XATI file virus demands ransom for data decryption
Contents
XATI ransomware is a crypto-virus originating from Dharma ransomware group. First discovered by Jakub Kroustek, the virus operates similarly to its previous versions. First, the malware encrypts all personal files on the system and appends a unique string that consists of victim’s ID, criminals’ contact email xatixxatix@mail.fr and .xati extension. The virus also drops FILES ENCRYPTED.txt ransom notes and launches info.hta ransom note on the screen.
After a successful ransomware attack, the victim will find all of his/hers personal files renamed, for example, a file called image.jpg will become image.jpg.2N678D01.[xatixxatix@mail.fr].xati. These files won’t open, and the message in the ransom note info.hta explains why. The note suggests that the victim has to email the criminals via provided address, and include the given personal ID. The attackers promise to reply within next 12 hours, otherwise, the victim has to try and send a message again.
Xati ransomware virus creators are supposed to send back information regarding the ransom price for the file decryption tool and key, criminals’ cryptowallet address for untraceable transaction, and list of places to purchase cryptocurrency and related information. The ransom note also lists a few warnings, such as suggestions not to rename encrypted files, not to use third-party decryption tools, or use scam data decryption “services” that cost even more than the original ransom. The third point is actually true – beware of scammers who simply take your money and pay the ransom to the cybercriminals, plus take a large commission for doing so.
Ransomware business is booming in 2020; with cases of DJVU, OONN, NILE, DHARMA and others, the damage caused to computer systems worldwide is counted in millions of dollars. That said, we do not recommend paying the ransom to get XATI decryption tool, and instead restore encrypted data from backups.
In case you have been hit by this ransomware attack, we suggest you remove XATI virus using free instructions below, and using a trustworthy malware removal tool such as Reimage Repair, which will also repair damage on Windows OS files.
Threat Summary
Name | XATI ransomware virus |
Type | Ransomware; File-locker; Extortion software |
Extension | .Victim’s ID.[xatixxatix@mail.fr].xati |
Criminal email | xatixxatix@mail.fr |
Ransom note | Info.hta; FILES ENCRYPTED.txt |
Primary damage | Data encryption that prevents the victim from opening the files |
Distribution | Malicious email attachments, fake websites pushing downloads, illegal downloads |
Removal | We recommend removing the virus and repairing possible virus damage to operating system using Reimage Repair. |
File-encrypting malware distribution methods explained
Data-locking malware, such as XATI ransomware or similar infections such as .data (Dharma) or LOG, are typically pushed to victims using various virtual deception schemes. The most common method of delivering ransomware infections is malicious spam campaigns (email). In such case, victims receive deceptive messages implying that they have to urgently open the email attachment, typically a Word, PDF, or EXCEL file (in rare cases nowadays – ZIP file), that contains some form of information that the victim “needs” to see and respond immediately. Such attachments are often named as cash refunds, tax documents, or invoices. Once opened, these documents might activate attached scripts used to download and open malware on victim’s computer.
Another known way of distributing ransomware is uploading it alongside various cracks to illegal download sites. Here we are talking about untrustworthy sites that are based on peer-to-peer file sharing clients, widely known as torrent sites. To download such files, the user needs to use a download agent. It is a well-known fact that many computer users often head to such sites to obtain software or game cracks to activate them illegally for free. However, such distribution method can be used by DHARMA virus variants, as well as STOP/DJVU malware and others. Therefore, we suggest that you always head to trustworthy and official software developer’s sites to purchase official license keys and download safe files.
Finally, you might install ransomware after clicking on a malicious online ad. Criminals like to use fake update pop-ups, those usually suggest updating Flash or similar software. Clicking on such pop-ups can lead to an immediate data encryption.
Visual representation of XATI infection
The following paragraph contains typical symptoms left by XATI file virus and contents of the ransom notes.
Screenshot of file folder affected by the ransomware attack:
Text presented in info.hta file (the pop-up note):
YOUR FILES ARE ENCRYPTED
Don’t worry,you can return all your files!
If you want to restore them, follow this link:email xatixxatix@mail.fr YOUR ID –
If you have not been answered via the link within 12 hours, write to us by e-mail:xatixxatix@mail.fr
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.
Contents of FILES ENCRYPTED.txt note:
all your data has been locked us
You want to return?
write email xatixxatix@mail.fr
Remove XATI ransomware using free instructions
Once hit by a ransomware, victims should eliminate the threat from the system as soon as possible and check whether there were any additional malware installed. That said, we recommend you to remove XATI ransomware using an automatic malware detecting and removing tool, such as Reimage Repair.
After a successful XATI virus removal, start recovering your files. Use a data backup, plug it into your computer and start importing your files. Make sure you do this after the malware elimination, because virus remains can damage your backup as well.
OUR GEEKS RECOMMEND
Our team recommends removing malware using a professional antivirus software.
REMOVE THREATS WITH ROBUST ANTIVIRUS
Get INTEGO ANTIVIRUS for Windows to remove ransomware, Trojans, adware and other spyware and malware variants and protect your PC and network drives 24/7. This VB100-certified security software uses state-of-art technology to provide protection against ransomware, Zero-Day attacks and advanced threats, Intego Web Shield blocks dangerous websites, phishing attacks, malicious downloads and installation of potentially unwanted programs.
Use INTEGO Antivirus to remove detected threats from your computer.
GeeksAdvice.com editors select recommended products based on their effectiveness. We may earn a commission from affiliate links, at no additional cost to you. Learn more.
XATI 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 the 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, see a video tutorial on how to do it:
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 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 XATI 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 malware removal program. In addition, we suggest trying a combination of INTEGO Antivirus (removes malware and protects your PC in real-time) and RESTORO (repairs virus damage to Windows OS files).
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 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
Removing spyware and malware is one step towards cybersecurity. To protect yourself against ever-evolving threats, we strongly recommend purchasing a Premium version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware, which provides security based on artificial intelligence and machine learning. Includes ransomware protection. See pricing options and protect yourself now.
System Mechanic Ultimate Defense
If you're looking for an all-in-one system maintenance suite that has 7 core components providing powerful real-time protection, on-demand malware removal, system optimization, data recovery, password manager, online privacy protection and secure driver wiping technology. Therefore, due to its wide-range of capabilities, System Mechanic Ultimate Defense deserves Geek's Advice approval. Get it now for 50% off. You may also be interested in its full review.
Disclaimer. This site includes affiliate links. We may earn a small commission by recommending certain products, at no additional cost for you. We only choose quality software and services to recommend.
Norbert Webb is the head of Geek’s Advice team. He is the chief editor of the website who controls the quality of content published. The man also loves reading cybersecurity news, testing new software and sharing his insights on them. Norbert says that following his passion for information technology was one of the best decisions he has ever made. “I don’t feel like working while I’m doing something I love.” However, the geek has other interests, such as snowboarding and traveling.
Leave a Reply