{"id":403974,"date":"2026-08-20T13:17:06","date_gmt":"2026-08-20T13:17:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/?p=403974"},"modified":"2026-08-20T13:17:06","modified_gmt":"2026-08-20T13:17:06","slug":"gagakick-ransomware","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/gagakick-ransomware\/","title":{"rendered":"GAGAKICK EXPOSED: .GAGAKICK Files, README.TXT, and ambulafixdata@zohomail.eu"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You open Documents the way you did yesterday. The first photo should still be <strong>1.jpg<\/strong>. The vacation shot should still be <strong>vacation.jpg<\/strong>. The invoice should still be <strong>invoice-2026.pdf<\/strong>. The tax sheet should still be <strong>taxes.xlsx<\/strong>. Instead every familiar name has a long ID in braces and a second ending tacked on. <strong>1.jpg<\/strong> is now <strong>1.jpg.{7C2BF3FF-1420-5C26-3CA4-12479033427D}.GAGAKICK<\/strong>. <strong>vacation.jpg<\/strong> is now <strong>vacation.jpg.{7C2BF3FF-1420-5C26-3CA4-12479033427D}.GAGAKICK<\/strong>. <strong>invoice-2026.pdf<\/strong> is now <strong>invoice-2026.pdf.{7C2BF3FF-1420-5C26-3CA4-12479033427D}.GAGAKICK<\/strong>. A small text file named <strong>README.TXT<\/strong> is sitting in the same folder, as if it has always belonged there.<\/p><div id=\"mwtad3419287732\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_309684--placement_400588\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"3957935887\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That is the trap, not a glitch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"mwtad2842240748\" class=\"mwtadp1 mwtadentity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 50px;margin-bottom: 50px;\"> \r\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\r\n     style=\"display:block; text-align:center;\"\r\n     data-ad-layout=\"in-article\"\r\n     data-ad-format=\"fluid\"\r\n     data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\"\r\n     data-ad-slot=\"7312657698\"><\/ins>\r\n <\/div><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This page is for the hour those names appear. It is not a miracle key. It is a map of the trap, so the note does not become your incident plan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1680\" height=\"860\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/gagakick-explorer.png\" alt=\"Documents after GAGAKICK. The unique ID, .GAGAKICK ending, and README.TXT are the tell.\" class=\"wp-image-403972\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/gagakick-explorer.png 1680w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/gagakick-explorer-300x154.png 300w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/gagakick-explorer-1024x524.png 1024w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/gagakick-explorer-1536x786.png 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1680px) 100vw, 1680px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Documents after GAGAKICK. The unique ID, .GAGAKICK ending, and README.TXT are the tell.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"mwtad1761722951\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_309747-ad_309691-placement_400589\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"9589536513\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Overview<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">GAGAKICK ransomware locks the files first. Then it keeps the old name and the old type, hangs a unique ID in braces on the end, and finishes with <strong>.GAGAKICK<\/strong>. In the sample used for this page, <strong>1.jpg<\/strong> becomes <strong>1.jpg.{7C2BF3FF-1420-5C26-3CA4-12479033427D}.GAGAKICK<\/strong>. Then it drops <strong>README.TXT<\/strong> and talks like a friend, a recovery desk, and a leak desk at the same time. The note is a storefront. It says your data is encrypted. It tells you the only method of recovering files is to purchase a decrypt tool and a unique key. It tells you to write <strong>ambulafixdata@zohomail.eu<\/strong>, wait 24 hours, then write <strong>ambulafixdata@onionmail.org<\/strong>. It tells you to add a Session ID. It claims sensitive data was downloaded, including credentials, manufacturing documents, private financial data, and personal employee details, and that unpaid cases get leaked. This page will not invent a wallet, an onion address, or a victim $ figure to finish a checkout the note never printed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you are staring at a pile of <strong>.GAGAKICK<\/strong> files and that text note, you are in a ransom incident, not a broken disk and not a Windows pop-up. The folder is the evidence. The note is a checkout. Stay with the folder, not with the script.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"mwtad905005872\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_309686-ad_309691-placement_400597\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"6935453015\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The first tell is the rename. In the sample used for this page, <strong>1.jpg<\/strong> becomes <strong>1.jpg.{7C2BF3FF-1420-5C26-3CA4-12479033427D}.GAGAKICK<\/strong>. <strong>vacation.jpg<\/strong> becomes <strong>vacation.jpg.{7C2BF3FF-1420-5C26-3CA4-12479033427D}.GAGAKICK<\/strong>. <strong>invoice-2026.pdf<\/strong> becomes <strong>invoice-2026.pdf.{7C2BF3FF-1420-5C26-3CA4-12479033427D}.GAGAKICK<\/strong>. <strong>taxes.xlsx<\/strong> becomes <strong>taxes.xlsx.{7C2BF3FF-1420-5C26-3CA4-12479033427D}.GAGAKICK<\/strong>. <strong>family.mp4<\/strong> becomes <strong>family.mp4.{7C2BF3FF-1420-5C26-3CA4-12479033427D}.GAGAKICK<\/strong>. You can still read what the file used to be. You cannot open it. Windows may call the type a GAGAKICK File and offer a useless choose an app box. An app cannot talk locked bytes back into a JPEG.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The second tell is the note. After the files are locked, the malware drops <strong>README.TXT<\/strong> into the same folders. README sounds like help. TXT is the type Windows already trusts enough to hand to Notepad. Put them together and the first English you can still read after the photos break is a sales flyer that also claims a leak. The flyer is meant to be opened. It is not meant to be trusted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"mwtad3650860421\" class=\"mwtadp3 mwtadentity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\"\r\n     crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script>\r\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\r\n     style=\"display:block; text-align:center;\"\r\n     data-ad-layout=\"in-article\"\r\n     data-ad-format=\"fluid\"\r\n     data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\"\r\n     data-ad-slot=\"5910219726\"><\/ins>\r\n<script>\r\n     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\r\n<\/script><\/div><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The body of that sample is a long pitch with a short checkout. Hello my dear friend. Do not scan the files with antivirus in any case. Your data is encrypted. A major IT security weakness left you open to attack. Purchase a decrypt tool and unique key. Write <strong>ambulafixdata@zohomail.eu<\/strong>. If there is no answer in 24 hours, write <strong>ambulafixdata@onionmail.org<\/strong>. Check Spam or Junk if you do not get an answer in more than 6 hours. Or download Session messenger and add this ID: <strong>052867b2b3f2004b4f94d5d401f41697e8c736be68d609c0f8a8a47c706570aa5e<\/strong>. You have to add this Id and we will complete our converstion. Contact us soon, because those who do not have their data leaked in our press release blog, and the price they will have to pay, will go up significantly. That is the costume. There is no printed ransom amount. There is no wallet. There is no onion site. There is no test decrypt with a $ figure attached. The note does not need extra theater. A locked folder of <strong>.GAGAKICK<\/strong> names, plus two inboxes, plus a Session ID, plus a leak list, is already a shop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That is the whole pitch. A locked folder of unique IDs and <strong>.GAGAKICK<\/strong> endings. A <strong>README.TXT<\/strong> file that greets you like a friend. Two ambulafixdata inboxes. One Session ID copied here exactly as printed. A leak threat covering credentials, documents, financials, and employee data. There is no public free decryptor known for this strain. There is no reason to mail those inboxes today because a text file told you to. There is no reason to add that Session ID. There is no reason to pay a $ amount someone later invents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The unique ID plus .GAGAKICK is the first warning<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Most lockers pick an extension so you notice the change in seconds. GAGAKICK uses two marks at once. First a unique ID in braces, the kind of string that looks like a ticket. Then <strong>.GAGAKICK<\/strong>. The extra cruelty is how readable the listing stays. You do not have to decode anything. You can still see <strong>1.jpg<\/strong> inside <strong>1.jpg.{7C2BF3FF-1420-5C26-3CA4-12479033427D}.GAGAKICK<\/strong>. You can still see the word vacation. You can still see the invoice year. The familiar words are still in the folder. The files are not familiar anymore.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The ID is not a gift. It is branding. It makes every locked file look tagged to you, as if a help desk already opened a case. Other machines get other IDs. The sample on this page uses <strong>{7C2BF3FF-1420-5C26-3CA4-12479033427D}<\/strong>. Your folder may show a different string inside the braces. That does not make this a different family. The last ending is still <strong>.GAGAKICK<\/strong>. The note is still <strong>README.TXT<\/strong>. The inboxes are still the same two ambulafixdata addresses. Keep the ID you actually have. Do not swap in the sample ID because it looks neater in a screenshot.<\/p><div id=\"mwtad1562287730\" class=\"mwtadp4 mwtadentity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\"\r\n     crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script>\r\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\r\n     style=\"display:block; text-align:center;\"\r\n     data-ad-layout=\"in-article\"\r\n     data-ad-format=\"fluid\"\r\n     data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\"\r\n     data-ad-slot=\"5910219726\"><\/ins>\r\n<script>\r\n     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\r\n<\/script><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That is why people lose the first hour. They reboot. They try another viewer. They strip <strong>.GAGAKICK<\/strong> off the end and expect Photos to open the file. They tell themselves Windows is just being Windows. A locker that keeps the old name inside the new name is counting on that delay. The delay is the product. While you argue with Photos, the note sits in the same folder and waits for the click.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Do not treat that readable name as a fix. Do not strip <strong>.GAGAKICK<\/strong> off the end. Do not delete the braces and the ID. Do not run a bulk extension fixer you found in an ad. The name is a label. The lock is in the content. Editing the label can make a later trusted tool have a harder time matching the file to what it was. Leave <strong>1.jpg.{7C2BF3FF-1420-5C26-3CA4-12479033427D}.GAGAKICK<\/strong> named as it is. Leave <strong>vacation.jpg.