How to Recover Data Affected by GAGAKICK Ransomware (.GAGAKICK Extension)?
Our GAGAKICK Decryptor: Expert-Crafted Recovery Tool
Our cybersecurity team has reverse-engineered the GAGAKICK ransomware’s encryption flow and developed a purpose-built decryptor for safe and rapid recovery. This tool has successfully restored data for dozens of businesses impacted by GAGAKICK attacks across various industries. It supports decryption on Windows and enterprise networks with minimal risk of data loss.
Related article: How to Decrypt Files Affected by REVRAC Ransomware (.REVRAC): Tools, TTPs, IOCs, and Mitigation Tactics?
How It Works?
Our solution relies on AI-assisted analysis and a secure cloud infrastructure to process encrypted files while validating decryption integrity through blockchain-backed ledgers.
Each recovery session maps to the unique victim ID extracted from the GAGAKICK ransom note. This ensures precise decryption against each uniquely encrypted file batch.
For clients who lack the ransom note, we also offer a Universal Decryptor that handles newer builds of GAGAKICK ransomware.
All operations begin with a secure, read-only scan to evaluate damage before beginning recovery.
Also read: How to Decrypt Securotrop Ransomware (.securutrop) Files Safely?
Requirements for Recovery
Before beginning the recovery process, ensure that you have:
- A copy of the ransom note (README.TXT)
- Access to encrypted files
- An active internet connection
- Admin privileges on affected systems
Immediate Steps to Take After GAGAKICK Ransomware Attack
Disconnect Immediately
Isolate infected devices to prevent further encryption. GAGAKICK is capable of spreading laterally through networks and shared drives.
Preserve Critical Evidence
Retain ransom notes, encrypted files, and system logs. Any tampering or deletion may impact recovery success. Back up compromised systems exactly as they are for analysis.
Do Not Reboot
Avoid restarting or formatting the systems. GAGAKICK may have embedded secondary encryption triggers that execute upon reboot.
Reach Out to Cybersecurity Professionals
Do not rely on shady forums or random tools. Contact experienced ransomware recovery teams as early intervention can significantly improve decryption chances.
How to Decrypt GAGAKICK Ransomware and Recover Data?
GAGAKICK ransomware is a highly destructive variant that locks files with a .GAGAKICK extension and threatens to leak stolen data if the ransom isn’t paid. Our GAGAKICK Decryptor is a specialized recovery tool that addresses this threat without supporting cybercriminals.
GAGAKICK Decryption and Recovery Options
Free Methods (Community & Tool‑based Options)
Open‑Source & Community Decryptors (Possibly Compatible)
Try these universal tools:
- No More Ransom’s Crypto Sheriff or ID Ransomware, where you upload a sample of the ransom note plus one encrypted file to detect the ransomware family and see if a matching decryptor exists.
- If analysis reveals GAGAKICK is a variant or fork of a supported family (like Chaos or AstraLocker), you may be eligible for a decryptor from the No More Ransom repository.
Vendor Tools (Trend Micro, Kaspersky, Avast, Emsisoft)
Major antivirus vendors offer free decryptors for dozens of ransomware types:
- Avast and AVG tools cover legacy varieties such as TeslaCrypt, Bart, BadBlock, Apocalypse, Legion, and others—but not GAGAKICK specifically.
- Emsisoft and Kaspersky provide tools for many known strains; if GAGAKICK shares code or extensions with a supported tool, some partial recovery might be possible.
Backup & Snapshot Recovery
If free decryptors fail, you still have recovery paths via backups and virtual environment snapshots:
- Backup Restore: Use isolated, untouched backups. Confirm file integrity before restoring.
- VM Snapshots: If VMware/Hyper‑V snapshots exist, revert to pre‑infection images—but verify they weren’t corrupted or deleted, as ransomware may clean up snapshots.
Paid Methods – More Detailed Breakdown
Direct Ransom Payment
Validation & Execution
- Victim sends ransom note details and unique Victim ID. Payment (often in cryptocurrency) triggers delivery of decryptor tools or keys tied to that ID.
- Risks include incomplete decryption, corrupted files, or no tool delivered despite payment.
