AWT ransomware: what it is and how to remove it
AWT ransomware is a dangerous program that aims to lock files with the .AWT extension and demands a Bitcoin ransom for the release of the decryption software. At the start of 2020, this parasite was first discovered by a cybersecurity researcher named Michael Gillespie who posts his findings on Twitter.
Facts checked October 6, 2026. Removal steps tested on Windows 11 (26H2) and checked against Microsoft's and the browser makers' current documentation. Sections marked as our earlier report are the original text: they describe the threat as it was then and have not been reviewed since. The 2026 status, the removal steps and the questions are current.
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AWT ransomware: summary
| Name | AWT ransomware |
|---|---|
| Type | Ransomware virus/malware |
| Founder | Michael Gillespie |
| Similar apps | This dangerous malware form appears to have some similarities to Snc ransomware |
| Appendix | Once the files are locked with an asymmetric or symmetric encryption cipher, all of the filenames get the .AWT appendix added |
| Ransom note | All the ransom demands and conditions are placed in the ReadMe.txt ransom note. Here, crooks urge to contact them via the provided email address and some small size files for the proof of the decryption tool's existence. The hackers also claim that the price depends on how fast the victim reaches out to them |
| Removal | Scan the PC with security software to find and remove the malware and anything installed with it. Fortect scans Windows for malware and repairs the system files and settings it damaged. Remove it nowTo use the full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Fortect. The scan is free. |
Show 15 more facts
| Dangers | Despite the encryption of valuable information, the ransomware virus might bring trojans to the system. These cyber threats can steal personal information and money, destroy software and the PC |
|---|---|
| Spreading | The most popular distribution sources of ransomware infections are phishing email messages that provide the malicious payload in the form of an attachment, software cracks that can be downloaded from torrenting sites |
| Detection names | No Microsoft detection name is known |
| Contact | getdataback22@protonmail.com, unlockdata22@protonmail.com |
| Encrypted file extension | .awt |
| Decryptor | No free decryptor is known for this variant; check No More Ransom (nomoreransom.org) for updates |
| Distribution | Not recorded in the old report |
| Damage | Not recorded in the old report |
| Symptoms | Files renamed with a new extension and a ransom note left in folders |
| Evidence | 5 write-ups by security sites; no sample analysed yet |
| Encrypted files | .awt |
| Attacker contacts | getdataback22@protonmail.com |
| Free decryptor | No free decryptor is known (checked 6 October 2026) |
| First seen | 7 January 2020 |
| Facts checked | 6 October 2026 |
- File extension:
.awt - Note file:
ReadMe.txt - Contact:
getdataback22@protonmail.com
From our report of Jan 2020 · not reviewed since
More from our earlier report on AWT ransomware
- You should use only trustworthy programs for getting rid of this parasite.
- Make sure that the tool you choose is capable of detecting and eliminating such a dangerous virus
- If you have found some signs of system compromisation, you can try initiating a repair process with the help of software
How AWT ransomware behaves
From our report of Jan 2020 · not reviewed since
AWT ransomware - a virtual parasite that is similar to Snc ransomware and has emerged at the start of 2020
AWT ransomware is a dangerous program that aims to lock files with the .AWT extension and demands a Bitcoin ransom for the release of the decryption software.
At the start of 2020, this parasite was first discovered by a cybersecurity researcher named Michael Gillespie who posts his findings on Twitter. The added appendix also includes the user's unique ID and the developer's email address getdataback22@protonmail.com.
So, in the end, all filenames will have something like this added: house.png.[2AF6578I][getdataback22@protonmail.com].AWT. AWT ransomware is not the only one of its kind, some similarities were found with another malicious string known as Snc ransomware.
AWT ransomware provides the ReadMe.txt ransom message where all the demands are written. The criminals encourage users to contact them via unlockdata22@protonmail.com email address and if no response is shown in 24 hours, the victim can write to the getdataback22@protonmail.com email.