{7C2BF3FF-1420-5C26-3CA4-12479033427D}.GAGAKICK<\/strong> named as it is. Leave the locked copies as they are until you have a clean machine and a plan that does not start in a criminal inbox or a Session chat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"mwtad3632087755\" class=\"mwtadp5 mwtadentity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\"\r\n     crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script>\r\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\r\n     style=\"display:block; text-align:center;\"\r\n     data-ad-layout=\"in-article\"\r\n     data-ad-format=\"fluid\"\r\n     data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\"\r\n     data-ad-slot=\"8560433799\"><\/ins>\r\n<script>\r\n     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\r\n<\/script><\/div><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The extra ending also does advertising. Anyone who sees <strong>.GAGAKICK<\/strong> next to <strong>README.TXT<\/strong> can pretend they already have your case. A later fake helper will quote the extension back to you as if that were expertise. The extension is public. It is sitting in the folder. Quoting it proves nothing except that they can read a listing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">README.TXT is a sales floor, not a help file<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The ransom note is a plain text file with a name that sounds like documentation. <strong>README.TXT<\/strong> wants the first click after the panic. Plenty of real software drops a README. This one uses that habit against you. It is meant to be the first English you can still read when the photos will not open. Double-clicking it opens Notepad. That is why a panicked first click feels like opening the help page. It is not help. It is the demand, written so it looks official enough to follow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The filename is built to look like paperwork. README. A .TXT ending Windows already trusts. Paperwork in Notepad is easier to obey than a threat that looks like a threat. Keep the file on disk. Then close it. Do not treat it as a set of steps you should follow. Do not tidy the filename. Do not lowercase it to readme.txt when you write the incident down if your copy is <strong>README.TXT<\/strong>. Copy the name the way you would copy a serial off a stolen laptop. That string is how a responder matches this locker. It is not a coupon you redeem by mailing <strong>ambulafixdata@zohomail.eu<\/strong> or <strong>ambulafixdata@onionmail.org<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If the same text file is sitting in more than one folder, that is normal for this kind of locker. Lockers drop the same page in many places so you cannot miss it. Finding five copies is not five incidents. It is one incident with a loud flyer. Keep one clean copy as evidence. You do not need to open every copy. You do not need to compare them in mail to those inboxes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The sample opens like a pal. Hello my dear friend. Then, in the same breath, it tells you not to scan the files with antivirus in any case, and that in case of data loss the consequences are yours. That is not care. That is how they keep the locker running while you read. A friend does not forbid the tool that would stop the encryption. A shop does. Read the greeting as a costume. Then keep the file. Then close it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Two ambulafixdata inboxes plus Session is the checkout<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"mwtad2497782613\" class=\"mwtadp6 mwtadentity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\"\r\n     crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script>\r\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\r\n     style=\"display:block; text-align:center;\"\r\n     data-ad-layout=\"in-article\"\r\n     data-ad-format=\"fluid\"\r\n     data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\"\r\n     data-ad-slot=\"4034304343\"><\/ins>\r\n<script>\r\n     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\r\n<\/script><\/div><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The recovery step in the sample is contact, not a tool you already own. If you want to recover your files, write us to this e-mail: <strong>ambulafixdata@zohomail.eu<\/strong>. In case of no answer in 24 hours, write us to this backup e-mail: <strong>ambulafixdata@onionmail.org<\/strong>. Check Spam or Junk if you do not get an answer in more than 6 hours. Or download Session messenger and add a long ID. That is the whole door. It looks like support because support uses mail and chat. Criminal shops use mail and chat too, because an inbox is where a leak claim becomes a countdown they never printed as a $ amount.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Session line is copied here exactly as printed: <strong>052867b2b3f2004b4f94d5d401f41697e8c736be68d609c0f8a8a47c706570aa5e<\/strong>. This page will not invent a different ID, and it will not leave a fake blank where the sample already had a string. Do not add that ID. Do not install Session for this. Do not paste the string into a search bar just to see if it is real. They already chose the note name. They already chose the ending. Visiting their chat does not make you a verified customer. It makes you a person still following the flyer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The two inboxes are the same shop in two costumes. Zoho Mail looks like a company. Onionmail looks like a backup for people who think the first address died. A 24-hour wait is not a service level. It is a timer that trains you to send a second message. A 6-hour Spam check is not courtesy. It is how they keep you refreshing mail instead of leaving the checkout. Do not send the first mail. Do not send the backup mail. Do not help them prove the address still works.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This page will not invent a wallet address. This page will not invent an onion site. The sample used here does not print either one. If a later message adds a BTC line, a $ figure, or a hidden website the original <strong>README.TXT<\/strong> never showed, that is a second shop standing in the same doorway, or the same shop finishing the pitch in private. Do not complete their flyer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The leak list is a threat menu, not an inventory<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">GAGAKICK does not only say the files are locked. The sample says sensitive data on your system was DOWNLOADED. If you do not want that data published, you have to act quickly. Then it lists a menu. Employees personal data, CVs, DL, SSN. A 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. That is double extortion in a list. You are supposed to feel two losses at once. The photos will not open. The private files, they say, are already in someone else&#8217;s hands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Treat the leak claim as a threat, not as a confirmed inventory. The flyer wants you to believe they already copied payroll, tax sheets, ID scans, client records, drawings, and every password on the network. Maybe they did. Maybe they copied junk. Maybe the list is a template they drop on every machine. You cannot audit their stash from Documents. You also cannot disprove it by mailing them. Opening Session does not give you a receipt of what they took. It gives them a visitor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If this is a home PC, tell the people whose files lived on it. If this is a company machine, tell counsel and your incident lead before anyone starts a private chat with <strong>ambulafixdata@zohomail.eu<\/strong>. A leak claim is a legal event as well as a technical one. The people who wrote <strong>README.TXT<\/strong> do not get to run that meeting. Do not send them a sample of confidential files to prove what they already claim they stole. That is how you hand them a second copy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The note then spends a long stretch on what a leak could mean. Fines. Lawsuits. Competitors. Repeat phishing against staff. Bank and identity abuse. Reputation. It even tells you not to go to the police or the FBI, and it threatens to attack the company again if you do not pay. That essay is pressure, not a lab report. It still prints no $ amount. It still prints no wallet. It still names no onion site. Do not let a scare story about government fines become a reason to fund the people who locked <strong>family.mp4<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">No printed $ amount, no wallet, no onion<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Plenty of lockers print a price so you can argue with a number. This sample does not. It says the price they will have to pay will go up significantly. It never says by how much. It never says 0.5 BTC. It never says $50,000. It never gives a wallet. It never gives a Tor page. The missing number is not a kindness. It is a shorter path to mail and Session. You are supposed to feel that waiting is already a mistake, even though no fuse was printed in hours except the 24-hour backup inbox and the 6-hour Spam check.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Do not add those missing pieces yourself. Do not invent a $ figure in your head and decide it might be worth it. Do not send a small file because a later message offered a test decrypt the original note never priced. Do not start a personal countdown because a forum post said they only wait two days. The published flyer did not print a price. Leave the price uninvented. Leave the wallet uninvented. Leave the onion uninvented.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There is no public free decryptor known for this strain. There is no reason to mail those inboxes today because a README told you to. There is no reason to add that Session ID. There is no reason to pay a $ amount someone later invents so the flyer looks complete.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"mwtad2768568264\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_309748-ad_309691-placement_400590\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"3906789406\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How The Attack Works<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The shop is simple once you stop reading it as a rescue. Lock the files. Keep the old names inside a unique ID and a <strong>.GAGAKICK<\/strong> ending. Drop a README that sounds like help. Greet the scared person like a friend. Forbid antivirus. Point them at <strong>ambulafixdata@zohomail.eu<\/strong>. Point them at a 24-hour backup inbox. Point them at Session. Claim stolen credentials, documents, financials, and employee data. Promise a press release blog and a higher price, without printing a $ amount. Skip the wallet. Skip the onion. Then wait for someone else to sell the missing string.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. The lock adds a unique ID and .GAGAKICK<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">GAGAKICK encrypts the files it wants as leverage, then rebrands them just enough to shock you and not enough to hide what they were. That is why <strong>1.jpg<\/strong> is still readable inside <strong>1.jpg.{7C2BF3FF-1420-5C26-3CA4-12479033427D}.GAGAKICK<\/strong>. The operators want you to inventory the damage late, not early. They want the first minutes to feel like a rename you can undo. A coded filename with no old name can shock you into stopping. A filename that still says invoice lets you keep clicking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If only one folder looks wrong, do not assume the rest of the disk is safe. Ransomware walks trees. It hits Documents, Desktop, Pictures, Downloads, and any drive letter it can reach, including a USB stick you forgot was plugged in. Unplug extra disks. Do not plug in a copy just to check. Checking is how the extra copy gets the same ID and the same <strong>.GAGAKICK<\/strong> ending.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Double-clicking a <strong>.GAGAKICK<\/strong> file does not bring the photo back. The thumbnail may already look broken, or it may still show a cached picture that is no longer the real bytes. Excel may ask for a workbook that is still sitting in the same folder, only the bytes inside are no longer a workbook. That broken open is the first proof. The second proof is <strong>README.TXT<\/strong> in the same listing. Together they are enough. You do not need a Session chat to confirm what you are looking at.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Leave <strong>1.jpg.{7C2BF3FF-1420-5C26-3CA4-12479033427D}.GAGAKICK<\/strong> named as it is. Leave <strong>vacation.jpg.{7C2BF3FF-1420-5C26-3CA4-12479033427D}.GAGAKICK<\/strong> named as it is. Leave <strong>invoice-2026.pdf.