How to Decrypt GOTHAM Ransomware (.GOTHAM) files safely?
GOTHAM ransomware — a concise snapshot
GOTHAM is a GlobeImposter-family crypto-ransomware observed in malware uploads to VirusTotal. Its principal marker is that it encrypts files and appends a .GOTHAM extension. After encryption it writes a ransom HTML file (how_to_back_files.html) that instructs victims how to buy Bitcoin and contact the attackers. The actors offer to decrypt one small file free as proof, and warn against renaming files or using third-party tools.
Related article: How to remove Miga Ransomware (.miga) from Windows & servers?
Appearance on the victim system
Files encrypted by GOTHAM receive the .GOTHAM suffix, so invoice.pdf becomes invoice.pdf.GOTHAM. The ransomware drops a clear ransom page named how_to_back_files.html that contains payment instructions, purchase guidance for Bitcoin (links and guidance), and attacker contact emails. These artifacts are the quickest way to identify an infection during triage.
Also read: How to remove Proton/Shinra Ransomware (.OkoR991eGf.OhpWdBwm) and restore data access?
Removal vs. recovery — clear distinction
Removing GOTHAM from an infected endpoint (via reputable AV) stops further encryption but will not decrypt files. Recovery requires either:
- Valid decryption keys (supplied by attackers or recovered through a vendor/decryptor), or
- Restoring from clean backups or snapshots.
Recovery options: free, local, and paid (including our decryptor)
Free / no-cost options
- Backup restoration: If off-site, immutable, or offline backups are available, verify integrity and restore. Always scan backups before restoration.
- Forensic validation: Identify whether early/weak variants exist that can be cracked or recovered without paying.
Technical, on-premise recovery
- VM snapshots: If clean pre-infection snapshots exist in hypervisors, validate and rollback while ensuring snapshots aren’t infected or deleted.
- Offline brute-force / research tools: Only applicable if a cryptographic weakness is found and is highly resource-intensive.
Paid / vendor-assisted recovery (including our offering)
- Paying the ransom is NOT recommended. The attackers may not supply keys, keys may be corrupted, and payments fund more crime.
- Third-party negotiators can act as intermediaries but charge significant fees and still carry risk.
- Our GOTHAM Recovery Service
- ID-based mapping: We use the unique victim ID (from the ransom note) to match your encrypted batch.
- Secure cloud analysis: Encrypted samples are processed in a hardened sandbox; integrity is logged on a private ledger to prove no tampering.
- Free test decryption option: As with the attackers’ offer, we provide a verified test decryption of a small file to validate recovery feasibility.
- Universal/deep analysis: If the ransom note is missing, a premium analysis path attempts to determine variant details and find any exploitable flaws.
- Requirements: Sample encrypted files, copy of how_to_back_files.html, admin access to an isolated system, and internet access for secure transmission (or arrange offline transfer).
- Security caution: We stress vendor verification: request references, case studies, and transparent technical reports before contracting.
Step-by-Step GOTHAM Recovery Guide with GOTHAM Decryptor
- Assess the Infection
Identify file extensions: .GOTHAM, and confirm presence of how_to_back_files.html - Secure the Environment
Then, disconnect affected systems and ensure no further encryption scripts are active. - Engage Our Recovery Team
Submit sample encrypted files + ransom note for variant confirmation, and we will initiate analysis and provide a recovery timeline. - Run Our Decryptor
Launch the GOTHAM Decryptor as an administrator for optimal performance. An internet connection is required as the tool connects to our secure servers. - Enter Your Victim ID:
Identify the Victim ID from the ransom note and enter it for precise decryption. - Start the Decryptor:
Initiate the decryption process and let the tool restore your files to their original state.
Also read: How to Decrypt 0xxx Ransomware (.0xxx) encrypted files?
How victims typically notice an infection?
Users report: inability to open previously functional files, sudden filename changes (new extension), and a ransom HTML file either on desktop or in encrypted folders. Infected hosts may show recent unusual processes or high disk activity during the time of encryption. Standard signs of compromise — popup ransom instructions, disabled shadow copies, and failed restore attempts — are common.
What the ransom note says
The ransom page states all files were encrypted and demands payment in Bitcoin with the following message:
All your files have been encrypted!
Your personal ID
–All your files have been encrypted due to a security problem with your PC.