Security and Ethical Concerns
Paying supports criminal ecosystems and may breach local laws or compliance rules in corporate or regulated sectors. You must weigh legal responsibility, reputational risk, and limited guarantees.
Third‑Party Negotiators
Negotiation & Liaising
Professional negotiators communicate via TOR or encrypted platforms, often reducing ransom demand and managing logistics discreetly.
Validation & Sample Decryption
Before paying, you may be able to verify a working decryptor via sample decryption. This ensures the threat actors actually possess the keys.
Cost & Timeline
Negotiation services typically charge a percentage of the ransom or a flat fee, prolonging downtime and exposure risk.
Our Specialized GAGAKICK Decryptor & Service
Reverse‑Engineered Solution
Our tool targets known encryption signatures in the GAGAKICK variant, restoring data using victim‑specific mapping and AI‑assisted pattern recognition.
Cloud and Offline Recovery Modes
Encrypted files are processed in secure cloud environments with blockchain verification of output integrity. Offline execution is also supported for high‑security environments.
No Upfront Payment Required
Submit encrypted files and ransom note; we provide variant confirmation and a recovery timeline before any payment is required. This lowers financial risk and avoids paying cybercriminals directly.
Our Specialized GAGAKICK Decryptor
We’ve built our GAGAKICK Decryptor based on known cryptographic behavior and system fingerprinting used by this ransomware. The tool is backed by a secure server network that processes encrypted files in controlled sandbox environments.
How It Works?
Our engineers reverse-engineered GAGAKICK’s encryption technique, allowing us to target specific file header patterns and restore content using AI-inferred decryption maps. Encrypted files are uploaded to a secure cloud instance for processing. Post-analysis, the restored files are returned with integrity verification via blockchain tracking.
We do not require upfront payment for analysis, and we support both air-gapped and cloud-based recovery options.
Step-by-Step GAGAKICK Recovery Guide with Decryptor
Assess the Infection
Confirm that your files have been renamed with the .GAGAKICK extension and that the ransom note “README.TXT” is present.
Isolate the Environment
Remove the affected system from the network. Prevent any further file access to avoid triggering additional scripts.
Submit Samples
Send us a few encrypted files along with the ransom note for analysis. We’ll confirm variant compatibility and share the recovery timeline.
Launch the Decryptor
Once cleared, run the GAGAKICK Decryptor with administrator privileges. An internet connection is required for file validation and recovery mapping.
Start Recovery
Enter your victim ID (found in the ransom note) to initiate the decryption process. The files will be returned to their original state upon success.
Also read: How to Decrypt Cowa Ransomware (.cowa) Files Safely?
Offline vs Online Recovery Options
Offline recovery is ideal for high-security or air-gapped environments. Files can be manually transferred via secure drives to offline systems for decryption.
Online recovery enables faster results through direct uploads to our secure processing servers. This is ideal for enterprises needing rapid turnaround and live support.
Our decryption system supports both options depending on your security preferences and infrastructure.
What is GAGAKICK Ransomware?
GAGAKICK is a ransomware strain identified through submissions on VirusTotal. It encrypts files and appends a victim-specific string followed by the “.GAGAKICK” extension. The attackers also claim to exfiltrate sensitive information such as service credentials, employee records, financial data, and manufacturing documents. Victims receive a ransom note (README.TXT) threatening to leak this data if the ransom isn’t paid.
GAGAKICK doesn’t merely lock access—it disrupts operations and threatens to destroy reputations through data leaks. Its ransom notes are lengthy, manipulative, and clearly designed to coerce organizations into payment through fear of litigation and financial loss.
Link to Other Malware Groups & Techniques
While GAGAKICK is not directly linked to well-known ransomware groups like Conti, its operational structure mirrors professional-grade ransomware-as-a-service tactics. The ransom note includes psychological pressure, legal threats, and dark web exposure threats similar to what’s seen in BlackBasta, LockBit, and Snatch.
GAGAKICK is known to exploit phishing emails, malicious downloads, and vulnerable network services for initial access. It spreads across local networks and external drives and is capable of disabling shadow copies to block recovery options.