{7C2BF3FF-1420-5C26-3CA4-12479033427D}.GAGAKICK<\/strong> named as it is. Leave <strong>taxes.xlsx.{7C2BF3FF-1420-5C26-3CA4-12479033427D}.GAGAKICK<\/strong> named as it is. Leave <strong>family.mp4.{7C2BF3FF-1420-5C26-3CA4-12479033427D}.GAGAKICK<\/strong> named as it is. There is no safe suffix to strip. People who are used to other lockers will hunt for a short ending and then decide this is not ransomware because the ID looks like a Windows GUID. The ID is the design. The note name is the other half of the tell.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. README.TXT turns a break-in into a ticket<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once the files are locked, the malware needs a voice. <strong>README.TXT<\/strong> is that voice. It sits in the same folders as the locked files so the first sort puts help next to harm. You open it because it looks like the only thing that still speaks English, and because README is a word you have trusted since the first software install you ever ran.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The body is long enough to feel like a briefing and short enough to finish before a relative walks into the room. Encryption. Purchase a tool. Two inboxes. Session. A leak list. A warning not to rename files. A warning not to use third-party software. A warning not to work with intermediary companies. Notice what the note does not give you. It does not give you a company you can sue, a refund policy, or a way to prove the other side will ever send a key. It does not give you a $ amount. It does not give you a wallet. It does not give you an onion site. It gives you a tone that says this is already decided. That tone is the product. Read the file as a sales flyer. Then close it. Keep it on disk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Do not print the note and leave it on the kitchen table as if it were a bill. Do not photograph it and send it into a group chat with the files still attached. Do not rename it to GAGAKICK-help.txt so it looks tidier in a report. The ugly ordinary name is the identifier. Keep README. Keep TXT. A responder who sees that exact string next to <strong>.GAGAKICK<\/strong> can match this locker without guessing from a random ID in braces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Hello my dear friend is the first hook<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The sample starts with Hello my dear friend. Then it puts a warning in parentheses. Do not scan the files with antivirus in any case. In case of data loss, the consequences are yours. That pair is meant to freeze you. The greeting lowers your guard. The warning raises the cost of the one move that would stop more files from locking. You are supposed to feel cared for and blamed in the same sentence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Do not obey the parentheses. A ransom note does not get to set your security policy. Closing the note is not the same as running a random crack tool the flyer also forbids. The point here is simpler. The people who locked the files do not get a veto on a trusted scan after you have copies and a plan. They also do not get to tell you that data loss is your fault because you refused to sit still.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The greeting also travels. Search ads will recycle it. Commenters will paste it. A later GAGAKICK helper will recite hello my dear friend so they sound close to your Documents folder. Reciting a greeting is not a decryptor. It is proof they can read. Keep the line as an identifier when you describe the incident. Do not treat it as a relationship you have to continue by mail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. ambulafixdata@zohomail.eu is the first door<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The recovery step in the sample is an inbox. If you want to recover your files, write us to this e-mail: <strong>ambulafixdata@zohomail.eu<\/strong>. That is the whole first door. It looks like support because support uses mail. Criminal shops use mail too, because a thread is where a leak claim becomes a chat they control, and where a missing $ amount can finally appear in private.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Do not mail that address. Do not create a throwaway inbox just to see. Do not send a screenshot of Explorer to prove the lock. They already chose the ending. They already chose the note name. A photo of <strong>README.TXT<\/strong> sitting next to <strong>.GAGAKICK<\/strong> names does not make you a verified customer. It makes you a person still following the flyer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If someone later says they will talk to GAGAKICK for you through that same Zoho address, that is a broker pitch. Brokers need you in the same funnel. You do not owe them a seat. Report the incident through official desks. Let counsel decide if contact is ever required for a specific legal reason. That decision is not yours to make from the Documents folder at midnight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. ambulafixdata@onionmail.org is the 24-hour backup door<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The sample already plans for your first mail to go unanswered. In case of no answer in 24 hours, write us to this backup e-mail: <strong>ambulafixdata@onionmail.org<\/strong>. Then it tells you to check Spam or Junk if you do not get an answer in more than 6 hours. That is not a help desk with two shifts. That is a script that keeps you sending.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A backup inbox is useful to criminals. If the first address dies, the second one still harvests victims. If you are impatient, you send twice. If you are careful, you wait 24 hours and then send anyway, because the note told you waiting is how responsible people recover files. None of that is a reason to write. Silence is how you stay out of their queue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Do not treat Onionmail as more serious than Zoho, or Zoho as more legitimate than Onionmail. They are two labels on the same checkout. Do not send the second mail because the first one bounced. A bounce is not proof you should try harder. It is proof you should stop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">6. The Session ID is a chat they want you to start<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The sample also names Session messenger and prints an ID. The ID on the sample used for this page is copied here exactly: <strong>052867b2b3f2004b4f94d5d401f41697e8c736be68d609c0f8a8a47c706570aa5e<\/strong>. The note says you have to add this Id and we will complete our converstion. The spelling is sloppy. The intent is not. They want you in a chat they control, on an app that is harder to log than ordinary mail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Do not add that ID. Do not install Session for this. Do not ask a friend who already uses Session to add it for you. Do not paste the string into a search engine to see who else got hit. Searching a live chat ID is how copycats find you. Keep the string in the incident record. Then leave it alone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A later helper will quote the same ID back to you as proof they already called the crew. The ID is public. It is sitting in <strong>README.TXT<\/strong>. Quoting it proves they can read a note. It does not prove they can open <strong>vacation.jpg<\/strong>. If they ask you to add the ID so they can take over the chat, that is still the same shop, or a second shop using the same door.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">7. Stolen credentials, docs, financials, and employee data is the second punch<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After the lock, the note rests on a theft headline. Sensitive data on your system was DOWNLOADED. If you do not want your sensitive data published, you have to act quickly. Then comes the menu. Employee personal data, CVs, driver licenses, Social Security numbers. A complete network map, including credentials for local and remote services. Private financial information, including client data, bills, budgets, annual reports, bank statements. Manufacturing documents, including datagrams, schemas, drawings in solidworks format. Each line is chosen to hit a different fear. HR. IT. Finance. Engineering.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You do not need to argue with a text file about what they copied. You also do not need to prove them wrong by mailing a sample. The list is leverage. Maybe it is accurate. Maybe it is a template. Either way, sending them more files does not shrink the list. Adding them on Session does not get you an inventory. Paying a $ amount they never printed does not give you a deletion certificate you can take to court.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you later find copies of files on a cloud account, a mail draft, or a USB stick that was not mounted, those copies are not proof the criminals failed. They are copies you still control. Do not upload those copies to a stranger who offered to check whether they match the leak. Do not mail them to <strong>ambulafixdata@zohomail.eu<\/strong> as a test. The leak paragraph already wants that conversation. Do not start it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">8. The price will go up, with no printed $ amount<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The sample has no printed $ amount. It has no BTC line. It has no wallet. It has no onion checkout. What it has is a threat that the price will go up significantly, and that people who delay get named on a press release blog. Those missing numbers are not a kindness. They are a shorter path to mail. Other families use timers and proof so you feel managed. GAGAKICK skips the theater of a number and names the leak instead. You are supposed to feel that waiting is already a mistake.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Do not add those missing pieces yourself. Do not invent a $ figure. Do not invent a wallet because other ransomware families use one. Do not invent an onion site because other notes use Tor. Do not send a small file because a later message offered a test decrypt the original note never priced. Do not start a personal countdown because a forum post said they only wait two days. The published flyer did not print a price. Leave the price uninvented.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Silence is not rude here. Silence is how you stay out of their queue. A relative, an insurer, or an incident lead can still talk on a phone. The people who locked the files do not get a seat in that call. The people who claim they already downloaded employee data do not get a second copy through a test file you attached.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">9. Do not rename, do not use third-party tools, do not use intermediaries<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The sample spends extra lines on control. Do not rename encrypted files. Do not try to decrypt your data using third party software, it may cause permanent data loss. Never change the name of the files, and if you want to manipulate the files, back them up, or any problems are yours. Never work with intermediary companies because they charge you more money. Don&#8217;t be afraid of us, just email us. That last line is the tell. Every warning funnels you back to mail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some of those warnings accidentally rhyme with good advice, which is why they work. You should not rename locked files. You should not run a random decryptor from an ad. You should not hire a stranger from a search result who only wants a deposit. The note uses those truths as a leash. The leash ends at <strong>ambulafixdata@zohomail.eu<\/strong>. You can refuse the leash without doing the reckless things the note also forbids.