RansomwareRemoval Guide

Remove GNS Virus (.[geniusid@protonmail.ch].GNS Files Ransomware) – Dharma Ransomware

GNS – Ransomware

The GNS stands for a ransomware-type infection. The infection comes from the Dharma ransomware family. GNS was elaborated specifically to encrypt all major file types. As soon as the file is encrypted people are not able to use them. GNS adds the “.[geniusid@protonmail.ch].GNS” extension for each file encrypted by it. For example, the file “myphoto.jpg“, once encrypted by GNS, will be renamed into “myphoto.jpg.[geniusid@protonmail.ch].GNS“. As quickly as the encryption is completed, GNS places a special text file into every folder containing the encrypted data.

The message given by GNS text file requesting for the ransom is definitely the like the statements given by other ransomware virus representatives coming from the Dharma family. It actually discusses that the info is encrypted and that the only way to restore it is to use a a distinct decryption key. Unfortunately, this is definitely true. The kind of cryptography mechanism used by GNS is still not correctly examined. Still, it is absolutely specific that each victim may be given the specific decryption key, which is absolutely distinct. It is difficult to restore the files without the key available.

Another technique of GNS is that the victims cannot get to the key. The key is kept on a specific server run by the frauds related to GNS ransomware. To get the key and recover the important information people have to pay the ransom.

However, irrespective of the asked for quantity, people must stay away from paying the virus. Cyber frauds are not fair, 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 normally does not give any positive result and people just lose their money for absolutely nothing.

We strongly encourage 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 GNS ransomware and to recover the information data for free. Therefore, the only right decision is to recover the lost information from the available backup.

Virus Summary

NameGNS Ransomware
File Extension.[geniusid@protonmail.ch].GNS
TypeRansomware
FamilyDharma
Short DescriptionThe 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.
SymptomsFile 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 [geniusid@protonmail.ch].GNS extension to all the files modified by it.
Distribution MethodSpam Emails, Email Attachments
Similar InfectionsFelix, Nhlp, Prnds
Removal Tool   GridinSoft Anti-Malware

Remember that the web is now overwhelmed with threats that look similar to GNS ransomware. It is similar Felix and many other ransomware-type threats. Malicious programs of such kind are normally elaborated to encrypt important data and to set forth the need prior to the user to pay the ransom. The peculiarity of all such ransomware threats is that all apply a similar algorithm to generate the distinct decryption key for files decryption.

Hence, as long as the ransomware is still being developed or has some hidden bugs, manually recovering the information is simply not feasible. The only way to avoid the loss of your crucial data is to regularly create backups of your important information.

Keep in mind that even if you create such backups, they need to be put 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 in addition to other files, so it’s certainly not a good storage location.

How did ransomware infect my computer?

There are several methods used by online scams to distribute GNS ransom virus. Even though it is uncertain how exactly GNS injects your PC, there are some leaks through which it may infiltrate the system:

  • integration with third-party software, especially freeware;
  • spam emails from unknown senders;
  • sites rendering free hosting services;
  • pirated peer-to-peer (P2P) downloads.

Typically GNS virus may be presented as some genuine software, for instance, in the pop-ups instructing users to execute some essential software updates. This is the common technique used by online frauds to persuade people into downloading and installing GNS infection manually, by methods of their direct participation in the installation process.

Additionally, the criminals might refer to different e-mail spam techniques to inject malicious codes into copmuter. So, they may refer to to sending unsolicited spam e-mails with tricky notices promoting users to download the attachments or click on certain download links, for example, the ones encouraging users to open some video, files, tax reports or invoices.

Needless to mention, opening such documents or clicking on such dangerous links may seriously damage the system. Fictitious Adobe Flash Player upgrade informs may result in GNS ransom injection. When it comes to the cracked applications, these illegally downloaded programs may also contain destructive codes resulting in GNS secret installation. Lastly, injection of GNS may take place by means of Trojans that secretly get injected into the system and install destructive tools without the user’s authorization.

Is there any method to avoid the injection of GNS ransom virus?

Despite the fact that there is no 100% guarantee to prevent your computer from getting infected, there are some pieces of guidance we want to show with you. To start with, be really mindful when you surf the web and particularly while downloading free apps. Keep 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 contain other unwanted utilities in the bundle, so they may be destructive. Ensure that your current anti-virus and your entire OS is always appropriately updated.

Naturally, downloading pirated software is unlawful and may result in important damage to be made for your system. Thus, stay away from downloading cracked software. You are also highly advised to reconsider your existing security software and possibly change to another security solution that can render much better services of defending your PC.

Below please find the quotation from the GNS 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 geniusid@protonmail.ch YOUR ID -
If you have not been answered via the link within 12 hours, write to us by e-mail:geniusyourid@cock.li
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.
=====================================

all your data has been locked us
You want to return?
write email geniusid@protonmail.ch or geniusyourid@cock.li

Screenshot of files with “.[geniusid@protonmail.ch].GNS” extension added by the ransomware:
GNS Ransomware - encrypt files with .[geniusid@protonmail.ch].GNS extension

Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove GNS 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.
GridinSoft Anti-Malware
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.
GridinSoft Anti-Malware Setup

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

GridinSoft Anti-Malware Install

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

GridinSoft Anti-Malware  Start

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.
GridinSoft Anti-Malware Scan

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.
GridinSoft Anti-Malware Scan Result

Sending
User Review
0 (0 votes)
Comments Rating 0 (0 reviews)

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.

Related Articles

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Sending

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Back to top button