What is GlobeImposter 2.0 ransomware? And how does it carry out its attack?

GlobeImposter 2.0 ransomware is the latest addition to the Globe Imposter ransomware group. This group of ransomware is a copycat of the infamous Globe ransomware. This copycat of a ransomware has already many versions of the new GlobeImposter 2.0 adding to it. This new variant was discovered just this month of January 2018 and just like its predecessors, it uses the AES encryption algorithm in encrypting files. After it encrypts files, it appends the .crypted extension on each one of them.
The good thing about the appearance of this new GlobeImposter variant is that security researchers were able to crack its code right away so they were able to create a decryption software for free. The same thing happened to the first variant of this ransomware group as the security team from Emisoft were able to found a flaw in the ransomware’s code.
According to security researchers, GlobeImpposter 2.0 ransomware aims to encrypt 34 different types of files which include documents, images, videos, audio, database, text files and many more. This new variant uses one of the following file extensions:
..0402, .BONUM, .ACTUM, .JEEP, .GRAFF, .trump, .rumblegoodboy, .goro, .au1crypt, .s1crypt, .nCrypt, .hNcrypt, .legally, .keepcalm, .plin, .fix, .515, .crypt, .paycyka, .pizdec, .wallet, .vdulm, .2cXpCihgsVxB3, .medal, .3ncrypt3d .[[email protected]]SON, .troy, .Virginprotection, .BRT92, .725, .ocean, .rose, .GOTHAM, .HAPP, .write_me_[[email protected]], .VAPE, .726, .490, .coded, .skunk, .492, .astra, .apk, .doc, .4035, .clinTON, .D2550A49BF52DFC23F2C013C5, .zuzya, .LEGO, .UNLIS, .GRANNY, .911,.reaGAN, .YAYA .needkeys, .[[email protected]], .foSTE, .490, .ILLNEST, .SKUNK, .nWcrypt, .f41o1, .panda, .BIG1, .GlobeImposter, .kimchenyn, [email protected], .WORK, .crypted_uridzu@aaathats3as_com, [email protected], .TRUE, [email protected], .[[email protected]], .btc, .[[email protected]], [email protected], .black, .[[email protected]], .rrr, .{[email protected]}.AK47, .LIN, .apk, .decoder, .[[email protected]].rose, .fuck, .restorefile, .CHAK, .Chartogy, .POHU, .crypt_fereangos@airmail_cc, [email protected], .crypted_monkserenen@tvstar_com, .crypt_sorayaclarkyo@mail_com, .STN, .VYA, .crypt_damarles@airmail_cc, .pliNGY, .ñ1crypt;
After it leaves the files inaccessible, GlobeImposter 2.0 ransomware drops its ransom note named HOW_OPEN_FILES.hta which contains the following message:
“Your files are encrypted!
Your personal ID
***
All your important data has been encrypted. To recover data you need decryptor.
To get the decryptor you should:
pay for decrypt:
a site for buy bitcoin:
Buy 1 BTC on one of these sites

1. https://localbitcoins.com
2. https://www.coinbase.com
3. https://xchange.cc

bitcoin address for pay:
jlHqcdC83***:
Send 1 BTC for decrypt
After the payment:
Send the screenshot of payment to [email protected] . In the letter include your personal ID (look at the beginning of this document).
After you will receive a decryptor and instructions
Attention!

• No Payment = No decryption
• You really get the decryptor after payment
• Do not attempt to remove the program or run the anti-virus tools
• Attempts to self-decrypting files will result in the loss of your data
• Decoders other users are not compatible with your data because each user’s unique encryption key”

Since this file-encrypting malware’s code has been cracked, there is no need for you to panic and pay the ransom. Before you rush in recovering your encrypted files, you have to make the removal of GlobeImposter 2.0 ransomware from your system, your first priority. And besides the decryption software developed by security experts is free so there is no need for you to pay a cent.
How is the malicious payload of GlobeImposter 2.0 ransomware disseminated?
The same with the previous variants, the malicious payload of GlobeImposter 2.0 ransomware is disseminated through malicious spam email campaign. The authors of GlobeImposter 2.0 ransomware often attached seemingly safe files just like with the previous variant, the crooks added an attachment which they disguise as photos – and it may the same thing with the new variant although they might be using other file types such as documents or ZIP files so you have to be careful in downloading any email attachment no matter how harmless it may look.
Follow the removal instructions prepared below to obliterate GlobeImposter 2.0 ransomware from your system.
Step 1: Tap Ctrl + Shift + Esc keys to launch the Task Manager.
Step 2: Go to Processes and look for the malicious process of GlobeImposter 2.0 ransomware then right click on it and select End Process or End Task.

Step 3: Close the Task Manager and open Control Panel by pressing the Windows key + R, then type in appwiz.cpl and then click OK or press Enter.
Step 4: Look for dubious programs that might be related to GlobeImposter 2.0 ransomware and then Uninstall it/them.

Step 5: Tap Win + E to launch File Explorer.
Step 6: After opening File Explorer, navigate to the following directories below and look for GlobeImposter 2.0 ransomware’s malicious components such as get_my_files.txt and remove them all.

• %TEMP%
• %APPDATA%
• %DESKTOP%
• %USERPROFILE%\Downloads
• C:\ProgramData\local\

Step 7: Close the File Explorer.
Before you proceed to the next steps below, make sure that you are tech savvy enough to the point where you know exactly how to use and navigate your computer’s Registry. Keep in mind that any changes you make will highly impact your computer. To save you the trouble and time, you can just use PC Cleaner Pro, this system tool is proven to be safe and excellent enough that hackers won’t be able to hack into it. But if you can manage Windows Registry well, then, by all means, go on to the next steps.
Step 8: Tap Win + R to open Run and then type in regedit in the field and tap enter to pull up Windows Registry.

Step 9: Navigate to the listed paths below and look for the registry keys and sub-keys created by GlobeImposter 2.0 ransomware.

• HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop\
• HKEY_USERS\.DEFAULT\Control Panel\Desktop\
• HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
• HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
• HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
• HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce

Step 10: Delete the registry keys and sub-keys created by GlobeImposter 2.0 ransomware.
Step 11: Close the Registry Editor.
Step 12: Empty your Recycle Bin.
To make sure that GlobeImposter 2.0 ransomware is completely removed and that nothing is left behind, use the following antivirus program. To use it, refer to the instructions below.
Perform a full system scan using SpyRemover Pro. To do so, follow these steps:

1. Turn on your computer. If it’s already on, you have to reboot
2. After that, the BIOS screen will be displayed, but if Windows pops up instead, reboot your computer and try again. Once you’re on the BIOS screen, repeat pressing F8, by doing so the Advanced Option shows up.

3. To navigate the Advanced Option use the arrow keys and select Safe Mode with Networking then hit
4. Windows will now load the SafeMode with Networking.
5. Press and hold both R key and Windows key.

6. If done correctly, the Windows Run Box will show up.
7. Type in explorer http://www.fixmypcfree.com/install/spyremoverpro

A single space must be in between explorer and http. Click OK.

8. A dialog box will be displayed by Internet Explorer. Click Run to begin downloading the program. The installation will start automatically once a download is done.

9. Click OK to launch it.
10. Run SpyRemover Pro and perform a full system scan.

11. After all the infections are identified, click REMOVE ALL.

12. Register the program to protect your computer from future threats.