About Gooolag virus: What is it and how to Remove it Correctly?
Ransomware attacks cause enormous damage to many companies around the world. Fighting with Gooolag virus is dangerous and almost impossible because the virus can ultimately damage your PC, but this situation can be prevented.
Removing ransomware from your Windows computer, as we said before, is problematic because, after a hacker attack, it is harder to clean your PC and get your files back.
Ransomware can be removed easily, or it is not possible, considering the types of attacks. For example, scareware attacks can install malware, which can be easily removed. However, the most challenging problems are caused by file coders or encryption ransomware, which can encrypt a user's valuable files.
Even by removing the malware itself, access to the data will be encrypted. It turns out that hackers don't delete the user's files but hold the data hostage until they get their ransom.
Each file encoder is given a different encryption method, so simply deleting it won't work. Many varieties of the virus, such as Gooolag virus, can use enterprise-grade encryption, which is not crackable.
Use these proven methods that can prevent the spread of Gooolag virus.
What is Gooolag virus, and how does it work?
Gooolag virus is a popular type of malware with a built-in ransomware feature. Ransomware blocks all access to the PC system and offers the user to return their data for a ransom. The infection informs victims that each of their files will be lost forever.
When the Gooolag virus gets on the PC, it instantly infects the entire computer, encrypting essential data. A message appears on the computer, indicating the ransom amount and the hacker's address to transfer the money.
The Gooolag virus messages examples
- "Your files have been encrypted. Do you want them back? Please, Pay!"
- "If you want your files decrypted, you must pay $$$$,"
- "If you don't pay by the specified deadline, your data is gone."
Ways to Gooolag virus infect
The most common way to get infected at Gooolag virus is through malicious spam, an unwanted email message. It is this method that is considered malicious crossing over to the PC. Infected emails contain various traps like PDFs and Word documents, as well as links.
Additionally, keep in mind malvertising - the virus here hides in encrypted online advertisements. By clicking on such ads, the user reveals their information, and the hackers begin to collect it. Malvertising functions employ an infected iframe (invisible element).
Encrypted Gooolag virus files: what to do with them?
There are simply no free tools with services for decrypting encrypted files. The only way out of the situation is to pay a ransom, but this is not an option. Beforehand, it is worthwhile to perform file recovery to another computer from a backup copy. Remember, deleting Gooolag virus from your PC is very dangerous unless you want your files back.
There is no access to encrypted files until antivirus companies or virus creators release descriptors (a key to locked files).
What is a descriptor?
A descriptor is a specific systematization of the main parameters of a virus, which is in an encoded state. The encoding consists of a group of characters that start with a Latin letter followed by small Latin numbers or letters.
Gooolag virus: how to protect yourself?
- Always try to back up your data to protect your PC system in advance from Gooolag virus.
- Never visit or open spam (unknown emails).
- Regularly update your Windows operating system and its software.
- Use only strong passwords for your accounts.
- Keep anti-virus and firewall software active.
How to remove the light version of ransomware?
Method 1: Secure mode of the PC that must be connected to the network
First of all, boot your computer in safe mode, thereby preventing ransomware from running.
Windows Vista, XP, 7, 10
Restart your PC - press F8 on the start menu (before Windows logo appears) - Additional menu parameters will appear - enter Safe Mode with a network connection - click Enter.
Windows 8, Windows 8.1
Press Windows+R to bring up the RUN window - now enter command msconfig - OK - go to Boot tab - select Safe Boot and Networking options - OK - reboot computer.
Method 2: Use AVarmor
The antivirus program will find the malware and then remove it from your browser and PC.
First, you need to download AVarmor and run it. After the scan is complete, you need to select the found objects, which will be located in the Registry and Web Browsers tabs. Boldly delete each found object to clear your computer.
Protect yourself from Gooolag virus
It's important to prevent ransomware from accessing your PC in time. Back up your system and important files using local means, cloud storage, and external devices. Protecting your computer is greatly enhanced if you use AVarmor, which has a Gooolag virus protection feature.
Be vigilant and secure your PC, so you never get infected by dangerous ransomware.