What to do if your Computer Has Gamigin Ransomware

What is Ransomware?

Ransomware is a type of malware that prevents an infected computer from booting up and displays a message demanding payment in order to restore access. This type of malware will generally show how the user's files have been encrypted and demand a ransom in order to provide the decryption key. Organizations such as hospitals, businesses and police departments have been subject to ransomware attacks.

How Does Ransomware Spread?

Ransomware spreads by infecting an individual's computer via a trojan download, a computer worm or malware. Once the malware has infected the computer, it encrypts the user's files and then demands payment in order to provide decryption keys.

Ransomware can also be spread using malicious websites that may have been programmed to disseminate fake updates for security software. This prevents the user from being able to pay in order to restore access to their files and is another way that ransomware can spread.

How Does Gamigin Ransomware Work?

Gamigin Ransomware uses a combination of four tactics to spread. Gamigin Ransomware takes advantage of spam emails, which can be delivered to an individual's inbox in the form of a malicious email attachment. Gamigin Ransomware exploits vulnerabilities in Microsoft Windows and Adobe Flash Player, when it visits compromised websites that are designed to infect visitors with Gamigin ransomware (Gamigin is the name of the ransomware). Gamigin also has an exploit kit that contains exploits for specific vulnerabilities in Windows and other software so Gamgin Ransomware is able to infect computers without being detected by antivirus software or security programs. Lastly, Gamgamins uses social engineering techniques such as sending out fake security notifications, deceiving users into visiting malicious sites that pretend to be online services and participating in fraudulent surveys.

Once Gamigin Ransomware has infected a computer, it will begin encrypting files with the following file types: .jpg, .jpeg,.jpe,.txt,.docx,.doc,.odt,.xlsx, .xlsb, .pptx, and .pptm. It is important to note that this ransomware will not encrypt files located in compressed folders such as .rar or .zip files. After the user's files have been encrypted they will receive a pop-up window which states that their files have been encrypted and provides instructions on how to pay the ransom.

Since Gamgimin Ransomware can be quite invasive and destructive, it is best to remove this ransomware and its components as soon as possible after an infection has occurred.

How to Remove Gamigin Ransomware

If you have been infected with Gamigin Ransomware, it is highly recommended that you remove it and its components as soon as possible.

To remove Gamigin Ransomware from your computer, please follow the instructions below:
-Please make a backup of any files that are currently unencrypted by Gamigin Ransowmare before removing the ransomware (you may need them later if you cannot restore your files).
-Perform a complete scan of your computer for other malware with an antivirus software application. The last thing that you want is to leave more malware on your system.
-If necessary, restore encrypted documents and files back to their original state by downloading them from a cloud storage service or from a reliable backup file.
-Reboot your computer in Safe Mode. If your computer will not start in Safe Mode, you may also reboot the computer and boot it up while holding down the F8 key until Windows Advanced Options menu appears. Select Safe Mode with Networking from the list of options that appear and click OK to continue.

-After rebooting, please run a full disk malware scan or a virus scan with a trusted anti-malware tool.

-Please remove Gamigin Ransomware files from the affected directories (such as your Documents, Downloads, Desktop, Recent Items and so on). If you cannot locate these folders on your system, it is best to delete all of them to avoid an incomplete removal.

How to Protect My Computer From Ransomware

Ransomware is a type of malware that blocks access to your computer and demands a payment, usually in Bitcoin, for you to regain control. This malicious software typically targets your files or data on your devices. If malware encrypts data on an infected device, you may get messages demanding payments before the users can access anything.

The best way to protect yourself from ransomware is not get it in the first place. To avoid ransomware and other dangerous software:

1. Don't open email attachments from people you don't know.

2. Don't click on unexpected websites or links in email messages.

3. On non-Windows devices, do not install software or apps from sources other than the official store. Source: Microsoft.

4. Back up important data and store it offline.