GPCode Ransomware

You might be wondering what is happening with your operating system when a text message appears mentioning the “GPCODE school.” Well, this is a sign that GPCode Ransomware has entered your PC. This dangerous ransomware is very quiet, and most users realize that it is active only when the TXT file is created to introduce them to the ransom demands. Unfortunately, when this file is created, there is no way to stop the encryption process. Speaking of the process, it appears that the infection employs the AES algorithm to encrypt your files, and then it uses the RSA algorithm to encrypt the key that you need for the decryption. It is most likely that the decryption key is sent to a remote server, and so retrieving it yourself is impossible. In fact, our research team warns that a third-party decryptor capable of cracking the algorithm is unlikely to be created as well. This means that if the ransomware encrypts your operating system, it might be too late to save your files. Of course, there is one thing that cyber criminals want you to do before you remove GPCode Ransomware.

According to our malware researchers, GPCode Ransomware can be infiltrated by exploiting operating system and Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) vulnerabilities. Some victims have reported that the vicious ransomware slithered in as they opened infected spam email attachments. If this is how the ransomware entered your operating system as well, you must figure out where the attachment was downloaded because this is where the malicious .exe file that requires removal might be located. Of course, you should not rush to delete this file before you read the report. The damage has been done, and there is no need for rushing. Needless to say, that does not mean that you should postpone this task indefinitely because it is still a piece of malware, and you do not want it on your operating system. Once the encryption is complete, you will find that most files on your PC – including .exe files, but excluding all files in the %WINDIR% directory – are locked. Once the files are encrypted, you will not be able to read them, and that is what is meant to push you into paying a ransom. Note that even if you do, the malicious GPCode Ransomware will remain present, and so you should not forget about its removal.

The files encrypted by GPCode Ransomware should have the “.LOL!” extension attached to them. In some cases, the files are appended with the “.OMG!” extension instead. Because the infection corrupts the most sensitive files, it is very likely that you will at least read the information represented via the “how to get data.txt” file. The message informs that your personal files were encrypted for educational purposes, to get you more informed about ransomware and virtual security. Obviously, that is just a sad excuse for devious cyber criminals to get your money. If you follow the demands represented in this message, you will send an email to gpcode@gp2mail.com with the TXT file attached to it. This file includes a code that identifies you, and that is how the right decryption key should be provided to you. Now, there are absolutely no guarantees that a decryption tool or key would be given to you even if you paid the ransom fee, which is exactly what you will be ordered to do once the cyber criminals respond to your email. You should not get your hopes up if you decide to take the risk of paying the ransom, and – regardless of the outcome – do not forget to delete GPCode Ransomware.

The malicious GPCode Ransomware uses one single file to encrypt your files and create a TXT file with the ransom message, which makes the removal process very simple. Of course, if you are unable to identify the malicious file – and it might have a misleading name – you might find the process very difficult. What is more, you might not be able to find the malicious file if it removes itself right after the encryption is completed. Because the situation is a little messy, we advise using a malware scanner to inspect your PC. Well, what should you do if your browsers were encrypted as well? If that is the case, you can download the browser’s installer on a different PC and transfer it using a flash drive. Hopefully, you will be able to transfer your files from a backup drive using the same method. If you have not backed up your files, we hope that you will look at this more seriously once you remove GPCode Ransomware.

GPCode Ransomware Removal

1. Right-click and Delete the launcher of the ransomware (if you cannot find it, use a malware scanner).
2. Tap Win+E keys to launch Windows Explorer.
3. Enter %APPDATA%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup (if you are on Windows XP, enter %ALLUSERSPROFILE%\Start Menu\Programs) into the bar at the top.
4. Right-click and Delete the file named how to get data.txt.
5. Delete this file from all locations containing the encrypted files.