If you want to restore them, write us to the e-mail:gotham_back@india.com
Additional Mailing Address e-mail:skunkwoman_next@aol.comHow to obtain Bitcoins
The easiest way to buy bitcoins is LocalBitcoins site. You have to register, click ‘Buy bitcoins’, and select the seller by payment method and price.
hxxps://localbitcoins.com/buy_bitcoins
Also you can find other places to buy Bitcoins and beginners guide here:
hxxp://www.coindesk.com/information/how-can-i-buy-bitcoins/Free decryption as guarantee
Before paying you can send to us up to 1 files for free decryption. Please note that files must NOT contain valuable information and their total size must be less than 1MbAttention!
Do not rename encrypted files.
Do not try to decrypt your data using third party software, it may cause permanent data loss.
Decryption of your files with the help of third parties may cause increased price (they add their fee to our) or you can become a victim of a scam.
Encryption lineage and implications
GOTHAM is classed under the GlobeImposter family. That family typically uses strong symmetric or hybrid encryption schemes and ties keys to attacker-controlled infrastructure, which usually makes recovery without the key impractical. The original analysis stresses that removal of the malware does not revert encrypted files — only a valid decryption key or clean backups will restore data.
Primary infection vectors
GOTHAM spreads through typical ransomware distribution channels:
- Malicious email attachments (documents with macros), spam links.
- Bundling with cracked software or fake installers downloaded from untrusted sources.
- Drive-by downloads and malvertising on compromised websites.
- Trojan loaders and backdoors that drop the ransomware.
- In certain cases, lateral spread via network shares and removable drives is possible.
Names used by security products
VirusTotal and AV engines have flagged samples with varied names: Avast (Other:Malware-gen [Trj]), Combo Cleaner (Generic.Ransom.GlobeImposter.359DD48C), ESET-NOD32 (Win32/Filecoder.FV), Kaspersky (Trojan-Ransom.Win32.Purgen.gc), Microsoft (Ransom:Win32/Ergop.A). These detections help confirm family attribution but do not guarantee full remediation.
Indicators of Compromise (IOCs)
Primary IOCs derived from the sample set and the submitted article:
- File extension: .GOTHAM
- Ransom note: how_to_back_files.html
- Attacker contact emails: gotham_back@india.com, skunkwoman_next@aol.com
- Common ransom text patterns (strings to search for in files): “All your files have been encrypted!”, “Your personal ID”, references to LocalBitcoins.
TTPs and tools — mapped to MITRE ATT&CK
GOTHAM’s behavior and distribution fit multiple ATT&CK techniques:
- Initial Access (T1566): Phishing attachments with macros, malicious links.
- Execution (T1204): User execution of bundled or disguised binaries.
- Persistence (T1547): Likely via scheduled tasks or registry run keys (common for GlobeImposter variants).
- Privilege Escalation (T1068/T1548): Exploits or credential abuse if available.
- Defense Evasion (T1562/T1543): Disabling of security tools and deletion of shadow copies (vssadmin delete shadows /all /quiet is common with similar families).
- Credential Access (T1003): May be combined with additional trojans that harvest credentials.
- Lateral Movement (T1021): Use of remote services, SMB, or lateral tooling.
- Exfiltration (T1041/T1567): Although not explicitly described for GOTHAM, GlobeImposter actors have been known to exfiltrate in some campaigns.
- Impact (T1486): File encryption and extortion.
Tools and utilities often used in GlobeImposter-like campaigns include generic loaders and trojans (no unique named tool for GOTHAM in the source). The article warns that password-stealing trojans and additional malware can be bundled with the ransomware.
Containment & immediate response — what to do now
- Immediately isolate infected systems from networks and shared storage to prevent spread.
- Preserve the ransom note and a sample encrypted file without modification.
- Capture volatile data: process lists, memory, and network connections for later forensic analysis.
- Do not rename encrypted files or attempt random third-party tools that claim to “fix” files — they may reduce recovery chances.
Prevention & long-term controls
Adopt a layered defense: multi-factor authentication for remote access, timely patching of VPNs/firewalls, disable or restrict RDP, enforce least privilege, network segmentation, and immutable/air-gapped backups. Train users on phishing and avoid cracked software or untrusted downloads. Deploy EDR and regular threat hunting to find trojan loaders before encryption.
Victim Stats And Data
- Countries affected
- Sectors impacted
- Timeline
Conclusion and recommended next steps
GOTHAM ransomware follows classic GlobeImposter tactics: file encryption, extortion via a ransom HTML page, and distribution via common vectors. Immediate containment, forensic evidence preservation, and careful analysis of backups are essential. If you lack clean backups, consider engaging a vetted recovery vendor and avoid paying attackers unless all other options are exhausted and legally cleared.
Frequently Asked Questions
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