How to remove GANDCRAB 5.3 ransomware and decrypt files

What is GANDCRAB 5.3

GANDCRAB 5.3 is newest variant of infamous and very dangerous GandCrab ransomware. Despite the fact that previous versions of the virus still infects users all around the world, apparently, cybercriminals won’t stop producing these ransomware threats for a long time. Once inside, it encrypts user data and asks for payment in exchange for the decryption key. Nonetheless, if you have been attacked by GANDCRAB 5.3 Ransomware, there is no need to contact them and especially to make any concessions. Remember, you are up against fraudsters who don’t care about your files and whose main purpose is to make a profit. Hence, there is a high risk of being left without decryptor and money. Instead, you may try using this guide to remove GANDCRAB 5.3 Ransomware and decrypt files without spending any money.

This ransomware mostly penetrates the system via fraudulent emails containing malicious attachments. When the user launches the attached file, the virus starts infecting victim’s data using complicated encryption algorithms. While enciphering, all affected files get a random extension, for example, “myfamily.jpg” would be renamed to “myfamily.jpg.awqrsj“. All files with such extension will become unreadable unless they are decrypted. Also, the virus sets new desktop wallpaper:

and then drops ransom note AWQRSJ-MANUAL.txt in each folder with the affected files:

Text presented in the ransom note:

—= GANDCRAB V5.3 =—

***********************UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES DO NOT DELETE THIS FILE, UNTIL ALL YOUR DATA IS RECOVERED***********************

*****FAILING TO DO SO, WILL RESULT IN YOUR SYSTEM CORRUPTION, IF THERE ARE DECRYPTION ERRORS*****

Attention!

All your files, documents, photos, databases and other important files are encrypted and have the extension: .AWQRSJ

The only method of recovering files is to purchase an unique private key. Only we can give you this key and only we can recover your files.

Only us can recover your files

You need follow the next instructions:

—————————————————————————————-

1. Send a mail to us at the next address with this note:113737081e857d00 ADDRESS: jokeroo@protonmail.com

—————————————————————————————-

We will send you the instructions to pay.
—BEGIN GANDCRAB KEY—
–
—END GANDCRAB KEY—

—BEGIN PC DATA—
–
—END PC DATA—

Although GANDCRAB 5.3 is a really dangerous virus, you still have a good chance to get your files back. Before deciphering, you should first stay focused on removing GANDCRAB 5.3 Ransomware to avoid re-infection. Once GANDCRAB 5.3 Ransomware is removed, you can proceed with decryption. Both automatic and manual solution is presented here that we hope will help you remove GANDCRAB 5.3 Ransomware and recover your files.

How to remove GANDCRAB 5.3 ransomware?

To make sure that the ransomware won’t reappear, you need to delete GANDCRAB 5.3 ransomware completely. For this, you need to remove the files and registry entries of the ransomware. We should warn you that performing some of the steps may require above-average skills, so if you don’t feel experienced enough, you may apply to the automatic removal tool.

Download SpyHunter

Performing an antimalware scan with Norton would automatically search out and delete all elements related to GANDCRAB 5.3 ransomware. It is not only the easiest way to eliminate GANDCRAB 5.3 ransomware but also the safest and the most assuring one.

How to decrypt files

Restore files with Stellar Data Recovery

Stellar Data Recovery is an essential tool in the fight against ransomware-type viruses that can recover encrypted files.

1. Download Stellar Data Recovery and launch it
2. Select the drive you want to recover and click START SCAN
3. After scanning is finished, you are presented with a list of recoverable files found.
4. Select the required files and click the Recover

Download Stellar Data Recovery

Use decryption tool for Gandcrab Ransomware family

There is a new decryption tool available from Bitdefender Labs that can decrypt files infected by GandCrab versions 1, 4 or 5.

Download the GandCrab decryption tool

Decrypt files through our decryption service

You may try using our own service for decrypting files compromised by ransomware-type viruses. The analysis of data takes 3-5 days, after which, we will let you know whether it’s decryptable or not. Note: the service is paid, payment is charged only for decryption, the analysis is free. In order to use our service, you should fill out the form listed below.

Also, please add a log file, created on your PC:

1. Click “Start” and type: “cmd.exe” in the search box
2. Right-click “cmd.exe” and select “Run as administrator“
3. In command line, type or copy/paste following: dir C:\ /a/s > “%userprofile%\dirc.log”
4. Find and attach the created “%userprofile%\dirc.log” file to the web form

Please attach encrypted text files according to the following conditions:

1. number of files should not exceed 4;
2. file size is not more than 8 megabytes;
3. files must be from different folders;
4. files must be unique.

Restore the system

1. Initiate the search for system restore
2. Click on the result
3. Choose the date before the infection appearance
4. Follow the on-screen instructions

Roll the files back to the previous version

1. Right-click the file and choose Properties
2. Open the Previous Version tab
3. Select the latest version and click Copy
4. Click Restore

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If the above-mentioned methods didn’t help in eliminating the threat, then it’s better to rely on an automatic way of deleting GANDCRAB 5.3 Ransomware.

How to prevent ransomware infection

To prevent infection with ransomware-type viruses, you should have proper antimalware software. This method is convenient because it allows you to detect a virus before it penetrates, and therefore to avoid infection and the loss of all your data. It is capable of protecting not only home computers but also server systems in large organizations. Download antimalware program to secure your system and privacy.
Download SpyHunter