Guide To Remove Gehad – Another Nasty Variant of DJVU Ransomware

Gehad Ransomware is a brand-new member in the giant clan of infamous STOP DJVU Ransomware. Just like all other variants of Stop Ransomware, Gehad has been developed to generate illicit revenue by extorting hefty ransom amount from the victims.

The Stop Gehad Ransomware is spreading its infection mainly through spam e-mails campaigns. Once the system is infected, Gehad searches every nook & corner of the system for the targeted files. When found, it encrypts the files & renames them by adding Gehad extension to the file names.

The encrypted files can be recovered by a unique decryption key, which is stored on the hacker’s server. To purchase the private key, the victims are required to pay a hefty Ransom amount to the cyber criminals.

Is paying the ransom only possible way to restore the encrypted files? Can .Gehad Extension be removed by a decryption tool? Read on to know how to remove .Gehad file virus from the infected system.

Threat Summary

Threat Behavior of Gehad Ransomware

The developers of the infamous STOP DJVU Ransomware seem to be way ahead of the cyber-security analysts. The introduction of new variants of Stop Ransomware every now & then seems a hard cookie for them to crack.

Gehad Ransomware is the latest pernicious member in the arsenal of STOP Ransomware. Just like its siblings, Gehad possess all the qualities to encrypt the files.

According to the reports, Gehad employs commonly used internet services to spread its infection such as – emails, torrent websites, third-party software download sources & app installers.

Once the system is infected, it looks for the targeted files on the system. When found, it encrypts the files using a highly-complex Cryptography & Encryption Algorithm such as RAS (Rivest–Shamir–Adleman) & AES (Advanced Encryption Standard).

The encrypted files are locked & renamed by adding .gehad extension to the filenames, rendering the files inaccessible/unreadable to the users.

A file named “image1.png” may be renamed as “image.png.gehad” post encryption.

The file extensions that .Gehad File Virus is capable of encrypting include:

• Document files (.docx, .doc, .odt, .rtf, .text, .pdf, .htm, .ppt)
• Audio Files (.mp3, .aif, .iff, .m3u, .m4u, .mid, .mpa, .wma, .ra, .avi, .mov, .mp4)
• Video Files (.3gp, .mpeg, .3g2, .asf, .asx, .flv, .mpg, .wmv, .vob)
• Images (.jpg, .jpeg, .raw, .tif, .gif, .png)
• Backup Files (.bck, .bckp, .tmp, .gho)

Details of Ransom Note & Ransom Amount for Gehad Ransomware

Once the files are encrypted, Gehad Ransomware drops a ransom-demanding message in every folder that contains the encrypted files. The ransom note is a text document, named as “_readme.txt”.

The ransom note contains the details of the ransom amount demanded by hackers & certain instructions for the victims.

The note conveys that the encrypted files can be recovered with a unique private key. Contacting the hackers & paying the ransom amount is the only possible way to get the decryption tool & unique key.

To guarantee the decryption, the hackers offer to decrypt any one encrypted file at absolutely no cost. Cyber-criminals behind .Gehad Extension asks victims to contact them via e-mail on gorentos@bitmessage.ch & varasto@firemail.cc.

The decrypted file will be sent back to the victim via e-mail only.

Please note that these claims are mere tricks to swindle the innocent victims & make them believe that decryption is possible.

The ransom amount for the decryption software & the key for Gehad Ransomware are identical to all its variants i.e., $980. It further offers 50% discount to every victim that contacts the hackers within 72 hours after the Gehad infection.

Note: Users impacted by .Gehad File Virus must note that paying the ransom does not guarantee decryption of files.

Statistics have shown that hackers avoid responding the victims after ransom amount is received. In addition to that, paying the ransom encourages the cyber-criminals to continue spreading the infection & extort more money from victims.

Rather, users must act smart & download Gehad decrypter tool. Else, you can follow virus removal guidelines to get rid of Gehad Ransomware.

Distribution Techniques of Gehad Ransomware

Not just one, Gehad Ransomware spreads its infection through various spread techniques. These spread methods enables the hackers to increase their victim count, which in return boosts their profits.

Among all, spam e-mails campaigns are the most prevalent method employed by hackers for proliferating Gehad infection.

Hackers send a colossal amount of spam e-mails containing infected attachments. The e-mails are sent with legit subject lines to trick the receivers to believe that e-mail has an authentic source. These e-mails inform the receivers about an undelivered package from reliable shipping services such as FedEx or DHL.

Out of curiosity, many receivers click on the attached files & links embedded in the e-mail, & thus they invite Gehad on their system.

Other distribution techniques used by hackers to spread Gehad Ransomware are-

• Online Advertising /Luring Discount Coupons/Malicious Ads
• Malware-laden sites such as Torrent sites, adult-content sites, questionable sites
• Unreliable Software download sources
• Third-party software download apps, websites
• Peer-to-Peer Networks
• Exploit Kits
• Zipped Java Script Attachments

How to remove Gehad infection from the system

STEP A: Reboot your system to Safe Mode

To restart the system to Safe Mode with Networking,  if already switched ON then follow the below steps:

STEP B: Delete the suspicious key from the Configuration Settings

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 Gehad Ransomware from the list of remaining services and disable it by removing the tick mark from the checkbox and click on Apply button.

STEP C: Remove Malicious Program from Command Prompt

Once the system starts, ensure to use an account with administrative privilege to access Safe Mode with 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 Gehad 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.

STEP D: Restore the System Files & Folders

How to prevent Gehad Ransomware from infecting your system

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, Kaspersky & BULL GUARD 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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