Remove ATEK Ransomware Virus (DECRYPT .ATEK FILES)

remove atek ransomware virus and decrypt atek files (2021 guide)

ATEK ransomware is the 274th version of STOP/DJVU malware

Contents

ATEK ransomware is the 274th version of STOP/DJVU malware
- Online and offline types of encryption explained
The criminals behind this ransomware want money from you
Prevent future ransomware attacks easily
Remove ATEK ransomware virus and recover after the cyber attack
Decrypt ATEK files
Frequently Asked Questions

ATEK ransomware is recognized as the 274th version of STOP/DJVU computer virus. It was discovered on 2nd of January, 2020. This malicious program encrypts all personal files on victim’s computer and marks them with additional .atek extension. So for example, file called 1.doc appears as 1.doc.atek after the cyber incident and has a blank icon. After making all data inaccessible, the malware drops _readme.txt notes in every folder. This note instructs the victim to pay the cybercriminals a ransom worth $490-$980 in Bitcoin to receive file decryption software. To get further details, the note tells the victim to write to email the criminals via helpmanager@mail.ch or restoremanager@airmail.cc.

If you were infected with this ransomware and you notice attack symptoms described above, it is likely that you have downloaded a fake software crack or keygen via torrent recently and tried to activate copyrighted software illegally. What ATEK ransomware done to your computer system is described below.

The ransomware deleted your Volume Shadow Copies, which basically prevents you from restoring your files using in-built Windows tools.
The virus altered your Windows HOSTS file, adding a list of blocked domains (most of them are computer or cybersecurity-related websites).
The virus contacted its Command&Control server to obtain a unique encryption key for your computer. If it failed to establish connection (say, if your Internet connection was weak at that moment), it decides to use offline encryption key that is hardcoded in the malware itself.
The virus started the file encryption procedure and encrypted all of your files, dropping ransom notes in every folder.
Finally, the ransomware installed a password-stealing Trojan called AZORULT.

The virus tries to extort the victim by keeping one’s personal data locked.

Online and offline types of encryption explained

When it comes to ATEK file decryption, it is important to know the modus operandi of this ransomware and learn which way it encrypted your files. As mentioned earlier, the virus connects to it C&C server to request a unique RSA encryption key, widely known as public key that is used for file encryption. We will refer to this key as “online key.” To establish this connection and send a request, the virus uses victim’s computer’s network connection. If for some reason this connection fails to complete the request and get a response, the virus then uses an else condition and uses a hardcoded offline encryption key to encode victim’s files.

Now, it is important to understand this – every victim with online key encryption has a unique decryption key saved in criminals’ servers. That said, none of other victims’ keys are going to help to recover files.

On the other hand, victims with offline encryption are encoded with the same private RSA key. So, your chances to recover files for free are much higher. Here’s how this works – you can hope to restore your files, but not in the near future. Once someone with offline encryption decides to pay the ransom and contact the developers of Emsisoft’s decryption tool for STOP/DJVU, the key gets uploaded to the server and then can be used by many victims of the same ransomware version. However, keep in mind that the key uploading process is delayed to preserve victim’s identity from the criminals.

Do not pay the ransom. Try the suggested file recovery methods first.
Norbert Webb

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For more information and decryption updates, we strongly recommend visiting our guide to STOP/DJVU ransomware decryption and file repair.

The criminals behind this ransomware want money from you

In short, ATEK virus developers seek to extort you after applying complex encryption algorithm on your files. That is why it encrypts files that are of the highest importance to you – photos and videos (memories), documents, archives (work/education files). Once encrypted, these files can be restored using private decryption key that criminals suggest purchasing from them.

The price of ATEK decryption key and software depends on how fast the victim writes to the criminals. According to the note, if the victim reaches out via provided emails and manages to transfer the payment in cryptocurrency within 3 days, the ransom price will be $490. Otherwise, the sum rises to $980.

To convince the victim to pay the ransom, the note suggests attaching one small file to the email and including the victim’s personal ID (provided at the end of the ransom note). They promise to respond with a decrypted file version. However, we strongly advise against ransom payments because they are simply a way to fund the cybercrime industry and keep it alive for longer. Next, paying a ransom is illegal in some countries. Finally, criminals will know that you are a potential and “paying” victim and will try to target you or hack into your computer once more in the future.

