The G-stars virus falls within the Phobos ransomware family. Malware of this type encrypts all the data on your computer (photos, text files, excel sheets, music, videos, etc) and adds its specific extension to every file, leaving the info.txt files in every directory with the encrypted files.

G-stars virus: what is known so far?

G-stars is a Phobos family ransomware-type virus.

The renaming will be executed by this pattern: id[xxxxx].[contact-email].G-STARS. During the encryption, a file named, for instance, “report.docx” will be altered to “report.docx.id[9ECFA84E-3442].[[email protected]].G-STARS”.

In every directory that contains the encrypted files, a info.txt text file will be found. It is a ransom money memo. Therein you can find information on the ways of contacting the racketeers and some other information. The ransom note most probably contains instructions on how to buy the decryption tool from the tamperers. You can get this decrypting software after contacting [email protected] via email. That is basically the scheme of the malefaction.

G-stars Overview:

The info.txt document accompanying the G-stars ransomware provides the following frustrating information:

Hello my dear friend
Your data is encrypted


Unfortunately for you, a major IT security weakness left you open to attack, your files have been encrypted.
The only method of recovering files is to purchase decrypt tool and unique key for you.
If you want to recover your files, write us to this e-mail: [email protected]
In case of no answer in 24 hours write us to this backup e-mail: [email protected]
Our online operator is available in the messenger Telegram: @Files_decrypt or hxxps://t.me/Files_decrypt
If there is no response from our mail, you can install ICQ software on your PC here hxxps://icq.com/windows/ or on smartphone from Appstore / Google Play Market search for \"ICQ\"
Write to our ICQ @Ransomware_Decrypt hxxps://icq.im/Ransomware_Decrypt/
Or download the (Session) messenger (hxxps://getsession.org) in messenger: 0569a7c0949434c9c4464cf2423f66d046e3e08654e4164404b1dc23783096d313 You have to add this Id and we will complete our converstion
Or download the Tox Chat (hxxps://tox.chat/download.html) in messenger: C20A4B4AC30BBF70E7F2340FC0F97B08FA58B6E041557ABBF29EAF82FED0C47D79239FA26B51
You must add this Id and write to us
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.
Contact us soon, because those who don\'t have their data leaked in our press release blog and the price they\'ll have to pay will go up significantly.


Attention!

 

Do not rename encrypted files.
Do not try to decrypt your data using third party software - it may cause permanent data loss.
We are always ready to cooperate and find the best way to solve your problem.
The faster you write - the more favorable conditions will be for you.
Our company values its reputation. We give all guarantees of your files decryption.


Sensitive data on your system was DOWNLOADED.
If you DON\'T WANT your sensitive data to be PUBLISHED you have to act quickly.


Data includes:
- Employees personal data, CVs, DL, SSN.
- Complete network map including credentials for local and remote services.
- Private financial information including: clients data, bills, budgets, annual reports, bank statements.
- Manufacturing documents including: datagrams, schemas, drawings in solidworks format
- And more...

In the image below, you can see what a folder with files encrypted by the G-stars looks like. Each filename has the “.G-STARS” extension added to it.

How did G-stars ransomware end up on my PC?

There is a huge number of possible ways of ransomware infiltration.

There are currently three most popular ways for hackers to have ransomware planted in your system. These are email spam, Trojan introduction and peer-to-peer file transfer.

If you access your mailbox and see letters that look like familiar notifications from utility services providers, postal agencies like FedEx, web-access providers, and whatnot, but whose sender is strange to you, beware of opening those letters. They are most likely to have a harmful file enclosed in them. Therefore, it is even more dangerous to download any attachments that come with emails like these.

Another option for ransom hunters is a Trojan horse scheme. A Trojan is an object that gets into your computer disguised as something different. For example, you download an installer of some program you want or an update for some service. But what is unpacked turns out to be a harmful program that encodes your data. Since the installation file can have any title and any icon, you’d better be sure that you can trust the source of the stuff you’re downloading. The optimal way is to trust the software companies’ official websites.

