Gengar Ransomware: What It Is and How to Remove It

Ransomware attacks are among the most dangerous and prevalent cyber threats today. These malicious programs lock or encrypt victims’ files, making them inaccessible without a decryption key, which is often held hostage until the victim pays a ransom. One such ransomware variant that has recently surfaced is Gengar. It operates in a similar manner to other ransomware, encrypting users’ files and demanding a ransom in exchange for restoring access to them. This article provides a detailed overview of Gengar ransomware, how it infects systems, its impact, and the best ways to remove it using SpyHunter, along with preventive measures to avoid future infections.

What is Gengar Ransomware?

Gengar is a ransomware family that encrypts files on infected computers and appends the .gengar extension to them. Once encrypted, the victim is unable to open their files, and they are instructed to pay a ransom to the cybercriminals to restore access. This ransomware is designed to lock critical files, including documents, photos, and videos, rendering them unusable until the ransom is paid.

Upon infection, Gengar creates a ransom note titled info.txt on the victim’s system. This note contains instructions on how to contact the attackers and negotiate payment for decryption. The ransom note mentions that the files were encrypted using the AES encryption algorithm, a robust and secure method of encryption. However, it also warns victims not to attempt renaming or decrypting the files independently, as doing so could result in permanent data loss.

How Gengar Ransomware Works

When Gengar infects a system, it encrypts the files and appends the .gengar extension to them. For example, a file named 1.jpg would be renamed 1.jpg.gengar, and a file named 2.png would become 2.png.gengar. The ransomware then drops a ransom note titled info.txt that provides instructions on how to pay the ransom.

The ransom note also claims that the attacker used a specific vulnerability in the victim’s security system to gain access and encrypt the files. It also promises to decrypt two small files for free, as a demonstration that the attackers have the decryption key. However, the note clearly warns that critical files, such as databases or spreadsheets, will not be decrypted for free.

The attacker’s contact information is provided in the ransom note (restoreyourfiles.gengar@gmail.com), where the victim is instructed to email the attackers with a specific subject line. Victims are advised not to attempt using third-party decryption tools, as the ransomware operators claim that this could make file recovery impossible.

Symptoms of Gengar Ransomware Infection

The most obvious sign of a Gengar ransomware infection is the inability to open files that were once accessible. These files will now have the .gengar extension, and you may see a ransom note on your desktop or in the affected directory. Other symptoms of infection may include:

• A sudden and unexplained slowdown of the computer.
• Files that no longer open or are replaced with encrypted versions.
• The appearance of a ransom note that demands payment for decryption.
• System crashes or errors related to file access.

Distribution Methods of Gengar Ransomware

Ransomware, including Gengar, can be delivered in a variety of ways. Some of the most common methods of infection include:

1. Malicious Email Attachments: One of the most common delivery methods is through deceptive emails with malicious attachments. These attachments often contain macros or executable files that trigger the ransomware when opened.
2. Torrent Websites and Malicious Downloads: Gengar can be bundled with cracked software or downloaded from shady websites offering free software. The ransomware is often hidden within seemingly legitimate files, and users unknowingly install it when they download software from untrustworthy sources.
3. Malicious Ads and Pop-ups: Malicious advertisements, often referred to as malvertising, can direct users to websites that contain malware or prompt them to download infected software.
4. Exploiting Vulnerabilities: Gengar can also exploit unpatched vulnerabilities in software or operating systems, allowing it to spread across networks and infect systems without user interaction.

Impact of Gengar Ransomware

The damage caused by Gengar ransomware can be significant:

• File Encryption: The primary effect is the encryption of the victim’s files, which cannot be opened without paying the ransom. These files are often critical to the victim’s work or personal life, leading to data loss or business disruption.
• Financial Loss: If the victim decides to pay the ransom, the attackers demand payment, typically in cryptocurrency (such as Bitcoin), to ensure anonymity. However, there is no guarantee that the attackers will provide the decryption key after payment, making paying the ransom a risky proposition.
• Further Malware Installation: In some cases, ransomware infections are used as a gateway for additional malicious software, such as trojans or password stealers, which can compromise the victim’s system further.

