Notes on Atom ransomware virus:
Atom virus is a new variant of the Shark ransomware, otherwise known as ransomware-as-a-service (RaaS) program. Such fraudulent services allow the amateur cybercriminals to create their own malicious viruses by putting in as minimal effort as possible. Sadly, Atom malware is not new to this business. RaaS builders have been growing in popularity over the last half of the year with Stampado, Mischa and Petya ransomware being just a few of the malicious creations which stand alongside Atom. This business brings profit to the branch owners as well as the affiliates who take 80% of the generated revenue.
Looking from the victim’s’ perspective, this Atom ransomware does not differentiate from the ones created from scratch. Once it infects the computer, it puts a virtually uncrackable lock on the containing files and demands the victim to pay a ransom for the data decryption key. The unusual .locked extensions are then added to the document names and indicate that these particular files are now encrypted. To inform the victim about the whole situation, the virus runs the UNLOCK DATA.exe process which generates a pop-up featuring a brief ransom note. In this note, the victim is instructed about the further steps towards data recovery. Though it may all sound very professional, you should not comply with the criminal demands. Please remember that the only thing the parties behind this virus seek is profit. Consequently, the decryption key can be easily forgotten. Since you will most likely be left without your files anyway, you can take some revenge by carrying out the Atom removal, leaving the malware creators penniless. We urge you to use FortectIntego or other reliable software for the best result.
As you can see Atom encryption and behavior on the infected computers is identical to the majority of the ransomware viruses, regardless of their origin. What is more interesting is how this malware is configured. Usually, before releasing it to the Internet the ransomware-as-a-service providers allow their affiliates-to-be to modify this software according to their needs. The novice criminals can easily choose what types of files their ransomware will target, what amount of ransom will be demanded for their decryption, etc. All these configurations are normally carried out through a remote online server. Atom is a game-changer because it allows the users to download the Atom builder directly to the computer. Besides, it uses a more advanced user interface which makes it accessible to even the users who have no idea about programming whatsoever. Either way, this program is extremely dangerous, thus, either you are an affiliate or the target victim, you should remove Atom from your computer ASAP.
How can you make sure your data is safe from this virus?
The cyber security forums are full of recommendations, tips and tricks on what software to use in order to avoid Atom or other ransomware viruses from taking hold of the computer. Of course, antivirus software is a major obstacle for this virus to get in, but it cannot assure 100% protection. A better option is to keep backup copies of your most important documents on external storage drives. These devices should be disconnected from the computer when not in use, this way eliminating all the possibilities of a ransomware virus accessing the contained data through the network. When or, shall we say, if the virus gets hold of your PC the data on it will be locked, but you will be able to recover your essential files from a backup. To learn how to do it safely, please read Atom virus removal and recovery instructions.
How should you remove Atom and is there a way to recover the encrypted data?
If you take the time to backup your files regularly — you are lucky. But do not hurry to plug in your external storage device to your computer and start the recovery just yet. If Atom virus or its malicious counterparts are still in the system, you may lose your closely kept files as well! Before anything, double-check your system with the most reputable anti-malware software you can get your hands on — you can’t be too cautious with ransomware. After the Atom removal is complete, you can then proceed with the data recovery. We would like to emphasize that the additional instructions you may have already noticed below the article are only there help you to run your virus-fighting utility in case this software is blocked by ransomware. You should not use this guide to remove Atom from your computer.
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