As for the peer networks like torrent trackers or eMule, the threat is that they are even more trust-based than the rest of the Internet. You can never know what you download until you get it. Our suggestion is that you use trustworthy websites. Also, it is reasonable to scan the directory containing the downloaded objects with the antivirus as soon as the downloading is finished.

How do I get rid of ransomware?

It is important to note that besides encrypting your files, the G-stars virus will probably deploy Vidar Stealer on your computer to get access to credentials to various accounts (including cryptocurrency wallets). That spyware can extract your logins and passwords from your browser’s auto-filling cardfile.

Remove G-stars with Gridinsoft Anti-Malware

We have also been using this software on our systems ever since, and it has always been successful in detecting viruses. It has blocked the most common Ransomware as shown from our tests with the software, and we assure you that it can remove G-stars as well as other malware hiding on your computer.

To use Gridinsoft for remove malicious threats, follow the steps below:

1. Begin by downloading Gridinsoft Anti-Malware, accessible via the blue button below or directly from the official website gridinsoft.com.

2.Once the Gridinsoft setup file (setup-gridinsoft-fix.exe) is downloaded, execute it by clicking on the file.

3.Follow the installation setup wizard's instructions diligently.

4. Access the "Scan Tab" on the application's start screen and launch a comprehensive "Full Scan" to examine your entire computer. This inclusive scan encompasses the memory, startup items, the registry, services, drivers, and all files, ensuring that it detects malware hidden in all possible locations.

Be patient, as the scan duration depends on the number of files and your computer's hardware capabilities. Use this time to relax or attend to other tasks.

5. Upon completion, Anti-Malware will present a detailed report containing all the detected malicious items and threats on your PC.

6. Select all the identified items from the report and confidently click the "Clean Now" button. This action will safely remove the malicious files from your computer, transferring them to the secure quarantine zone of the anti-malware program to prevent any further harmful actions.

8. If prompted, restart your computer to finalize the full system scan procedure. This step is crucial to ensure thorough removal of any remaining threats. After the restart, Gridinsoft Anti-Malware will open and display a message confirming the completion of the scan.

Remember Gridinsoft offers a 6-day free trial. This means you can take advantage of the trial period at no cost to experience the full benefits of the software and prevent any future malware infections on your system. Embrace this opportunity to fortify your computer's security without any financial commitment.

Trojan Killer for "G-stars" removal on locked PC

In situations where it becomes impossible to download antivirus applications directly onto the infected computer due to malware blocking access to websites, an alternative solution is to utilize the Trojan Killer application.

There is a really little number of security tools that are able to be set up on the USB drives, and antiviruses that can do so in most cases require to obtain quite an expensive license. For this instance, I can recommend you to use another solution of GridinSoft - Trojan Killer Portable. It has a 14-days cost-free trial mode that offers the entire features of the paid version. This term will definitely be 100% enough to wipe malware out.

Trojan Killer is a valuable tool in your cybersecurity arsenal, helping you to effectively remove malware from infected computers. Now, we will walk you through the process of using Trojan Killer from a USB flash drive to scan and remove malware on an infected PC. Remember, always obtain permission to scan and remove malware from a computer that you do not own.

Step 1: Download & Install Trojan Killer on a Clean Computer:

1. Go to the official GridinSoft website (gridinsoft.com) and download Trojan Killer to a computer that is not infected.

2. Insert a USB flash drive into this computer.

3. Install Trojan Killer to the "removable drive" following the on-screen instructions.

4. Once the installation is complete, launch Trojan Killer.

Step 2: Update Signature Databases:

5. After launching Trojan Killer, ensure that your computer is connected to the Internet.

6. Click "Update" icon to download the latest signature databases, which will ensure the tool can detect the most recent threats.