Removing Gengar Ransomware

To remove Gengar ransomware from your system, it is essential to use a reliable malware removal tool such as SpyHunter. SpyHunter is an effective and user-friendly anti-malware tool that can detect and remove ransomware like Gengar. Here’s how to remove Gengar ransomware with SpyHunter:

1. Download and Install SpyHunter: Follow the installation instructions to complete the process.
2. Run a Full System Scan:
   • Open SpyHunter and click on the “Scan” button to start a full system scan. This will help detect and identify the Gengar ransomware and any other malicious files on your computer.
   • The scanning process may take some time, depending on the size of your system and the number of files.
3. Review Detected Threats:
   • Once the scan is complete, SpyHunter will display a list of all detected threats, including Gengar ransomware.
   • Select the items that you want to remove (including any files associated with Gengar).
4. Remove the Threats:
   • Click on the “Remove” button to eliminate the ransomware from your system.
   • SpyHunter will also remove any other malware it identifies during the scan.
5. Restart Your System: After removal, restart your computer to ensure that the ransomware and any associated malware are completely eradicated.

Preventing Future Gengar Ransomware Infections

To avoid future infections by Gengar and similar ransomware, here are some key preventive measures:

1. Regularly Backup Your Files: Keep regular backups of your important files on external storage or cloud-based services. This ensures that even if your files are encrypted, you can restore them without paying the ransom.
2. Update Software Regularly: Ensure that your operating system and software applications are always up to date with the latest security patches. This helps close any vulnerabilities that ransomware may exploit.
3. Be Cautious with Email Attachments and Links: Avoid opening suspicious email attachments or clicking on unfamiliar links, especially from unknown senders. If you are unsure about the legitimacy of an email, verify it through alternative means.
4. Use Robust Security Software: Install and regularly update security software that provides real-time protection against malware and ransomware. Anti-malware tools such as SpyHunter can help detect and prevent ransomware infections before they cause harm.
5. Educate Users: Ensure that all users on your network are educated about the risks of ransomware and how to avoid them. This includes not downloading software from untrusted sources or clicking on pop-up ads.
6. Network Segmentation: If you’re running a business, segment your network to limit the spread of ransomware. This can help prevent an infection from affecting all systems on the network.

Conclusion

Gengar ransomware is a serious threat that encrypts files and demands a ransom for their decryption. Its impact can be severe, causing both financial and data loss. However, with tools like SpyHunter, users can effectively remove Gengar from their systems and restore normal operations. Taking proactive steps such as regularly backing up files, updating software, and using robust security solutions can help prevent ransomware infections in the future.

Text in The Gengar Ransom Note (“info.txt“):

ATTENTION! ALL YOUR DATA ARE PROTECTED WITH AES ALGORITHM
Your security system was vulnerable, so all of your files are encrypted.
If you want to restore them, contact us by email: restoreyourfiles.gengar@gmail.com, indicating ebef12f6-b85a-11ef-90e9-a5ce3ea0e181 as email subject.

BE CAREFUL AND DO NOT DAMAGE YOUR DATA:
Do not rename encrypted files.
Do not try to decrypt your data using third party software, it may cause permanent data loss.
Do not trust anyone! Only we have keys to your files! Without this keys restore your data is impossible

WE GUARANTEE A FREE DECODE AS A PROOF OF OUR POSSIBILITIES:
You can send us 2 files for free decryption.
Size of file must be less than 1 Mb (non archived). We don`t decrypt for test DATABASE, XLS and other important files.

DO NOT ATTEMPT TO DECODE YOUR DATA YOURSELF, YOU ONLY DAMAGE THEM AND THEN YOU LOSE THEM FOREVER
AFTER DECRYPTION YOUR SYSTEM WILL RETURN TO A FULLY NORMALLY AND OPERATIONAL CONDITION!