Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
Note! Your computer might be affected by .DATASTOP Ransomware and other threats.
Threats such as .DATASTOP Ransomware may be persistent on your system. They tend to re-appear if not fully deleted. A malware removal tool like SpyHunter will help you to remove malicious programs, saving you the time and the struggle of tracking down numerous malicious files. SpyHunter’s scanner is free but the paid version is needed to remove the malware threats. Read SpyHunter’s EULA and Privacy Policy
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
This article has been created to explain to you what is the .DATASTOP ransomware virus and how to remove it from your computer plus how you can restore files, encrypted by it.
A new ransomware virus, using the .DATASTOP file extension to encrypt the files on the computers of victims has been detected by researchers. The virus’s primary purpose is to encrypt the files on the computers infected by it after which to set the .DATASTOP file extension. The ransomware then drops a ransom note type of file, called !!!DATA_RESTORE!!!.txt aiming to convince victims that they should pay ransom if they want to see their files again. If you want to remove this ransomware virus and try to restore .DATASTOP files without having to pay ransom, we advise that you read this article thoroughly.
Threat Summary
Name
.DATASTOP Ransomware
Type
Ransomware, Cryptovirus
Short Description
The ransomware aims to encrypt the files on the compromised computers and then ask victims to pay ransom in BitCoin to get the encrypted files back.
Symptoms
Files are encrypted with an added .DATASTOP file extension and a ransom note, called !!!DATA_RESTORE!!!.txt.
Distribution Method
Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Executable files
Detection Tool
See If Your System Has Been Affected by .DATASTOP Ransomware
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.
.DATASTOP Files Virus – Distribution
The .DATASTOP files virus aims to infect the computers of victims via e-mail by sending malicious e-mail attachments, whose primary purpose is to get victims to download and execute the file, believing it is an important documents. The cyber-criminals often tend to use false statements to make it seem like the attachment is an important document, for example:
In addition to this, the .DATASTOP ransomware virus is the type of ransomware that can also infect your computer as a result of you having to download and execute it’s malicious file, while believing it is a legitimate type of file, such as:
Setup of a program.
Portable version of software.
Game patch or crack.
Key generator.
.DATASTOP Files Virus – Malicious Activity
The .DATASTOP files virus aims to slither into the victims computers undetected. When this happens, the virus aims to check your computer’s version and send information to the cyber-criminals, like your IP address and other types of system data. The malware may also check if the computer it’s running on has previously been infected by it’s variants or if it’s running in a virtual environment. If this is so, the .DATASTOP files virus shuts down and if not, the ransomware virus may drop it’s payload files on the computers of victims. The payload of .DATASTOP files virus may located in the following Windows directories:
%AppData%
%Local%
%LocalLow%
%Roaming%
%Temp%
Among the files of the .DATASTOP ransomware dropped is the virus’s ransom note, called !!!DATA_RESTORE!!!.txt, that has the following message for victims to see:
All your important files were encrypted on this PC.
All files with .DATASTOP extension are encrypted.
Encryption was produced using unique private key RSA-1024 generated for this computer.
To decrypt your files, you need to obtain private key + decrypt software.
To retrieve the private key and decrypt software, you need to contact us by email [email protected] send us an email your !!!DATA_RESTORE!!!.txt file and wait for further instructions.
For you to be sure, that we can decrypt your files – you can send us a 1-3 any not very big encrypted files and we will send you back it in a original form FREE.
In addition to this, the .DATASTOP ransomware virus may also add registry entries in the Run and RunOnce Windows registry sub-keys, which have the following locations:
But the malicious activity of .DATASTOP file ransomware, do not stop there. Since it is a variant of the STOP ransomware virus, it may be updated to perform more malicious activities in addition to the traditional ones, performed by this infection.
One of the activities that may be performed by the .DATASTOP files virus may be to delete the shadow volume copies of the infected computer system, preferrably by running a script that executes the following Windows commands as an administrator in the background:
In order to encrypt the files on the computers that have been compromised by it, the .DATASTOP files virus is the type of ransomware that aims to run a scan of the file types that are often used. These files are documents, videos, images, archives and other importand objects. The virus may scan for them based on their file extensions, for example:
In addition to this, the .DATASTOP ransomware virus may also add important Windows directories, like %Windows%, %System%, etc. to it’s whitelist in order to skip encrypting files in those folders so that you can still use your computer.
The .DATASTOP ransomware uses two ciphers to lock your important files:
AES encrption algorithm.
RSA-1024 encryption cipher.
The ransomware then ads the .DATASTOP file extension to the files, encoded by it and the encrypted files may assume the following appearance:
Remove STOP Ransomware and Restore .DATASTOP Files
If you are aiming at getting rid of this virus, it is important to know that you can follow either the manual or the automatic removal instructions for .DATASTOP files virus below. They have been created with the idea in mind that if the manual removal does not work for your or you feel unconfident in performing the removal, you can also remove this ransomware virus automatically by downloading an advanced anti-malware software, which is what experts often outline as the most effective method. Such software aims to scan your computer and completely clean it from absolutely any intrusive and malicious software while ensuring future protection against such threats as well.
