GASH Virus Removal: Decrypt .gash Files & Recover Lost Data

The Gash virus belongs to the STOP/DJVU family of ransomware-type infections. Once it infects your computer, it encrypts your files, including videos, photos, and documents, with a specific “.gash” extension. The virus utilizes a powerful encryption method, making it nearly impossible to decipher the key.

If you’ve fallen victim to the Gash virus, it’s important to act quickly to prevent permanent loss of your valuable files. The virus typically demands a ransom payment in exchange for the decryption key. However, we strongly advise against giving in to the hacker’s demands, as there’s no guarantee that you’ll actually receive the decryption key after payment.

I’ve put together a complete listing of all the possible solutions, tricks and techniques for neutralizing the Gash virus as well as encryption of files. In certain situations it is simple to recover your files. And sometimes it is just impossible.

The Gash virus is a dangerous threat that can cause irreversible damage to your computer system. Once it infects your computer, it encrypts all of your files and adds a “.gash” extension to them. The virus then demands a ransom payment in exchange for a decryption key that can unlock your files. In most cases, the ransom note is displayed as a text file named “_readme.txt”.

Gash uses a unique key for each victim, but there is a limitation. If Gash cannot connect to the command and control server (C&C Server) before starting its encryption process, it will use an offline key that is identical across all users. This makes it possible to decrypt encrypted files during a ransomware attack.

What is Gash?

☝️ Gash can be correctly identify as a STOP/DJVU ransomware-type virus.

The STOP/Djvu ransomware is a specific kind of threat that encrypted your documents and then forces you to pay to restore them.

Gash ransomware is similar to other representatives of the same DJVU family: Xash, Qore, Qopz, Saba. This virus encrypt all popular file types and adds its particular “.gash” extension into all files. For instance, the file “1.jpg”, will be amended into “1.jpg.gash“. As soon as the encryption is successfully accomplished, virus creates a specific message file “_readme.txt” and adds it into all folders that contain the modified files.

The image below gives a clear vision of how the files with “.gash” extension look like:

Encrypted Gash Files

This message asking payment is for restore files via decryption key:

_readme.txt (STOP/DJVU Ransomware) – The scary alert demanding from users to pay the ransom to decrypt the encoded data contains these frustrating warnings

Gash ransomware arrives as a set of processes that are meant to perform different tasks on a victim’s computer. One of the first ones being launched is winupdate.exe, a tricky process that displays a fake Windows update prompt during the attack. This is meant to convince the victim that a sudden system slowdown is caused by a Windows update. However, at the same time, the ransomware runs another process (usually named by four random characters) which starts scanning the system for target files and encrypting them. Next, the ransomware deletes Volume Shadow Copies from the system using the following CMD command:

vssadmin.exe Delete Shadows /All /Quiet

Once deleted, it becomes impossible to restore the previous computer state using System Restore Points. The thing is, ransomware operators are getting rid of any Windows OS-based methods that could help the victim to restore files for free. In addition, the crooks modify the Windows HOSTS file by adding a list of domains to it and mapping them to the localhost IP. As a result, the victim will run into a DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error when accessing one of the blocked websites.

We noticed that ransomware attempts to block websites that publish various how-to guides for computer users. It is evident that by restricting specific domains, the crooks are trying to prevent the victim from reaching relevant and helpful ransomware-attack-related information online. The virus also saves two text files on the victim’s computer that provide attack-related details – the victim’s public encryption key and personal ID. These two files are called bowsakkdestx.txt and PersonalID.txt.

After all these modifications, the malware doesn’t stop. Variants of STOP/DJVU tend to drop Vidar password-stealing Trojan on compromised systems. This threat has a lengthy list of capabilities, such as:

• Stealing Steam, Telegram, Skype login / password;
• Stealing cryptocurrency wallets;
• Downloading malware to the computer and running it;
• Stealing browser cookies, saved passwords, browsing history, and more;
• Viewing and manipulating files on victim’s computer;
• Allowing the hackers to perform other tasks on the victim’s computer remotely.

