Atek ransomware (Virus Removal Guide) - Bonus: Decryption Steps

What is Atek ransomware?

Atek ransomware – a new cryptocurrency extortion-based malware from the Djvu family

Atek ransomware is a data-locking virus that encrypts all files with RSA

Atek ransomware is a data-locking computer infection that belongs to a well-established malware family known as Djvu. First spotted in early January 2021, it is among 260+ other versions that have been previously released by cybercriminals. This strain has been around for a few years now and has become one of the most prominent crypto-extortionists in the wild.

Almost all malware samples previously discovered by researchers were found on software crack distribution websites, which means that users install the Atek virus, misleadingly believing that the crack file is genuine. As soon as victims double-click the executable, the infection of a Windows computer begins. During this time, the malware performs a sequence of system and file modifications.

As a result of a robust RSA-2048^[1] encryption, users are unable to open their personal data – all of it is marked with .atek extension. To make sure users are aware of what happened to their files, crooks also deliver the _readme.txt ransom note, which is placed on the desktop and other directories on the system. According to the message, they have to contact criminals via helpmanager@mail.ch or restoremanager@firemail.cc and pay a ransom to retrieve the decryption tool that would return their files back to normal.

Luckily for some users, a free decryptor for Djvu strain exists. While it only works for a limited number of victims, it is worth trying it, as well as other alternative methods mentioned in the recovery section below.

As you might have understood, Atek ransomware is just the next step for the attackers to accomplish their malicious goals. It belongs to an infamous family that's been delivering new versions each week for over three years now. Here are a few examples of the latest variants:

• Qlkm
• Igal
• Omfl
• Igdm, etc.

Mostly only the appointed extension differentiates these samples from one another. Ransom note of the Atek virus is the same as all other viruses from this family. It consists of explaining what has happened to victims' files and a guarantee of free decryption of one file.

Also, there is a link to a video where the decryptor can be seen in action, personal IDs, and criminal contact details. The decryption toolkit price is also always the same – $490 if the victims act quickly and contact the assailants within 72 hours of the attack. If they fail to do that, the price is increased to a massive $980.

All this convincing and rushing is done so that the victims wouldn't have time and would take a hasty decision to meet the demands of the perpetrators. Instead, they should not panic, as it can only make matters worse.

Here's the whole message from the _readme.txt ransom note of the Atek virus:

ATTENTION!

Don’t worry, you can return all your files!
All your files like photos, databases, documents and other important are encrypted with strongest encryption and unique key.
The only method of recovering files is to purchase decrypt tool and unique key for you.
This software will decrypt all your encrypted files.
What guarantees you have?
You can send one of your encrypted file from your PC and we decrypt it for free.
But we can decrypt only 1 file for free. File must not contain valuable information.
You can get and look video overview decrypt tool:
https://we.tl/t-sBwlEg46JX
Price of private key and decrypt software is $980.
Discount 50% available if you contact us first 72 hours, that’s price for you is $490.
Please note that you’ll never restore your data without payment.
Check your e-mail “Spam” or “Junk” folder if you don’t get answer more than 6 hours.

To get this software you need write on our e-mail:
helpmanager@mail.ch

Reserve e-mail address to contact us:
restoremanager@firemail.cc

Your personal ID

After seeing the ransom note, victims of such cybercrimes shouldn't panic and give in to the demands of the cybercriminals – there's always hope that there are other ways of data recovery. The first thing that one should do is export all encrypted data to an offline storage device, of course, if backups are not available.

Atek is a ransomware-type virus that locks all personal files and then demands a ransom of $980/$490 for a decryptor

Only then should the victims remove Atek ransomware from their infected devices. The best way to do it is by using professional anti-malware software such as SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes. That way, the users can be sure that the infection is eliminated correctly. Although manual elimination is possible, it is not recommended for inexperienced users because it is way too complicated. A techy task like this should be entrusted to professionals.

Once the computer is virus-free, another task should be performed since ransomware tends to make changes in the Windows “hosts” file, which might prevent users from visiting any cybersecurity-related websites, add additional background processes, and other system irregularities that could lead to crashing, severe lag, or other stability issues. Thus, after Atek ransomware removal, use the FortectIntego tool to restore the device to the pre-contamination phase and evade all abnormal behavior.

Avoid most prevalent Djvu ransomware spreading technique

Cybercriminals have created many techniques to deliver payload files of their created malware – drive-by downloads,^[2] Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) attacks, spam emails, and so on. Still, our research shows the most likely way to get your computer infected with Djvu family ransomware is by using file-sharing platforms.

These platforms, such as popular torrent sites, are often infested with computer infections. Cyberthieves don't have to do much, just think of a catchy name that will lure the eye of an unaware user, upload it, and wait for someone to download it. These viruses are often camouflaged as brand new, popular game cracks,^[3] or other illegal activation toolkits for licensed programs., pirated programs, etc.

To avoid these and other malware types, first of all, people should always have trustworthy anti-malware software watching their back. Second – refrain from using such websites because you might end up with a lot more than you expected. Support your game or other software developers by purchasing their created products either directly from their websites or official distributors, like Steam, Origin, or others.

Tutorial on Atek ransomware removal

Criminals are criminals for a reason, and they should never be trusted. Victims of ransomware attacks have reported various issues after they have made payments to their assailants, including decryption tools that don't work, scamming for more money, or just the total disappearance of the criminals.

Atek virus uses a robust encryption algorithm, so decryption is only possible to those whose files were locked with an offline ID

That's why we recommend Atek virus removal instead. If you had extensive data backups, then don't wait for a second and do it with reliable anti-malware software, such as SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes, to make sure the virus is removed completely with all of its components.

If you didn't keep backups, then you might want to consider either of the following options:

• Try decryption tools. Either from a company called Emisoft or any other that specializes in data recovery options.
• Export all encrypted files to an offline storage device and wait for a decryption tool to be made available to the public.
• Try our free guides provided at the bottom of this article.

Once you tried either of those choices (or all), it's time to remove Atek ransomware with any of the aforementioned tools. Afterward, a system tune-up is necessary due to the fact that file-locking parasites from this lineage make changes to Windows Registry and other key system settings and files.

If left unattended, these changes might result in various abnormal behavior exhibitions, from constant crashing to severe lag or even infection renewal. Experts ^[4] highly recommend using the FortectIntego tool to revert any changes that the virus might have done.