Gac Ransomware

The Gac Ransomware is a file-locking Trojan from the Dharma Ransomware (or Crysis Ransomware) family. As part of a Ransomware-as-a-Service, it may use difficult-to-predict infection methods but always attacks the user's media files by encrypting them so that they can't open. Besides possessing backups for data recovery, users can protect their Windows PCs with standard security solutions to detect and delete the Gac Ransomware.

Acronyms as Harbingers of Chaos with Files

The Ransomware-as-a-Service that begins with early variants like the Dharma Ransomware, offspring of Crysis Ransomware's Trojan-builder kit, still is a significant portion of the lineup for new file-locker Trojans. From 2016 to the end of 2020, variations like the Cvc Ransomware, the Eur Ransomware, the YUFL Ransomware, and the SWP Ransomware differ through trivial shifts in their ransom notes mostly – asking for money for undoing their attacks against files. The Gac Ransomware is a newer case of the same trends, but some minor marketing lies in its name.

Unlike the versions of Dharma Ransomware of prior years, the Gac Ransomware uses a non-randomly-chosen name and extension that serves as an abbreviation of its e-mail address ('getacrypt'). The extension is a decorative feature for letting victims understand which files it blocks with its encryption routine, which uses secure AES and RSA. Although there are no strict limiters on what formats it could harm, malware experts indicate data types like documents, spreadsheets, pictures, audio and other content of possible value for work or personal reasons.

Victims will encounter no issues with identifying the Gac Ransomware's family. The Trojan creates a ransom note that stays within the standards of the Dharma Ransomware RaaS, which includes an offer for a file restoration service with an accompanying ID and no upfront price. Threat actors ask for hundreds to tens of thousands of dollars from their victims regularly, depending on the files' value.

Getting Ahead of Getting Data Encrypted

Users with backups on secure devices, which malware researchers always recommend as a general precaution, are safe from the Gac Ransomware infections' primary extortion leverage. However, attackers may use attacks to collect data, either selling on the dark Web or leaking to the public. Server and network admins, especially, bear the responsibilities of selecting strong passwords, maintaining appropriate privileges for users' accounts and updating software.

Windows users also should be on the watch for other possible infection sources that require their permission, even if in disguise. Classic scenarios involve crafted e-mail attacks with attached documents, fake (usually illicit) freeware downloads, and update tactics that recommend a patch from a non-official source. JavaScript and Flash also are in common abuse by Exploit Kits on threatening sites.

A quality anti-malware product shouldn't struggle with flagging or removing the Gac Ransomware. Most scenarios will involve users' security solutions blocking the Trojan before it encrypts any content.

The Gac Ransomware isn't quite the lowest-possible effort Trojan, but any Ransomware-as-a-Service campaign can only offer so much ingenuity. Since users already should know all the ways of keeping RaaS campaigns in check, it only is up to them to implement it and stop the Gac Ransomware business plan from working out in its favor.