What is GandCrab2?
GandCrab2 is a second version of a GandCrab ransomware, as expected the developers of this virus will continue expand their victims base. This ransomware is a big threat to your computer, as it will encrypt all the personal files. Encrypted files can’t be opened or accessed in any possible way. The ransomware widely distributed by means of RigEK toolkit. After finishing encrypting process with currently unknown cryptography algorithm, this ransomware adds .CRAB file extension to the name of all the encrypted data. For example, picture.png file turns into picture.png.CRAB file. Once data on your computer is encrypted, GandCrab2 ransomware will create CRAB-DECRYPT.txt text file in each folder with the encrypted data or display lock-screen window. You can find demands and instruction on how to pay the ransom for decryption key in this file or the window. In this article you may learn how to remove GandCrab2 ransomware and decrypt .CRAB files without paying a ransom.
GandCrab2 uses typical ransomware scheme to force you to pay them. After finishing encrypting process, the ransomware will state that there are no ways to recover your files but to pay ransom. Cyber criminals demand ransom in 0.800 Dash (~500$), it is cryptocurrency that is similar to bitcoin. Once you’ve done payment, they are suppose to send you decryption key. But you should know that nobody can guarantee that they will help you, don’t trust them, these cyber criminals are not going to do their part of the deal. Mostly they are just ignoring people who pays them. So please do not invest into this criminal scheme. Trust us, there’s no need to panic, GandCrab2 ransomware does very complicated encryption, but it does not damage, move or delete your files, which means you have chance to recover your personal data.
How to remove GandCrab2 from your computer?
Unfortunately, there are no possible ways to remove GandCrab2 ransomware manually, because the infection goes too deep into your system. You can remove the virus only with automatic removal tools. You may try to use SpyHunter to clean your system from GandCrab2 ransomware.
SpyHunter provides an opportunity to remove 1 detected malware for free during trial period. The full version of the program costs $39,99 (you get 6 months of subscription). By clicking the button you agree to EULA and Privacy Policy. Downloading will start automatically.
How to decrypt .CRAB files encrypted by GandCrab2?
Once you’ve removed virus, you are probably thinking of recovering files from encryption. Let’s take a look at possible ways of decrypting your data.
Decrypt .CRAB files with automated decryption tools
Unfortunately, due to novelty of GandCrab2 ransomware, there are no available automatic decryptors for this virus yet. Still, there is no need to invest in malicious scheme by paying ransom. You are able to recover files manually.
Decrypt .CRAB files manually
You can try to use one of these methods in order to restore your encrypted data manually.
Recover data with Data Recovery
- Download and install Data Recovery
- Select drives and folders with your files, then click Scan.
- Choose all the files in a folder, then press on Restore button.
- Manage export location.
Restore data with Windows Previous Versions
This feature is working on Windows Vista (not Home version), Windows 7 and later versions. Windows saves copies of files and folders which you can use to restore data on your computer. In order to restore data from Windows Backup, take following steps:
- Open My Computer and search for the folders you want to restore;
- Right-click on the folder and choose Restore previous versions option;
- The option will show you the list of all the previous copies of the folder;
- Select restore date and the option you need: Open, Copy and Restore.
Restore the system with System Restore
You can always try to use System Restore in order to roll back your system to its condition before infection infiltration. All the Windows versions include this option.
- Type restore in the Search tool;
- Click on the result;
- Choose restore point before the infection infiltration;
- Follow the on-screen instructions.
How to protect PC from GandCrab2?
It’s pretty difficult task to get rid of any ransomware, including GandCrab2. But you can easily prevent any infection of your PC. HitmanPro.Alert’s CryptoGuard can help you with this problem. It’s one of the best anti-ransomware applications. No matter how sneaky it is, HitmanPro.Alert’s CryptoGuard will stop GandCrab2 infiltration to your system. After detection, this program removes all the related to the ransomware data and prevents your file from being encrypted.