Step 3: Scan the Infected PC:

7. Safely eject the USB flash drive from the clean computer.

8. Boot the infected computer to the Safe Mode.

9. Insert the USB flash drive.

10. Run tk.exe

11. Once the program is open, click on "Full Scan" to begin the malware scanning process.

Step 4: Remove Found Threats:

12. After the scan is complete, Trojan Killer will display a list of detected threats.

13. Click on "Cure PC!" to remove the identified malware from the infected PC.

14. Follow any additional on-screen prompts to complete the removal process.

Step 5: Restart Your Computer:

15. Once the threats are removed, click on "Restart PC" to reboot your computer.

16. Remove the USB flash drive from the infected computer.

Congratulations on effectively removing G-stars and the concealed threats from your computer! You can now have peace of mind, knowing that they won't resurface again. Thanks to Gridinsoft's capabilities and commitment to cybersecurity, your system is now protected.

Sometimes racketeers would decrypt several of your files to prove that they indeed have the decryption tool. As G-stars virus is a relatively new ransomware, anti-malware designers have not yet found a method to reverse its work. However, the decoding instruments are frequently upgraded, so the solution may soon be available.

Understandably, if the tamperers succeed in encoding victim’s critical data, the hopeless person will probably fulfill their demands. However, paying a ransom does not necessarily mean that you’re getting your files back. It is still risky. After receiving the ransom, the racketeers may deliver a wrong decryption key to the injured party. There were reports of ransomware developers simply vanishing after getting the ransom without even bothering to reply.

The best solution against ransomware is to have a system restore point or the copies of your essential files in the cloud storage or at least on an external disk. Obviously, that might be not enough. Your most important thing could be that file you were working on when it all happened. Nevertheless, it is something. It is also advisable to scan your drives with the antivirus program after the system is rolled back.

There are other ransomware products, besides G-stars, that work similarly. For instance, Gaqq, Wayn, Kiqu, and some others. The two basic differences between them and the G-stars are the ransom amount and the method of encryption. The rest is almost identical: documents become encrypted, their extensions changed, ransom notes appear in each folder containing encrypted files.

Some lucky victims were able to decrypt the arrested files with the aid of the free tools provided by anti-malware experts. Sometimes the racketeers accidentally send the decoding code to the wronged in the ransom note. Such an extraordinary fail allows the victim to restore the files. But naturally, one should never rely on such a chance. Remember, ransomware is a criminals’ instrument to pull the money out of their victims.

How to avert ransomware injection?

G-stars ransomware has no superpower, so as any similar malware.

You can defend your computer from ransomware attack in several easy steps:

• Never open any letters from unknown mailboxes with unknown addresses, or with content that has likely no connection to something you are expecting (can you win in a money prize draw without participating in it?). In case the email subject is more or less something you are waiting for, check all elements of the dubious letter with caution. A hoax email will surely have a mistake.
• Never use cracked or unknown programs. Trojan viruses are often spreaded as an element of cracked software, possibly under the guise of “patch” to prevent the license check. Understandably, untrusted programs are very hard to distinguish from trustworthy software, because trojans may also have the functionality you need. You can try searching for information on this software product on the anti-malware message boards, but the best solution is not to use such software.
• And finally, to be sure about the safety of the objects you downloaded, use GridinSoft Anti-Malware. This program will be a perfect shield for your PC.

FAQ

Can I somehow access “.G-STARS” files?

Unfortunately, no. You need to decipher the “.G-STARS” files first. Then you will be able to open them.

I really need to decrypt those “.G-STARS” files ASAP. How can I do that?

If the “.G-STARS” files contain some really important information, then you probably have them backed up. Otherwise, you might try to employ System Restore. The only question is whether you have saved any Restore Points that would be helpful now. There are other ways to beat ransomware, but they take time.

Will GridinSoft Anti-Malware remove all the encrypted files alongside the G-stars virus?

No way! Your encrypted files are no threat to your PC.

GridinSoft Anti-Malware only deals with actual viruses. The malware that has attacked your PC is must be still functional and launching checks every so often to arrest any new files you might create on your PC after the attack. As it has already been said, the G-stars virus comes with the company. It installs backdoors and keyloggers that can take your account passwords by trespass and provide criminals with easy access to your PC after some time.

What to do if the G-stars ransomware has blocked my PC and I can’t get the activation code.

