Gr3g Ransomware Removal Guide

Do you know what Gr3g Ransomware is?

Gr3g Ransomware is a newer variant of the infamous Yyto Ransomware that was first discovered in spring 2017. This malicious threat might be unique in some ways, but it is not much different than all other malicious ransomware threats that have been terrorizing Windows users in the past few years. These threats are always targeted at vulnerable systems, and their main tasks include encrypting files and creating ransom notes. In some cases, these notes are introduced to users via screen-locking windows, but, in most cases, they are represented via files created by ransomware. Our research team at Anti-Spyware-101.com has discovered the ransom note, but there are still many questions that need to be answered. If the devious file-encrypting threat has already invaded your system and you need to delete it, check out the Gr3g Ransomware removal tips below. If you are researching the threat to familiarize yourself with it, take note that this article is likely to be updated in the future.

The malicious Gr3g Ransomware is named after the unique extension that is attached to the files when they are encrypted by this particular variant. This extension, of course, is “.gr3g”. At the time of research, it was not yet discovered which encryption method the ransomware employs, but the chances are that it is very strong and that if files are encrypted, nothing and no one will be able to free them for you. That is exactly what the creator of the ransomware wants because if you cannot recover your files yourself, you are likely to be more inclined to follow the instructions presented by cyber crooks. This is why it is so important to back up data. We suggest backing up files on external drives or using cloud storage because that is the most sure way to keep your files safe. Of course, you should connect to your backups after you delete Gr3g Ransomware because you do not want this threat encrypting backups as well!

The ransom note that users are introduced to by Gr3g Ransomware is pretty intimidating. First of all, you are given an ultimatum to decrypt files within 96 hours. Next, you are instructed to email cyber crooks at libbywovas@dr.com, but only using Yahoo Mail, Gmail, or Mail.com services. In case no response was issued, you are introduced to email libbywovas@torbox3uiot6wchz.onion using Tor mail. Initiating communication with the creator of Gr3g Ransomware is the only thing you are told to do, and then you are supposed to “wait for further instructions.” What does that entail? Most likely, you would be asked to pay a ransom fee to get your files decrypted, but you must note one thing: Cyber criminals are not to be trusted! By emailing cyber criminals, you might be exposing your email address, which could allow them to flood you with spam in the future. By paying the ransom, you are likely to be losing money for no good reason because criminals will not give you what you need in return.

There is no question whether or not you should delete Gr3g Ransomware from your operating system. Of course, you should. Unfortunately, there is no way for you to encrypt files, and they will remain encrypted even if you erase the ransomware successfully. Erasing it successfully can be a challenge, especially if you choose to do so manually. It appears that the only component you need to erase is the .exe file with a random name. If it was downloaded without your notice, detecting it can be tough if not impossible. However, it is most likely that you let it in yourself, and so you should look for it in folders where you normally download new files (e.g., Desktop or Downloads). If you fail, you can always fall back onto anti-malware software that can also help you keep your system protected in the future.

Remove Gr3g Ransomware

  1. Identify the malicious {unique name}.exe file used by the ransomware.
  2. Select Delete to eliminate this launcher.
  3. Delete the ransom note files if they are created.
  4. Empty Recycle Bin to completely eliminate the malicious components.
  5. Install a legitimate malware scanner to scan the system for leftovers.

In non-techie terms:

It will not take long for you to realize that Gr3g Ransomware has invaded your operating system because this threat attaches a unique extension to all the files it encrypts. The files are encrypted so that you would email cyber criminals and, eventually, pay a ransom. That is not recommended because cyber criminals are not known for keeping their deals clean. If you paid the ransom, you would find that your files are still locked. Unfortunately, tools that could unlock them for you do not exist either, which means that if your files were encrypted, they might be encrypted forever. Deleting Gr3g Ransomware is crucial, and the sooner you take care of that, the better. Even though removing this threat manually is possible, we recommend using anti-malware software because of the protection it can provide you along with the automatic removal of existing threats.