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Do not let their intermediary warning become a reason to talk only to them. A broker who quotes <strong>README.TXT<\/strong> is not safer than the inbox. The original crew is not safer than a broker. Both want you in the market the ransomware created. Official reporting desks and counsel are not the intermediaries the note is trying to scare you away from. The note also tells you not to go to the police or the FBI. That line is for them, not for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">10. Third parties will sell a GAGAKICK conversation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After a ransomware incident, search results fill up with companies that say they can decrypt GAGAKICK or all <strong>.GAGAKICK<\/strong> files. Some of those shops are ordinary overpriced consultants. Plenty are a second scam. They will quote <strong>README.TXT<\/strong> so they sound close to the case. They will mention <strong>ambulafixdata@zohomail.eu<\/strong>. They will mention the Session ID. They will mention employee data and bank statements as if they already visited the original crew. They will ask for a sample file, a remote-access session, or a deposit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A demo that unlocks one file is not proof they can unlock the vacation photo. Anyone can open one junk file they control. Anyone can send you a Session screenshot that makes a shop window appear. A shop window is not Photos opening <strong>vacation.jpg<\/strong> again. If a later message skips the original note and asks for coin over ordinary mail, that is still the same market, or a copycat standing in the same doorway. Do not answer. Do not help them set a wallet the public copy never printed. Do not help them add the Session ID.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A real public decryptor, when one exists, shows up on an official project page that already existed before your incident. It does not need a Session chat. It does not need a $ send. It does not need you to mail <strong>ambulafixdata@onionmail.org<\/strong>. If the pitch is we can decrypt, pay us first, you are still in the market the ransomware created. There is no public free decryptor known for this strain. Until a trusted project publishes one, treat any site that says we already have the GAGAKICK key as a second sales pitch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">11. Payment and mailing those inboxes close nothing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Paying a stranger for a private key is not a guarantee. The people who send the note can take the money and disappear. They can send a string that only makes a decryptor show an error. They can come back later and lock the same machine again, still hanging a new ID and <strong>.GAGAKICK<\/strong> on the same names. A Session thread makes that outcome easier, not harder. You cannot leave a review on a chat ID.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Mailing their inboxes is the free version of the same dead end. There is no public free decryptor known for this strain. Starting a chat does not rebuild a JPEG. It only keeps you in their story while the rest of the disk still needs a real plan. Paying a $ amount they never printed in the original note is still a payment to the people who locked <strong>family.mp4<\/strong>. It still funds the next copy of the same locker. It still does not produce a warranty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If this is a company machine, tell counsel and your incident lead. If this is a home PC, tell the people whose files lived on it. Change passwords from a clean device, especially if the note claimed credentials for local and remote services were already taken. Watch bank and email alerts. Mailing <strong>ambulafixdata@zohomail.eu<\/strong> again is not useful work. Adding that Session ID is not useful work. It is the checkout, even when the original flyer never printed a wallet, an onion site, or a $ figure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"mwtad3977961894\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_309749-ad_309691-placement_400591\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"5354318971\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What To Do<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Do not pay. Do not email <strong>ambulafixdata@zohomail.eu<\/strong>. Do not email <strong>ambulafixdata@onionmail.org<\/strong>. Do not add the Session ID <strong>052867b2b3f2004b4f94d5d401f41697e8c736be68d609c0f8a8a47c706570aa5e<\/strong>. Do not invent a wallet, an onion address, or a $ amount to finish a checkout the note never printed. Do not send proof of payment. Do not send a test file. If you already opened <strong>README.TXT<\/strong> before you found this page, stop there. Do not pay a deposit to hold a key for anyone who quotes the note.<\/p>\n\n\n<ul class=\"stepsbox\">\n<li><a href=\"#rkill\"><strong>STEP 1<\/strong>: Use Rkill to terminate suspicious programs.<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#malwarebytes\"><strong>STEP 2<\/strong>: Use Malwarebytes to remove for Ransomware and Unwanted Programs<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#hitmanpro\"><strong>STEP 3<\/strong>: Use HitmanPro to remove Trojans and other Malware<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#adwcleaner\"><strong>STEP 4<\/strong>: Use AdwCleaner to remove Malicious Browser Extensions and Adware<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#eset\"><strong>STEP 5<\/strong>: Perform a final check with ESET Online Scanner<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#restore\"><strong>STEP 6<\/strong>: Restore the files encrypted by ransomware<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4 id=\"rkill\" class=\"mt_blue toch4\">STEP 1: Use Rkill to terminate suspicious programs.<\/h4>\n<p>In this first step, we will download and run Rkill to terminate suspicious programs that may be running on your computer.<\/p>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">RKill is a program that was developed at BleepingComputer.com that attempts to terminate known malware processes so that your normal security software can then run and clean your computer of infections. When RKill runs it will kill malware processes and then removes incorrect executable associations and fixes policies that stop us from using certain tools.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Download Rkill.<\/p>\n<p>You can download RKill to your computer from the below link. When at the download page, click on the <em>Download Now<\/em> button labeled <strong>iExplore.exe<\/strong>. We are downloading a renamed version of Rkill (iExplore.exe) because some malware will not allow processes to run unless they have a certain filename. <\/p>\n  \n<div class=\"mwt_download_box\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bleepingcomputer.com\/download\/rkill\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-160643 mwt_product_icon_logo\" title=\"Malwarebytes Icon\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/RKill-Icon.png\" alt=\"RKILL Logo\" width=\"40\" height=\"40\"\/><\/figure>\n<strong>RKILL DOWNLOAD LINK<\/strong><\/a><br \/><em>(The above link will open a new page from where you can download Rkill)<\/em><\/div>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Run RKill.<\/p>\n<p>After downloading, double-click the <strong>iExplore.exe<\/strong> icon to kill malicious processes. In most cases, downloaded files are saved to the&nbsp;<em>Downloads<\/em> folder.<br \/>The program may take some time to search for and end various malware programs.<\/p>\n<figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-160644 alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/RKILL-2.jpg\" alt=\"RKILL Window\" width=\"800\" height=\"438\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/RKILL-2.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/RKILL-2-300x164.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure><p><\/p>\n<p>When it is finished, the black window will close automatically and a log file will open. Do not restart your computer. Proceed to the next step in this guide.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n<h4 id=\"malwarebytes\" class=\"mt_blue toch4\">STEP 2: Use Malwarebytes to remove Ransomware and Unwanted Programs<\/h4>\n<p>In this second step, we will install Malwarebytes to scan and remove any infections, adware, or potentially unwanted programs that may be present on your computer.<\/p>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Malwarebytes<\/strong> is one of the most popular and trusted anti-malware tools for Windows \u2014 and it&#8217;s completely free for removing infections. It catches threats that many antivirus programs miss, including adware, browser hijackers, and trojans. Follow the steps below to scan and clean your PC in just a few minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Download Malwarebytes<\/p> <p>Click the button below to download the latest version of <strong>Malwarebytes for Windows<\/strong> from the official source. The free version is all you need \u2014 it will scan your computer and remove adware, browser hijackers, and other malicious software at no cost.<\/p> <div class=\"mwt_download_box\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" title=\"Malwarebytes Icon\" width=\"40\" height=\"40\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-81150 mwt_product_icon_logo\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/Malwarebytes-LOGO.png\" alt=\"Malwarebytes Logo\"\/><\/figure> <strong><a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/downloads\/MBSetup-076886.076886-consumer.exe\" onclick=\"window.open(&#039;https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/get\/malwarebytes-free&#039;);\">DOWNLOAD MALWAREBYTES FOR WINDOWS (FREE)<br \/>\n<\/a><\/strong><br \/><em class=\"small-text-disclaimer\">(The link opens in a new page where your download will start)<\/em><\/div><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li> <p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Install Malwarebytes<\/p>\n\n<p>When the download finishes, open your <strong>Downloads<\/strong> folder and <strong>double-click the MBSetup file<\/strong>. If Windows shows a <strong>User Account Control<\/strong> pop-up, click &#8220;<em>Yes<\/em>&#8221; to allow the installation.<\/p>\n\n \n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"975\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-285934\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM1.jpg 975w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM1-300x154.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 975px) 100vw, 975px\" \/><\/figure>\n \n\n \n  \n\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Follow the On-Screen Prompts to Install Malwarebytes<\/p> \n\n<p>The setup wizard will walk you through a few quick screens:<\/p>\n\n<ul>\n \n  <li>\n    <p>Choose where you&#8217;re installing the program \u2014 &#8220;<strong>Personal Computer<\/strong>&#8221; or &#8220;<strong>Work Computer<\/strong>&#8221; \u2014 then click <strong>Next<\/strong>.<\/p>\n    \n    <figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\n      <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"737\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM3-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-285953\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM3-1.jpg 737w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM3-1-300x204.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 737px) 100vw, 737px\" \/>\n    <\/figure>\n    \n  <\/li>\n  <li>\n    <p>Malwarebytes will now install on your device. This usually takes under a minute.<\/p>\n    \n    <figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\n      <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"759\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM4.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-285937\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM4.jpg 759w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM4-300x198.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 759px) 100vw, 759px\" \/>\n    <\/figure>\n    \n  <\/li>\n  <li>\n    <p>When installation is complete, the &#8220;<strong>Welcome to Malwarebytes<\/strong>&#8221; screen will open automatically.