Then, the crooks require obtaining and paying the in Bitcoin cryptocurrency and offer to send them 5 files that altogether take no more space than 10MB. This way the cybercriminals want to provide proof of the decryption key's existence and encourage you to purchase it faster.
AWT virus uses a unique encryption cipher such as a symmetric or asymmetric one and the key differs for each victim which really hardens the decryption process. Nevertheless, the criminals store both encryption and decryption keys on remote servers so that they could be reachable for anyone except their original owners (the hackers).
There are also other ways how AWT ransomware might try to harden the decryption process for you. This cyber threat can execute specific PowerShell commands that delete or permanently damage the Shadow Volume Copies of encrypted data so you would not be able to use any third-party software for data recovery that requires the Shadow Copies to be safe.
Nevertheless, the criminals who are responsible for the creation of AWT ransomware, write in the ransom note that the price of the decryption tool depends on the time when the victim contacts the hackers. This way users are pushed to reply in a shorter amount of time by making the wrong decision. Here is how the entire Readme.txt message looks like:
AWT ransomware also tries to scare its victims by claiming that many things can go wrong if they do not choose to follow the criminals' demands. These people urge not to rename encrypted files and not to try using third-party software as it can relate in permanent data loss, scamming or increase the price demanded for the decryption program.
AWT ransomware is aimed to scare you as this is one of the hackers' tactics to receive the ransom price in a faster way. Rather than trusting the crooks and truly risking to get scammed, you can try some data recovery alternatives that have been added to the end of this page.
Even though the ransom amount is not told by AWT ransomware, the price can vary anywhere from $50 to $2000 or more. However, these people are likely to demand a ransom in the Bitcoin cryptocurrency as such transfers keep the process anonymous and safe for tracking. The same goes for other types of cryptocurrencies too.
Other things that AWT ransomware might be responsible for is booting itself within every computer startup, disabling some types of antivirus software, injecting misleading entries into the Registry and running suspicious tasks in the Task Manager such as searching for encryptable documents every 30 minutes (or any other time interval).
Nevertheless, AWT ransomware can aim to target your Windows hosts file that can relate in permanent damage to this component. The criminals perform such activity as they want to prevent you from visiting cybersecurity-related websites and forums where you might get valuable information on the decryption and ransomware removal processes.
Furthermore, AWT ransomware can bring other malicious infections into the computer system. The ransomware makes your computer system more vulnerable to additional cyber threats and distributed Trojan horses very often. If you end up with this type of threat, you might experience permanent data loss, software damage, and monetary thefts.
If you want to avoid this risk, you have to remove AWT ransomware as you spot the first symptoms of this infection. Note that the manual method might not be helpful here so you should employ reliable software for the elimination process. Also, if your computer system has experienced any type of damage, you can try repairing it with a tool such as .
Also, note that AWT ransomware removal comes first before data recovery, otherwise, your effort will be useless as your files and documents will get encrypted again.
From our report of Jan 2020 · not reviewed since
Email spam and software cracks might hold ransomware
Technology specialists from LesVirus.fr claim that ransomware viruses are distributed through many different sources, however, the most popular ones are phishing email messages and cracked programs.
Email spam is often delivered to random users where the crooks pretend to be from reliable organizations, agencies, and companies such as FedEx.
The phishing message comes with a malicious attachment that is usually provided as some type of order message but truly executes the ransomware infection when opened. Regarding this fact, you should always check the sender, the letter's content, and scan all attached files and documents with an AV tool before opening.
Continuously, ransomware infections get delivered through unsecured sources such as peer-to-peer networks that hold a lot of software cracks. Torrenting networks are not the most reliable services to use while downloading some type of program or movie. Better get all of your products from official websites and the original developers.
In addition, ransomware viruses can get delivered through infectious advertisements and hyperlinks that are found online. You should especially be aware of fake software updates, e.g. flash player, that can be disguised malware. Also, always have an antivirus tool running so that it would be capable of warning you if something malicious occurs.
From our report of Jan 2020 · not reviewed since
The automatical AWT ransomware termination method
AWT ransomware removal requires cleaning the entire computer system from suspicious processes, malicious entries, and other components.
