Grethen Ransomware Removal Guide

Grethen Ransomware is a new threat from the Scarab Ransomware family. This malicious application not only encrypts files but also changes their titles and adds the .[grethen@tuta.io] extension to them. Soon after enciphering files, the malware ought to display a ransom note, which ought to claim a victim needs to pay a ransom if he wishes to get decryption tools that would help restore affected files. As always, we recommend considering this option with caution as there is a chance hackers could scam you. Of course, for users who have no intention to pay the ransom and risk their money, we advise deleting Grethen Ransomware with the instructions given below or a reliable antimalware tool of their preferences. As for learning more about the malicious application, we invite you to read our full report.

First, we wish to discuss where Grethen Ransomware might come from. Our specialists report that the malware might be spread through vulnerabilities, such as unsecured RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol) connections or Spam emails carrying malicious attachments or links. Users should always keep away from content all content that they are not sure about. In other words, if you are not entirely certain the received attachment or link is safe to interact with, you should not do so.

In case you are tempted to open questionable files, you should scan them with a reliable antimalware tool first if you do not want to end up infecting your system with threats like Grethen Ransomware accidentally. However, it is best not to give in to curiosity. Hackers are fully aware that giving curious titles to infected files or sending them with messages urging to open them works on some users. Thus, instead of rushing, you should always take your time. Also, to avoid such threats, you should take care of all vulnerabilities that your system could have like weak passwords or outdated programs.

Grethen Ransomware should create a file called osk.exe or similarly in the %APPDATA% directory to settle in. Then, the malware ought to start encrypting files that could be precious to the infected computer’s owner, for example, pictures, photos, documents, and so on. Each file that gets encrypted should receive a new name made from random characters and the .[grethen@tuta.io] extension, for example, a=w+gRxuQnccYxoc+Alxyb.[grethen@tuta.io]. Next, the threat ought to create a ransom note (READ ME.TXT) that should be dropped in each directory containing enciphered files.

In exchange for sending decryption tools that could restore such files, the hackers demand to pay a ransom. The sum is not mentioned in the ransom note, but it is explained it should be paid in Bitcoins and that the price might depend on how was the victim contacts the malware’s creators. Nonetheless, we urge you not to rush and consider this proposal carefully. There is a chance you could get tricked, in which case your money would be lost in vain. Provided, you do not want to risk it happening, we advise deleting Grethen Ransomware instead.

There is a way to remove Grethen Ransomware manually, and if you want to learn how, you should follow the instructions located at the end of this article. The other way to get rid of this malicious application is to get a reliable security tool, scan your computer with it, and then click its provided deletion button to eliminate all identified malware at once.

Get rid of Grethen Ransomware

1. Tap Ctrl+Alt+Delete.
2. Pick Task Manager.
3. Select the Processes tab.
4. Look for a process associated with the malware.
5. Select the process and click End Task.
6. Leave Task Manager.
7. Tap Win+E.
8. Go to these locations:
   %TEMP%
   %USERPROFILE%\Downloads
   %USERPROFILE%\Desktop
9. Find the malicious file opened before the system got infected, right-click it, and select Delete.
10. Search for files named READ ME.TXT, right-click them, and select Delete.
11. Check this location: %APPDATA%
12. See if you can find the malware’s copy called osk.exe or similarly, right-click it and choose Delete.
13. Close File Explorer.
14. Empty Recycle Bin.
15. Restart the computer.