This article will aid you in removing .ATLAS File Virus fully. Follow the ransomware removal instructions at the bottom of this article.
.ATLAS is the extension placed to files encrypted by ATLAS ransomware. After the payload of the ransomware is executed, your files will become encrypted and the virus will leave a ransom message with instructions for payment. Malware researchers believe it to be a variant of the .CHIP file virus. Continue to read below to see how you could try to potentially restore some of your data.
Threat Summary
| Name | ATLAS |
| Type | Ransomware |
| Short Description | The ransomware virus encrypts files on your computer and leaves a note demanding you to contact the cybercriminals about the ransom. |
| Symptoms | The ransomware will encrypt your files and then append the extension .ATLAS on each of the encrypted files. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
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Malware Removal Tool
|
User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss ATLAS. |
| Data Recovery Tool | Windows Data Recovery by Stellar Phoenix Notice! This product scans your drive sectors to recover lost files and it may not recover 100% of the encrypted files, but only few of them, depending on the situation and whether or not you have reformatted your drive. |
.ATLAS File Virus – Infection
The .ATLAS file virus could distribute its infection through diverse methods. A method that is observed to be very common is with a payload file that launches the malicious script for the ransomware, which in turn infects your computer. Such payloads are present around the Web and you should be cautious when surfing the Internet.
The .ATLAS file virus could distribute its payload file on social media websites and file-sharing networks. Freeware applications which are found on the Web could be presented as useful but at the same time could hide the malicious script for the cryptovirus. Avoid opening files straight away after you have downloaded them. That stands especially for ones that came from sources like suspicious e-mails or links. What you should rather do is to scan files before opening them with a security tool, while also checking their size and signatures for anything dubious. Also, you should read the tips for preventing ransomware given in the forum section.
.ATLAS File Virus – Description
The .ATLAS file virus is dubbed like that due to the fact that it appends the .ATLAS extension to files after it encrypts them. Malware researchers believe that the ransomware is a variant of the .CHIP Files Ransomware Virus.
The .ATLAS file virus could make entries in the Windows Registry to achieve persistence, launch and repress processes in Windows. Some entries are designed in a way that will start the virus automatically with each launch of the Windows Operating System, and one such entry is outlined right here:
→HKEY_CURRENT_USER\\Software\\Microsoft\\Windows\\CurrentVersion\\Run
The ransom note will appear in your computer after the encryption process is finished. The note is written in English, but doesn’t target English-speaking users specifically. Inside, you will view instructions for what to do to allegedly get your files recovered. The ransom note file is inside a file called “ATLAS_FILES.txt”.
The ATLAS_FILES.txt file will load the following ransom note, upon opening:
The ransom note states the following:
YOUR ID:bd25b3c75685487dg3gb3fc56f12653h22
Hello! All Your files are encrypted!
For more specific instructions, please contact us as soon as possible:
atlashelp@protonmail.com
atlasfix@protonmail.com
atlasfix@dr.com
Attention: DO NOT USE ANY PUBLIC DECRYPTERS!
YOU CAN DAMAGE YOUR FILES!
Kind regards, Support Team.
YOUR ID:bd25b3c75685487dg3gb3fc56f12653h22
YOUR ID:bd25b3c75685487dg3gb3fc56f12653h22
YOUR ID:bd25b3c75685487dg3gb3fc56f12653h22
YOUR ID:bd25b3c75685487dg3gb3fc56f12653h22
YOUR ID:bd25b3c75685487dg3gb3fc56f12653h22
The makers of the ATLAS ransomware are using the ProtonMail encrypted e-mail service as it becomes apparent from the ransom note. The following two addresses are used:
- atlashelp@protonmail.com
- atlasfix@protonmail.com
Any instructions present in the ransom note of the .ATLAS file virus should not be followed. You should NOT under any circumstance contact the cybercriminals. Nobody could give you a guarantee that your files will get restored if you pay the ransom. Besides, financially supporting cybercriminals is a bad idea. That may inspire the crooks to proceed with making ransomware viruses or get involved in more criminal acts.