<\/p>\n    \n    <figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\n      <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"705\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM6-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-285951\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM6-1.jpg 705w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM6-1-300x213.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 705px) 100vw, 705px\" \/>\n    <\/figure>\n    \n  <\/li>\n  <li>\n    <p>On the final screen, click <strong>Open Malwarebytes<\/strong> to launch the program.<\/p>\n    \n    <figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\n      <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"749\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM5-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-285952\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM5-1.jpg 749w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM5-1-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 749px) 100vw, 749px\" \/>\n    <\/figure>\n    \n  <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Enable &#8220;Scan for Rootkits&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Before scanning, turn on rootkit detection so Malwarebytes can find even the most hidden threats. Click the <strong>Settings<\/strong> gear icon on the left side of the screen.\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"842\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM8.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-285942\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM8.jpg 842w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM8-300x214.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 842px) 100vw, 842px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the settings menu, find &#8220;<strong>Scan for rootkits<\/strong>&#8221; and click the toggle so it turns blue.\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"841\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM9.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-285943\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM9.jpg 841w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM9-300x214.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 841px) 100vw, 841px\" \/><\/figure>\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Done? Click &#8220;<strong>Dashboard<\/strong>&#8221; in the left pane to return to the main screen.\n\n <\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Start the Scan<\/p> <p>Click the blue <strong>Scan<\/strong> button. Malwarebytes will automatically update its virus database and start checking your computer for malware.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"849\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM10.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-285941\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM10.jpg 849w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM10-300x212.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 849px) 100vw, 849px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Wait for the Scan to Finish<\/p>\n<p>The scan checks your entire system for browser hijackers and other malicious programs, so it can take several minutes. Feel free to do something else \u2014 just check back occasionally to see the progress.<\/p>\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"842\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM11.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-285944\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM11.jpg 842w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM11-300x214.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 842px) 100vw, 842px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Quarantine the Detected Threats<\/p>\n<p>When the scan is done, you&#8217;ll see a list of everything Malwarebytes found \u2014 malware, adware, and potentially unwanted programs. Click the &#8220;<strong>Quarantine<\/strong>&#8221; button to remove all of them at once.<\/p>\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"844\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM12.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-285945\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM12.jpg 844w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM12-300x213.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 844px) 100vw, 844px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n<p>Malwarebytes will now remove the malicious files and registry entries and move them safely into quarantine.\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"842\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM13.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-285946\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM13.jpg 842w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM13-300x214.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 842px) 100vw, 842px\" \/><\/figure>\n <\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n  <p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Restart Your Computer<\/p>\n  <p>Some threats can only be fully removed after a reboot. If Malwarebytes asks you to restart, click <strong>Yes<\/strong>. Once you&#8217;re logged back in, your PC is clean and you can continue with the next steps in this guide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"844\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM14.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-285947\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM14.jpg 844w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM14-300x213.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 844px) 100vw, 844px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n<h4 id=\"hitmanpro\" class=\"mt_blue toch4\">STEP 3: Use HitmanPro to remove Rootkits and other Malware<\/h4>\n<p>In this third step, while the computer is in normal back, we will download and run a scan with HitmanPro to remove Trojans, rootkits, and other malicious programs.<\/p>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>HitmanPro<\/strong> is a second-opinion scanner \u2014 it&#8217;s designed to catch what your main antivirus might have missed. Instead of relying on a single detection engine, it checks the behavior of files in the locations where malware usually hides. Anything suspicious gets sent to the cloud, where it&#8217;s analyzed by two of the best antivirus engines available: <strong>Bitdefender<\/strong> and <strong>Kaspersky<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Good news: <strong>scanning is completely free, with no limits<\/strong>. You only need a license when it&#8217;s time to remove what was found \u2014 and even then, you can activate a <strong>free one-time 30-day trial<\/strong> to clean your PC at no cost. (A full license is $24.95 per year for 1 PC.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Download HitmanPro<\/p>\n<p>Click the button below to download <strong>HitmanPro<\/strong>. Remember \u2014 the scan is free, so you have nothing to lose by checking your PC.<\/p>\n<div class=\"mwt_download_box\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-81147 alignleft mwt_product_icon_logo\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/icon-hitmanpro.png\" alt=\"HitmanPro Logo\" width=\"38\" height=\"38\" title=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/get\/hitmanpro\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer\"><strong>DOWNLOAD HITMANPRO (FREE SCAN)<\/strong><\/a><br \/><em class=\"small-text-disclaimer\">(The link opens in a new page where your download will start)<\/em><\/div>\n<\/li><li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Install HitmanPro<\/p>\n<p>When the download finishes, open your <em>Downloads<\/em> folder and double-click the file: <strong>&#8220;hitmanpro.exe&#8221;<\/strong> on 32-bit Windows, or <strong>&#8220;hitmanpro_x64.exe&#8221;<\/strong> on 64-bit Windows.<\/p>\n<figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-136909 alignnone\" title=\"Double-click on the HitmanPro setup file\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Download-HitmanPro.jpg\" alt=\"Double-click on the HitmanPro file\" width=\"800\" height=\"422\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Download-HitmanPro.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Download-HitmanPro-300x158.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure><p><\/p>\n<p>If a <em>User Account Control<\/em>&nbsp;pop-up asks whether HitmanPro can make changes to your device, click &#8220;<em>Yes<\/em>&#8221; to continue.<\/p>\n<figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-136916 alignnone\" title=\"Windows asking for permissions to run the HitmanPro setup file\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/HitmanPro-UAC.jpg\" alt=\"Windows asking for permissions to run the HitmanPro setup \" width=\"676\" height=\"500\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/HitmanPro-UAC.jpg 676w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/HitmanPro-UAC-300x222.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 676px) 100vw, 676px\" \/><\/figure><p><\/p>\n<\/li><li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Follow the On-Screen Prompts<\/p>\n<p>On the HitmanPro start screen, click &#8220;<strong>Next<\/strong>&#8221; to begin the system scan. No lengthy setup required \u2014 it goes straight to work.<\/p>\n<figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-136913 alignnone\" title=\"Click Next to install HitmanPro on your computer\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/HitmanPro-Install.jpg\" alt=\"Click Next to install HitmanPro on your PC\" width=\"800\" height=\"639\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/HitmanPro-Install.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/HitmanPro-Install-300x240.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure><p><\/p>\n<figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-136912 alignnone\" title=\"Click Next to finish the HitmanPro install\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/HitmanPro-Install-2.jpg\" alt=\"HitmanPro final installer screen\" width=\"800\" height=\"640\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/HitmanPro-Install-2.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/HitmanPro-Install-2-300x240.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure><p><\/p>\n<\/li><li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Wait for the Scan to Finish<\/p>\n<p>HitmanPro will now check your computer for malicious programs. This usually takes just a few minutes thanks to its cloud-based scanning.<br \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-136915 alignnone\" title=\"HitmanPro while scanning for malware\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/HitmanPro-Scanning.jpg\" alt=\"HitmanPro scans your computer for any infections, adware, or potentially unwanted programs that may be present\" width=\"800\" height=\"640\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/HitmanPro-Scanning.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/HitmanPro-Scanning-300x240.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<\/li><li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Review the Results and Click &#8220;Next&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>When the scan is done, HitmanPro will show you everything it found. Click &#8220;<strong>Next<\/strong>&#8221; to remove the detected threats.<\/p>\n<figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-136914 alignnone\" title=\"Click Next to remove the malware that HitmanPro has detected\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/HitmanPro-Quarantine-Malicious-Files.jpg\" alt=\"HitmanPro scan summary. Click Next to remove malware\" width=\"800\" height=\"643\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/HitmanPro-Quarantine-Malicious-Files.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/HitmanPro-Quarantine-Malicious-Files-300x241.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure><p><\/p>\n<\/li><li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Click &#8220;Activate Free License&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>To remove the malicious files, click the &#8220;<strong>Activate free license<\/strong>&#8221; button. This starts your <em>free 30-day trial<\/em> \u2014 no payment details needed \u2014 and unlocks the full cleanup.