.
- Now restart your computer normally.
Step 3 : Kill Malicious Process Related To .Gif File Extension Ransomware
- Press Alt+Ctrl+Del buttons together.
- It will open the Task manager on your screen.
- Go to Process Tab and find .Gif File Extension Ransomware related process.
- Click the End Process Now button to stop the running process.
Step 4 : Remove .Gif File Extension Ransomware Virus From Registry Entry
- Press “Windows + R” key together to open Run Box.
- Type “regedit” and click OK button.
- Find and remove .Gif File Extension Ransomware related entries.
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnceEx
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunServices
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunServicesOnce
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer\Run
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Runonce
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunServices
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunServicesOnce
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer\Run
Now hopefully you have completely removed the .Gif File Extension Ransomware virus from your computer. If you are still get ransom message from the threat or unable to access your files, then it means that virus still remain into your computer. In such situation you don’t have any other option except removing this virus using any powerful malware removal tool.
Whereas if you have any backup of your infected or encrypted files, then you can also reinstall your Windows OS. This will erase all your files and data as along with the .Gif File Extension Ransomware infection. You will get a completely empty computer system with no files. Now you can use your backup to get your files. If you don’t have any backup then using malware removal tool is a better option for you.
If you have any query or question regarding your computer, then you can easily ask your problem to our experts. Go to the Ask Any Question page and get the answer for your query directly from out experts.