Gomer ransomware

Gomer ransomware – data locker that can prevent access to personal files until the ransom in Bitcoin is paid

Gomer ransomware is a type of malware that might result in permanent loss of pictures, videos, music, documents, and other files

Gomer ransomware is a type of malware that might result in permanent loss of pictures, videos, music, documents, and other files

Gomer ransomware is a file locking virus belonging to the Outsider crypto-malware family and was first spotted by security researcher dnwls0719 in late June 2020.^[1] Once inside the system, it encrypts all the pictures, videos, music, MS Office, PDF, and other files with the help of the RSA encryption algorithm.^[2] As a result, victims are unable to access any of the personal data located on the PC. Besides, all the files are marked with .gomer extension and are missing their original icons.

Another sign of the Gomer virus infection comes right after that – a text file called GOMER-README.txt is dropped on users’ desktop. This ransom note explains what happened to the hosts’ files and that, allegedly, the only way to recover them is by paying an unknown amount of ransom in Bitcoin for the Gomer ransomware decryption key. However, victims should not contact cybercriminals via the provided [email protected] email, as they might never receive the promised tool.

It is yet not completely known how Gomer ransomware is spread, although cybercriminals typically use multiple attack vectors, including:

• Spam email attachments and hyperlinks
• Exploit kits and software vulnerabilities
• Software cracks and pirated program installers
• Unprotected Remote Desktop (RDP) connections
• Malicious advertisements, etc.

Regardless of how the virus accessed your machine, however, the result always remains the same – your data gets encrypted. However, you should not panic and first focus on Gomer ransomware removal that should be achieved with the help of powerful security software, such as SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes.

The contents of the ransom note are as follows:

! ATTENTION !
———————————-
! STRICTLY FORBIDDEN TO USE THIRD-PARTY DECRYPTION SOFTWARE – FILES WILL BE LOST !
———————————-
Due vulnerability in your system all files have been protected with strong private key to safe them from unathorized access.
To RESTORE your files, follow this instructions:

1. Gomer service charges a payment for file decryption tool
2. Contact us with attached Gomer-readme.txt
3. Receive Gomer file decryption tool
4. Run the tool and successfully RESTORE all your files!

We guarantee:

100% Successful restoring all of your files
100% Satisfaction guarantee
100% Fast and secure service

As a proof of our trusted service, you can send us 1 file and get it decrypted for free!
———————————-
! ONLY ORIGINAL GOMER DECRYPTION TOOL CAN RESTORE YOUR FILES !
———————————-

Contacts: [email protected]
Payments accepted: Bitcoin (BTC)

ID KEY:
~ GOMER ~

There are several claims that the malicious actors behind the Gomer file virus are trying to make. For example, they are the only ones who can restore the encrypted data, although it is not true. They also offer a free decryption service for one file. All these promises are made for victims not to doubt the integrity of these statements and pay the ransom.

It is yet unknown what is is the amount that the attackers are asking for, although the payment is meant to be performed with the help of Bitcoin cryptocurrency. This is the most preferred method that ransomware developers use, as it allows them to stay anonymous when retrieving the money. In previous versions of Gomer ransomware, threat actors were asking for 600 Euro, although this can vary from victim to victim.

Regardless, security researchers from dieviren.de^[3] do not recommend contacting cybercriminals, as they might simply never send you the promised Gomer ransomware decryption tool, and you will end up losing your money for good.

Instead, you should rely on alternative data recovery solutions – there are several options available, as we explain in the recovery section below. However, you should first remove Gomer ransomware from the system, and only then try to restore your files.

Gomer ransomware is a file locking virus that belongs the the Outsider malware family

Gomer ransomware is a file locking virus that belongs the the Outsider malware family

For that, you should employ powerful security software and perform a full system scan. You should note that removing the virus will not allow you to open .gomer files, as data encryption and malware infection processes are separate. Thus, do not expect that the anti-malware program will restore your files to the way they were prior to the infection.

However, you should also take care of your Windows computer after the Gomer ransomware is terminated. To remediate your machine post-infection of malware, we advise using Reimage Reimage Cleaner Intego repair tool.