If that happened, you need to have a flash memory card with a pre-installed Trojan Killer. Use Safe Mode to perform the procedure. You see, the ransomware runs automatically as the system boots and encrypts any new files created or brought into your system. To stop this process – use Safe Mode, which allows only the vital applications to run upon system boot. Consider reading our manual on running Windows in Safe Mode.

And what should I do now?

Some of the encrypted files can be found elsewhere.

• If you exchanged your important files by email, you could still download them from your online mailbox.
• You may have shared photographs or videos with your friends or family members. Just ask them to post those images back to you.
• If you have initially got any of your files from the Web, you can try to do it again.
• Your messengers, social media pages, and cloud storage might have all those files too.
• It might be that you still have the needed files on your old PC, a notebook, cellphone, external storage, etc.

USEFUL TIP: You can employ data recovery programsBest Data Recovery Software Of 2023.' data-wpel-link="internal" target="_self" rel="follow">² to get your lost data back since ransomware blocks the copies of your files, removing the original ones. In the tutorial below, you can see how to recover your files with PhotoRec, but be advised: you won’t be able to do it before you kill the ransomware itself with an antivirus program.

How to Protect Your Computer from G-stars Ransomware

As cyber threats continue to evolve, ensuring the security of our computers has become more critical than ever. Malware, short for malicious software, poses a significant risk to our data, privacy, and overall online experience. Follow these simple guidelines to protect your computer:

1. Install a Reliable Anti-Malware Solution: Having a robust anti-malware software is your first line of defense against cyber threats. Gridinsoft Anti-Malware is an industry-leading solution that offers real-time protection, thorough system scans, and automatic malware removal. Its constantly updated database ensures it can detect even the newest and most sophisticated threats.
2. Keep Your Operating System and Software Updated: Regularly updating your operating system and software is crucial. Updates often include security patches that address vulnerabilities that cybercriminals may exploit. Enable automatic updates to ensure you stay protected.
3. Exercise Caution with Email Attachments and Links: Malicious emails often contain infected attachments or links that lead to malware-infested websites. Avoid opening suspicious emails or clicking on unknown links. Be especially wary of emails that urge you to take immediate action or provide sensitive information.
4. Use Strong Passwords and Enable Two-Factor Authentication: Strong, unique passwords are essential for protecting your online accounts. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) whenever possible to add an extra layer of security.
5. Avoid Sketchy Websites and Downloads: Stick to reputable websites for your downloads and avoid visiting suspicious or untrustworthy sites. Be cautious with free software downloads from unknown sources.
6. Secure Your Network with a Firewall: A firewall acts as a barrier between your computer and the internet, monitoring and blocking unauthorized access. Ensure your firewall is active and properly configured.

Why Choose Gridinsoft Anti-Malware?

Gridinsoft Anti-Malware is a powerful and user-friendly solution designed to keep your computer safe from malware threats like a G-stars Ransomware. Here are some of the key features that make it an excellent choice:

1. Comprehensive Malware Detection: Gridinsoft Anti-Malware uses advanced algorithms to detect and remove various types of malware, including the most evasive ones.
2. Real-Time Protection: The software provides real-time protection, proactively blocking threats before they can harm your system.
3. Regular Updates: Gridinsoft Anti-Malware's database is regularly updated to keep up with the latest malware trends and ensure maximum protection.
4. User-Friendly Interface: The software is easy to use, making it suitable for both novice and experienced users.
5. 24/7 Customer Support: Gridinsoft offers dedicated customer support to assist with any issues or questions you may have.

Securing your computer from malware is essential in today's digital landscape. By following best practices, such as installing a reliable anti-malware solution like Gridinsoft Anti-Malware, keeping your system up to date, and exercising caution online, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to cyber threats. With Gridinsoft Anti-Malware's robust protection and user-friendly interface, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing your computer is safe and secure. Stay vigilant, stay protected!

Gridinsoft Anti-Malware is a powerful and reliable anti-malware software that provides comprehensive protection against all types of cyber threats. Don't wait for G-stars Ransomware to strike—take proactive steps to safeguard your computer today!

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