<br \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-136911 alignnone\" title=\"Click on the Activate free license button to remove malware\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/HitmanPro-Activate-License.jpg\" alt=\"Click on the Activate free license button\" width=\"800\" height=\"635\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/HitmanPro-Activate-License.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/HitmanPro-Activate-License-300x238.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>When the removal is complete, HitmanPro will show a summary of everything it cleaned. Click <strong>Next<\/strong>, then click <strong>Reboot<\/strong> if prompted. If there&#8217;s no reboot prompt, just click <strong>Close<\/strong> \u2014 your PC is clean.<\/p>\n<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n<h4 id=\"adwcleaner\" class=\"mt_blue toch4\">STEP 4: Use AdwCleaner to remove Malicious Browser Extensions and Adware<\/h4>\n<p>In this next step, we will use AdwCleaner to remove malicious browser policies and unwanted browser extensions from your computer.<\/p>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>AdwCleaner<\/strong> is a free on-demand scanner that specializes in adware, browser hijackers, and unwanted toolbars \u2014 the exact threats that mainstream antivirus programs often miss. It also includes tools that repair the damage malware leaves behind, like hijacked browser settings and malicious policies. It&#8217;s a quick scan that&#8217;s well worth running.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Download AdwCleaner<\/p>\n<p>Click the button below to download <strong>AdwCleaner<\/strong> \u2014 it&#8217;s free, portable, and requires no installation.<\/p>\n<div class=\"mwt_download_box\"><figure><\/figure> <a href=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/get\/adwcleaner\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-84923 alignleft mwt_product_icon_logo\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/AdwCleaner-Icon.png\" alt=\"AdwCleaner Icon\" width=\"40\" height=\"40\" title=\"\"><\/figure> <strong>DOWNLOAD ADWCLEANER (FREE)<\/strong><\/a><br \/><em class=\"small-text-disclaimer\">(The link opens in a new page where your download will start)<\/em><\/div>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Run AdwCleaner<\/p>\n<p>Open your <em>Downloads<\/em> folder and double-click the file named &#8220;<strong>adwcleaner_x.x.x.exe<\/strong>&#8220;. There&#8217;s no installation \u2014 the program starts right away.<br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-136932 alignnone\" title=\"Double-click on the AdwCleaner setup file\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Download-AdwCleaner.jpg\" alt=\"Download AdwCleaner on your computer\" width=\"800\" height=\"424\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Download-AdwCleaner.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Download-AdwCleaner-300x159.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>If Windows asks whether you want to allow AdwCleaner to run, click &#8220;<strong>Yes<\/strong>&#8220;. When the license agreement appears, click <strong>I agree<\/strong> to continue.<\/p>\n<figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-136935 alignnone\" title=\"Click Yes to allow AdwCleaner to run\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Windows-asks-to-run-AdwCleaner.jpg\" alt=\"Windows ask if you want to run AdwCleaner\" width=\"585\" height=\"424\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Windows-asks-to-run-AdwCleaner.jpg 585w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Windows-asks-to-run-AdwCleaner-300x217.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 585px) 100vw, 585px\" \/><\/figure><p><\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Enable &#8220;Reset Chrome policies&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>This setting removes malicious browser policies \u2014 a trick malware uses to lock your browser settings so you can&#8217;t change them back. Click &#8220;<strong>Settings<\/strong>&#8221; on the left side of the window, then turn on &#8220;<strong>Reset Chrome policies<\/strong>&#8220;.<\/p>\n<figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-136933 alignnone\" title=\"Enable Reset Chrome policies to remove malware\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Reset-Chrome-Policies-AdwCleaner.jpg\" alt=\"Enable Reset Chrome policies to remove malicious browser policies\" width=\"800\" height=\"481\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Reset-Chrome-Policies-AdwCleaner.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Reset-Chrome-Policies-AdwCleaner-300x180.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure><p><\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Start the Scan<\/p>\n<p>Click &#8220;<strong>Dashboard<\/strong>&#8221; on the left side of the window, then click the &#8220;<strong>Scan<\/strong>&#8221; button.<\/p>\n<figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-136934 alignnone\" title=\"Click on Scan to start a AdwCleaner scan\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Start-a-AdwCleaner-Scan.jpg\" alt=\"Click on Scan to start a AdwCleaner scan\" width=\"800\" height=\"479\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Start-a-AdwCleaner-Scan.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Start-a-AdwCleaner-Scan-300x180.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure><p><\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Wait for the Scan to Finish<\/p>\n<p>AdwCleaner will now check your computer for adware and other malware. This usually takes only a few minutes \u2014 it&#8217;s one of the fastest scanners around.<\/p>\n<figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-136931 alignnone\" title=\"AdwCleaner scanning for malware\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/AdwCleaner-Scan.jpg\" alt=\"AdwCleaner scanning for adware and other malware\" width=\"800\" height=\"479\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/AdwCleaner-Scan.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/AdwCleaner-Scan-300x180.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure><p><\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Quarantine the Detected Threats<\/p>\n<p>When the scan finishes, AdwCleaner will list everything it found. Click the &#8220;<strong>Quarantine<\/strong>&#8221; button to remove all the malicious items at once.<\/p>\n<figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-136930 alignnone\" title=\"Click on Quarantine to remove malware\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/AdwCleaner-Quarantine-Malicious-Files.jpg\" alt=\"Click on Quarantine to remove malware\" width=\"800\" height=\"473\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/AdwCleaner-Quarantine-Malicious-Files.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/AdwCleaner-Quarantine-Malicious-Files-300x177.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure><p><\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li> <p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Click &#8220;Continue&#8221; to Finish the Cleanup<\/p> <p><strong>Save any open work first<\/strong> \u2014 AdwCleaner needs to close your open programs before it can clean. When you&#8217;re ready, click the &#8220;<strong>Continue<\/strong>&#8221; button.<br \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" title=\"Save your work and then click on the Continue button\" width=\"800\" height=\"477\" class=\"size-full wp-image-136929 alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/AdwCleaner-Confirm-Removal-Of-Malicious-Files.jpg\" alt=\"Click Continue to remove malicious files\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/AdwCleaner-Confirm-Removal-Of-Malicious-Files.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/AdwCleaner-Confirm-Removal-Of-Malicious-Files-300x179.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p> <p>AdwCleaner will now delete all detected malware from your computer. If it asks you to restart your PC, allow it \u2014 your computer will be clean when you log back in.<\/p> <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n<h4 id=\"eset\" class=\"mt_blue toch4\">STEP 5: Perform a final check with ESET Online Scanner <\/h4>\n<p>This final step involves installing and running a scan with ESET Online Scanner to check for any additional malicious programs that may be installed on the computer..<\/p>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>ESET Online Scanner<\/strong> is a free second-opinion scanner that performs a deep, full-system check for viruses, trojans, rootkits, and other malware. We use it as the final step because it&#8217;s thorough \u2014 if anything slipped past the previous scans, ESET will find it. A clean result here means your computer is malware-free.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Download ESET Online Scanner<\/p>\n<p>Click the button below to download <strong>ESET Online Scanner<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<div class=\"mwt_download_box\"><a href=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/get\/esetonlinescanner\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft mwt_product_icon_logo size-full wp-image-148927\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Eset-Logo.png\" alt=\"ESET logo\" width=\"40\" height=\"40\" title=\"\"><\/figure><strong>DOWNLOAD ESET ONLINE SCANNER (FREE)<\/strong><\/a><br \/><em>(The link opens in a new page where your download will start)<\/em><\/div>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Run the Installer<\/p>\n<p>When the download finishes, open your <em>Downloads<\/em> folder and double-click &#8220;<strong>esetonlinescanner.exe<\/strong>&#8220;.<br \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-148926\" title=\"Double-click on the ESET Online Scanner setup file\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/ESET-Installer.jpg\" alt=\"Image - Double-click on the ESET Online Scanner setup file\" width=\"800\" height=\"413\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/ESET-Installer.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/ESET-Installer-300x155.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Install ESET Online Scanner<\/p>\n<p>On the start screen, select your language from the drop-down menu and click <strong>Get started<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-148858\" title=\"Click Get Started to install ESET Online Scanner\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/ESET-Scan-1.jpg\" alt=\"Image - Click Get Started to install ESET Online Scanner\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/ESET-Scan-1.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/ESET-Scan-1-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure><p><\/p>\n<p>On the <em>Terms of use<\/em> screen, click <strong>Accept<\/strong>.<br \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-148863\" title=\"Accept Terms to Install ESET Online Scanner\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/ESET-Scan-2-1.jpg\" alt=\"Image - Accept Terms to Install ESET Online Scanner\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/ESET-Scan-2-1.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/ESET-Scan-2-1-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Choose your preferences for the <em>Customer Experience Improvement Program<\/em> and the <em>Detection feedback system<\/em> (either choice is fine), then click <strong>Continue<\/strong>.<br \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-148859\" title=\"Follow the on-screen prompts to install ESET Online Scanner\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/ESET-Scan-3.jpg\" alt=\"Image - Follow the on-screen prompts\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/ESET-Scan-3.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/ESET-Scan-3-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Start a Full Scan<\/p>\n<p>Click <strong>Full Scan<\/strong> \u2014 this checks your entire computer, not just the common hiding spots.