This ransomware version is part of the most widespread STOP/DJVU malware that mainly targets home computer users rather than companies. It is the updated variant that uses a more secure encryption algorithm compared to versions released prior to August 2019.

Use a robust anti-malware software to remove ATEK ransomware virus and related malware from your computer. We recommend scanning with RESTORO to repair virus damage on your computer after.

Finally, you must change all of your passwords once you clean your computer. We recommend going through the list of saved passwords in your browsers and changing your login credentials on every site you have saved passwords for.

Name	ATEK ransomware virus
Type	Ransomware; Crypto-virus; File locker
Encryption algorithm	RSA
Other versions	WEUI, LISP, SGLH, IGDM, BOOA, OMFL, IGAL
Ransom note	_readme.txt
Extension	.atek file
Criminal contacts	helpmanager@mail.c, restoremanager@airmail.cc
Ransom demand	$490-$980
Decryption tools	Try Emsisoft decryptor for STOP/DJVU to see if you’re victim of offline encryption. You should also try repairing certain file formats using Media_Repair tool. The easiest way to recover is using data backups.
Distribution	Peer-to-peer network-promoted illegal downloads, such as software cracks, KMSPico, also fake software update ads, email spam with malicious attachments.
Removal	Remove the ransomware using anti-malware or AV software. You should can with RESTORO to repair virus damage on Windows OS.

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Prevent future ransomware attacks easily

As mentioned earlier, ATEK ransomware mainly awaits in fake software cracks and keygens. This technique is known to be the primary distribution method for all STOP versions. It is rather easy way to get into user’s computers because people tend to ignore antivirus warnings for these types of downloads anyway – they believe their security software is showing “false alarms” and proceed to interact with these files.

Users reported downloading this ransomware via Adobe Photoshop cracks, game cracks and similar popular torrents. Needless to say, distributing and downloading such content is illegal and you can receive a penalty for doing so. Moreover, this exposes you to various malware as it happened in this case.

If you wish to install legitimate software without any dangerous extras, you should head to the official developer’s website and obtain legitimate software version and its license there. We can assure you that it almost always costs less than hefty ransomware developers’ demands.

Another well-known way to spread malware is email attachments. One popular technique during these COVID-19 pandemic times is fake parcel delivery emails suggesting to review tracking info or schedule next delivery. These emails can contain .ace, .img, .pdf, .docx and similar attachments. Do not open these attachments nor links added to these emails or you’ll risk safety of your files. The criminals frequently impose representatives of well-known companies (such as DHL, DPD, UPS, Amazon, eBay and others) to trick the victim into launching malicious payloads without knowing.

Finally, you may download file-encrypting viruses via fake Java update ads. Be aware that these are very popular on various deceptive websites. Try to avoid these ads and go straight to the official Java website to download the latest version. Additionally, you can use the official Java Uninstall tool to get rid of old versions that pose a serious security risk for your computer.

Remove ATEK ransomware virus and recover after the cyber attack

Let’s improve your computer’s security by performing ATEK ransomware virus removal first. You can find easy-to-follow instructions to get rid of it below, as well as a list of official pages to report cyber crime incident (which you should definitely do).

Just as it is important to remove ATEK ransomware from your computer, it is also important to repair virus damage caused by it. For this matter, we recommend scanning with RESTORO.

Finally, carefully read file decryption guide provided at the end of this guide to try possible data recovery solutions.

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ATEK ransomware virus Removal Guidelines

Method 1. Enter Safe Mode with Networking

Step 1. Start Windows in Safe Mode with Networking

Before you try to remove ATEK ransomware virus virus, you must start your computer in Safe Mode with Networking. Below, we provide the easiest ways to boot PC in the said mode, but you can find additional ones in this in-depth tutorial on our website – How to Start Windows in Safe Mode. Also, if you prefer a video version of the tutorial, check our guide How to Start Windows in Safe Mode on Youtube.