If you are having trouble to detect or remove AWT ransomware from your Windows computer system, you can boot the machine in Safe Mode with Networking or via System Restore to diminish the block of antivirus tools and deactivate the ransomware virus from carrying out malicious processes.
When AWT ransomware is gone, it is time to think about some data recovery possibilities. We strongly advise not to pay the crooks the demanded ransom price as you might easily get scammed by these people. Instead, check the data recovery steps that have been added to the end of this article.
[GI=method-1]To deactivate the malware and diminish all malicious changes on your Windows computer, you should boot the machine in Safe Mode with Networking.
[GI=method-2]To disable malicious tasks and deactivate the ransomware virus on your Windows machine, you can try opting for the System Restore feature.
If you employ this software and complete all steps as required in the instructions, you might have a chance of recovering some of your encrypted files and documents,
Employing Windows Previous Versions feature might appear helpful for data recovery.
If you have enabled the System Restore feature in the past, this method might appear helpful an allow you to restore some of your individual files back to their previous states.
Use Shadow Explorer and have a chance of file recovery.
Try this method if the ransomware virus has affected your files and documents. However, this method might not work if the malware has destroyed or erased the Shadow Volume Copies of your encrypted data.
There is no official decryption key released yet.
The AWT ransomware note
[+] All Your Files Have Been Encrypted [+]
[-] Do You Really Want To Restore Your Files?
[+] Write Us To The E-Mail : unlockdata22@protonmail.com
[+] If you did not get any response until 24 hours later,Write to this E-Mail : getdataback22@protonmail.com
[-] Write Your Unique-ID In The Title Of Your Message.
[+] Unique-ID : [-] You Have To Pay For Decryption In Bitcoins.
[-] The Price Depends On How Fast You Write To Us.
[-] After Payment We Will Send You The Decryption Tool
That Will Decrypt All Your Files.
_______________________________________________________
[+] Free Decryption As Guarantee [+]
[-] Before Paying You Can Send Us Up To 5 Files For
Free Decryption, The Total Size Of Files Must Bee Less
Than 10MB, (Non Archived) And Files Should Not Contain
Valuable Information (Databases, Backups, Large Excel
-Sheets, Etc).
_______________________________________________________
[+] How To Obtain Bitcoins [+]
[-] The Easiest Way To Buy Bitcoins Is LocalBitcoins
Site : https://localbitcoins.com/buy_bitcoins
You Have To Register, Click 'Buy Bitcoins', And Select
The Seller By Payment Method And Price.
[-] Also You Can Find Other Places To Buy Bitcoins And
Beginners Guide Here:
http://coindesk.com/information/how-can-i-buy-bitcoins
_______________________________________________________
[+] 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.
_____________________AWT_Ransomware_______________________
How to remove AWT ransomware
Tools you'll need
All of these are free except where noted. Download them on a clean device if the infected PC is offline.
- A USB stick: to keep the ransom note, two or three encrypted files and screenshots off the infected PC.
- Microsoft Defender Offline: built into Windows 11 and Windows 10; scans before Windows starts, so running malware cannot hide.
- Microsoft Safety Scanner: a second, portable scanner with current signatures; each download works for 10 days.
- ID Ransomware: identifies the family from the note and one encrypted file and says whether a decryptor exists.
- No More Ransom: the free decryptors from police and security companies; check it again every few months.
- Fortect (optional): scans Windows for malware and repairs the system files and settings it damaged. The free scan is in the box above.
How to remove AWT ransomware and get your files back
Work in this order.
Disconnecting comes first, removal comes before any restore, and nothing here asks you to contact the attackers.
Step 1: Disconnect the PC and unplug backup drives
Unplug the network cable or turn off Wi-Fi, and disconnect USB drives, external disks and network shares, so AWT ransomware cannot reach more files. Pause OneDrive, Google Drive or Dropbox sync, because synced folders upload the encrypted copies over the good ones.
Leave the PC on but offline while you read the next steps, since a restart can let the ransomware run again. This applies to Windows 11 and Windows 10 alike.