<\/p>\n<figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-148860\" title=\"Start a Full Scan with ESET Online Scanner\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/ESET-Scan-4.jpg\" alt=\"Start a Full Scan with ESET Online Scanner\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/ESET-Scan-4.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/ESET-Scan-4-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure><p><\/p>\n<p>Select <strong>Enable<\/strong> for <em>Detection of Potentially Unwanted Applications<\/em> \u2014 this lets ESET catch adware and bundled junk programs, not just viruses. Then click <strong>Start scan<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-148929\" title=\"Enable PUA Detection and Start Scan\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/ESET-Scan-Step-5.jpg\" alt=\"Image - Enable PUA Detection and Start Scan\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/ESET-Scan-Step-5.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/ESET-Scan-Step-5-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure><p><\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Wait for the Scan to Finish<\/p>\n<p>ESET will now check every file on your computer. Because it&#8217;s a full scan, this can take a while \u2014 often an hour or more, depending on how much data you have. Leave it running in the background and check on it from time to time.<\/p>\n<figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-148930\" title=\"Wait for the ESET Online Scanner scan to finish\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/ESET-Scan-6-1.jpg\" alt=\"Image- Wait for the ESET Online Scanner scan to finish\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/ESET-Scan-6-1.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/ESET-Scan-6-1-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure><p><\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Review the Results<\/p>\n<p>When the scan completes, the <em>Found and resolved detections<\/em> screen appears. Any threats found were <strong>automatically cleaned and quarantined<\/strong> \u2014 there&#8217;s nothing extra you need to do. Click <strong>View detailed results<\/strong> if you want to see exactly what was removed.<br \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-148933\" title=\"ESET Online Scanner malware removal\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/ESET-Step-7.jpg\" alt=\"Image - ESET Online Scanner malware removal\" width=\"800\" height=\"532\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/ESET-Step-7.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/ESET-Step-7-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>If ESET found nothing \u2014 congratulations, your computer has passed the final check and is malware-free.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n<h4 id=\"restore\" class=\"mt_blue toch4\">STEP 6: Restore the files encrypted by ransomware<\/h4>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Unfortunately, in most cases, it\u2019s not possible to recover the files encrypted by this ransomware virus because the private key which is needed to unlock the encrypted files is only available through the attackers. However, below we&#8217;ve listed three options you can use to try and recover your files.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"mt_noter\">Make sure you remove the malware from your computer first, otherwise, it will repeatedly lock your system or encrypt files. If you suspect that your computer is still infected with malware, you can run a free scan with <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/downloads-emsisoft-emergency-kit\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Emsisoft Emergency Kit<\/a><\/strong>.<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Option 1: Search a decryption tool for this ransomware<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The cybersecurity community is constantly working to create ransomware decryption tools, so you can try to search these sites for updates:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/id-ransomware.malwarehunterteam.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">https:\/\/id-ransomware.malwarehunterteam.com\/<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/decrypter.emsisoft.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">https:\/\/decrypter.emsisoft.com\/<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/noransom.kaspersky.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">https:\/\/noransom.kaspersky.com\/<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.avast.com\/ransomware-decryption-tools\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">https:\/\/www.avast.com\/ransomware-decryption-tools<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Option 2: Use EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard Free to recover the encrypted files<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard Free can restore files and repair corrupted files with simple clicks. Its powerful scanning algorithms can identify and retrieve huge file type library, including all of the popular video files, audio files, photos, and document formats.<br \/>While the free version only allows you to recover 2 GB of data, this can be helpful to see if the recovery is possible and restore back the most important files from your computer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Download EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard Free.<\/p>\n<p>You can download <strong>EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard Free<\/strong>&nbsp;by clicking the link below.<\/p>\n<div class=\"mwt_download_box\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/get-easeus-data-recovery-wizard\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-150416 mwt_product_icon_logo\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/EaseUS-Data-Recovery-Wizard-Free-Logo.png\" alt=\"EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard Free Logo\" width=\"40\" height=\"40\" title=\"\"><\/figure> EASEUS DATA RECOVERY WIZARD FREE DOWNLOAD LINK<\/a><\/strong><br \/><em class=\"small-text-disclaimer\">(The above link will open a new page from where you can download EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard)<\/em><\/div>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Double-click on the EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard Free setup file.<\/p>\n<p>When EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard Free has finished downloading, double-click on the setup file to install EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard on your computer. In most cases, downloaded files are saved to the <em>Downloads<\/em> folder.<\/p>\n<figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-150415\" title=\"EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard Free Installer\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/EaseUS-Data-Recovery-Wizard-Free-0.jpg\" alt=\"Image: EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard Free Installer\" width=\"800\" height=\"413\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/EaseUS-Data-Recovery-Wizard-Free-0.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/EaseUS-Data-Recovery-Wizard-Free-0-300x155.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure><p><\/p>\n<p>You may be presented with a <em>User Account Control<\/em>&nbsp;pop-up asking if you want to allow EaseUS to make changes to your device. If this happens, you should click \u201c<em>Yes<\/em>\u201d to continue with the EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard Free installation.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Follow the on-screen prompts to install EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard.<\/p>\n<p>When the EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard installation begins, click on the &#8220;Install Now&#8221; as seen in the image below.<br \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-150403\" title=\"EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard Free Install Now\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/EaseUS-Data-Recovery-Wizard-Free-1.jpg\" alt=\"EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard Free Install Now\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/EaseUS-Data-Recovery-Wizard-Free-1.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/EaseUS-Data-Recovery-Wizard-Free-1-300x188.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>When your EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard installation completes, click the &#8220;<strong>Start Now<\/strong>&#8221; button to start the program.<br \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-150404\" title=\"Click Start Now\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/EaseUS-Data-Recovery-Wizard-Free-2.jpg\" alt=\"Image: Click Start Now\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/EaseUS-Data-Recovery-Wizard-Free-2.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/EaseUS-Data-Recovery-Wizard-Free-2-300x188.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Select a location to start recovering the encrypted files.<\/p>\n<p>Choose the drive or folder where you are the encrypted files that you want to recover and click &#8220;<strong>Scan<\/strong>&#8220;.<br \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-150405\" title=\"Select a location to start recovering the encrypted files\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/EaseUS-Data-Recovery-Wizard-Free-3.jpg\" alt=\"Select a location to start recovering the encrypted files\" width=\"800\" height=\"542\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/EaseUS-Data-Recovery-Wizard-Free-3.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/EaseUS-Data-Recovery-Wizard-Free-3-300x203.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Wait for the EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard scan to complete.<\/p>\n<p>EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard will now scan your computer files that can be restored. This process can take a few minutes, so we suggest you do something else and periodically check on the status of the scan to see when it is finished.<br \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-150414\" title=\"Wait for the EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard scan to complete.\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/EaseUS-Data-Recovery-Wizard-Free-4A.jpg\" alt=\"Image: Wait for the EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard scan to complete.\" width=\"800\" height=\"542\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/EaseUS-Data-Recovery-Wizard-Free-4A.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/EaseUS-Data-Recovery-Wizard-Free-4A-300x203.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Find the files you want to recover.<\/p>\n<p>When the EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard scan is finished scanning it will show a screen that displays the files that can be recovered. This tool can recover a lot of data, use the &#8220;<strong>Filter<\/strong>&#8221; button to quickly filter specific file types and find the files that you want to recover.<br \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-150421\" title=\"Filter the Files by Type\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/EaseUS-Data-Recovery-Wizard-Free-8.jpg\" alt=\"Filter the Files by Type\" width=\"800\" height=\"542\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/EaseUS-Data-Recovery-Wizard-Free-8.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/EaseUS-Data-Recovery-Wizard-Free-8-300x203.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Click the &#8220;<strong>Preview<\/strong>&#8221; button or double-click on a file for a full preview.<br \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-150423\" title=\"Click Preview to view the file\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/EaseUS-Data-Recovery-Wizard-Free-9.jpg\" alt=\"Image: Click Preview to view the file\" width=\"800\" height=\"542\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/EaseUS-Data-Recovery-Wizard-Free-9.