How to remove G0dsito Business screen-locking malware?
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is G0dsito Business?
G0dsito Business is a screenlocker. It is a type of ransomware designed to lock the infected device's screen in order to make ransom demands for access recovery. In other words, victims are unable to use their computers unless they make a payment to the cyber criminals behind the attack.
At the of research, G0dsito Business malware's screen-locking message (which contains the ransom note) could be removed by restarting/rebooting the compromised system. Furthermore, the password used to unlock the device is also known; it is "alvaro123" (sans quotation marks).
The text presented in the message displayed by G0dsito Business - informs victims that they have been hacked. The infected computer was locked with a supposedly random password. The note warns victims that restarting the system will result in permanent data loss.
The unlocking password can be purchased from the cyber criminals behind the infection. To get further instructions, the message instructs to contact the criminals via email.
As mentioned in the introduction, the screen-locking message will not be displayed after the system is restarted. The ransom note's claims that a system reboot will result in file corruption/deletion are false, much like the statement that the recovery password is unique.
G0dsito Business screenlocker can be unlocked with the password "alvaro123" (without the quotation marks), it is an alternative to restarting the device. In general, it is strongly advised against communicating with and/or meeting the demands of cyber criminals.
There are no guarantees that they will uphold their end of the bargain, and it is often the case that they do not. Therefore, victims can experience financial loss and the damage caused by malware remains.
| Name | G0dsito Business ransomware |
| Threat Type | Ransomware, Crypto Virus, Files locker |
| Ransom Demanding Message | Text presented in the screen-locking message |
| Cyber Criminal Contact | g0dsito.business@gmail.com |
| Detection Names | Avast (FileRepMalware), BitDefender (Gen:Variant.Bulz.415156), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of MSIL/LockScreen.AHU), Kaspersky (HEUR:Trojan.MSIL.Diztakun.gen), Microsoft (Program:Win32/Wacapew.C!ml), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal) |
| Symptoms | Can't open files stored on your computer, previously functional files now have a different extension, for example my.docx.locked. A ransom demanding message is displayed on your desktop. Cyber criminals are asking to pay a ransom (usually in bitcoins) to unlock your files. |
| Additional Information | G0dsito Business malware's screen-locking message will not be displayed after the operating system is rebooted. The access recovery password is known; it is - alvaro123 |
| Distribution methods | Infected email attachments (macros), torrent websites, malicious ads. |
| Damage | All files are encrypted and cannot be opened without paying a ransom. Additional password stealing trojans and malware infections can be installed together with a ransomware infection. |
| Malware Removal (Windows) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
There are two types of ransomware - screen-locking and data-encrypting malicious programs. However, they can have both of these features simultaneously.
Screenlockers lock the device's screen for the purpose of making ransom demands for access restoration; ZLO, Rickwrecked, XinFrams, and Rubly are some examples of these programs. Data encrypting ransomware encrypts victims' files (i.e., renders them inaccessible/unusable) and demands payment for the decryption tools/software; Industria_host, Exx, CryT0Y, KIANO - are a few examples of this malicious software.
The key difference between this kind of malware is the cryptographic algorithms it uses (symmetric or asymmetric) to encrypt files. The size of ransoms can vary drastically. When leveraged against the average user, the sums can range from three to four digits in USD. Ransomware designed specifically to target large companies, corporations, organizations, and similar entities - can ask for exorbitant ransoms.
Digital currencies (e.g., cryptocurrencies, pre-paid vouchers, gift cards, etc.) are usually used because their transactions are difficult/impossible to trace. It is highly recommended to keep backups in remote servers and/or unplugged storage devices (ideally, in multiple different locations) - to protect data.
How did ransomware install on my computer?
Ransomware and other malware are distributed using a wide variety of techniques and tactics. Malicious software distribution via spam campaigns is a popular method.
The term "spam campaign" defines a mass-scale operation during which thousands of deceptive/scam emails are sent. These letters have infectious files attached to and/or linked inside them.
Virulent files can be in various formats, e.g., Microsoft Office and PDF documents, archives (ZIP, RAR, etc.), executables (.exe, .run, etc.), JavaScript, and so forth. When the files are executed, run, or otherwise opened - the infection process (i.e., malware download/installation) is triggered.
Malware (ransomware included) is commonly proliferated through untrustworthy download sources, e.g., P2P sharing networks (Torrent clients, eMule, Gnutella, etc.), unofficial and free file-hosting (freeware) websites, and other third-party channels. Malicious programs are typically downloaded/installed inadvertently due to being disguised as or bundled with ordinary software/media. Illegal activation tools ("cracks") and fake updates are prime examples of malware-spreading content.