Instructions for Windows XP/Vista/7 users

First of all, turn off your PC. Then press the Power button to start it again and instantly start pressing F8 button on your keyboard repeatedly in 1-second intervals. This launches the Advanced Boot Options menu.
Use arrow keys on the keyboard to navigate down to Safe Mode with Networking option and press Enter.

Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10/11 users

Open Windows Start menu, then press down the Power button. On your keyboard, press down and hold the Shift key, and then select Restart option.
This will take you to Windows Troubleshoot screen. Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings > Restart. Tip: If you can't find Startup Settings, click See more recovery options.
In Startup Settings, press the right key between F1-F9 to enter Safe Mode with Networking. In this case, it is the F5 key.

Step 2. Remove files associated with the virus

Now, you can search for and remove ATEK ransomware virus files. It is very hard to identify files and registry keys that belong to the ransomware virus, Besides, malware creators tend to rename and change them repeatedly. Therefore, the easiest way to uninstall such type of a computer virus is to use a reliable security program such as INTEGO Antivirus, which also includes data recovery software. For virus damage repair, consider using RESTORO.

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Method 2. Use System Restore

In order to use System Restore, you must have a system restore point, created either manually or automatically.

Step 1. Boot Windows in Safe Mode with Command Prompt

Instructions for Windows XP/Vista/7 users

Shut down your PC. Start it again by pressing the Power button and instantly start pressing F8 button on your keyboard repeatedly in 1-second intervals. You will see Advanced Boot Options menu.
Using arrow keys on the keyboard, navigate down to Safe Mode with Command Prompt option and press Enter.

Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10/11 users

Launch Windows Start menu, then click the Power button. On your keyboard, press down and hold the Shift key, and then choose Restart option with the mouse cursor.
This will take you to Windows Troubleshoot screen. Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings > Restart. Tip: If you can't find Startup Settings, click See more recovery options.
In Startup Settings, press the right key between F1-F9 to enter Safe Mode with Command Prompt. In this case, press F6 key.

Step 2. Start System Restore process

Wait until system loads and command prompt shows up.
Type cd restore and press Enter, then type rstrui.exe and press Enter. Or you can just type %systemroot%system32restorerstrui.exe in command prompt and hit Enter.
This launches System Restore window. Click Next and then choose a System Restore point created in the past. Choose one that was created before ransomware infection.
Click Yes to begin the system restoration process.

After restoring the system, we recommend scanning the system with antivirus or anti-malware software. In most cases, there won't be any malware remains, but it never hurts to double-check. In addition, we highly recommend checking ransomware prevention guidelines provided by our experts in order to protect your PC against similar viruses in the future.

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Decrypt ATEK files

Fix and open large ATEK files easily:

It is reported that STOP/DJVU ransomware versions encrypt only the beginning 150 KB of each file to ensure that the virus manages to affect all files on the system. In some cases, the malicious program might skip some files at all. That said, we recommend testing this method on several big (>1GB) files first.

Create a copy of encrypted file to a separate folder using Copy > Paste commands.
Now, right-click the created copy and choose Rename. Select the ATEK extension and delete it. Press Enter to save changes.
In the prompt asking whether you want to make the changes as file might become unusable, click OK.
Try opening the file.

STOP/DJVU decryption tool usage guide

STOP/DJVU ransomware versions are grouped into old and new variants. ATEK ransomware virus is considered the new STOP/DJVU variant, just like VTYM, KQGS, XCBG, BPQD, EYRV, UIGD, VLFF (find full list here). This means full data decryption is now possible only if you have been affected by offline encryption key. To decrypt your files, you will have to download Emsisoft Decryptor for STOP DJVU, a tool created and maintained by a genius security researcher Michael Gillespie.

Note! Please do not spam the security researcher with questions whether he can recover your files encrypted with online key - it is not possible.

In order to test the tool and see if it can decrypt ATEK files, follow the given tutorial.