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/EaseUS-Data-Recovery-Wizard-Free-9-300x203.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Select your files and click &#8220;Recover&#8221;.<\/p>\n<p>Finally, select the the files you want to recover and click &#8220;<strong>Recover<\/strong>&#8220;.<br \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-150407\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/EaseUS-Data-Recovery-Wizard-Free-5.jpg\" alt=\"Select your files and click Recover\" width=\"800\" height=\"542\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/EaseUS-Data-Recovery-Wizard-Free-5.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/EaseUS-Data-Recovery-Wizard-Free-5-300x203.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><br \/>Choose a safe location to save all the files.<br \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-150408\" title=\"Select a safe location\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/EaseUS-Data-Recovery-Wizard-Free-6.jpg\" alt=\"Select a safe location\" width=\"800\" height=\"542\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/EaseUS-Data-Recovery-Wizard-Free-6.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/EaseUS-Data-Recovery-Wizard-Free-6-300x203.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><br \/>The free version only allow you to recover 2 GB of data, however, this will allow you to recover the most important files and see if EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard can correctly recover them.<br \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-150409\" title=\"View Recovered Files\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/EaseUS-Data-Recovery-Wizard-Free-7.jpg\" alt=\"Image: View Recovered Files\" width=\"800\" height=\"542\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/EaseUS-Data-Recovery-Wizard-Free-7.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/EaseUS-Data-Recovery-Wizard-Free-7-300x203.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Option 3: Try to restore your files with ShadowExplorer<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This ransomware will attempt to delete all shadow copies when you first start any executable on your computer after becoming infected. Thankfully, the infection is not always able to remove the shadow copies, so you should continue to try restoring your files using this method.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Download ShadowExplorer.<\/p>\n<p>You can download <strong>ShadowExplorer<\/strong> from the below link.<\/p>\n<div class=\"mwt_download_box\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.shadowexplorer.com\/downloads.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"> <strong>SHADOW EXPLORER DOWNLOAD LINK<\/strong><\/a><br \/><em>(This link will open a new web page from where you can download &#8220;ShadowExplorer&#8221;)<\/em><\/div>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Install ShadowExplorer.<\/p>\n<p>Double-click on the <strong>ShadowExplorer-x.x-setup<\/strong> file to start the installation process, then follow the on-screen promts to install this program.<br \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-115405\" title=\"Install Shadow Defender\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Install-Shadow-Defender.jpg\" alt=\"Install Shadow Defender\" width=\"590\" height=\"466\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Install-Shadow-Defender.jpg 590w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Install-Shadow-Defender-300x237.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 590px) 100vw, 590px\" \/><\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Select snapshot date.<\/p>\n<p>Open ShadowExplorer and then from the top bar select the drive where the files that you want to save are located, then select from the snapshot available one previous to this infection.<\/p>\n<figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-115411\" title=\"Select drive and snapshot date\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Select-date.jpg\" alt=\"Select drive and date to recover the files encrypted by this ransomware \" width=\"1180\" height=\"895\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Select-date.jpg 1180w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Select-date-300x228.jpg 300w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Select-date-1024x777.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1180px) 100vw, 1180px\" \/><\/figure><p><\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Export the files that you want to recover.<\/p>\n<p>Once you have found a copy of the original file or folder, right-click on it and the select &#8220;Export&#8221;. A window will prompt you where you want to save the file or folder.<br \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-115403\" title=\"Find copy then click on Export\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Export-files-ransomware.jpg\" alt=\"Find copy then click on Expor to recover the files encrypted by this ransomware \" width=\"590\" height=\"448\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Export-files-ransomware.jpg 590w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Export-files-ransomware-300x228.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 590px) 100vw, 590px\" \/><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Keep every locked file named exactly as it is. <strong>1.jpg.{7C2BF3FF-1420-5C26-3CA4-12479033427D}.GAGAKICK<\/strong> should stay <strong>1.jpg.{7C2BF3FF-1420-5C26-3CA4-12479033427D}.GAGAKICK<\/strong>. <strong>vacation.jpg.{7C2BF3FF-1420-5C26-3CA4-12479033427D}.GAGAKICK<\/strong> should stay <strong>vacation.jpg.{7C2BF3FF-1420-5C26-3CA4-12479033427D}.GAGAKICK<\/strong>. <strong>invoice-2026.pdf.{7C2BF3FF-1420-5C26-3CA4-12479033427D}.GAGAKICK<\/strong> should stay <strong>invoice-2026.pdf.{7C2BF3FF-1420-5C26-3CA4-12479033427D}.GAGAKICK<\/strong>. <strong>taxes.xlsx.{7C2BF3FF-1420-5C26-3CA4-12479033427D}.GAGAKICK<\/strong> should stay <strong>taxes.xlsx.{7C2BF3FF-1420-5C26-3CA4-12479033427D}.GAGAKICK<\/strong>. <strong>family.mp4.{7C2BF3FF-1420-5C26-3CA4-12479033427D}.GAGAKICK<\/strong> should stay <strong>family.mp4.{7C2BF3FF-1420-5C26-3CA4-12479033427D}.GAGAKICK<\/strong>. Do not strip <strong>.GAGAKICK<\/strong>. Do not delete the unique ID in braces. Your own ID may differ from <strong>{7C2BF3FF-1420-5C26-3CA4-12479033427D}<\/strong>. That is normal. The last ending should still be <strong>.GAGAKICK<\/strong>. Keep one locked sample with the note.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Keep <strong>README.TXT<\/strong> with the locked files. Do not clean up every copy of the note. Do not tidy the Session line. Do not tidy the two ambulafixdata addresses. The strings are part of how you prove this was this strain and not a different locker that only sounds similar. Keep the contact marks as identifiers: <strong>ambulafixdata@zohomail.eu<\/strong>, <strong>ambulafixdata@onionmail.org<\/strong>, and Session ID <strong>052867b2b3f2004b4f94d5d401f41697e8c736be68d609c0f8a8a47c706570aa5e<\/strong>. Those artifacts are evidence. They are not instructions you should carry out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Do not email those two ambulafixdata addresses. Do not add that Session ID. Do not install a messenger for this. Do not ask a friend to add the ID just to see. A calm README is still the people who locked the files. If a later message quotes <strong>README.TXT<\/strong> and offers the real chat, that is still the same shop. If a later message skips the original note and asks for a $ amount over ordinary mail, that is still the same shop, or a copycat standing in the same doorway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Do not pay. Do not invent a price. Do not invent a wallet. Do not invent an onion site. If someone claims they can already decrypt GAGAKICK files for a fee because they can recite the leak list and the Session ID, they are selling a report, not a key. If they mention <strong>ambulafixdata@zohomail.eu<\/strong> as proof they already called the crew, they read the same note you did. Do not answer. Do not complete their checkout. Do not help them fix the flyer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If Windows still offers to pick an app for a <strong>.GAGAKICK<\/strong> file, decline it. A GAGAKICK File is not a healthy JPEG. There is no player for locked bytes that still wear yesterday&#8217;s name inside a unique ID.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"mwtad3150595093\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_309750-ad_309691-placement_400592\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"4041237300\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Bottom Line<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">GAGAKICK ransomware is a locker that hangs a unique ID and <strong>.GAGAKICK<\/strong> on the old name, then drops <strong>README.TXT<\/strong> and talks like a friend with a leak desk. In the sample used for this page, <strong>1.jpg<\/strong> becomes <strong>1.jpg.{7C2BF3FF-1420-5C26-3CA4-12479033427D}.GAGAKICK<\/strong>. The note tells you to write <strong>ambulafixdata@zohomail.eu<\/strong>, wait 24 hours, then write <strong>ambulafixdata@onionmail.org<\/strong>, or add Session ID <strong>052867b2b3f2004b4f94d5d401f41697e8c736be68d609c0f8a8a47c706570aa5e<\/strong>. It claims stolen credentials, documents, financials, and employee data, and it says unpaid cases get leaked. There is no printed ransom amount. There is no wallet. There is no onion site. There is no public free decryptor known for this strain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Do not pay. Do not email those two ambulafixdata addresses. Do not add that Session ID. Keep <strong>README.TXT<\/strong> and a <strong>.GAGAKICK<\/strong> sample. If you take one sentence with you, take this. A folder of names that still show the old file inside braces and <strong>.GAGAKICK<\/strong>, plus <strong>README.TXT<\/strong> with those two inboxes and that Session ID, is ransomware on the first sighting. Treat it that way before anyone offers to fill a wallet the flyer never printed, and before anyone asks you to complete our converstion in a chat you should never start.<\/p>\n\n<div id=\"mwtad2634920513\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_176819-ad_309691-placement_400595\" style=\"margin-top: 50px;margin-bottom: 50px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"8386082122\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>You open Documents the way you did yesterday. The first photo should still be 1.jpg. The vacation shot should still be vacation.jpg. The invoice should still be invoice-2026.pdf. The tax sheet should still be taxes.xlsx. &#8230; <\/p>\n<p class=\"read-more-container\"><a title=\"GAGAKICK EXPOSED: .GAGAKICK Files, README.TXT, and ambulafixdata@zohomail.eu\" class=\"read-more button\" href=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/gagakick-ransomware\/#more-403974\" aria-label=\"Read more about GAGAKICK EXPOSED: .GAGAKICK Files, README.TXT, and ambulafixdata@zohomail.eu\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":51,"featured_media":403972,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2836,2727],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-403974","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-malware-removal-and-popup-scam-alerts","category-ransomware","masonry-post","generate-columns","tablet-grid-50","mobile-grid-100","grid-parent","grid-50","resize-featured-image"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/403974","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/51"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=403974"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/403974\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":403975,"href":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/403974\/revisions\/403975"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/403972"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=403974"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=403974"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=403974"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}