GNS Ransomware

GNS Ransomware is a threat that enciphers valuable files, for example, photos and documents. Due to encryption, files can no longer be opened as they become unreadable. The malware’s creators have prepared a message that is shown after encryption via which they ask their victims to pay ransom to get decryption tools. As you see, encryption does not damage files but lock them. Therefore, they can be unlocked or decrypted, although the process requires a decryptor and a unique decryption key generated during the encryption process. We do not advise paying the ransom because there are no guarantees that you will get the promised decryption means. Thus, we recommend taking your time while thinking if you want to deal with hackers. We also recommend reading the rest of this article to learn more about the threat. You can find instructions showing how you could manually erase GNS Ransomware at the end of the text.

How could GNS Ransomware enter your system? The truth is that the malware could be spread through various channels. For example, cybercriminals could distribute it through unsecured RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol) connections. Knowing that many people have to use such connections to work from home remotely, such a scenario is quite likely. Also, it is still popular to send victims infected email attachments or links.

Thus, users should watch out for suspicious email messages from unknown senders. You should be cautious if you receive an email that appears to be coming from a reputable organization too, especially if it comes unexpectedly. As you see, hackers can forge email addresses and even copy standard email messages of various companies. Thus, it would be wise to check the sender’s details and the link in the message or scan the attachment with a reliable antimalware tool if you were not expecting to receive it. Of course, GNS Ransomware’s launcher could be uploaded onto file-sharing websites, so we highly recommend against visiting torrent and similar sites.

If GNS Ransomware enters a system, the malicious application ought to begin encrypting your pictures, videos, various documents, and other files that could be valuable. As you see, programs can be reinstalled, while files like photos could be irreplaceable if a user does not back up his data. To recognize encrypted files, users only need to look at their files’ names as they ought to have a second extension called .GNS, for example, second_chapter.docx.GNS. By the time all files are encrypted and have the mentioned second extension, the malware should create a text document containing the short version of the threat’s ransom note. It ought to be called FILES ENCRYPTED.txt or similarly. Its text should explain how to contact the hackers behind the malware. The file containing the full ransom note should be called Info.hta, and it should be launched after the encryption process so that users would notice the ransom note immediately.

The main GNS Ransomware’s note should say that you can decrypt all of your files with the decryption means that the malware’s creators can provide. It should also contain statements suggesting that hackers are willing to give the decryption tools only if you pay a ransom. The note we saw did not say how much a user would have to pay, but it explained how to contact the malicious application’s developers. Why do we think it could be a bad idea? The hackers may promise anything to convince you to pay, but there are no guarantees that they will deliver the decryption tools you need. Thus, if you pay the ransom, you risk losing more than your files.

If you think that dealing with the malware’s developers is too risky, we advise moving onto the treat’s removal. You might be able to delete GNS Ransomware manually if you follow the instructions we placed at the end of this article. However, we ought to stress that we cannot guarantee that they will work for everyone as the malware could have different variants. The other way to remove GNS Ransomware that should also be much easier is to scan your system with a reputable antimalware tool. Once the scan is done, you should be able to eliminate the ransomware and other identified items by pressing the deletion button.

Restart the computer in Safe Mode

Windows 8/Windows 10

1. Press Win+I for Windows 8 or open Start menu for Windows 10.
2. Click the Power button.
3. Tap and hold Shift, then click Restart.
4. Pick Troubleshoot and choose Advanced Options.
5. Go to Startup Settings and click Restart.
6. Click F5 to restart the PC.

Windows XP/Windows Vista/Windows 7

1. Go to Start, select Shutdown options, and pick Restart.
2. Click and hold F8 when the PC starts restarting.
3. Select Safe Mode with Networking.
4. Press Enter and log on.

Remove GNS Ransomware

1. Click Win+E.
2. Find these paths:
   %TEMP%
   %USERPROFILE%\Downloads
   %USERPROFILE%\Desktop
3. Locate the malicious application’s launcher (some suspicious file downloaded before the infection appeared).
4. Right-click it and select Delete.
5. Find these locations:
   %APPDATA%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup
   %ALLUSERSPROFILE%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup
   %ALLUSERSPROFILE%\Application Data\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup
   %WINDIR%\System32
   %APPDATA%
6. Locate files called Info.hta, right-click them and select Delete.
7. Find these specific Startup directories:
   %WINDIR%\System32
   %APPDATA%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup
   %ALLUSERSPROFILE%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup
   %ALLUSERSPROFILE%\Application Data\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup
8. Find suspicious executable files, for example, file.exe; right-click them and choose Delete.
9. Exit File Explorer.
10. Press Win+R.
11. Insert Regedit and click Enter.
12. Find the given directory: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
13. Search for value names dropped by the threat, e.g., {random title}.exe, right-click them, and select Delete.
14. Exit Registry Editor.
15. Empty Recycle Bin.
16. Restart the computer.