GetCrypt Virus - How to remove

GetCrypt is a file-locking ransomware virus. This type of virus gets into a computer (or a network), finds and encrypts all the files that aren’t necessary for the operating system, then demands money for returning them to normal. Usually, a ransomware attack is very devastating for those who do not have recent backups of their files, but in this case, Emsisoft developed and just released a decryptor which will allow victims of GetCrypt to restore their files without paying any ransoms to cybercriminals.

Still, it is important for victims of GetCrypt to learn how the virus managed to infect the computers, how robust the backup system is, and make sure that no additional malware was left behind by GetCrypt.

Symptoms of GetCrypt

Files that have been encrypted by GetCrypt get four random characters as a new extension. Not only are all files that aren’t necessary for Windows to work encrypted, but also files that are accessible on the local area network. GetCrypt even tries to guess the login credentials to get more network access.

A ransom note is with a message from the developers of GetCrypt is put in a text file called # DECRYPT MY FILES #.txt and a new wallpaper.

Attention! Your computer has been attacked by virus-encoder!
All your files are now encrypted using cryptographycalli strong aslgorithm.
Without the original key recovery is impossible.

TO GET YOUR DECODER AND THE ORIGINAL KEY TO DECRYPT YOUR FILES YOU NEED TO EMAIL US AT: [email protected]

It is in your interest to respond as soon as possible to ensure the restoration of your files.

P.S only in case you do not recive a response from the first email address within 48 hours, …

This ransom note is very similar to a years-old virus that was known as Virus-encoder. They might be related, or one cybercriminal might have copied the note to confuse researchers and victims. There is a great variety of ransomware extensions, chosen by their developers for different purposes.

One of the most frustrating things for a ransomware victim can be finding out which specific virus they’re dealing with — there are just so many. But the lack of a static extension and a reused ransom note can make pinning down the virus difficult. In the case of GetCrypt, it gets its name from the email addresses meant to use to contact the cybercriminals: [email protected] and [email protected].

How GetCrypt is distributed

Similarly to Matrix back in 2017, GetCrypt uses malvertising and the RIG Exploit Kit. Exploit kits can be used to spread a variety of malware.

Websites, not just computers, can get hacked and start infecting visitors, without any malicious intent from the real owners of the website. Some malicious ads online can redirect people to an exploit kit which will try to find a weakness in the visitor’s browser. According to @nao_sec and BleepingComputer, the malicious ads can be served by, for example, Popcash — an unscrupulous advertising network. Some advertising networks review all ads and refuse to display the ones that they find suspicious, but others do not have such strict rules.

Another way that ransomware developers use to spread their viruses is by spam emails with malicious attachments or links. These use social engineering to manipulate recipients to open the attachment or malicious link, which can result in an infection. Even Office files can be dangerous. The best defense against viruses that arrive by email is just to be aware of this tactic and refuse to open suspicious letters.

Malicious spam can be dangerous to both businesses and individuals — it’s a matter of luck. But when a ransomware developer wants to catch bigger fish, they target someone who they know has money and no time to lose — like a business. They can install ransomware through Remote Desktop Protocol, which they can access because they get the right login credentials. Stealing or guessing people’s passwords may not be a very technologically sophisticated tactic, but it is extremely effective. Spyware, phishing, Spear Phishing can be used to steal people’s information. Someone who uses the same password for multiple accounts is especially vulnerable to hacks like this.

How to remove GetCrypt virus

Emsisoft released a decryptor for this ransomware, which should save the victims of GetCrypt a lot of grief and money. Online extortionists often ask for high sums of money and don’t always keep their promise to restore the damaged files.

However, the way that GetCrypt is distributed casts a shadow over the security of those infected. Many viruses use the same methods to spread and infect, and if one virus was found on a computer, there’s a good chance that there’s more. Spyhunter, or another strong antivirus program should find out if any malware is still lurking on the machine.

Not nearly all ransomware viruses get a decryptor developed for them, and many deleted locally stored backups, so it’s important to store file copies disconnected from the computer that is being backed, to have complex and unique passwords securing all accounts, to always update software to take advantage of the latest security fixes and to not use extensions and plug-ins that have security holes.

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