FATP ransomware aims to encrypt files on your computer, demand ransom
Contents
FATP ransomware is a new malicious computer virus aiming to encrypt all files on the compromised system. It is a variant of STOP/DJVU, one of the most widespread data-encrypting malware nowadays. Once it get on a computer, it begins scanning all directories and encrypting user’s files in them. During the attack, the ransomware appends .fatp extensions to each file, making the distinguishable easily. To illustrate this, see the following examples: 1.jpg becomes 1.jpg.fatp, 2.docx becomes 2.docx.fatp and so on.
Furthermore, the ransomware creates and saves a copy of _readme.txt ransom note in every affected folder. This file is intended to explain to the victim what has happened and why all data was encrypted, besides, what is the solution to the current situation. To put things simply, the note briefly explains that the only solution is to pay a ransom for cybercriminals in exchange for FATP file decryption tool.
The ransom-demanding note explains pricing of the decryption tools
The ransom note assures the computer user that not all is lost, and files can be decrypted, however, the only proposed solution is paying a ransom to cybercriminals. The note explains that the victim should contact the threat actors within 72 hours to secure a lower ransom price ($490). The _readme.txt note contains two email addresses that belong to the criminals: support@fishmail.top and datarestorehelp@airmail.cc.
Additionally, the note explains that whoever reaches out after 3 full days won’t get a discount, and has to pay a full ransom amount, which is $980. Anyone who contacts the criminals will get a guide how to purchase Bitcoin worth the amount in dollars and transfer it to the criminals’ virtual wallet. The attackers only accept cryptocurrency because all other transaction methods could leave their identities exposed, so the law enforcement agencies would be able to track them down.
On top of that, the note recommends sending one encrypted file to the attackers. They promise to decrypt the sample file and send it back to the victim. This is done in order to prove that data can actually be decrypted using the tool that they recommend buying. However, FBI, NCSC and cybersecurity experts worldwide do not recommend paying ransoms to cybercriminals. First of all, paying is wrongful as it encourages the cybercriminals to continue their activities; second, it doesn’t guarantee data recovery.
On top of that, victims of the described ransomware variant should check their computers for additional malware that is known to travel alongside STOP/DJVU variants, including VIDAR, AZORULT and RedLine Stealer. We recommend you to scan your computer with a trusted AV solution such as INTEGO Antivirus and then download RESTORO to repair virus damage to Windows OS files. Finally, do not forget to change all passwords for accounts you accessed via the compromised computer.
Ransomware Summary
| Name | FATP Ransomware Virus |
| Type | Ransomware; Crypto-malware; Virtual Extortion Virus |
| Family | STOP/DJVU |
| Encryption type | RSA 2048 + Salsa20 |
| Previous versions | DARJ DAZX, TYWD, TYCX, TYOS, TYPO, JYWD (find full list here) |
| Version | 601st |
| Extension | .fatp |
| Cybercriminal emails | support@fishmail.top and datarestorehelp@airmail.cc |
| Additional malware dropped | Azorult or Vidar Trojan |
| Damage | The ransomware uses encryption to maliciously modify all files on the PC and marks their original names with .fatp extension. Ransom notes called as _readme.txt will be dropped in every computer folder. This piece of malware usually drags VIDAR Stealer alongside it and also eliminates VSS from the system. On top of that, it tends to modify Windows HOSTS file to restrict computer user’s access to cybersecurity-related websites online. |
| Ransom note | _readme.txt |
| Ransom demand | $490-$980 in Bitcoin |
| Distribution | Victims often download this ransomware along illegal torrent downloads, cracked software, activators, key generators or tools like KMSPico. |
| Known software cracks to contain this malware | Corel Draw, Tenorshare 4ukey, Adobe Photoshop, Cubase, Adobe Illustrator, Internet Download Manager, Tally, League of Legends. |
| Detection names | Trojan:Win32/Azorult.FW!MTB (Microsoft), Gen:Heur.Mint.Zard.52 (B) (Emsisoft), HEUR:Trojan.Win32.Scarsi.gen (Kaspersky), Gen:Heur.Mint.Zard.52 (BitDefender), Trojan.MalPack.GS (Malwarebytes), ML.Attribute.HighConfidence (Symantec) see all detection name variations on VirusTotal |
| Removal | Remove ransomware and related malware from your PC using trustworthy software like INTEGO Antivirus. To repair virus damage on Windows OS files, download and try RESTORO (secure download link). |
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Typical ransomware distribution methods you should be wary of
In order to avoid ransomware attacks, we strongly recommend computer users to learn a bit about ransomware distribution methods listed below.
Malicious online downloads. Computer users should never search for cracks or pirated versions of popular computer software. Cybercriminals know that there is a high demand for cracked versions of premium software, therefore they go as far as setting up rogue crack sites that push malicious downloads daily under different software names. Instead of trying to cut corners, visit the official software developer’s site or a confirmed partner’s/affiliate’s site for a great deal to get a genuine copy of the program or game you need. Most of the so-called “cracked” free versions are straightforward malware samples.
Malicious email attachments. Cybercriminals often use email spam to distribute malware samples to as many potential targets as possible. They try to sound trustworthy by impersonating legitimate companies or even target’s colleagues and usually ask the recipient to open attached files because of some “urgent” matter. They often pretend there is a missing payment, or order awaiting to be shipped, order summary or similar matter, and asks the victim to open attached document to get more information.
However, if the target does as instructed, malware can infect the computer immediately. For this reason, computer users are advised to remain vigilant when checking their email and ignore or delete messages from unsolicited senders or someone that weren’t supposed to contact you at the specific time regarding the matter described in the email.
Deceptive online ads. Cybercriminals often use deceptive ads to force computer users to install something they do not want. For example, you might encounter deceptive ads online that state you need to update specific software or that your computer is compromised with a specific number of viruses. In reality, these ads are meant to scare the user and convince one to install a rogue software update that contains spyware or malware as a bonus.
After all, it is important to keep your computer protected at all times. For this reason, it is advisable to install a reliable antivirus with real-time protection feature. This way, malware could be stopped even if you do not recognise the danger behind a specific file or a website online.
Remove FATP ransomware virus and recover your files
Now that the attack already took place, the best solution is to ensure the malware gets deleted from your computer so that it couldn’t inflict any more damage to your files or privacy. Therefore, we recommend you to remove FATP ransomware virus remains using INTEGO Antivirus.
Additionally, you may want to scan your computer with a tool that can repair virus damage to Windows OS files without the need to reinstall the operating system – RESTORO (secure download link). Make sure you also change all of your passwords after deleting the malware from the system.
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STEP 1. REMOVE AUTOMATICALLY WITH ROBUST ANTIVIRUS
STEP 2. REPAIR VIRUS DAMAGE TO YOUR COMPUTER
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FATP 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 FATP 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 FATP 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. 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.
Alternative software recommendations
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware
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Decrypt FATP files
Fix and open large FATP 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 FATP 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. FATP Ransomware Virus is considered the new STOP/DJVU variant, just like DARJ DAZX, TYWD, TYCX, TYOS, TYPO, JYWD (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 FATP 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 FATP 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 FATP 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 FATP 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 FATP 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
You can only open FATP files if you have the decryption key, or if you were affected by offline encryption type.
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.
Please follow the guidances provided by the official FATP 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).
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.
Beware of fake FATP 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 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.
if i have the key or i found it how can i decryption my files