Windows 11: turn off Wi-Fi to take the PC offline. Full procedure with screenshots: Ransomware: first steps, finding a decryptor and recovering files
Step 2: Save the ransom note and confirm the family
Your files now end in
.awtand the instructions are inReadMe.txt. Save both to a USB stick, a copy of the note and two small encrypted files, before anything else.On another device, check them with ID Ransomware or Crypto Sheriff: the family name decides which decryptor, if any, can help. Keep the note's ID and contact line for your report.
Windows 11: the ransom note and encrypted files to copy for identification. Full procedure with screenshots: Ransomware: first steps, finding a decryptor and recovering files
Step 3: Check for a free decryptor
Our last check found that for AWT ransomware, no free decryptor is known (checked 6 October 2026). Look again yourself in the No More Ransom list and the free decryptor pages of Emsisoft, Avast and Kaspersky, which add new families every year.
A decryptor needs the ransomware gone first, or it encrypts the files again. Keep at least one copy of the encrypted files on an external drive, even if no tool works yet.
Full procedure with screenshots: Ransomware: first steps, finding a decryptor and recovering files
Step 4: Remove the ransomware before you restore or decrypt
Removing AWT ransomware does not bring the files back, but it has to come first. Start with Defender's Full scan, then the offline scan from the same Scan options page, which checks the disk before Windows loads.
If the scan cannot start, use Safe Mode with Networking. Delete the ransom notes only after you have saved a copy, because removal tools sometimes leave them behind on Windows 11 and Windows 10.
Windows 11: Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Scan options. Full procedure with screenshots: Run a Microsoft Defender Offline scan
Step 5: Look for shadow copies of the files
Windows keeps shadow copies for restore points and backups, and some ransomware fails to delete them.
vssadmin list shadowsin an administrator Command Prompt tells you at once whether any exist.If they do, right-click the folder that held your files, open Properties > Previous Versions, select a version from before the attack, and click Open to check it before you Restore or copy the files out. Windows 11 and Windows 10 both have the tab.
Windows 11: vssadmin list shadows shows whether shadow copies exist. Full procedure with screenshots: Ransomware: first steps, finding a decryptor and recovering files
Step 6: Restore the files from a backup or recover deleted originals
A backup made before the attack is the surest way back. Connect it only once the PC is clean, then restore from File History, Windows Backup, OneDrive's Restore your OneDrive or your own external copies.
Without a backup, try file recovery: the originals that AWT ransomware deleted may still be on the disk until something overwrites them. Install nothing new on the drive you want to recover from on the Windows 11 or Windows 10 PC.
Full procedure with screenshots: Recover deleted files (Recycle Bin, backups, OneDrive) On uGetFix
Instructions for each browser and system
The detailed steps for every browser and system this guide covers. Open the one you use.
Manual removal using Safe Mode
Important! →
Manual removal guide might be too complicated for regular computer users. It requires advanced IT knowledge to be performed correctly (if vital system files are removed or damaged, it might result in full Windows compromise), and it also might take hours to complete. Therefore, we highly advise using the automatic method provided above instead.
Step 1. Access Safe Mode with Networking
Manual malware removal should be best performed in the Safe Mode environment.
Windows 7 / Vista / XP
- Click Start > Shutdown > Restart > OK.
- When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 button (if that does not work, try F2, F12, Del, etc. - it all depends on your motherboard model) multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
- Select Safe Mode with Networking from the list.
Windows 10 / Windows 8
- Right-click on Start button and select Settings.
- Scroll down to pick Update & Security.
- On the left side of the window, pick Recovery.
- Now scroll down to find Advanced Startup section.
- Click Restart now.
- Select Troubleshoot.
- Go to Advanced options.
- Select Startup Settings.
- Press Restart.
- Now press 5 or click 5) Enable Safe Mode with Networking.
Step 2. Shut down suspicious processes
Windows Task Manager is a useful tool that shows all the processes running in the background. If malware is running a process, you need to shut it down:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
- Click on More details.
