Guide to Remove Globeimposter Ransomware

The malicious Globeimposter Ransomware has been making its presence felt since August 2017 by infiltrating various IPs. This latest ransomware Trojan is also known as “Fake Globe” because it mimics the Globe ransomware family. It attacks silently in the background, without your knowledge. The encryption can take upto several hours, depending upon the size of data.

Its strong and powerful encryption method locks the victim’s files completely. As a result, the victim can no longer be able to access the encrypted files. All that is required to restore the files is the ‘Decryption key’, which is exchanged for ransom.

Threat Summary

Understanding Globeimposter Ransomware

Alike other ransomwares, the Globeimposter ransomware, initially encrypts the files and later demands large ransom. At the time of encryption, a private decryption key is generated on the serve. The decryption process without the key is a next to impossible task. Hence, the victim is left with no other choice than paying the asked ransom. However, paying the ransom does not guarantee the decryption. Sometimes, the hackers may ignore the victim after getting the ransom amount. It is advisable not to pay the ransom as it supports their malicious business.

This devastating ransomware proliferate via, spam emails, P2P networks, fake software updates or third party software download.

There are several extensions which are attached to the encrypted files after the ransomware gains the access of your system. .ocean, .crypt, .726, .txt, .troy are a few mentions. In case if, ‘.726’ extension is added to the files after Globeimposter ransomware gains the access of your system. A document named ‘RECOVER-FILES-726.html’ is simultaneously created with encryption. It is the document which helps the victims on how to decrypt your files. This help document is placed in all directories with encrypted files.

Threat Behavior

The type of cryptography used by Globeimposter ransomware is AES-256. However, the following points will assist you to understand the threat behavior of this devastating ransomware at a glance:

• Symptoms:

This ransomware usually runs silently in the background, without your knowledge. After infecting your files, it will make it inaccessible by changing its extension. Apart from encrypting the files, it will also pop up a ransom note on your screen. The note displays the message asking the victim to pay ransom amount.

• Ransom Note:

This malicious ransomware will display a message demanding the ransom amount. The ransom note will be dropped on the affected computer’s desktop in HTA file named – ‘HOW_OPEN_FILES.hta’.

This message will be displayed every time you try to access your corrupted files.

Ransom – Demanding Message:

• Payment Method:

There are various payment methods such as Litecoin, Zcash, Dash, Bitcoin and many more. Amongst all the available payment methods, Bitcoin is the most preferred one.

• Ransom Amount:

Once, the files are encrypted you will be bound to pay the demanded ransom. A ransom fee of 0.3 bitcoins (approx $1000) is asked by the hackers, which has to be paid within 48 hours. In case you fail to pay the ransom within the prescribed time, the amount will get doubled.

Hence, it is of paramount importance to remove Globeimposter ransomware.

Distribution Techniques

The emails with attached zip archive containing malicious java script are the primary gateway of this ransomware. The java scripts contain malicious codes in compressed zip. The code once executed, collects the malicious payloads from various preset domains. These payloads encrypt the files on your system. This type of spam is called “Blank state”.

However, emails are not the sole pathway of the Globe Imposter Ransomware, it may gain the access of your system through:

• Torrent Websites
• Malicious Advertisements
• Software Bundling

Apart from encrypting the files, window’s backup will be deleted. Without the backups, restoration of the lost files is much more difficult. Hence, paying the ransom is the only way out.

Here is the best Virus Removal Guide for you, in case your system is infiltrated by this destructive Globe Imposter Ransomware.

Removal Guidelines of Globeimposter Ransomware

STEP A: Restart the system in safe mode with Networking

If the safe mode with networking does not work then you must troubleshoot the system configuration setting

STEP B:  Troubleshoot using the configuration setting

1. Type “Msconfig” in search box / Run Box, select it and press Enter.
2. Click on “Services” Tab and click on “Hide all Microsoft services”.
3. Select Globeimposter Ransomware from the list of remaining services and disable it by removing the tick mark from the checkbox and click on Apply button.

If troubleshooting using configuration setting also fails, try deleting the file using command prompt.

STEP C: Delete suspicious file using Command Prompt

After the user enters admin credentials, Command prompt window is displayed wherein you are entitled to enter the below commands:

1. Type the command “sc delete Globeimposter Ransomware” in the command prompt and press Enter.
2. Type “exit” to exit the command prompt and restart the system in safe mode with command prompt.

If the suspicious file still remains in your system, you can try restoring your files & settings.

STEP D: Restore your system files and settings

Tips to Prevent your system from Globeimposter Ransomware

1. Keeping the Operating System Updated- In order to remain protected and avoid such infections, it is recommended to keep your Operating System updated by enabling the automatic update on your system. The systems with outdated or older versions of Operating System become an easy target for the attackers.
2. Resist clicking on spam emails – One of the major techniques used for malware distribution is forwarding spam emails to the user. The system gets infected as soon as the user clicks on the attachment. These mails appear to be genuine, so be aware and resist falling for these tricks.
3. Keep an eye on third party installations- It is quite important that you take due care while installing any third party applications for they are major source of such infections. Such malware programs come bundled with the free applications thereby requiring the user to remain cautious.
4. Regular periodical backup- In order to keep your data and files safe, it is recommended to take regular back up of all your data and files either on an external drive or cloud.
5. Use Anti-Virus Protection- We strongly recommend the use of antivirus protection/internet security in your PC like Vipre and Hitman so that it remains safe.
6. Enable the Ad Blocker/Popup Blocker in your browser- Enabling the popup blocker/ ad blocker in your chosen browser will help you to stay protected from annoying adware.

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