Avast Decryption Tool for Globe Ransomware: Does It Work?

Avast Decryption Tool for Globe Ransomware: Does It Work?Ransomware remains one of the most destructive forms of cybercrime: attackers encrypt victims’ files and demand payment for the decryption key. Globe (also spelled GlobeImposter in some variants) is a family of ransomware that has affected users and organizations worldwide, targeting documents, images, databases and backups. Avast, a major cybersecurity company, has produced decryption utilities for some ransomware families. This article examines whether the Avast decryption tool can help with Globe ransomware, how it works, limitations, and practical steps for victims.

What is Globe ransomware?

Globe is a generic name applied to multiple related ransomware strains that have been active since around 2016. Variants often:

• Encrypt user files and append extensions like .globe, .front, .thor, or other strings.
• Drop ransom notes instructing victims to contact attackers or pay a bitcoin ransom.
• Sometimes include features to evade detection, delete shadow copies, or target network shares.

Because “Globe” encompasses several related but distinct encryptors, success with any given decryptor depends on the exact variant and the implementation details (for example, whether a unique per-file key or a reused key was used, whether keys are recoverable, or whether cryptographic mistakes were made).

How Avast’s decryption tools generally work

Avast and other security vendors create decryptors when:

• They obtain sample malware and analyze its cryptography.
• They find implementation flaws (weak key generation, reused keys, embedded static keys, or predictable IVs).
• They have access to master keys released by law enforcement, an attacker’s mistake, or a malware author’s cooperation.

A typical antivirus vendor decryptor will:

1. Identify the ransomware variant from encrypted file markers or ransom note text.
2. Attempt to derive or recover the encryption key using known weaknesses or provided keys.
3. Decrypt files in place or create copies with recovered plaintext.

Important: decryptors succeed only when the underlying cryptography or key handling is flawed or when keys are available. For correctly implemented, modern ransomware using strong per-victim asymmetric cryptography with properly generated keys, decryption without the attackers’ private key is cryptographically infeasible.

Does Avast have a decryption tool for Globe?

• Sometimes — Avast has released a decryptor for some Globe/GlobeImposter variants when those variants contained recoverable flaws or when researchers recovered keys.
• Not universally — Avast’s tool will not work for every Globe variant because Globe is a broad family; variants differ in encryption method and error conditions.

To determine whether Avast’s decryptor applies to a specific infection, the tool typically asks for sample encrypted files or the ransom note and checks file markers or extension patterns. Avast’s Ransomware Decryption Tools portal (and similar tools from other vendors like Emsisoft, Kaspersky, No More Ransom) list supported variants and usage instructions.

How to check if the Avast decryptor will work for your case

1. Identify the ransomware variant:

   • Note the file extension appended to encrypted files and the ransom note filename/content.
   • Record any infection details (date/time, how the infection likely occurred).

2. Use vendor resources:

   • Visit Avast’s ransomware decryption tools page and search for “Globe” or “GlobeImposter.”
   • Try the tool in a copy of an encrypted file — never run tools first on originals without backups.

3. Try multiple reputable decryptors:

   • No More Ransom (a collaboration between law enforcement and security companies) aggregates many decryptors.
   • Emsisoft, Kaspersky, Trend Micro, and others also publish decryptors for specific Globe variants.

4. Submit samples to vendors:

   • Many vendors accept encrypted-file samples or ransom notes to confirm whether a decryptor exists for your variant.

Typical limitations and caveats

• Partial support: A decryptor might recover only certain file types or files encrypted under specific conditions.
• Corrupted files: Failed decryption attempts or partial encryption can leave files corrupted even if decryption is possible.
• Shadow copies/backups: Some Globe variants delete shadow copies; if backups exist, restoring from backups is often safer than attempting decryption.
• False hope: If the ransomware uses strong, correctly implemented cryptography (e.g., unique RSA keys per victim with no leaks), no free decryptor will exist.
• Safety first: Never pay the ransom if you can avoid it — payment funds criminals and does not guarantee recovery. Also, paying may mark you as a willing payer for future attacks.

Step-by-step practical guidance for victims

1. Isolate infected systems

   • Disconnect affected machines from the network and Internet to prevent further spread.

2. Preserve evidence

   • Do not wipe disks; preserve encrypted files, ransom notes and logs for analysis.

3. Back up encrypted files

   • Make a secure copy (offline) of encrypted files before attempting repairs or decryptors.

4. Identify the variant

   • Collect ransom note text, file extensions, and sample encrypted files.

5. Search available decryptors

   • Check Avast’s decryptor list and No More Ransom; try the correct decryptor only on copies.

6. Attempt recovery from backups

   • If you have clean, recent backups, restore from them after cleaning the infection.

7. Use professional help for critical systems

   • If data is mission-critical, engage experienced incident responders or a reputable restoration service.

8. If no decryptor exists

   • Continue to preserve encrypted files and watch for future decryptors; researchers sometimes release tools later.
   • Rebuild systems, patch vulnerabilities, and harden defenses.

Real-world outcomes and examples

• There are documented cases where Avast and other vendors successfully produced decryptors for Globe/GlobeImposter variants after identifying cryptographic mistakes. In those cases, victims were able to recover many or all encrypted files without paying ransoms.
• Conversely, more modern or properly implemented Globe variants resisted decryption until keys were recovered or released; in those cases, victims had to rely on backups or rebuilds.

Prevention and mitigation (brief)

• Keep offline, immutable backups and test restores.
• Patch systems and applications promptly.
• Use up-to-date anti-malware and endpoint protections.
• Implement network segmentation, least privilege, and MFA for remote access.
• Train users on phishing and suspicious attachments.

Conclusion

• Short answer: Sometimes. Avast’s decryptor can work for some Globe/GlobeImposter variants but not all.
• Whether it will help depends on the exact variant and whether researchers or vendors have discovered recoverable weaknesses or keys. Preserve encrypted data, identify the variant, try reputable decryptors on copies, and prioritize backups and incident response when recovery tools aren’t available.