- Scroll down to Background processes section, and look for anything suspicious.
- Right-click and select Open file location.
- Go back to the process, right-click and pick End Task.
- Delete the contents of the malicious folder.
Step 3. Check program Startup
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
- Go to Startup tab.
- Right-click on the suspicious program and pick Disable.
Step 4. Delete virus files
Malware-related files can be found in various places within your computer. Here are instructions that could help you find them:
- Type in Disk Cleanup in Windows search and press Enter.
- Select the drive you want to clean (C: is your main drive by default and is likely to be the one that has malicious files in).
- Scroll through the Files to delete list and select the following:
Temporary Internet Files
Downloads
Recycle Bin
Temporary files - Pick Clean up system files.
- You can also look for other malicious files hidden in the following folders (type these entries in Windows Search and press Enter):
%AppData%
%LocalAppData%
%ProgramData%
%WinDir%
After you are finished, reboot the PC in normal mode.
Report it and recover your files
Report it
Report the attack even if you do not expect the files back: insurers and banks ask for the report number, and police use the contacts in the note to link cases.
- United States
- FBI IC3 · FTC ReportFraud
- United Kingdom
- Report Fraud (formerly Action Fraud) · NCSC
- Australia
- ReportCyber (ASD)
- EU countries
- Europol: national reporting sites
Give the victim ID, the note and the date the files were encrypted. A business that holds personal data may also have to notify its data protection authority, in the EU within 72 hours.
Protect the files you restore
Restore only after the scans are clean and the PC no longer shows files that end in .awt and no longer open; otherwise the restored copies can be damaged again.
Then build a backup that survives the next infection:
- one copy in the cloud with version history
- one on an external drive that is disconnected between backups
- the working copy on the PC
Version history matters because a backup that syncs damaged files overwrites the good ones.
How to do this with the tools built into Windows: the 3-2-1 backup rule on Windows.
Protect your privacy - employ a VPN
There are several ways how to make your online time more private - you can access an incognito tab.
However, there is no secret that even in this mode, you are tracked for advertising purposes. There is a way to add an extra layer of protection and create a completely anonymous web browsing practice with the help of VPN. This software reroutes traffic through different servers, thus leaving your IP address and geolocation in disguise.
Besides, it is based on a strict no-log policy, meaning that no data will be recorded, leaked, and available for both first and third parties. The combination of a secure web browser and VPN will let you browse the Internet without a feeling of being spied or targeted by criminals.
No backups? No problem. Use a data recovery tool
If you wonder how data loss can occur, you should not look any further for answers - human errors, malware attacks, hardware failures, power cuts, natural disasters, or even simple negligence.
In some cases, lost files are extremely important, and many straight out panic when such an unfortunate course of events happen. Due to this, you should always ensure that you prepare proper data backups on a regular basis.
If you were caught by surprise and did not have any backups to restore your files from, not everything is lost. is one of the leading file recovery solutions you can find on the market - it is likely to restore even lost emails or data located on an external device.
Questions about AWT ransomware
Is there a decryptor for .awt files?
That depends on the family behind the .awt extension, which this guide cannot confirm yet from the reports alone. Check No More Ransom and ID Ransomware with your ransom note and one encrypted file; they list families with free tools.
If none exists today, keep the encrypted files and a copy of the note on a separate drive, because decryptors are sometimes published months later after flaws are found or servers are seized. Never buy a decryptor from a website that is not the security company that made it.
How do I open .awt files?
You cannot open them by renaming or by choosing another program. The .awt ending shows that AWT ransomware encrypted the content, and only the matching key can reverse it. Renaming a file back to .docx or .jpg changes nothing except the icon, and it can confuse a future decryptor, so leave the names as they are.
To get the content back, use a backup, an unencrypted copy elsewhere, or a decryptor listed on No More Ransom if one exists for AWT ransomware. Store the encrypted files on an external disk until then.
Should I pay the ransom?