Ransomware infection methods and prevention steps

As mentioned above, there are several ways how you could have got your computer infected with ransomware, as cybercriminals commonly use several different techniques in order to affect a broader spectrum of victims. Nonetheless, some strains, such as Djvu, have seen immense success by only using software cracks for the delivery. However, you should equip your computer with comprehensive security solutions and apply adequate measures to prevent ransomware infections in the future.

Once the infection spreads on the PC, files immediately get encrypted. Even if the malware is removed, the encrypted data cannot be opened – this is the main trait that results in such devastating consequences for users, as they might lose their precious photos, school work, and much more.

To protect your machine from ransomware attacks, follow these steps:

• Employ powerful security software and keep it updated;
• Enable Firewall and use ad-block;
• Always patch Windows and the installed software with the latest security updates;
• Protect all your accounts with secure alphanumeric passwords;
• Never download software cracks or pirated program installers.

Remove Gomer file virus and recover your files without contacting cybercriminals

While many ransomware viruses delete themselves as soon as they finish the encryption process, some leftovers may remain. Additionally, it can also come along with other infections, so it is important to make sure that Gomer ransomware removal is performed properly.

Users might be able to recover .gomer locked files even without backups – CERT Polska can help for free

Users might be able to recover .gomer locked files even without backups – CERT Polska can help for free

To remove Gomer virus, we suggest you download and install powerful security software. Although keep in mind that not all anti-malware apps will be able to detect all viruses, as they use different databases. Nonetheless, according to Virus Total, malware is detected by dozens of security applications currently.

As mentioned above, you will not be able to unlock .gomer files as soon as you scan your computer with anti-malware. Instead, you should use alternative solutions we provide in our recovery section below.

Remove Gomer using Safe Mode with Networking

In case you are unable to eliminate the virus in normal mode, access Safe Mode as explained below:

• Windows 7 / Vista / XP
  1. Click Start → Shutdown → Restart → OK.
  2. When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
  3. Select Safe Mode with Networking from the list

  Windows 10 / Windows 8

  1. Press the Power button at the Windows login screen. Now press and hold Shift, which is on your keyboard, and click Restart..
  2. Now select Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings and finally press Restart.
  3. Once your computer becomes active, select Enable Safe Mode with Networking in Startup Settings window.

• Log in to your infected account and start the browser. Download Reimage Reimage Cleaner Intego or other legitimate anti-spyware program. Update it before a full system scan and remove malicious files that belong to your ransomware and complete Gomer removal.

If your ransomware is blocking Safe Mode with Networking, try further method.

Remove Gomer using System Restore

System Restore can also be used for Gomer file virus elimination:

Bonus: Recover your data

Guide which is presented above is supposed to help you remove Gomer from your computer. To recover your encrypted files, we recommend using a detailed guide prepared by 2-spyware.com security experts.

If your files are encrypted by Gomer, you can use several methods to restore them:

Data Recovery Pro method

Recovery software might be able to find working copies of at least some files:

• Download Data Recovery Pro;
• Follow the steps of Data Recovery Setup and install the program on your computer;
• Launch it and scan your computer for files encrypted by Gomer ransomware;
• Restore them.

Make use of Windows Previous Versions Feature

This method will only work if you had System Restore enabled before ransomware infection took place.

• Find an encrypted file you need to restore and right-click on it;
• Select “Properties” and go to “Previous versions” tab;
• Here, check each of available copies of the file in “Folder versions”. You should select the version you want to recover and click “Restore”.

ShadowExplorer might be able to retrieve all your data

In case ransomware failed to delete Shadow Volume Copies, ShadowExplorer should be able to recover all your data.

• Download Shadow Explorer (http://shadowexplorer.com/);
• Follow a Shadow Explorer Setup Wizard and install this application on your computer;
• Launch the program and go through the drop down menu on the top left corner to select the disk of your encrypted data. Check what folders are there;
• Right-click on the folder you want to restore and select “Export”. You can also select where you want it to be stored.

Contact CERT Polska for free .gomer file recovery

Write an email at [email protected] and attach ransom note (GOMER-README.txt) along with a few encrypted files.

Finally, you should always think about the protection of crypto-ransomwares. In order to protect your computer from Gomer and other ransomwares, use a reputable anti-spyware, such as Reimage Reimage Cleaner Intego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes