Gero Virus File (Ransomware) – Remove + Restore Files

Gero is a DJVU family of ransomware-type infections. The infection encrypts important personal files (video, photos, documents). The crypted files can be tracked by specific “.gero” extension. So, you can’t obtain access to them at all.

It is better to prevent, than repair and repent!

When we talk about the intrusion of unfamiliar programs into your computer’s work, the proverb “Forewarned is forearmed” describes the situation as accurately as possible. Gridinsoft Anti-Malware is exactly the tool that is always useful to have in your armory: fast, efficient, up-to-date. It is appropriate to use it as an emergency help at the slightest suspicion of infection.

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In this guide I will try to help you remove Gero ransomware without any payment. As bonus I will assist you in decoding your crypted files.

What is “Gero”?

Gero can be correctly identify as a ransomware infection.

Gero is basically similar to other representatives of ransomware like: Hese, Carote. It crypted all popular file types. Hence, users cannot open the your documents or photos. Gero adds its particular “.gero” extension into all files. For instance, the file “video.avi”, will be changed into “video.avi.gero”. As soon as the encryption is successfully accomplished, Gero drops a specific file “_readme.txt” and adds it into all folders that contain the modified files.

Here is a details for the Gero infection:

This text asking payment is for get files back via decryption key:

The scary alert demanding from users to pay the ransom to decrypt the encoded data contains these frustrating warnings

The cryptography algorithm used by Gero is AES-556. So, if your files got encrypted with a specific decryption key, which is totally distinct and there are no other copies. The sad reality is that it is impossible to recover the information without the unique key available.

In case if Gero worked in online mode, it is impossible for you to gain access to the AES-556 key. It is stored on a remote server owned by the frauds who distibute the Gero virus.

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 (gorentos@bitmessage.ch), or via Telegram.

Do not pay for Gero!

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

_readme.txt file also indicates that the computer owners must get in touch with the Gero representatives during 72 hours starting from the moment of files where crypted. On the condition of getting in touch within 72 hours users will be granted a 50% rebate, thus the ransom amount will be minimized down to $490). However, stay away from paying the ransom!

I certainly advise that you do not contact these crooks and do not pay. The one of the most real working solution to recover the lost data – just using the available backups, or use STOPDecrypter tool.

The peculiarity of all such viruses apply a similar set of actions for generating the unique decryption key to recover the ciphered data.

Thus, unless the ransomware is still under the stage of development or possesses with some hard-to-track flaws, manually recovering the ciphered data is a thing you can’t really perform. The only solution to prevent the loss of your valuable data is to regularly make backups of your crucial files.

Note that even if you do maintain such backups regularly, they ought to be put into a specific location without loitering, not being connected to your main workstation.

For instance, the backup may be kept on the USB flash drive or some alternative external hard drive storage. Optionally, you may refer to the help of online (cloud) information storage.

Needless to mention, when you maintain your backup data on your common device, it may be similarly ciphered as well as other data.

For this reason, locating the backup on your main computer is surely not a wise idea.

How I was infected?

Gero has a various methods to built into your system. But it doesn’t really matter what concrete method was used in your case.

Gero ransomware attack following a successful phishing attempt.

The message by the Gero ransomware states the following frustrating 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-2P5WrE5b9f
 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:
 gorentos@bitmessage.ch
  
 Reserve e-mail address to contact us:
 gorentos2@firemail.cc
  
 Our Telegram account:
 @datarestore
 Mark Data Restore
 
Your personal ID:
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

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

Example of crypted .gero files

How to remove Gero virus?

In addition to encode a victim’s files, the Gero virus has also started to install the Azorult Spyware on PC to steal account credentials, cryptocurrency wallets, desktop files, and more.

Reasons why I would recommend GridinSoft²

The is an excellent way to deal with recognizing and removing threats – using Gridinsoft Anti-Malware. This program will scan your PC, find and neutralize all suspicious processes³.

Download Removal Tool.

You can download GridinSoft Anti-Malware by clicking the button below:

Run the setup file.

When setup file has finished downloading, double-click on the install-antimalware-fix.exe file to install GridinSoft Anti-Malware on your PC.

An User Account Control asking you about to allow GridinSoft Anti-Malware to make changes to your device. So, you should click “Yes” to continue with the installation.

Press “Install” button.

Once installed, Anti-Malware will automatically run.

Wait for the Anti-Malware scan to complete.

GridinSoft Anti-Malware will automatically start scanning your system for Gero infections and other malicious programs. This process can take a 20-30 minutes, so I suggest you periodically check on the status of the scan process.

Click on “Clean Now”.

When the scan has finished, you will see the list of infections that GridinSoft Anti-Malware has detected. To remove them click on the “Clean Now” button in right corner.

How to decrypt .gero files?

Encryption specialist Michael Gillespie (USA) managed to create his decoder for some versions and variants of this family ransomware (Hese, Hese, Carote, and others).

It work when the Gero infection used an offline key for encryption.

You can download free decryption tool here: STOPDecrypter. This tool includes a BruteForcer just for variants which use XOR encryption, a simple symmetric cipher that is relatively easy to break. The decrypter tool requires victims to provide an encrypted and original file pair greater than 150KB.

Download STOPDecrypter tool:

Extract STOPDecrypter tool to your Desktop folder:

Run STOPDecrypter tool:

Remember: STOPDecrypter should be run as an Administrator from the Desktop.

Select your folder and press “Decrypt” button:

What the next?

If the guide doesn’t help you to remove Gero infection, please download the GridinSoft Anti-Malware that I recommended. Also, you can always ask me in the comments for getting help. Good luck!

1. Twitter: https://twitter.com/demonslay335
2. GridinSoft Anti-Malware Review from HowToFix site: https://howtofix.guide/gridinsoft-anti-malware/
3. More information about GridinSoft products: https://gridinsoft.com/comparison