Remove GKICKG Ransomware

GKICKG ransomware is a newly discovered cyber threat that encrypts files and demands ransom payments for decryption. This ransomware primarily targets businesses, threatening to leak sensitive company data if demands are not met. It operates as a double-extortion ransomware, encrypting files and exfiltrating confidential data such as network credentials, financial documents, and employee records. Victims are instructed to contact the attackers via email to negotiate payment.

What Does GKICKG Ransomware Do?

Once executed, GKICKG encrypts files and appends a unique ID followed by the “.GKICKG” extension to affected files. It also drops a ransom note titled “README.TXT”, warning victims against using antivirus tools or third-party decryption solutions, claiming these actions could lead to permanent data loss. The note also includes threats of reputational damage and further cyberattacks if the ransom is not paid.

GKICKG Ransomware Overview

Attribute	Details
Threat Type	Ransomware, Crypto Virus, File Locker
Encrypted File Extension	.{victim’s_ID}.GKICKG
Ransom Note File	README.TXT
Attacker Contact Emails	data_guram@tutamail.com, guram24@onionmail.org
Detection Names	Avast (Win32:RansomX-gen [Ransom]), Combo Cleaner (Dump:Generic.Ransom.BlackLockbit.A.0E7059BC), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of Win32/Filecoder.OOW), Kaspersky (HEUR:Trojan-Ransom.Win32.Generic)
Symptoms of Infection	Encrypted files with a new extension, ransom note appearing, files becoming inaccessible, ransom demand messages displayed.
Damage Caused	Files are encrypted and cannot be accessed without the decryption key. Data theft and potential leaks. Financial loss due to ransom payment.
Distribution Methods	Phishing emails, malicious attachments, infected software downloads, pirated content, and backdoor Trojans.
Danger Level	Extremely High

GKICKG Ransom Note Text

Hello my dear friend (Do not scan the files with antivirus in any case. In case of data loss, the consequences are yours)
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: data_guram@tutamail.com
In case of no answer in 24 hours write us to this backup e-mail: guram24@onionmail.org
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...

What are the dangers of leaking your company's data.
First of all, you will receive fines from the government such as the GDPR and many others, you can be sued by customers of your firm for leaking information that was confidential. Your leaked data will be used by all the hackers on the planet for various unpleasant things. For example, social engineering, your employees' personal data can be used to re-infiltrate your company. Bank details and passports can be used to create bank accounts and online wallets through which criminal money will be laundered. On another vacation trip, you will have to explain to the FBI where you got millions of dollars worth of stolen cryptocurrency transferred through your accounts on cryptocurrency exchanges.

If you do not pay the ransom, we will attack your company again in the future.

Manual Ransomware Removal Process

Important: Manual removal is recommended only for experienced users, as incorrect actions can lead to data loss or incomplete removal of the ransomware. If unsure, consider the SpyHunter Removal Method for a guided, automated solution.

Step 1: Disconnect from the Internet

1. Immediately disable Wi-Fi or unplug the Ethernet cable to prevent the ransomware from communicating with remote servers.
2. This can prevent additional encryption or further infections.

Step 2: Boot into Safe Mode

For Windows Users

1. Windows 10/11:
   • Press Windows + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.
   • Under the Boot tab, select Safe boot and check Network.
   • Click Apply, then OK, and restart your PC.
2. Windows 7/8:
   • Restart your PC and press F8 repeatedly before Windows starts.
   • Select Safe Mode with Networking and press Enter.

For Mac Users

1. Restart your Mac and hold the Shift key immediately after the startup chime.
2. Release the key when the Apple logo appears.
3. Your Mac will boot in Safe Mode.

Step 3: Identify and Terminate Malicious Processes

Windows

1. Open Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
2. Look for unusual processes consuming high CPU or memory.
3. Right-click on the suspicious process and select End Task.

Mac

1. Open Activity Monitor (Finder > Applications > Utilities > Activity Monitor).
2. Look for unknown or high-resource-consuming processes.
3. Select the suspicious process and click Force Quit.

Step 4: Delete Ransomware Files

Windows

1. Open File Explorer and navigate to:
   • C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Local
   • C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Roaming
   • C:\Windows\System32
2. Identify and delete suspicious files (randomly named or recently modified items).
3. Clear temporary files:
   • Press Windows + R, type %temp%, and hit Enter.
   • Delete all files in the Temp folder.

Mac

1. Open Finder and select Go > Go to Folder.
2. Type ~/Library/Application Support and check for unfamiliar files or folders.
3. Remove unknown .plist files from ~/Library/LaunchAgents.

Step 5: Remove Ransomware Entries from Registry or System Settings

Windows

1. Press Windows + R, type regedit, and hit Enter.
2. Navigate to:
   • HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software
   • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software
3. Identify and delete ransomware-related registry entries.

Mac

1. Open System Preferences > Users & Groups.
2. Select the Login Items tab and remove any unknown startup programs.
3. Check ~/Library/Preferences for malicious settings.

Step 6: Restore System Using a Backup or Restore Point

Windows

1. Press Windows + R, type rstrui, and press Enter.
2. Choose a restore point from before the infection and proceed.

Mac

1. Restart your Mac and enter macOS Utilities by holding Command + R.
2. Select Restore from Time Machine Backup and restore a safe backup.

Step 7: Attempt to Decrypt Files

• Check No More Ransom (www.nomoreransom.org) for available decryption tools.
• If unavailable, restore files from backups.

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Automated Ransomware Removal with SpyHunter

If manual removal is too complex or risky, SpyHunter offers a safer, automated method for detecting and removing ransomware.

Step 1: Download SpyHunter

• Get SpyHunter from the official Enigma Software website.

Step 2: Install SpyHunter

1. Open the downloaded file (SpyHunter-Installer.exe or .dmg for Mac users).
2. Follow the installation prompts.
3. Launch SpyHunter upon completion.

Step 3: Run a Full System Scan

1. Click Start Scan Now to detect malware and ransomware.
2. Wait for the scan to complete and review detected threats.

Step 4: Remove Detected Ransomware

1. Click Fix Threats to remove identified ransomware components.
2. SpyHunter will clean your system automatically.

Step 5: SpyHunter’s Custom Malware HelpDesk

1. If ransomware persists, use SpyHunter’s Malware HelpDesk for custom malware fixes.

Step 6: Restore Files

• Use backups stored on external drives or cloud storage.
• If no backup is available, check No More Ransom for decryption tools.

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Preventing Future Ransomware Attacks

• Keep backups: Use cloud storage or an external hard drive.
• Install a reliable security tool: SpyHunter offers real-time protection against malware.
• Enable Windows Defender or Mac security features for additional protection.
• Avoid phishing emails and unknown attachments.
• Regularly update Windows, macOS, and installed applications.

Conclusion

GKICKG ransomware is a highly dangerous cyber threat that can have devastating effects on organizations. It encrypts critical files, steals sensitive business data, and threatens companies with public exposure of their stolen information. Since decryption without the attacker's key is nearly impossible, the best protection against GKICKG is prevention—implementing strong cybersecurity measures and maintaining secure backups.