Threat Database Ransomware '.Gif File Extension' Ransomware

'.Gif File Extension' Ransomware

By GoldSparrow in Ransomware

The '.Gif File Extension' Ransomware is an encryption ransomware Trojan that seems to be related to the Globe Ransomware family of encryption ransomware Trojans. The '.Gif File Extension' Ransomware is fairly generic and nearly identical to most encryption ransomware Trojans being used to attack computer users currently. The '.Gif File Extension' Ransomware was first observed on March 22nd, 2018. The '.Gif File Extension' Ransomware is being delivered to victims of this attack via corrupted spam email attachments, which use embedded macro scripts to download and install the '.Gif File Extension' Ransomware onto the victim's computer.

How the '.Gif File Extension' Ransomware Attack Works

The '.Gif File Extension' Ransomware, like most similar ransomware Trojans, uses the AES encryption to make the victim's files inaccessible. The '.Gif File Extension' Ransomware will target the user-generated files, which may include videos, audio, images, and numerous types of documents. In their attacks, encryption ransomware Trojans like the '.Gif File Extension' Ransomware tend to avoid the Windows system files and executable files since they require the victim's computer to remain operational so that the victim can access a payment website and read a ransom note. The '.Gif File Extension' Ransomware will take the victims' data hostage. However, the files encrypted using this encryption method are not recoverable with current technology. A few of the files that are typically encrypted in attacks like the '.Gif File Extension' Ransomware include:

.3dm, .3g2, .3gp, .7zip, .aaf, .accdb, .aep, .aepx, .aet, .ai, .aif, .as, .as3, .asf, .asp, .asx, .avi, .bmp, .c, .class, .cpp, .cs, .csv, .dat, .db, .dbf, .doc, .docb, .docm, .docx, .dot, .dotm, .dotx, .dwg, .dxf, .efx, .eps, .fla, .flv, .gif, .h, .idml, .iff, .indb, .indd, .indl, .indt, .inx, .jar, .java, .jpeg, .jpg, .js, .m3u, .m3u8, .m4u, .max, .mdb, .mid, .mkv, .mov, .mp3, .mp4, .mpa, .mpeg, .mpg, .msg, .pdb, .pdf, .php, .plb, .pmd, .png, .pot, .potm, .potx, .ppam, .ppj, .pps, .ppsm, .ppsx, .ppt, .pptm, .pptx, .prel, .prproj, .ps, .psd, .py, .ra, .rar, .raw, .rb, .rtf, .sdf, .sdf, .ses, .sldm, .sldx, .sql, .svg, .swf, .tif, .txt, .vcf, .vob, .wav, .wma, .wmv, .wpd, .wps, .xla, .xlam, .xll, .xlm, .xls, .xlsb, .xlsm, .xlsx, .xlt, .xltm, .xltx, .xlw, .xml, .xqx, .xqx, .z.

The '.Gif File Extension' Ransomware also will eliminate some Windows system components that can be used to recover the files indirectly, such as the System Restore points or the Shadow Volume copies of the affected files, apart from encrypting the victim's files.

How the '.Gif File Extension' Ransomware Demands Its Ransom Payment

The '.Gif File Extension' Ransomware demands a ransom payment in exchange for the decryption key necessary to restore the affected files. The '.Gif File Extension' Ransomware delivers its ransom note in a text file named 'READ_ME.txt' dropped on the victim's computer. The '.Gif File Extension' Ransomware also displays a program window with the name 'Buy Decryptor.' These messages contain a text that demands that the victim pays a ransom of 0.026 Bitcoin in exchange for the decryption key, as well as instructions on how to purchase Bitcoins. This ransom, at the current exchange rate, is equivalent to approximately 230 USD.

Dealing with a '.Gif File Extension' Ransomware Infection

The best safeguard against threats like the '.Gif File Extension' Ransomware is to have file backups stored on the cloud or another external place. Having a backup copy of your files means that you can restore the files from the backup in the event of infection like the '.Gif File Extension' Ransomware instead of having to face the prospect of losing your files permanently. You should refrain from contacting the cybercrooks or paying the '.Gif File Extension' Ransomware ransom. It is very unlikely that its admins will help victims of the attack recover their files, and they are equally likely to demand additional money or ignore the victim of the attack altogether. File backups and the use of a skilled security program that is fully up-to-date are the best protection against the '.Gif File Extension' Ransomware and similar threats.

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