In this article, you will find more information about AWT ransomware as well as a step-by-step guide on how to remove malicious files from the infected system and how to recover encrypted files.
AWT Ransomware
AWT ransomware is a vicious cryptovirus that corrupts computer systems and personal files with the goal to extort ransom payment from victims. The threat corrupts target files with a strong encryption algorithm. Then it leaves corrupted files completely inaccessible. The ransomware also adds the .AWT file suffix and drops a ransom note file. The note is stored on the system under a file called ReadMe.txt. It aims to blackmail you into paying a hefty ransom fee to hackers.
Threat Summary
| Name | AWT ransomware |
| File Extension | .[][getdataback22@protonmail.com].AWT |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | A data locker ransomware designed to plague system settings, utilize strong cihper algorithm and encrypt valuable files. |
| Symptoms | Important files are locked and renamed with the .AWT extension. Ransom message insists on ransom payment for a decryption tool. |
| Ransom Demanding Note | ReadMe.txt |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Hacked Websites |
| 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 AWT ransomware. |
AWT Ransomware – Spreading and Description
The spread of AWT ransomware is most likely realized via malspam. Malspam is a technique that hackers prefer as it enables them to deliver malicious software on computer operating systems on a large scale. Spam emails that are part of ransomware attack campaigns usually contain one or more of the following components:
- A link to compromised web page that is set to download and execute infection files directly on the PC. The URL address to this page may be presented as an in-text link, banner, image, button or full URL address.
- A malicious file attachment that is presented as legitimate document by the text message. It could be uploaded in a .rar or .zip archive. Such a file could be set to evade active security measures and trick you into running the ransomware on your PC.
Other channels that may be part of the distribution strategy for AWT ransomware are malvertising, freeware installers, corrupted web pages, compromised software setups, fake software updates, malicious files shared on forums and other.
The moment AWT’s payload is executed on the system, the ransomware attack is triggered. During the attack, the ransomware completes a long sequence of malicious operations that disrupts system security and enable it to start whenever the infected system is started. The threat aims to remain undetected while the data corruption phase is running.
For the encryption stage, AWT ransomware activates a built-in cipher module. This module scans predefined system drives for target types of files to modify their code with a strong cipher algorithm. Once the encryption process is done you cannot access the data stored by valuable files like:
- Audio files
- Video files
- Document files
- Image files
- Backup files
- Banking credentials, etc
Following encryption, corrupted files could be recognized by the extension .AWT which is appended to their names.
Once AWT ransomware is ready with the encryption process it drops a ransom note file to extort a hefty ransom fee for the decryption of encrypted files. The note could be found in a file called ReadMe.txt and its contents read:
[+] All Your Files Have Been Encrypted [+][-] Do You Really Want To Restore Your Files?
[+] Write Us To The E-Mail : unlockdata22@protonmail.com
[+] If you did not get any response until 24 hours later,Write to this E-Mail : getdataback22@protonmail.com
[-] Write Your Unique-ID In The Title Of Your Message.
[+] Unique-ID : [redacted 8 uppercase hex] [-] You Have To Pay For Decryption In Bitcoins.
[-] The Price Depends On How Fast You Write To Us.
[-] After Payment We Will Send You The Decryption Tool
That Will Decrypt All Your Files.
_______________________________________________________[+] Free Decryption As Guarantee [+]
[-] Before Paying You Can Send Us Up To 5 Files For
Free Decryption, The Total Size Of Files Must Bee Less
Than 10MB, (Non Archived) And Files Should Not Contain
Valuable Information (Databases, Backups, Large Excel
-Sheets, Etc).
_______________________________________________________[+] How To Obtain Bitcoins [+]
[-] The Easiest Way To Buy Bitcoins Is LocalBitcoins
Site : https://localbitcoins.com/buy_bitcoins
You Have To Register, Click ‘Buy Bitcoins’, And Select
The Seller By Payment Method And Price.
[-] Also You Can Find Other Places To Buy Bitcoins And
Beginners Guide Here:
https://coindesk.com/information/how-can-i-buy-bitcoins
_______________________________________________________[+] Attention! [+]
[-] 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._____________________AWT_Ransomware_______________________
The purpose of this message is to convince you that you should contact hackers at a given email address and wait for an answer with more details on a ransom payment process. For the sake of your security, we advise you to avoid contacting hackers and attempt to restore your PC and data with the help of the guide that follows.
Remove AWT Ransomware and Restore Files
The so-called AWT ransomware is a threat with highly complex code designed to corrupt both system settings and valuable data. So the only way to use your infected system in a secure manner again is to remove all malicious files and objects created by the ransomware. For the purpose, you could use our removal guide that reveals how to clean and secure your system step by step. In addition, in the guide, you will find several alternative data recovery approaches that may be helpful in attempting to restore files encrypted by AWT ransomware. We remind you to back up all encrypted files to an external drive before the recovery process.
Gergana Ivanova
Highly motivated writer with 5+ years of experience writing for ransomware, malware, adware, PUPs, and other cybersecurity-related issues. As a writer, I strive to create content that is based on thorough technical research. I find joy in the process of creating articles that are easy to understand, informative, and useful. Follow me on Twitter (@IRGergana) for the latest in the field of computer, mobile, and online security.
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Step 1: Scan for AWT ransomware with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall AWT ransomware 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 AWT ransomware 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 AWT ransomware 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 AWT ransomware
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by AWT ransomware.
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 AWT ransomware 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.
AWT ransomware-FAQ
What is AWT ransomware Ransomware?
AWT ransomware 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 AWT ransomware 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 AWT ransomware Infect?
Via several ways.AWT ransomware 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 AWT ransomware 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 .AWT ransomware files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .AWT ransomware 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 .AWT ransomware files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".AWT ransomware" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .AWT ransomware 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 AWT ransomware 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 AWT ransomware ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .AWT ransomware 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 AWT ransomware 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 AWT ransomware Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this AWT ransomware 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 AWT ransomware 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.
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