Gandcrab 3 Ransomware Removal Guide

Gandcrab 3 Ransomware seems to be another version of a threat called Gandcrab Ransomware. It also encrypts user’s files with a strong encryption algorithm and asks to pay a ransom in exchange for decryption. As always, it would be advisable to refuse any demands since users could easily end up being scammed. If you keep reading the article, we will tell you more about the malware’s capabilities as well as the differences between it and the older version. More than that, to help users get rid of Gandcrab 3 Ransomware faster and easier our specialists have prepared recommended removal steps you should be able to find if you slide a bit below the article. Moreover, we encourage you to leave a comment below if you have more questions about the malicious application or need further assistance with its deletion.

The first version of Gandcrab 3 Ransomware was being distributed through unreliable web pages, which used JavaScript to check for vulnerable plugins the malware could exploit. However, it is possible the new malicious application might be distributed in a different way. Therefore, besides making sure your system does not have any vulnerabilities the infection could use to gain access to it we would also recommend watching out for doubtful Spam emails, untrustworthy file-sharing web pages, and so on. According to our specialists, the mentioned sources are still popular when distributing ransomware applications. As the saying goes, it is better to be careful than sorry, which is why we would advise considering using a reliable security tool too if you do not have it yet. Provided it is up to date such software could fight various infections and might stop them from causing you trouble.

Same as the first version, Gandcrab 3 Ransomware should kill processes like msftesql.exe, sqlagent.exe, sqlbrowser.exe, and so on, right after it enters the system. Its next step should be placing a copy of itself in the %APPDATA%\Microsoft location. Eventually, it might start encrypting user’s data as well. Our specialists say the malicious application can lock a lot of different file types. Unlike the older variant, which marked its damaged data with the .GDCB extension; Gandcrab 3 Ransomware marks it with the .CRAB extension, e.g., picture.jpg.CRAB. Once all of its targeted files get encrypted, the threat should place a ransom note in each directory containing locked data. The newer malware’s document should be titled CRAB-DECRYPT.txt instead of GDCB-DECRYPT.txt. Plus, besides opening it automatically after each restart, the infection may now change the user’s Desktop wallpaper. Of course, this threat should ask for payment too and same as with Gandcrab Ransomware or other malicious applications alike we would not recommend paying it since you could end up being scammed.

For those who encounter Gandcrab 3 Ransomware and do not want to risk losing their money for nothing, we advise you not to pay any attention to the ransom note. Simply remove the malware and start recovering your data with available backup copies. To erase the threat manually, you should complete the steps provided below this article. In case you would like to leave this task to a security tool, we recommend picking a reliable antimalware tool and scanning your system with it.

Get rid of Gandcrab 3 Ransomware

1. Tap Ctrl+Alt+Delete.
2. Select Task Manager.
3. Locate a particular process belonging to the malware.
4. Mark it and press End Task.
5. Exit Task Manager.
6. Press Win+E.
7. Locate the given directories:
   %TEMP%
   %USERPROFILE%\Desktop
   %USERPROFILE%\Downloads
8. Find a malicious file downloaded before the malware appeared.
9. Right-click the doubtful file and select Delete.
10. Then find this location: %APPDATA%\Microsoft
11. Look for a malicious executable file, e.g., wngtom.exe.
12. Right-click the file and select Delete.
13. Locate the ransom notes (CRAB-DECRYPT.txt).
14. Right-click them and press Delete.
15. Exit File Explorer.
16. Press Win+R.
17. Type regedit and press Enter.
18. Navigate to: HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
19. Look for a suspicious value name created by the malware.
20. Right-click it and press Delete.
21. Exit Registry Editor.
22. Empty your Recycle Bin.
23. Reboot the system.