How GAGAKICK Works: A Technical Overview
GAGAKICK uses hybrid encryption to lock data, combining symmetric file encryption with victim-specific keys. The ransom note includes communication instructions via Session messenger and two email addresses. The ransomware also attempts to remove shadow copies, disable built-in recovery tools, and block antivirus scans.
It uses deceptive file types such as ZIP archives, EXE payloads, PDF macros, and JavaScript downloaders for initial infection. Some samples self-propagate across removable drives and shared directories, escalating the risk for entire networks.
Statistics and Facts So Far Regarding GAGAKICK Ransomware
Top Countries Affected
Organizations Hit by GAGAKICK
A Timeline of GAGAKICK’s Activity (Jan 2024–Jul 2025)
“README.TXT” Content and Purpose
These manipulative messages aim to paralyze decision-making and force ransom payment through fear, shame, and urgency.
Hello my dear friend (Do not scan the files with antivirus in any case. In case of data loss, the consequences are yours)
Your data is encryptedUnfortunately for you, a major IT security weakness left you open to attack, your files have been encrypted
The only method of recovering files is to purchase decrypt tool and unique key for you.
If you want to recover your files, write us to this e-mail: ambulafixdata@zohomail.eu
In case of no answer in 24 hours write us to this backup e-mail: ambulafixdata@onionmail.org
Check your e-mail “Spam” or “Junk” folder if you don’t get answer more than 6 hours.
Or download the (Session) messenger (hxxps://getsession.org) in messenger: 052867b2b3f2004b4f94d5d401f41697e8c736be68d609c0f8a8a47c706570aa5e
You have to add this Id and we will complete our converstion
Contact us soon, because those who don’t have their data leaked in our press release blog and the price they’ll have to pay will go up significantly.Attention!
Do not rename encrypted files.
Do not try to decrypt your data using third party software – it may cause permanent data loss.
We are always ready to cooperate and find the best way to solve your problem.
The faster you write – the more favorable conditions will be for you.
Our company values its reputation. We give all guarantees of your files decryption.What are your recommendations?
– Never change the name of the files, if you want to manipulate the files, be sure to back them up. If there are any problems with the files, we are not responsible for them.
– Never work with intermediary companies because they charge you more money.Don’t be afraid of us, just email us.Sensitive data on your system was DOWNLOADED.
If you DON’T WANT your sensitive data to be PUBLISHED you have to act quickly.Data includes:
– Employees personal data, CVs, DL, SSN.
– Complete network map including credentials for local and remote services.
– Private financial information including: clients data, bills, budgets, annual reports, bank statements.
– Manufacturing documents including: datagrams, schemas, drawings in solidworks format
– And more…What are the dangers of leaking your company’s data.
First of all, you will receive fines from the government such as the GDRP and many others, you can be sued by customers of your firm for leaking information that was confidential. Your leaked data will be used by all the hackers on the planet for various unpleasant things. For example, social engineering, your employees’ personal data can be used to re-infiltrate your company. Bank details and passports can be used to create bank accounts and online wallets through which criminal money will be laundered. On another vacation trip, you will have to explain to the FBI where you got millions of dollars worth of stolen cryptocurrency transferred through your accounts on cryptocurrency exchanges. Your personal information could be used to make loans or buy appliances. You would later have to prove in court that it wasn’t you who took out the loan and pay off someone else’s loan. Your competitors may use the stolen information to steal technology or to improve their processes, your working methods, suppliers, investors, sponsors, employees, it will all be in the public domain. You won’t be happy if your competitors lure your employees to other firms offering better wages, will you? Your competitors will use your information against you. For example, look for tax violations in the financial documents or any other violations, so you have to close your firm. According to statistics, two thirds of small and medium-sized companies close within half a year after a data breach. You will have to find and fix the vulnerabilities in your network, work with the customers affected by data leaks. All of these are very costly procedures that can exceed the cost of a ransomware buyout by a factor of hundreds. It’s much easier, cheaper and faster to pay us the ransom. Well and most importantly, you will suffer a reputational loss, you have been building your company for many years, and now your reputation will be destroyed.Do not go to the police or FBI for help and do not tell anyone that we attacked you.
