Understanding .Godes file virus

With the tremendous increase in ransomware attacks, DJVU family is up with another dangerous strain. Developers call it – Godes Ransomware! With the sole motive to extort hefty amount of ransom, hackers deploy Godes to various computers. Once in the system, it attacks the targeted files and makes them unreadable. To successfully look the files, it appends .Godes extension to the filenames.

Once Godes is done with the encryption procedure, it creates a ransom-demanding message. This message will pop-up every time, you try to open a locked file. It states that the locked files and asks you to pay large ransom, in the form of bitcoins. Nevertheless, paying ransom is not the way out! In most of the cases, cyber criminals give no positive result to the victims after payment is received.

Hence, we recommend you to completely remove Godes ransomware from your system. Scroll down to take insights of the menace caused by the malicious Godes ransomware.

Threat Summary

Distribution Technique

Not just one, the developer of Godes ransomware uses variety of tactics to proliferate it. However, spam campaigns are the most common & trusted method used to deploy .Godes file virus to your system. Via this method, hundreds or thousands of users can be attacked with only a few clicks! With little cost and high success rate, spam campaign is a popular method.

To make the e-mail looks legitimate, hackers trick the users into believing that the e-mail is from a trustworthy source. It may include name of any bank, financial platform or some well-known shipping companies. The content of the e-mail may notify you about an unauthorized order or shipment you made. In addition, they are sent with an attachment, which contains the malicious macros of Godes extension.

As soon as you open the attachment, your system will be exposed to the risk of Godes crypto virus. It is not the end! There are certain other ways, Godes gains access to your system. .Godes files virus may attack by hacking open Remote Desktop Services (RDP) ports.

Threat Behavior

If this crypto virus gains access of your system, it may not immediately reveals its presence. However, it will execute the malicious activities in your system!

It features all the properties that any other file-encrypting malware possesses. Once it sneaks in your system, it will search for targeted files and makes them inaccessible. To corrupt the files, either RSA or AES encryption algorithm is used. Unfortunately, they generate a unique decryption key to recover .Godes files. Keep in mind, getting the key is not an easy task! This Godes decryption tool is stored on the hackers’ server and is exchanged only for large ransom.

The ransom demanding message is dropped in ‘_readme.txt’ file, alike other versions. Hence the asked ransom amount is also equal to $980 (in bitcoins). However, cyber criminals offer an opportunity to avail the discount of 50%, the only condition is that you have to contact the hackers within first 72 hours of Godes attack.

Cyber crooks, encourage the victims to pay the amount by threatening them for the permanent data lose. Hence, the victims have a limited time to act! They tell the victim users that, once the payment is done, the decryption key will be enabled. However, there is no guarantee of it! At times, cyber crooks ignore the victims once the payment is received.

Hence, instead of funding these criminals focus on how to remove Godes ransomware?

Removal guidelines for .Godes file virus

STEP A: Reboot your system to Safe Mode

STEP B: Delete the suspicious file from 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 Godes 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 file 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 Godes 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

Tips to prevent your system from .Godes file virus  

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 Kaspersky 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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