Remove Gerkaman@aol.com Ransomware

How to Remove Gerkaman@aol.com Ransomware?

Reader recently start to report the following message being displayed when they boot their computer:

    Your computer has been encrypted by cryptographically strong algorithm.

    All your files are now encrypted. You have only one way to get them back safely – using original decryption tool. Using another tools could corrupt your files, use it on your own risk. To get original decryptor contact us with email. gerkaman@aol.com It is in your interest to respond as soon as possible to ensure the restoration of your files, because we won’t keep your decryption keys at our servers more than one week in interest of our security.

    PS. only in case you do not receive a response from the first email address within 48 hours, please use this alternative email address Johnycryptor@india.com

Are your files encrypted and inaccessible? Do they have some bizarre .gerkaman@aol.com.xtbl extension added to them? You’ve fallen victim to ransomware. Unfortunately, the Web is now infested with these file-encrypting infections. And, unfortunately, they are all extremely dangerous. What is on your PC is a brand new version of the infamous Troldesh/Shade Ransomware. We’ve already prepared numerous removal guides about various Troldesh infections. Hackers tirelessly work on these viruses and we come across a new one almost every day. Now, the key to ransomware’s success is actually very simple. These programs help hackers gain profit. They not only encrypt personal files but also demand a ransom. As you could imagine, hackers welcome such sneaky ways to make effortless money. This particular infection doesn’t deviate from the classic ransomware pattern. To begin with. it gets activated immediately after installation. The virus scans your computer and locates all your private files. Pictures, music, videos, Microsoft Office documents, etc. Anything of value the virus finds on board, it encrypts. That includes a huge variety of file formats – .mp3, .mp4, .avi, .rar, .zip, .jpg, .jpeg, .pdf, .png, etc. Obviously, most people keep some very important data on their PC systems. The ransomware encrypts it all. This pest could cause you great harm by denying you access to your files. It uses the RSA-2048 encryption algorithm and AES CBC 256-bit key. What this virus actually does is, it renames the target data. Ransomware replaces the original file extension with a malicious appendix. In this case –  Gerkaman@aol.com.xtbl. This extension only means one thing – you won’t be able to use your files anymore. Once your information gets locked, your computer will be unable to read it. As a result, your precious data will be unusable. To top it all, while locking your files, the virus also adds payment instructions. Don’t even for a second forget that ransomware is just an attempt for a cyber fraud. A nasty scam. A clever way for hackers to extort money from you. Hence, whatever ransom note the parasite displays, don’t pay anything. Hackers promise you a unique decryption tool which is supposed to free your files. However, cyber criminals aren’t exactly famous for following the rules. You might give away an immense sum of money and receive absolutely nothing in exchange.

How did I get infected with?

To put it shortly, you probably clicked something open which you should have ignored. The most popular infiltration method involves spam emails and email messages. Yes, this pest might have been sent straight to your inbox. Clicking a corrupted email open would set the parasite free so you have to be careful. It is much more difficult to delete a virus than to prevent installation. Therefore, delete what you don’t trust instead of opening. Ransomware often gets disguised as legitimate mail so it’s tricky. Keep an eye open for malware and pay attention. There’s nobody to blame when you end up compromising your own machine. Also, ransomware travels the Web with the help of a Trojan horse. That means you might have a lot more than just one infection on board. Check out the computer for malware. Other popular techniques are malicious torrents, corrupted ads, unreliable executables, etc. Make sure you protect your device and don’t be negligent online.

Why is Gerkaman@aol.com dangerous?

Thanks to the RSA-2048 key, your files are useless. The virus turns them into unreadable gibberish and holds them hostage. Then it starts playing mind games with you. You’ll find detailed payment instructions in all folders that contain encrypted data. Furthermore, the parasite may modify your PC wallpaper as well. This is all part of the plan to force the ransom notes on you all the time. The ransomware is aiming directly at your bank account. According to its ransom messages, you’ll only gain access to your data if you pay a ransom. You’re supposed to pay a hefty sum in Bitcoin (online currency) in exchange for a decryptor. The problem is, you would be making a deal with cyber criminals . They are only interested in gaining illegitimate revenue. Restoring your encrypted files is in no way part of the picture. As we mentioned already, rasnomware is trying to blackmail you. To prevent further harm, restrain yourself from paying the ransom. You shouldn’t sponsor hackers and you know it. Don’t let them deceive you and keep your Bitcoins. To delete the virus manually, please follow our detailed removal guide down below.

Gerkaman@aol.com Removal Instructions

STEP 1: Kill the Malicious Process

STEP 2: Reveal Hidden Files

STEP 3: Locate Startup Location

STEP 4: Recover Gerkaman@aol.com Encrypted Files

STEP 1: Stop the malicious process using Windows Task Manager

• Open your task Manager by pressing CTRL+SHIFT+ESC keys simultaneously
• Locate the process of the ransomware. Have in mind that this is usually a random generated file.
• Before you kill the process, type the name on a text document for later reference.

• Locate any suspicious processes associated with Gerkaman@aol.com encryption Virus.
• Right click on the process
• Open File Location
• End Process
• Delete the directories with the suspicious files.
• Have in mind that the process can be hiding and very difficult to detect

STEP 2: Reveal Hidden Files

• Open any folder
• Click on “Organize” button
  
• Choose “Folder and Search Options”
• Select the “View” tab
• Select “Show hidden files and folders” option
• Uncheck “Hide protected operating system files”
• Click “Apply” and “OK” button

STEP 3: Locate Gerkaman@aol.com encryption Virus startup location

• Once the operating system loads press simultaneously the Windows Logo Button and the R key.

• A dialog box should open. Type “Regedit”
• WARNING! be very careful when editing the Microsoft Windows Registry as this may render the system broken.

Depending on your OS (x86 or x64) navigate to:

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run] or
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run] or
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run]

• and delete the display Name: [RANDOM]

• Then open your explorer and navigate to:

Navigate to your %appdata% folder and delete the executable.

You can alternatively use your msconfig windows program to double check the execution point of the virus. Please, have in mind that the names in your machine might be different as they might be generated randomly, that’s why you should run any professional scanner to identify malicious files.

STEP 4: How to recover encrypted files?

• Method 1: The first and best method is to restore your data from a recent backup, in case that you have one.

• Method 2: File Recovery Software – Usually when the ransomware encrypts a file it first makes a copy of it, encrypts the copy, and then deletes the original. Due to this you may try to use file recovery software to recover some of your original files.
• Method 3: Shadow Volume Copies – As a last resort, you can try to restore your files via Shadow Volume Copies. Open the Shadow Explorer part of the package and choose the Drive you want to recover. Right click on any file you want to restore and click Export on it.