They won’t help and will only make your situation worse. In 7 years not a single member of our group has been caught by the police, we are top-notch hackers and never leave a trace of crime. The police will try to stop you from paying the ransom in any way they can. The first thing they will tell you is that there is no guarantee to decrypt your files and delete the stolen files, this is not true, we can do a test decryption before payment and your data will be guaranteed to be deleted because it is a matter of our reputation, we make hundreds of millions of dollars and we are not going to lose income because of your files. It is very beneficial for the police and the FBI to let everyone on the planet know about the leak of your data, because then your state will receive fines under GDPR and other similar laws. The fines will go to fund the police and FBI. The police and FBI will not be able to stop lawsuits from your customers for leaking personal and private information. The police and FBI will not protect you from repeat attacks. Paying us a ransom is much cheaper and more profitable than paying fines and legal fees.If you do not pay the ransom, we will attack your company again in the future.
Tools Used by GAGAKICK Actors
Cobalt Strike and PsExec for Lateral Movement
Analysis of GAGAKICK-like ransomware campaigns shows frequent abuse of Cobalt Strike as a covert backdoor and command‑and‑control agent, often paired with PsExec to execute payloads across networked systems. This combination enables stealthy escalation and propagation across multiple endpoints.
Credential Harvesting with Mimikatz and LaZagne
Once inside, attackers frequently deploy tools like Mimikatz or LaZagne to extract cached credentials from memory or system stores. These stolen credentials are then reused to penetrate deeper into domain environments and compromise shared resources.
System Discovery via AdFind and Process Tools
GAGAKICK operators employ AdFind to enumerate Active Directory structures and map user privileges. Tools like Process Hacker or PCHunter64 are used to identify running processes, detect and disable antivirus services, and terminate interference before encryption begins.
Data Exfiltration via MegaSync or Remote Tools
Exfiltration commonly makes use of benign-sounding services like MegaSync, or legitimate network tools such as WinSCP, RClone, or AnyDesk. These are repurposed to quietly move sensitive files to attacker-controlled cloud accounts or remote servers before encryption commences.
Indicators of Compromise (IoCs) Linked to GAGAKICK
File Name Patterns and Extensions
Victims typically find encrypted files renamed with a pattern including a unique GUID and the .GAGAKICK extension. For example, “document.docx” becomes “document.docx.{Victim‑ID}.GAGAKICK”. The presence of this extension and ID is a strong sign of compromise.
Ransom Note Presence and Contact Channels
The ransom file named README.TXT appears in affected folders. It contains instructions to contact the attackers via Session messenger or via email addresses like ambulafixdata@zohomail.eu or ambulafixdata@onionmail.org. This note often contains unique victim IDs and threat messaging.
Shadow Copy Deletion and Registry Changes
Attack scripts typically run commands such as vssadmin delete shadows /all /quiet to erase Volume Shadow Copies. They may also create registry modifications or scheduled tasks aimed at disabling recovery mechanisms or antivirus protections.
Outbound Connections to Exfiltration Channels
Indicators include network logs showing outbound traffic to known cloud services like Mega.nz or anonymous transfer tools such as Ngrok or remote administration tools like AnyDesk. These often occur during pre‑encryption data theft stages.
Presence of Reconnaissance and Dumping Tools
Onensic inspection often identifies traces of tools like mimikatz.exe, adfind.exe, psexec.exe, or megasync.exe in temporary directories or shared paths. Their unexpected execution is a strong sign of attacker activity, especially when paired with elevated privileges being abused.
These tools and IoCs combined reveal how GAGAKICK operators move through target environments: from credential harvesting, internal discovery, data exfiltration, to final encryption. Monitoring for these artifacts—suspicious process execution, GUIDed encrypted files, ransom notes, and unusual outbound connections—can help defenders detect and mitigate attacks before critical damage occurs.
Conclusion: Restore Your Data, Reclaim Your Network
GAGAKICK is a sophisticated ransomware threat that compromises data, security, and confidence. But with the right decryptor, a secure environment, and rapid intervention, recovery is not only possible—it’s achievable. Don’t let fear cloud your judgment. Trust proven methods and seek professional help quickly.
Our GAGAKICK Decryptor has already assisted multiple businesses in restoring full operations across diverse infrastructures. Contact our ransomware response team to begin your recovery journey today.
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