RansomwareRemoval Guide

Remove grinch Virus (+Decrypt .grinch files) – Redrum Ransomware

grinch Virus – Details

The grinch mean a ransomware-type infection. The virus comes from the Redrum ransomware family. grinch was elaborated specifically to encrypt all major file types. When the file is encrypted people are unable to use them. grinch adds the “.grinch” extension for each file encrypted by it. For example, the file “myphoto.jpg“, when encrypted by grinch, will be renamed into “myphoto.jpg.grinch“. As quickly as the encryption is completed, grinch places a special text file into every folder containing the encrypted data.

The message given by grinch text file requesting for the ransom is definitely the same as the statements given by other ransomware representatives belonging to the Redrum clan. It actually mentions that the information is encrypted and that the only way to bring back it is to use a a special decryption key. Regretfully, this is absolutely true. The type of cryptography mechanism used by grinch is still not properly examined. Still, it is absolutely certain that each victim might be given the specific decryption key, which is totally unique. It is difficult to bring back the files without the key available.

Another technique of grinch is that the victims cannot access to the key. The key is kept on a particular server run by the frauds connected with grinch ransomware. To get the key and recover the important information people have to pay the ransom.

However, regardless of the asked for quantity, people must keep away from paying the ransom virus. Cyber frauds are not fair, so they tend to totally disregard what their victims feel about the issue, even when the payment reaches their pockets. This is why paying the ransom typically does not provide any positive outcome and people simply waste their money for absolutely 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 grinch ransomware and to recover the data data for free. Therefore, the just best decision is to recover the lost information from the available backup.

Virus Summary

Namegrinch Ransomware
File Extension.grinch
TypeRansomware
FamilyRedrum
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 grinch extension to all the files modified by it.
Distribution MethodSpam Emails, Email Attachments
Removal Tool   GridinSoft Anti-Malware

Bear in mind that the internet is now overwhelmed with threats that look comparable to grinch ransomware. Destructive programs of such kind are typically elaborated to encrypt essential information and to state the need before 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 data decryption.

Therefore, as long as the ransomware is still being developed or has some hidden bugs, by hand recovering the information is merely 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 should be put into a special storage utility not connect to your main computer. You may use the USB Flash Drive or external hard disk for this purpose, or refer to the help of the cloud storage. If you store 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 a number of ways used by online frauds to distribute grinch ransomware. Even though it doubts how precisely grinch injects your system, there are some leaks through which it may infiltrate the system:

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

Typically grinch virus may exist as some legitimate software application, for instance, in the pop-ups advising users to implement some essential software updates. This is the typical trick used by online frauds to persuade people into downloading and installing grinch infection manually, by means of their direct participation in the installation process.

In addition, the criminals may refer to different e-mail spam tactics to inject destructive codes into copmuter. So, they may refer to to sending unsolicited spam emails with tricky notifications promoting users to download the attachments or click on certain download links, for example, the ones motivating users to open some photos, files, tax reports or invoices.

Needless to mention, opening such documents or clicking on such dangerous links may severely damage the PC. Fictitious Adobe Flash Player update alerts may result in grinch virus injection. When it comes to the cracked applications, these illegally downloaded programs may also contain harmful codes resulting in grinch secret installation. Lastly, injection of grinch may occur by means of Trojans that secretly get injected into the system and install harmful tools without the user’s authorization.

Is there any way to prevent the injection of grinch ransom virus?

Even though there is no 100% guarantee to prevent your system from getting infected, there are some pieces of advice we wish to share with with you. To start with, be extremely careful when you surf the web and particularly while downloading totally free apps. Keep away from opening suspicious email attachments, especially when the sender of the email is not familiar to you.

Remember that some freeware installers may include other unwanted utilities in the package, so they may be destructive. Ensure that your current anti-virus and your entire OS is always appropriately updated.

Naturally, downloading pirated software is illegal and may result in important damage to be produced your system. Thus, stay away from downloading cracked software. You are likewise strongly encouraged to reconsider your existing security software and potentially switch to another security solution that can render much better services of protecting your PC.

Below please find the quotation from the grinch text file:

FILES ARE ENCRYPTED:
Hello!
All your documents, photos, databases and other important files have been ENCRYPTED! Do you really interested to restore
your files?
If so, you must buy decipher software and private key to unlock your data!
Write to our email - moncler@tutamail.com and tell us your unique XXX
We will send you full instruction how to decrypt all your files.
In case of no answer in 24 hours write us on additional e-mail address - moncler@tutamail.com

Screenshot of files with “.grinch” extension added by the ransomware:
grinch Ransomware - encrypt files with .grinch extension

Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove grinch 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

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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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