The cryptography algorithm used by DJVU/STOP ransomware family is AES-256. So, if your documents got encrypted with an online decryption key, which is totally distinct. The sad reality is that it is impossible to decrypt the files without the unique key.

In case if Gash worked in online mode, it is impossible for you to gain access to the AES-256 key. It is stored on a remote server owned by the criminals who distibute the Gash ransomware.

For receiving decryption key the payment should be $980. To obtain the payment details, the victims are encouraged by the message to contact the frauds by email ([email protected]).

The message by the ransomware states the following information:

ATTENTION!

Don't worry, you can return all your files!

All your files like photos, databases, documents and other important are encrypted with strongest encryption and unique key.
The only method of recovering files is to purchase decrypt tool and unique key for you.
This software will decrypt all your encrypted files.

What guarantees you have?

You can send one of your encrypted file from your PC and we decrypt it for free.
But we can decrypt only 1 file for free. File must not contain valuable information.

You can get and look video overview decrypt tool:

https://we.tl/t-WJa63R98Ku

Price of private key and decrypt software is $980.
Discount 50% available if you contact us first 72 hours, that's price for you is $490.

Please note that you'll never restore your data without payment.

Check your e-mail "Spam" or "Junk" folder if you don't get answer more than 6 hours.

To get this software you need write on our e-mail:

[email protected]

Reserve e-mail address to contact us:

[email protected]

Your personal ID:
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Do not pay for Gash!

Please, try to use the available backups, or Decrypter tool

Don’t fall victim to ransomware scams! If your files have been encrypted by Gash, you may see a message in the readme.txt file instructing you to contact their representatives within 72 hours for a 50% rebate on the ransom. However, we strongly advise against paying the ransom. Instead, try using available backups or a decrypter tool to recover your lost data.

Ransomware viruses like Gash typically use a standard method for generating a unique decryption key to unlock encrypted files. If the ransomware is not flawed and still in development, it’s nearly impossible to recover the data manually. Therefore, the best way to avoid data loss is to regularly back up your important files. Be sure to store your backups in a separate location from your main workstation, such as on an external hard drive or in online (cloud) storage. Never keep your backups on your main device, as they can be encrypted just like your other data.

Don’t let ransomware thieves hold your files hostage. Keep your data safe by regularly backing it up and staying informed about the latest threats.

How I was infected?

Ransomware has a various methods to built into your system. But it doesn’t really matter what method had place in your case.

Gash ransomware attack following a successful phishing attempt.

Nevertheless, there are several ways in which the Gash ransomware can infiltrate your PC:

• It may be installed along with other apps, particularly freeware or shareware utilities.
• You may unknowingly download the virus installer by clicking on dubious links in spam emails.
• Online free hosting resources may also be a source of Gash ransomware.
• Using illegal peer-to-peer (P2P) resources for downloading pirated software can also put your PC at risk.

If you receive messages urging you to initiate unwanted software or browser updates, be wary as the Gash virus may be disguised as a legitimate tool.

Moreover, cracked apps obtained through P2P are illegal and can also result in serious malware infections, including the Gash ransomware.

While there is no foolproof way to prevent your PC from getting damaged, there are certain steps you can take to reduce the risk of Gash ransomware infection:

• Be cautious while installing free software and read the installers’ terms carefully.
• Avoid opening dubious email attachments or files from unknown senders.
• Keep your security program up-to-date.

The Gash ransomware operates silently and may run in the background without showing up on the list of available programs.

Preventing the infiltration of the Gash ransomware into your device requires a proactive approach. By staying informed and taking necessary precautions, you can avoid the potential financial and data loss that the Gash ransomware can cause.

How To Remove Gash Virus?

In addition to encode a victim’s files, the Gash virus has also started to install the Vidar Stealer on PC to steal account credentials, cryptocurrency wallets, desktop files, and more.³

Reasons why I would recommend GridinSoft⁴

1. Run the setup file.

   
   

2. Press “Install” button.

   

3. Once installed, Anti-Malware will automatically run.

   

4. Wait for complete.

   

5. Click on “Clean Now”.