Grod Virus Removal Guide (+Decrypt .grod files)

Grod Virus Ransomware

Grod is a destructive software working as common ransomware. Michael Gillespie, the widely known malware researcher, very first found this new name in the DJVU ransomware family.

Grod was developed for the sole function to encrypt all popular file types. Logically, as soon as the encryption is successfully achieved, the users are unable to get access to them. Grod ransomware includes its own “.grod” to all the encrypted data. For example, the file “price_list.xls”, when crypted by Grod, will be titled as “price_list.xls.grod”. As soon as the file encryption is accomplished, Grod puts its own distinct text document (_readme.txt) into all the folders that store the encrypted files.

The message stated by _readme.txt requesting for the random os extremely similar to the notifications provided by other ransomware risks coming from the DJVU family. The warning essentially shows that the files have been secured and the only service to get access to it is to use a special standalone key. Regretfully, this declaration is definitely real.

The method to secure the files utilized by Grod is not completely investigated. Nevertheless, there is no doubt that each computer system owner might be issued an unique decryption key, which is absolutely special. It is incredibly hard to recuperate the data without the suitable type in place.

“Don’t worry, you can return all your files!”, from text file message:

One more peculiarity of the Grod virus is that the users are not able to get access to the key. The decrypting key is hosted on an unique server under the complete control by the criminals who have actually launched the Grod ransomware into the internet. In order to acquire the key and restore the important information, the users are informed to get in touch with the frauds through email or by telegram and to pay the ransom in the amount of $980.

The message also states that individuals ought to call the Grod authors within 72 hours upon the moment of the information encryption. The alert shows that by doing so the people will get a 50% discount rate, therefore, the ransom amount falls to $490.

No matter what the amount of the ransom is, we strongly advise that you do not pay the ransom. There is no guarantee that these online scoundrels will keep their promises, so they might not care at all what the victims feel about the encryption, even when the quantity of the ransom is gotten into their accounts. For this reason, paying ransom frequently does not result in an effective recovery. So, the users may merely lose their money for nothing.

Likewise, we advise you not to contact the scams as they advise. Do not move loan into their wallets. There are no applications that could crack the Grod virus or bring back the information at no cost. For that reason, the only proper decision is to restore the data from possible backups (if offered).

Virus Summary

Name Grod Ransomware
File Extension grod
Type Ransomware
Family DJVU
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-256 algorithm (CFB mode) encryption algorithm. Once the encryption is completed, the ransomware adds its special .grod extension to all the files modified by it.
Distribution Method Adware bundles and software cracks
Similar Infections Peet, Lokf, Mosk
Removal Tool   GridinSoft Anti-Malware

Do not forget that the Web is now filled with infections similar to the Grod ransomware. For example, this specific risk is essentially identical to Brusaf and other ransomware-type infections. These harmful energies have actually been established in order to encrypt the essential information and reveal the need for the users to pay the ransom. All these infections use the similar algorithm to create the specific key for successful information decryption.

Unless the Grod ransomware is still under the development procedure or has got some hidden bugs, it is not possible to bring back the information by hand. Therefore, the only working option to avoid the loss of your essential information is to regularly maintain current backups of all your vital files.

Another essential piece of suggestions is to keep the backups on special storage not connected to your main computer. For instance, you might keep it on the USB Flash Drive, or some external disk drive, or by using the cloud data storage services. Keeping the backups on your regular drive is extremely dangerous, because the backup might also be secured by the Grod virus.

Leakages for the Grod ransomware attack.

Grod uses numerous courses to infiltrate the vulnerable computer systems. It is not specific what particular approach was used in your case, nevertheless, the intrusion may take place through the following channels:

  • bundling with third-party programs, mainly free apps;
  • spam emails from the unknown senders;
  • sites supplying free hosting;
  • P2P (peer-to-peer) torrent software.

There are times when the Grod virus may camouflage itself as some real application, for instance, through the deceptive alerts requiring installation of some software update. This is the most common trick used by the scams to inject the Grod infection files into the system. By doing this users partially take part in its installation, without plainly comprehending the threat.

In addition, the frauds might send out unsolicited spam e-mail with tricky informs encouraging individuals to open dubious attachments or click on some download links, for example, those motivating individuals to open certain photos, text files, tax documents and other info.

No doubt, opening these files or clicking on the harmful links may essentially harm the system. Fake Adobe Flash Player update notifications may lead to the Grod ransomware seepage. Similarly, downloading the cracked software may furthermore contain the ransomware installer. The last however not the least, setup of Grod may happen through some Trojan horses that might be installed stealthily into the system and without the user’s direct permission or even permission.

Avoiding the Grod injection.

Naturally, there is no outright warranty that your computer system will be always free of any malware attacks, nevertheless, we want to share some helpful suggestions with you to make it safer. Make sure to pay extremely close attention while searching the web and especially while getting cost-free programs. Do not open any dubious e-mail attachments, especially if the sender is not known to you.

Do not forget that particular freeware installer might likewise consist of some other extra apps in the bundle. These additional applications may be really damaging. It is of utmost value to keep your anti-virus software application and your os in general to be constantly properly upgraded.

It is quite sensible that downloading pirated programs is prohibited, nevertheless, furthermore, such unapproved software application use may likewise bring major damage to your computer. For this reason, do not download any broken programs. Plus, the reality that your current anti-virus did not protect the system from the Grod ransomware is a good reason for you to reevaluate your options and change to another program that can render the safeguarding functions on a far better level.

Below please find the quotation from the Grod text file:

ATTENTION!
 
 Don't worry, you can return all your files!
 All your files like photos, databases, documents and other important are encrypted with strongest encryption and unique key.
 The only method of recovering files is to purchase decrypt tool and unique key for you.
 This software will decrypt all your encrypted files.
 What guarantees you have?
 You can send one of your encrypted file from your PC and we decrypt it for free.
 But we can decrypt only 1 file for free. File must not contain valuable information.
 You can get and look video overview decrypt tool:
 https://we.tl/t-2P5WrE5b9f
 Price of private key and decrypt software is $980.
 Discount 50% available if you contact us first 72 hours, that's price for you is $490.
 Please note that you'll never restore your data without payment.
 Check your e-mail "Spam" or "Junk" folder if you don't get answer more than 6 hours.
  
  
 To get this software you need write on our e-mail:
 gorentos@bitmessage.ch
  
 Reserve e-mail address to contact us:
 gorentos2@firemail.cc
  
 Our Telegram account:
 @datarestore

Screenshot of files with “.grod” extension added by the virus:”

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

1.Download GridinSoft Anti-Malware.

You can get 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.

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Daniel Zimmermann

Daniel Zimmermann has been writing on security and malware subjects for many years and has been working in the security industry for over 10 years. Daniel was educated at the Saarland University in Saarbrücken, Germany and currently lives in New York.

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