Remove GTF Virus (+Decrypt .[grandtheftfiles@aol.com].GTF files) – Dharma Ransomware

GTF – General Info

The GTF mean a ransomware-type infection. The virus comes from the Dharma ransomware family. GTF was elaborated specifically to encrypt all major file types. Once the file is encrypted people are unable to use them. GTF adds the “.[grandtheftfiles@aol.com].GTF” extension for each file encrypted by it. For example, the file “myphoto.jpg“, as soon as encrypted by GTF, will be renamed into “myphoto.jpg.[grandtheftfiles@aol.com].GTF“. As quickly as the encryption is finished, GTF places a special text file into every folder containing the encrypted data.

The message given by GTF text file asking for the ransom is absolutely the like the statements given by other ransomware representatives coming from the Dharma clan. It actually discusses that the information is encrypted and that the only way to restore it is to use a an unique decryption key. Regretfully, this is absolutely true. The sort of cryptography mechanism used by GTF is still not properly examined. Still, it is definitely particular that each victim may be given the specific decryption key, which is absolutely unique. It is impossible to restore the files without the key available.

Another technique of GTF is that the victims cannot gain access to the key. The key is saved on a particular server run by the frauds related to GTF ransomware. To get the key and recover the important information people need to pay the ransom.

However, irrespective of the requested quantity, people should keep away from paying the ransom. Cyber frauds are unfair, so they tend to completely disregard what their victims feel about the problem, even when the payment reaches their pockets. This is why paying the ransom typically does not provide any positive result and people just lose their money for nothing.

We highly advise that you do not contact these crooks and definitely do not transfer money into their accounts. It is said to admit that there are no utilities able to crack GTF ransomware and to recover the data data totally free. Hence, the just best decision is to recover the lost information from the available backup.

Virus Summary

Name	GTF Ransomware
File Extension	.[grandtheftfiles@aol.com].GTF
Type	Ransomware
Family	Dharma
Short Description	The ransomware encrypts all the data stored on your system and requires a ransom to be paid on your part supposedly to recover your important files.
Symptoms	File encryption by the ransomware is performed by means of the AES and RSA encryption algorithms. Once the encryption is completed, the ransomware adds its special [grandtheftfiles@aol.com].GTF extension to all the files modified by it.
Distribution Method	Spam Emails, Email Attachments
Similar Infections	8800, R2d2, 2new
Removal Tool	GridinSoft Anti-Malware

Keep in mind that the web is now overwhelmed with threats that look similar to GTF ransomware. It is similar 8800 and many other ransomware-type threats. Harmful programs of such kind are typically elaborated to encrypt crucial information and to set forth the demand prior to the user to pay the ransom. The peculiarity of all such ransomware threats is that all apply a comparable algorithm to create the special decryption key for information decryption.

Thus, as long as the ransomware is still being developed or has some hidden bugs, by hand recovering the information is just not feasible. The only way to avoid the loss of your essential data is to regularly create backups of your important information.

Keep in mind that even if you create such backups, they need to be placed into a special storage utility not connect to your main computer. You may use the USB Memory Stick or external hard disk for this purpose, or refer to the help of the cloud storage. If you keep your backup files on your common system they may be encrypted along with other files, so it’s certainly not a good storage place.

How did ransomware infect my PC?

There are several ways used by online frauds to distribute GTF ransom virus. Even though it doubts how exactly GTF injects your computer, there are some leaks through which it may infiltrate the system:

• integration with third-party software application, especially freeware;
• spam e-mails from unidentified senders;
• websites rendering free hosting services;
• pirated peer-to-peer (P2P) downloads.

Typically GTF ransomware may exist as some genuine software, for example, in the pop-ups advising users to carry out some essential software updates. This is the common trick used by online scams to persuade people into downloading and installing GTF infection manually, by means of their direct participation in the installation process.

Furthermore, the criminals might describe various email spam tactics to inject malicious codes into copmuter. So, they may describe to sending unsolicited spam emails with tricky notices promoting users to download the attachments or click on certain download links, for example, the ones encouraging users to open some receipts, documents, tax reports or invoices.

Needless to mention, opening such files or clicking on such dangerous links may severely harm the PC. Fictitious Adobe Flash Player upgrade informs may result in GTF ransom injection. As for the cracked software, these illegally downloaded programs may also include malicious codes leading to GTF secret installation. Finally, injection of GTF may occur by means of Trojans that covertly get injected into the system and set up destructive utilities without the user’s consent.

Is there any method to avoid the injection of GTF ransomware?

Despite the fact that there is no 100% guarantee to prevent your system from getting infected, there are some pieces of suggestions we want to share with with you. To start with, be extremely mindful when you browse the web and particularly while downloading totally free apps. Stay away from opening suspicious email attachments, especially when the sender of the email is not familiar to you.

Bear in mind that some freeware installers may include other unwanted utilities in the bundle, so they may be harmful. Make certain that your current antivirus and your entire OS is always appropriately updated.

Obviously, downloading pirated software is prohibited and may result in important damage to be produced your system. Hence, stay away from downloading cracked software. You are likewise strongly encouraged to reconsider your existing security software and perhaps change to another security solution that can render far better services of protecting your system.

Below please find the quotation from the GTF text file:

YOUR FILES ARE ENCRYPTED
Don’t worry,you can return all your files!
If you want to restore them, follow this link:email grandtheftfiles@aol.com
If you have not been answered via the link within 12 hours, write to us by e-mail:
Attention!
Do not rename encrypted files.
Do not try to decrypt your data using third party software, it may cause permanent data loss.
Decryption of your files with the help of third parties may cause increased price (they add their fee to our) or you can become a victim of a scam.

Screenshot of files with “.[grandtheftfiles@aol.com].GTF” extension added by the ransomware:

Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove GTF ransomware from your computer

1.Download GridinSoft Anti-Malware.

You can download GridinSoft Anti-Malware by clicking the button below:

  GridinSoft Anti-Malware

2. Double-click on the setup file.

When setup file has finished downloading, double-click on the setup-antimalware-ag.exe file to install GridinSoft Anti-Malware on your computer.

An User Account Control asking you about to allow GridinSoft Anti-Malware to make changes to your device. So, you should click “Yes” to continue with the installation.

3. Press Install button for run GridinSoft Anti-Malware.

3.Once installed, GridinSoft Anti-Malware will automatically run.

4. Wait for the GridinSoft Anti-Malware scan to complete.

GridinSoft Anti-Malware will automatically start scanning your computer for Win Speedup 2018 and other malicious programs. This process can take a 20-30 minutes, so we suggest you periodically check on the status of the scan process.

5. Click on “Clean Now”.

When the scan has completed, you will see the list of infections that GridinSoft Anti-Malware has detected. To remove them click on the “Clean Now” button in right corner.