Download the decryption tool from Emsisoft.
Click the little arrow next to your download and choose Show in Folder.
Now, right-click the file and choose Run as Administrator. If asked, enter administrator's password.
In UAC window, click Yes.
Click Yes to agree to software terms in both windows.
The tool will automatically include C:// disk as a location to decrypt. The file recovery tool will prepopulate the locations to scan, including connected data storage drives or network drives. Click Add folder if you wish to add additional locations.
In Options tab, you can choose to keep encrypted file copies. We recommend leaving this option selected, especially if you do not know if the decryption tool will work.
Click Decrypt to start restoring ATEK files. You will see the progress in the Results tab. Here, you can see messages from the tool, such as whether the decryption procedure is successful, or you need to wait for an update.
You might also be informed that online key was used to encrypt your files. In such case, the decryption tool won't work for you, and the only way to recover your files is to use a data backup.

Meanings of decryptor's messages

The ATEK decryption tool might display several different messages after failed attempt to restore your files. You might receive one of the following messages:

Error: Unable to decrypt file with ID: [example ID]

This message typically means that there is no corresponding decryption key in the decryptor's database.

No key for New Variant online ID: [example ID]
Notice: this ID appears to be an online ID, decryption is impossible

This message informs that your files were encrypted with online key, meaning no one else has the same encryption/decryption key pair, therefore data recovery without paying the criminals is impossible.

Result: No key for new variant offline ID: [example ID]
This ID appears to be an offline ID. Decryption may be possible in the future.

If you were informed that an offline key was used, but files could not be restored, it means that the offline decryption key isn't available yet. However, receiving this message is extremely good news, meaning that it might be possible to restore your ATEK extension files in the future. It can take a few months until the decryption key gets found and uploaded to the decryptor. We recommend you to follow updates regarding the decryptable DJVU versions here. We strongly recommend backing up your encrypted data and waiting.

Report Internet crime to legal departments

Victims of ATEK ransomware virus should report the Internet crime incident to the official government fraud and scam website according to their country:

In the United States, go to the On Guard Online website.
In Australia, go to the SCAMwatch website.
In Germany, go to the Bundesamt für Sicherheit in der Informationstechnik website.
In Ireland, go to the An Garda Síochána website.
In New Zealand, go to the Consumer Affairs Scams website.
In the United Kingdom, go to the Action Fraud website.
In Canada, go to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
In India, go to Indian National Cybercrime Reporting Portal.
In France, go to the Agence nationale de la sécurité des systèmes d’information.

If you can't find an authority corresponding to your location on this list, we recommend using any search engine to look up "[your country name] report cyber crime". This should lead you to the right authority website. We also recommend staying away from third-party crime report services that are often paid. It costs nothing to report Internet crime to official authorities.

Another recommendation is to contact your country's or region’s federal police or communications authority.

Frequently Asked Questions

✓ How can I open .ATEK files?

You can only open ATEK files if you have the decryption key, or if you were affected by offline encryption type.

✓ How do I know if my files were encrypted with offline or online encryption?

To figure out whether you were affected by offline encryption, please go to C:/SystemID/PersonalID.txt and see if the string inside of it ends in t1. You can also try using Emsisoft Decryptor for STOP/DJVU.

✓ My files contain very important information (family memories). Every tool I used says it is impossible to decrypt. What should I do?

Please follow the guidances provided by the official ATEK decryption tools and believe what they say. If they say it is impossible to decrypt, it really is so. There is no magic tool or human capable of decrypting your files hiding somewhere. Encryption is a technique created to be nearly impossible to decrypt without a special private key (held by the criminals).

✓ I am afraid virus is still in my computer system. What should I do?

We advise scanning with anti-virus, anti-malware, malware removal tools or software like RESTORO to eliminate virus damage on the system. If you do not trust using a single tool, try running one after another. However, we do not recommend keeping several security programs on a computer at once as they can interfere with each other's work.

✓ I saw several Youtube videos suggesting secret decryption tools. Can I trust them?

Beware of fake ATEK decryption tools circulating around the web. Cyber criminals are uploading them to various shady websites, also might be promoting them via suspicious Youtube videos. These programs can infect your computer even more heavily (Trojans, miners, etc.). We suggest being extremely cautious around the web. If there will be an official STOP/DJVU decryption tool available, it will be widely discussed in public media.

Matt Corey

Matt Corey is passionate about the latest tech news, gadgets and everything IT. Matt loves to criticize Windows and help people solve problems related to this operating system. When he’s not tinkering around with new gadgets he orders, he enjoys skydiving, as it is his favorite way to clear his mind and relax.