If you want to restore files, that have been encrypted with the added .DATASTOP extension, you are welcome to try the alternative methods in step “2. Restore files, encrypted by .DATASTOP Ransomware”. They may not be 100% effective, but might be able to help you to recover most of your files.
Note! Your computer system may be affected by .DATASTOP Ransomware and other threats. Scan Your PC with SpyHunter SpyHunter is a powerful malware removal tool designed to help users with in-depth system security analysis, detection and removal of threats such as .DATASTOP Ransomware. Keep in mind, that SpyHunter’s scanner is only for malware detection. If SpyHunter detects malware on your PC, you will need to purchase SpyHunter’s malware removal tool to remove the malware threats. Read our SpyHunter 5 review. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter’s EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria.
To remove .DATASTOP Ransomware follow these steps:
1. Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove .DATASTOP Ransomware files and objects
OFFER
Manual Removal Usually Takes Time and You Risk Damaging Your Files If Not Careful!
We Recommend To Scan Your PC with SpyHunter
Keep in mind, that SpyHunter’s scanner is only for malware detection. If SpyHunter detects malware on your PC, you will need to purchase SpyHunter’s malware removal tool to remove the malware threats. Read our SpyHunter 5 review. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter’s EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria
Boot Your PC Into Safe Mode
1. For Windows XP, Vista and 7. 2. For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10. Fix registry entries created by malware and PUPs on your PC.
For Windows XP, Vista and 7 systems:
1. Remove all CDs and DVDs, and then Restart your PC from the “Start” menu. 2. Select one of the two options provided below:
– For PCs with a single operating system: Press “F8” repeatedly after the first boot screen shows up during the restart of your computer. In case the Windows logo appears on the screen, you have to repeat the same task again.
– For PCs with multiple operating systems: Тhe arrow keys will help you select the operating system you prefer to start in Safe Mode. Press “F8” just as described for a single operating system.
3. As the “Advanced Boot Options” screen appears, select the Safe Mode option you want using the arrow keys. As you make your selection, press “Enter“.
4. Log on to your computer using your administrator account
While your computer is in Safe Mode, the words “Safe Mode” will appear in all four corners of your screen.
Step 1: Open up the Start Menu.
Step 2: Click on the Power button (for Windows 8 it is the little arrow next to the “Shut Down” button) and whilst holding down “Shift” click on Restart.
Step 3: After reboot, a blue menu with options will appear. From them you should choose Troubleshoot.
Step 4: You will see the Troubleshoot menu. From this menu choose Advanced Options.
Step 5: After the Advanced Options menu appears, click on Startup Settings.
Step 6: From the Startup Settings menu, click on Restart.
Step 7: A menu will appear upon reboot. You can choose any of the three Safe Mode options by pressing its corresponding number and the machine will restart.
Some malicious scripts may modify the registry entries on your computer to change different settings. This is why cleaning your Windows Registry Database is recommended. Since the tutorial on how to do this is a bit long and tampering with registries could damage your computer if not done properly you should refer and follow our instructive article about fixing registry entries, especially if you are unexperienced in that area.
2. Find files created by .DATASTOP Ransomware on your PC
Find files created by .DATASTOP Ransomware
1. For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10. 2. For Windows XP, Vista, and 7.
For Newer Windows Operating Systems
Step 1:
On your keyboard press + R and write explorer.exe in the Run text box and then click on the Ok button.
Step 2:
Click on your PC from the quick access bar. This is usually an icon with a monitor and its name is either “My Computer”, “My PC” or “This PC” or whatever you have named it.
Step 3:
Navigate to the search box in the top-right of your PC’s screen and type “fileextension:” and after which type the file extension. If you are looking for malicious executables, an example may be “fileextension:exe”. After doing that, leave a space and type the file name you believe the malware has created. Here is how it may appear if your file has been found:
N.B. We recommend to wait for the green loading bar in the navination box to fill up in case the PC is looking for the file and hasn’t found it yet.
For Older Windows Operating Systems
In older Windows OS’s the conventional approach should be the effective one:
Step 1:
Click on the Start Menu icon (usually on your bottom-left) and then choose the Search preference.
Step 2:
After the search window appears, choose More Advanced Options from the search assistant box. Another way is by clicking on All Files and Folders.
Step 3:
After that type the name of the file you are looking for and click on the Search button. This might take some time after which results will appear. If you have found the malicious file, you may copy or open its location by right-clicking on it.
Now you should be able to discover any file on Windows as long as it is on your hard drive and is not concealed via special software.
