How to Remove GURAM Ransomware

The GURAM Virus is a highly dangerous form of ransomware that encrypts user files and demands a steep ransom in Litecoin (LTC) cryptocurrency. Victims are left with their data inaccessible and a threatening ransom note titled README.txt, instructing them to make payments to regain access to their information.

This ransomware generally spreads through deceptive spam emails, unsafe software downloads, or visits to compromised websites. Once inside a system, GURAM not only encrypts files but also changes their names and appends the .GURAMextension, making identification and access impossible without the decryption key.

Quick Summary of GURAM Ransomware

Feature	Details
Threat Type	Ransomware, Cryptovirus
File Extension	.GURAM
Ransom Note Filename	README.txt
Ransom Amount	10 LTC (~$1000), increases after 24 hours
Contact Emails	payfast1000@onionmail.org, payfast2000@onionmail.org
Payment Address	ltc1qdwectzwfhuap0q9xsqh7t433568py527vxvtq9
Distribution Methods	Spam emails, malicious attachments, fake updates, pirated software
Detected As	May appear as: Ransom:Win32/GURAM.A, Trojan.Ransom.GURAM, etc.
Symptoms of Infection	Files renamed with .GURAM, ransom note dropped, system slowdown, auto start
Damage Caused	Data encryption, potential data exfiltration, system compromise
Danger Level	Critical

Ransom Note Details

The cybercriminals behind GURAM demand payment within 24 hours, threatening to increase the ransom amount significantly if the deadline is not met. Victims are also offered a “test file” decryption service to prove the threat is real:

pgsqlCopyEditYour files are encrypted. To decrypt files you need to pay 10 LTC = 1000 $

You need to send cryptocurrency 10 LTC=1000$ to the address

ltc1qdwectzwfhuap0q9xsqh7t433568py527vxvtq9

ltc1qdwectzwfhuap0q9xsqh7t433568py527vxvtq9

ltc1qdwectzwfhuap0q9xsqh7t433568py527vxvtq9

You have 24 hours to send proof of payment to payfast1000@onionmail.org  
payfast2000@onionmail.org

If you need a test file. It will cost 1LTC = 100 $

If 24 hours pass and you do not pay, the cost of restoring your files will cost $2000 - $10000

The demands are accompanied by threats of increased payment costs and possible permanent data loss. Despite these threats, security experts strongly advise against paying the ransom, as there is no guarantee the attackers will actually restore access to your files.

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Manual Ransomware Removal Guide

Warning: Manual removal is complex and risky. If not done correctly, it can lead to data loss or incomplete removal of ransomware. Only follow this method if you are an advanced user. If unsure, proceed with Method 2 (SpyHunter Removal Guide).

Step 1: Disconnect from the Internet

1. Unplug your Ethernet cable or disconnect Wi-Fi immediately to prevent further communication with the ransomware’s command and control (C2) servers.

Step 2: Boot into Safe Mode

For Windows Users:

1. For Windows 10, 11:
   • Press Windows + R, type msconfig, and hit Enter.
   • Go to the Boot tab.
   • Check Safe boot and select Network.
   • Click Apply and OK, then restart your PC.
2. For Windows 7, 8:
   • Restart your PC and press F8 repeatedly before Windows loads.
   • Select Safe Mode with Networking and press Enter.

For Mac Users:

1. Restart your Mac and immediately press and hold the Shift key.
2. Release the key once you see the Apple logo.
3. Your Mac will start in Safe Mode.

Step 3: Locate and Terminate Malicious Processes

For Windows Users:

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
2. Look for suspicious processes (e.g., unknown names, high CPU usage, or random letters).
3. Right-click on the process and select End Task.

For Mac Users:

1. Open Activity Monitor (Finder > Applications > Utilities > Activity Monitor).
2. Look for unusual processes.
3. Select the process and click Force Quit.

Step 4: Delete Malicious Files

For Windows Users:

1. Press Windows + R, type %temp%, and hit Enter.
2. Delete all files in the Temp folder.
3. Navigate to:
   • C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Roaming
   • C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Local
   • C:\Windows\System32
4. Look for suspicious files related to the ransomware (random file names, recently modified) and delete them.

For Mac Users:

1. Open Finder and go to Go > Go to Folder.
2. Type ~/Library/Application Support and delete suspicious folders.
3. Navigate to ~/Library/LaunchAgents and remove unknown .plist files.

Step 5: Remove Ransomware from Registry or System Settings

For Windows Users:

Warning: Incorrect changes in the Registry Editor can damage your system. Proceed with caution.

1. Press Windows + R, type regedit, and hit Enter.
2. Navigate to:
   • HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software
   • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software
3. Look for unfamiliar folders with random characters or ransomware-related names.
4. Right-click and select Delete.

For Mac Users:

1. Go to System Preferences > Users & Groups.
2. Click on Login Items and remove any suspicious startup items.
3. Navigate to ~/Library/Preferences and remove malicious .plist files.

Step 6: Restore System Using System Restore (Windows) or Time Machine (Mac)

For Windows Users:

1. Press Windows + R, type rstrui, and hit Enter.
2. Click Next, choose a restore point before the infection, and follow the prompts to restore your system.

For Mac Users:

1. Restart your Mac and hold Command + R to enter macOS Utilities.
2. Select Restore from Time Machine Backup.
3. Choose a backup prior to the ransomware infection and restore your system.

Step 7: Use a Decryption Tool (If Available)

• Visit No More Ransom (www.nomoreransom.org) and check if a decryption tool is available for your ransomware variant.

Step 8: Recover Files Using Backup

• If you have backups on an external drive or cloud storage, restore your files.

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Automatic Ransomware Removal Using SpyHunter

If manual removal seems too risky or complicated, using a reliable anti-malware tool like SpyHunter is the best alternative.

Step 1: Download SpyHunter

Download SpyHunter from the official link: Download SpyHunter

Or follow the official installation instructions here:
SpyHunter Download Instructions

Step 2: Install SpyHunter

1. Open the downloaded file (SpyHunter-Installer.exe).
2. Follow the on-screen prompts to install the program.
3. Once installed, launch SpyHunter.

Step 3: Perform a Full System Scan

1. Click on Start Scan Now.
2. SpyHunter will scan for ransomware and other malware.
3. Wait for the scan to complete.

Step 4: Remove Detected Threats

1. After the scan, SpyHunter will list all detected threats.
2. Click Fix Threats to remove the ransomware.

Step 5: Use SpyHunter’s Malware HelpDesk (If Needed)

If you are dealing with a stubborn ransomware variant, SpyHunter’s Malware HelpDesk provides custom fixes to remove advanced threats.

Step 6: Restore Your Files

If your files are encrypted:

• Try No More Ransom (www.nomoreransom.org) for decryption tools.
• Restore from cloud storage or external backups.

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Preventing Future Ransomware Attacks

• Keep backups on an external hard drive or cloud storage.
• Use SpyHunter to detect threats before they infect your system.
• Enable Windows Defender or a trusted antivirus program.
• Avoid suspicious emails, attachments, and links.
• Update Windows, macOS & software regularly.

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Conclusion

The GURAM ransomware is designed to hit hard and fast, making data recovery very difficult without proper backups. It modifies system directories such as %AppData%, %Temp%, %SystemDrive%, %Windows%, and more, often embedding itself in multiple locations to ensure persistence. It can also alter the Windows Registry to launch on system boot.

Infected systems may become unstable, with users noticing slowed performance or unknown processes running in the background. Unfortunately, even complying with the ransom demands does not ensure your data will be returned. GURAM is part of a growing trend of ransomware strains that exploit unprotected users and businesses alike.