Remove GURAM ransomware

GURAM ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts files. The malware will target your personal files and essentially take them hostage. You will not be able to open encrypted files unless you first use a decryptor on them. However, obtaining the decryptor is not going to be easy and requires payment. Even then, it’s not guaranteed. This ransomware can be identified by the .{victims’ IDs}.GURAM extension added to all encrypted files.

 

 

When the ransomware is activated, it starts encrypting files immediately. Its main targets include personal files like photos, videos, documents, and text files. You can easily spot the affected files because they will have the extension .{victims’ IDs}.GURAM added to them. Without a decryptor, you won’t be able to open any files that have this extension. Unfortunately, the only people who have the GURAM ransomware decryptor are the malicious actors operating this ransomware, and they won’t just give it to you.

The ransomware also drops a straightforward README.txt ransom note, which informs victims that their files have been encrypted and can only be restored by paying a ransom. The initial ransom amount is 10 LTC (approximately $1,100 at the time of writing). However, this amount will increase after 24 hours. A test decryption for one file costs 1 LTC.

In general, engaging with cybercriminals, including paying the ransom, is not recommended. There’s no guarantee that you will receive a decryptor after making a payment. Ransomware operators are under no obligation to uphold their end of the bargain, and any money paid only contributes to further criminal activities. Unfortunately, many victims in the past have not received a decryptor from malicious actors despite paying a ransom.

The full GURAM ransomware ransom note is below:

Your files are encrypted. To decrypt files you need to pay 10 LTC = 1000 $

You need to send cryptocurrency 10 LTC=1000$ to the address

ltc1qdwectzwfhuap0q9xsqh7t433568py527vxvtq9

ltc1qdwectzwfhuap0q9xsqh7t433568py527vxvtq9

ltc1qdwectzwfhuap0q9xsqh7t433568py527vxvtq9

You have 24 hours to send proof of payment to payfast1000@onionmail.org
payfast2000@onionmail.org

If you need a test file. It will cost 1LTC=100 $

If 24 hours pass and you do not pay, the cost of restoring your files will cost $2000-10000

If you have a backup, you can start recovering your files once you remove GURAM ransomware from your computer. It is strongly advised to use an anti-malware program to avoid any additional harm to your system. If you don’t have a backup, be sure to save the encrypted files and wait for a potential free decryptor for GURAM ransomware to be released. Should a decryptor become available, you will be able to download it from NoMoreRansom.

How is ransomware distributed?

Ransomware is often spread through several different methods, including email attachments, torrents, malicious ads, and harmful links. Users who are more careless and have bad browsing habits are at a higher risk of encountering malware, as they tend to engage in riskier online behaviors. To reduce the likelihood of future malware infections, it’s a good idea to become familiar with how malware is distributed. Developing better browsing habits is also strongly recommended.

If your email address has been leaked, you may start receiving emails with malicious attachments. These malicious emails typically target a mass of users, which means they are somewhat generic and easier to spot. They often try to mimic legitimate company emails, such as order confirmations or delivery notifications. A very clear indicator of a malicious email is grammar and spelling mistakes, which you would not see in legitimate emails as that would look very unprofessional.

Another potential warning sign is when the sender uses generic words like “User,” “Member,” or “Customer” instead of addressing users by name. Legitimate companies usually address their customers by name, while scammers often have only access to an email address and resort to using non-specific words.

We should also mention that some malicious emails can be quite sophisticated and more difficult to recognize, so it’s a good idea to scan any unsolicited email attachments with anti-malware programs or tools like VirusTotal before opening them.

Moreover, downloading files from unregulated torrent sites is a fast track to malware infection. It’s widely known that torrents for popular movies, TV shows, and video games often contain hidden malware. Therefore, using torrents for downloading copyrighted content is not only content theft but is also dangerous.

How to remove GURAM ransomware

Ransomware is a very complex malware infection, and it’s strongly advised to use an anti-virus program to remove GURAM ransomware. Trying to manually remove GURAM ransomware can lead to further damage to your system.

If you have backed up your files, you can connect to your backup and start recovering files once you delete GURAM ransomware. Keep in mind that if your computer is still infected when you connect to your backup, backed-up files could also become encrypted.

If a backup is not available, your only option is to wait for a free GURAM ransomware decryptor to be released. Keep in mind, though, that there are no guarantees a free decryptor will be released, as these types of infections are usually quite challenging to crack.