IMPORTANT! Before starting the Automatic Removal below, 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.
Use SpyHunter to scan for malware and unwanted programs
3. Scan for malware and unwanted programs with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Scan your PC and Remove .DATASTOP Ransomware with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool and back up your data
1. Install SpyHunter to scan for .DATASTOP Ransomware and remove them.2. Scan with SpyHunter, Detect and Remove .DATASTOP Ransomware. Back up your data to secure it from malware in the future.
Step 1: Click on the “Download” button to proceed to SpyHunter’s download page.
It is recommended to run a scan before purchasing the full version of the software to make sure that the current version of the malware can be detected by SpyHunter. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter’s EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria.
Step 2: Guide yourself by the download instructions provided for each browser.
Step 3: After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to update automatically.
Step 1: After the update process has finished, click on the ‘Malware/PC Scan’ tab. A new window will appear. Click on ‘Start Scan’.
Step 2: After SpyHunter has finished scanning your PC for any files of the associated threat and found them, you can try to get them removed automatically and permanently by clicking on the ‘Next’ button.
Step 3: If any threats have been removed, it is highly recommended to restart your PC.
Back up your data to secure it against attacks in the future
IMPORTANT! Before reading the Windows backup instructions, we highly recommend to back up your data with a cloud backup solution and insure your files against any type of loss, even from the most severe threats. We recommend you to read more about it and to download SOS Online Backup.
4. Try to Restore files encrypted by .DATASTOP Ransomware
Try to Restore Files Encrypted by .DATASTOP Ransomware
Ransomware infections and .DATASTOP Ransomware aim to encrypt your files using an encryption algorithm which may be very difficult to decrypt. This is why we have suggested several alternative methods that may help you go around direct decryption and try to restore your files. Bear in mind that these methods may not be 100% effective but may also help you a little or a lot in different situations.
Method 1: Scanning your drive’s sectors by using Data Recovery software. Another method for restoring your files is by trying to bring back your files via data recovery software. Here are some suggestions for preferred data recovery software solutions:
Method 2: Trying Kaspersky and EmsiSoft’s decryptors. If the first method does not work, we suggest trying to use decryptors for other ransomware viruses, in case your virus is a variant of them. The two primary developers of decryptors are Kaspersky and EmsiSoft, links to which we have provided below:
To restore your data in case you have backup set up, it is important to check for Volume Shadow Copies, if ransomware has not deleted them, in Windows using the below software:
Method 4: Finding the decryption key while the cryptovirus sends it over a network via a sniffing tool.
Another way to decrypt the files is by using a Network Sniffer to get the encryption key, while files are encrypted on your system. A Network Sniffer is a program and/or device monitoring data traveling over a network, such as its internet traffic and internet packets. If you have a sniffer set before the attack happened you might get information about the decryption key. See how-to instructions below:
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
Good morning Mr… I was victims of virus ransomeware and all my files was encryptes. Since I read this articles, I tried to following those steps which mentioned above. Unfortunately, I was stagnant and my file still locked or encrypted. Also I have searched software decryptor for .DATASTOPS but I could not find it. Is there any suggestion to unlock or decrypt my files, from you as an expert on cybersecurity maybe you can give suggestion? Best regards
My laptop was infected by rasomeware and all file was encrypted with extension .DATASTOPS, as expert you might have any ideas or suggestion to solve my problem. I have followed certain steps above but my file still encrypted. Please help me
Hello, Mr Nur Rahman. Currently, there is no official decryption tool available. We from SensorsTechForum suggest that you check out this guide to try restoring some of your data without such a tool:
This article has been created to explain to you what is the .DATASTOP ransomware virus and how to remove it from your computer plus how you can restore files, encrypted by it.
1. For Windows XP, Vista and 7.
2. For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10.
Fix registry entries created by malware and PUPs on your PC.
1. Install SpyHunter to scan for .DATASTOP Ransomware and remove them.
Back up your data to secure it from malware in the future.
Good morning Mr…
I was victims of virus ransomeware and all my files was encryptes. Since I read this articles, I tried to following those steps which mentioned above. Unfortunately, I was stagnant and my file still locked or encrypted. Also I have searched software decryptor for .DATASTOPS but I could not find it. Is there any suggestion to unlock or decrypt my files, from you as an expert on cybersecurity maybe you can give suggestion?
Best regards
My laptop was infected by rasomeware and all file was encrypted with extension .DATASTOPS, as expert you might have any ideas or suggestion to solve my problem. I have followed certain steps above but my file still encrypted. Please help me
Best regards
Hello, Mr Nur Rahman.
Currently, there is no official decryption tool available. We from SensorsTechForum suggest that you check out this guide to try restoring some of your data without such a tool:
https://sensorstechforum.com/restore-files-encrypted-ransomware-without-decryptor/
Best Regards