We advise against it, and so do the FBI, Europol and national cyber agencies. Payment does not guarantee a working tool: some attackers never reply, some tools damage files, and some variants have no decryptor at all. Paying also funds further attacks and can make you a target again.
Before considering payment, try every recovery option in this guide and report the attack. Companies must involve their legal adviser and insurer, because payments to sanctioned groups can be illegal. If files are truly irreplaceable, store the encrypted copies and wait; decryptors sometimes appear later.
Can a data-recovery company decrypt my files for a fee?
Only if a decryptor already exists or the company pays the attackers for you. Some "ransomware recovery" services advertise that they can decrypt families with no known flaw; in practice they negotiate with the attackers and add their own fee. Others use the same free tools listed on No More Ransom.
Before you hire anyone, ask in writing how they will recover the files, whether they will contact the attackers and what happens if they fail. A legitimate service answers clearly. If a free decryptor exists for your family, you can run it yourself.
How did AWT ransomware get on my computer?
The way AWT ransomware spreads has not been documented yet, so look at your own recent activity. On home PCs, ransomware most often comes with cracked programs, game cheats, key generators and fake updates, or with an e-mail attachment that was opened. On business networks, attackers usually log in through Remote Desktop with a stolen or guessed password.
Think back to what was downloaded or installed in the days before files that end in .awt and no longer open, and check the Downloads folder and Installed apps sorted by date. Keep anything suspicious for your report, but do not run it again.
Did AWT ransomware steal my files or passwords?
We do not know yet. Nothing published so far shows data theft by AWT ransomware, but the only confirmed sign is files that end in .awt and no longer open, which says nothing about what happened before. Many current ransomware attacks copy files or run a password stealer first, so it is wise to act as if they did.
From a clean device, change the passwords that were saved in the browsers on this PC, starting with e-mail and banking, sign out of all sessions and turn on two-step verification. Watch bank statements and account activity for the next few weeks.
Is AWT ransomware the same as other ransomware with a similar name?
Not necessarily. Ransomware names come from the file extension, the note or a word in the code, so unrelated families often end up with similar names, and one family can appear under several names. The difference matters: a decryptor or advice for one family does not fit another and can damage files.
Compare the ending added to your files and the exact name of the note with the summary table at the top of this guide, then upload the note and one encrypted file to ID Ransomware from a clean device. If the result names another family, follow the guide for that family instead.
What does ReadMe.txt tell me about the ransomware?
Quite a lot. The file name ReadMe.txt, the wording, the contact addresses and the format of the personal ID are typical for each family. Uploading the note together with one encrypted file to ID Ransomware or No More Ransom's Crypto Sheriff usually names the family within seconds.
That name decides your options: some families have free decryptors, some can be partially recovered, and some cannot be decrypted at all. The note's claims about stolen data should be taken seriously but not at face value.
My files got .awt overnight. What happened?
Ransomware often runs at night or when the PC is idle, so the encryption finishes before anyone notices. It usually entered earlier through a cracked program, a fake installer, an e-mail attachment or remote desktop with a weak password.
The .awt extension marks every file it reached. Start by disconnecting the PC from the network, then identify the family from the ransom note and one encrypted file, check for a decryptor, and look for copies in backups and OneDrive before you consider anything else.
Will Fortect remove AWT ransomware?
Fortect scans Windows for malware and unwanted programs and repairs the system files and settings they change, and its free scan shows what it finds on your PC before you decide anything.
For AWT ransomware, follow the plan above as well: the browser steps take back permissions and settings that no scanner treats as a threat, and uninstalling the program that brought it removes the source.
Run Microsoft Defender's full scan and, if anything was found, its offline scan as a second opinion. If the symptoms are gone after the plan and both scans are clean, there is nothing more to do.
Sources
- Twitter: #Ransomware Hunt: "AWT Ransomware" (read October 6, 2026)
- Wikipedia: Shadow Copy (read October 6, 2026)
- LesVirus: LesVirus.fr (read October 6, 2026)
- CISA: StopRansomware (read October 6, 2026)
- No More Ransom (read October 6, 2026)