"Cracking" tools can infect systems instead of activating licensed products. Fraudulent updaters cause infections by abusing weaknesses of outdated software and/or by installing malicious programs rather than the promised updates.
How to protect yourself from ransomware infections?
It is important to exercise caution with incoming emails. Therefore, suspicious and irrelevant emails must not be opened, especially any attachments or links present in them. It is crucial to download only from official and verified sources.
Additionally, all programs must be activated and updated with tools/functions provided by genuine developers. To ensure device integrity and user safety, it is paramount to have a reputable anti-virus/anti-spyware installed and updated.
Furthermore, this software has to be used to perform regular system scans and to remove detected threats and issues. If your computer is already infected with malware, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate them.
Text presented in G0dsito Business malware's screen-locking message:
SORRY BRO YOU HAVE BEEN HACKED.
THEN A RANDOM PASSWORD HAVE BEEN CREATED AND YOU NEED THEM TO
UNLOCK YOUR COMPUTER.
DON'T TRY TO RESTART YOUR COMPUTER WILL BE TRASHED LOSING ALL
YOUR FILES.
ALL FUNCTIONS TO UNLOCK THIS ARE BLOCKED SO CONTACT ME AND I WILL
GIVE YOU THE PASSWORD FOR A LITTLE PRICE :)))
g0dsito.business@gmail.com
And I will give you the password
[Decrypt]
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Quick menu:
- What is "G0dsito Business"?
- STEP 1. "G0dsito Business" virus removal using safe mode with networking.
- STEP 2. "G0dsito Business" virus removal using System Restore.
"G0dsito Business" virus removal:
Step 1
Windows XP and Windows 7 users: Start your computer in Safe Mode. Click Start, click Shut Down, click Restart, click OK. During your computer starting process press the F8 key on your keyboard multiple times until you see the Windows Advanced Option menu, then select Safe Mode with Networking from the list.
Video showing how to start Windows 7 in "Safe Mode with Networking":
Windows 8 users: Go to the Windows 8 Start Screen, type Advanced, in the search results select Settings. Click on Advanced Startup options, in the opened "General PC Settings" window select Advanced Startup.
Click on the "Restart now" button. Your computer will now restart into "Advanced Startup options menu". Click on the "Troubleshoot" button, then click on "Advanced options" button.
In the advanced option screen click on "Startup settings". Click on the "Restart" button. Your PC will restart into the Startup Settings screen. Press "5" to boot in Safe Mode with Networking Prompt.
Video showing how to start Windows 8 in "Safe Mode with Networking":
Windows 10 users: Click the Windows logo and select the Power icon. In the opened menu click "Restart" while holding "Shift" button on your keyboard. In the "choose an option" window click on the "Troubleshoot", next select "Advanced options". In the advanced options menu select "Startup Settings" and click on the "Restart" button.
In the following window you should click the "F5" button on your keyboard. This will restart your operating system in safe mode with networking.
Video showing how to start Windows 10 in "Safe Mode with Networking":
Step 2
Log in to the account infected with the "G0dsito Business" virus. Start your Internet browser and download a legitimate anti-spyware program. Update the anti-spyware software and start a full system scan. Remove all entries detected.
If you cannot start your computer in Safe Mode with Networking, try performing a System Restore.
Video showing how to remove viruses using "Safe Mode with Command Prompt" and "System Restore":
1. During your computer starting process, press the F8 key on your keyboard multiple times until the Windows Advanced Options menu appears, and then select Safe Mode with Command Prompt from the list and press ENTER.
2. When Command Prompt Mode loads, enter the following line: cd restore and press ENTER.
3. Next, type this line: rstrui.exe and press ENTER.
4. In the opened window, click "Next".
5. Select one of the available Restore Points and click "Next" (this will restore your computer system to an earlier time and date, prior to the "G0dsito Business" virus infiltrating your PC).
6. In the opened window, click "Yes".
7. After restoring your computer to a previous date, download and scan your PC with recommended malware removal software to eliminate any remnants of the "G0dsito Business" virus.
If you cannot start your computer in Safe Mode with Networking (or with Command Prompt), boot your computer using a rescue disk. Some viruses disable Safe Mode making it's removal complicated.
For this step, you require access to another computer. After removing "G0dsito Business" virus from your PC, restart your computer and scan it with legitimate anti-spyware software to remove any possible remnants of this security infection.
Other tools known to remove this scam:
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