.ATLAS File Virus – Encryption
The .ATLAS file virus ransomware will seek to encrypt files that have the following extensions:
→.pdf, .xls, .xlsx, .bmp, .doc, .docm, .docx, .html, .jpeg, .jpg, .mp3, .mp4, .php, .ppt, .pptx, .rar, .rtf, .sql, .tiff, .txt, .7z, .zip
More file extensions could be targeted as well. Every file that gets encrypted will receive the .ATLAS extension appended to each one of them. That extension is appended as a secondary one, leaving the original file name and extension of files intact. For instance, a file called “Work.doc will be renamed to Work.doc.ATLAS”. In the encryption process, a mixture of both the AES and RSA algorithms is being used.
The .ATLAS file virus cryptovirus is more than likely to erase the Shadow Volume Copies from the Windows operating system. That will surely make the encryption process more viable since it will eliminate one of the ways for file decryption. Continue reading an see what ways you can try out to potentially recover some of your data files.
.ATLAS File Virus – Removal and Restoration of Your Files
In case your computer got infected with the .ATLAS file virus, you should have a bit of experience in removing malware. You should get rid of this ransomware as fast as possible before it can have the chance to spread deeper and infect more computer systems. You should remove this ransomware and follow the step-by-step instructions guide provided down below.
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for ATLAS with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall ATLAS and related malware from Windows
Here is a method in few easy steps that should be able to uninstall most programs. No matter if you are using Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista or XP, those steps will get the job done. Dragging the program or its folder to the recycle bin can be a very bad decision. If you do that, bits and pieces of the program are left behind, and that can lead to unstable work of your PC, errors with the file type associations and other unpleasant activities. The proper way to get a program off your computer is to Uninstall it. To do that:
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully delete most unwanted and malicious programs.
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by ATLAS on your computer.
The usually targeted registries of Windows machines are the following:
- 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
You can access them by opening the Windows registry editor and deleting any values, created by ATLAS there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
Tip: To find a virus-created value, you can right-click on it and click "Modify" to see which file it is set to run. If this is the virus file location, remove the value.
Before starting "Step 4", please boot back into Normal mode, in case you are currently in Safe Mode.
This will enable you to install and use SpyHunter 5 successfully.
Step 4: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove ATLAS
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by ATLAS.
Method 1: Use STOP Decrypter by Emsisoft.
Not all variants of this ransomware can be decrypted for free, but we have added the decryptor used by researchers that is often updated with the variants which become eventually decrypted. You can try and decrypt your files using the instructions below, but if they do not work, then unfortunately your variant of the ransomware virus is not decryptable.
Follow the instructions below to use the Emsisoft decrypter and decrypt your files for free. You can download the Emsisoft decryption tool linked here and then follow the steps provided below:
1 Right-click on the decrypter and click on Run as Administrator as shown below:
2. Agree with the license terms:
3. Click on "Add Folder" and then add the folders where you want files decrypted as shown underneath:
4. Click on "Decrypt" and wait for your files to be decoded.
Note: Credit for the decryptor goes to Emsisoft researchers who have made the breakthrough with this virus.
Method 2: Use data recovery software
Ransomware infections and ATLAS aim to encrypt your files using an encryption algorithm which may be very difficult to decrypt. This is why we have suggested a data recovery method that may help you go around direct decryption and try to restore your files. Bear in mind that this method may not be 100% effective but may also help you a little or a lot in different situations.
Simply click on the link and on the website menus on the top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.
ATLAS-FAQ
What is ATLAS Ransomware?
ATLAS is a ransomware infection - the malicious software that enters your computer silently and blocks either access to the computer itself or encrypt your files.
Many ransomware viruses use sophisticated encryption algorithms to make your files inaccessible. The goal of ransomware infections is to demand that you pay a ransom payment to get access to your files back.
What Does ATLAS Ransomware Do?
Ransomware in general is a malicious software that is designed to block access to your computer or files until a ransom is paid.
Ransomware viruses can also damage your system, corrupt data and delete files, resulting in the permanent loss of important files.
How Does ATLAS Infect?
Via several ways.ATLAS Ransomware infects computers by being sent via phishing emails, containing virus attachment. This attachment is usually masked as an important document, like an invoice, bank document or even a plane ticket and it looks very convincing to users.
Another way you may become a victim of ATLAS is if you download a fake installer, crack or patch from a low reputation website or if you click on a virus link. Many users report getting a ransomware infection by downloading torrents.
How to Open .ATLAS files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .ATLAS files are encrypted. You can only open them once they are decrypted using a specific decryption key for the particular algorithm.
What to Do If a Decryptor Does Not Work?
Do not panic, and backup the files. If a decryptor did not decrypt your .ATLAS files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".ATLAS" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .ATLAS files.
These methods are in no way 100% guaranteed that you will be able to get your files back. But if you have a backup, your chances of success are much greater.
How To Get Rid of ATLAS Virus?
The safest way and the most efficient one for the removal of this ransomware infection is the use a professional anti-malware program.
It will scan for and locate ATLAS ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .ATLAS files.
Can I Report Ransomware to Authorities?
In case your computer got infected with a ransomware infection, you can report it to the local Police departments. It can help authorities worldwide track and determine the perpetrators behind the virus that has infected your computer.
Below, we have prepared a list with government websites, where you can file a report in case you are a victim of a cybercrime:
Cyber-security authorities, responsible for handling ransomware attack reports in different regions all over the world:
Germany - Offizielles Portal der deutschen Polizei
United States - IC3 Internet Crime Complaint Centre
United Kingdom - Action Fraud Police
France - Ministère de l'Intérieur
Italy - Polizia Di Stato
Spain - Policía Nacional
Netherlands - Politie
Poland - Policja
Portugal - Polícia Judiciária
Greece - Cyber Crime Unit (Hellenic Police)
India - Mumbai Police - CyberCrime Investigation Cell
Australia - Australian High Tech Crime Center
Reports may be responded to in different timeframes, depending on your local authorities.
Can You Stop Ransomware from Encrypting Your Files?
Yes, you can prevent ransomware. The best way to do this is to ensure your computer system is updated with the latest security patches, use a reputable anti-malware program and firewall, backup your important files frequently, and avoid clicking on malicious links or downloading unknown files.
Can ATLAS Ransomware Steal Your Data?
Yes, in most cases ransomware will steal your information. It is a form of malware that steals data from a user's computer, encrypts it, and then demands a ransom in order to decrypt it.
In many cases, the malware authors or attackers will threaten to delete the data or publish it online unless the ransom is paid.
Can Ransomware Infect WiFi?
Yes, ransomware can infect WiFi networks, as malicious actors can use it to gain control of the network, steal confidential data, and lock out users. If a ransomware attack is successful, it could lead to a loss of service and/or data, and in some cases, financial losses.
Should I Pay Ransomware?
No, you should not pay ransomware extortionists. Paying them only encourages criminals and does not guarantee that the files or data will be restored. The better approach is to have a secure backup of important data and be vigilant about security in the first place.
What Happens If I Don't Pay Ransom?
If you don't pay the ransom, the hackers may still have access to your computer, data, or files and may continue to threaten to expose or delete them, or even use them to commit cybercrimes. In some cases, they may even continue to demand additional ransom payments.
Can a Ransomware Attack Be Detected?
Yes, ransomware can be detected. Anti-malware software and other advanced security tools can detect ransomware and alert the user when it is present on a machine.
It is important to stay up-to-date on the latest security measures and to keep security software updated to ensure ransomware can be detected and prevented.
Do Ransomware Criminals Get Caught?
Yes, ransomware criminals do get caught. Law enforcement agencies, such as the FBI, Interpol and others have been successful in tracking down and prosecuting ransomware criminals in the US and other countries. As ransomware threats continue to increase, so does the enforcement activity.
About the ATLAS Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this ATLAS how-to removal guide included, is the outcome of extensive research, hard work and our team’s devotion to help you remove the specific malware and restore your encrypted files.
How did we conduct the research on this ransomware?
Our research is based on an independent investigation. We are in contact with independent security researchers, and as such, we receive daily updates on the latest malware and ransomware definitions.
Furthermore, the research behind the ATLAS ransomware threat is backed with VirusTotal and the NoMoreRansom project.
To better understand the ransomware threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.
As a site that has been dedicated to providing free removal instructions for ransomware and malware since 2014, SensorsTechForum’s recommendation is to only pay attention to trustworthy sources.
How to recognize trustworthy sources:
- Always check "About Us" web page.
- Profile of the content creator.
- Make sure that real people are behind the site and not fake names and profiles.
- Verify Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter personal profiles.