Ahtw – Ransomware
Ahtw is a malicious software functioning as typical ransomware. Michael Gillespie, the popular malware researcher, very first discovered this new name in the DJVU ransomware family.
Ahtw was developed for the sole purpose to encrypt all popular file types. Logically, as soon as the encryption is effectively achieved, the users are unable to get access to them. Ahtw ransomware includes its own “.ahtw” to all the encrypted files. For instance, the file “price_list.xls”, as soon as crypted by Ahtw, will be entitled as “price_list.xls.ahtw”. As soon as the file encryption is achieved, Ahtw puts its own distinct text document (_readme.txt) into all the folders that save the encrypted files.
The message specified by document requesting the random os very comparable to the notifications offered by other ransomware dangers belonging to the DJVU family. The warning generally indicates that the files have been secured and the only service to get access to it is to use an unique standalone key. Regretfully, this statement is absolutely real.
The technique to secure the files used by Ahtw is not entirely looked into. Nevertheless, there is no doubt that each computer owner may be released a special decryption key, which is definitely distinct. It is extremely tough to recuperate the information without the appropriate key in location.
“Don’t worry, you can return all your files!”, from text file message:
One more peculiarity of the Ahtw infection is that the users are unable to get access to the key. The decrypting key is hosted on an unique server under the total control by the criminals who have actually released the Ahtw infection into the internet. In order to get the key and restore the important information, the users are told to get in touch with the scams via e-mail or by telegram and to pay the ransom in the amount of $980.
The message also states that individuals ought to call the Ahtw authors within 72 hours upon the moment of the information file encryption. The alert suggests that by doing so the people will obtain a 50% discount, for that reason, the ransom amount drops down to $490.
Ahtw crypted your data, however, it might not be the only threat on your PC. Plus, the ransomware might be hidden deep in the system. To detect and erase the danger totally, we recommend you to refer to the assistance of GridinSoft Anti-Malware .
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No matter what the amount of the ransom is, we strongly advise that you do not pay the ransom. There is no assurance that these online criminals will keep their pledges, so they might not care at all what the victims feel about the encryption, even when the quantity of the ransom is gotten into their accounts. Thus, paying ransom frequently does not result in an effective recovery. So, the users might just lose their money for nothing.
Similarly, we urge you not to call the frauds as they instruct. Do not transfer loan into their wallets. There are no applications that might break the Ahtw virus or restore the data for free. Therefore, the only proper choice is to bring back the data from possible backups (if available).
Virus Summary
| Name | Ahtw Ransomware |
| File Extension | ahtw |
| Type | Ransomware |
| Family | DJVU |
| Short Description | The ransomware encrypts all the data stored on your system and requires a ransom to be paid on your part supposedly to recover your important files. |
| Symptoms | File encryption by the ransomware is performed by means of the AES-256 algorithm (CFB mode) encryption algorithm. Once the encryption is completed, the ransomware adds its special .ahtw extension to all the files modified by it. |
| Distribution Method | Adware bundles and software cracks |
| Similar Infections | Lokas, Besub, Nusar |
| Ahtw Removal Tool | GridinSoft Anti-Malware |
| Ahtw Decryption Tool | Emsisoft Djvu Decryptor |
Do not forget that the Web is now full of infections similar to the Ahtw virus. For example, this particular threat is essentially similar to Brusaf and other ransomware-type infections. These damaging energies have been developed in order to encrypt the important information and express the demand for the users to pay the ransom. All these infections use the identical algorithm to produce the specific key for effective data decryption.
Unless the Ahtw ransomware is still under the development procedure or has got some hidden bugs, it is not possible to bring back the information manually. Thus, the only working option to prevent the loss of your essential information is to regularly preserve updated backups of all your important files.
Another essential piece of suggestions is to store the backups on unique storage not connected to your primary device. For instance, you may keep it on the USB Flash Drive, or some external hard disk, or by using the cloud data storage services. Keeping the backups on your routine drive is extremely dangerous, since the backup might likewise be secured by the Ahtw virus.
Leaks for the Ahtw ransomware attack.
Ahtw uses numerous courses to infiltrate the susceptible computers. It is not particular what specific technique was utilized in your case, however, the intrusion might happen by means of the following channels:
- bundling with third-party programs, mainly free apps;
- spam emails from the unidentified senders;
- sites providing free hosting;
- P2P (peer-to-peer) torrent software.
There are times when the Ahtw might disguise itself as some genuine application, for example, through the deceptive alerts requiring installation of some software update. This is the most typical trick utilized by the scams to inject the Ahtw ransomware files into the system. By doing this users partially participate in its setup, without clearly comprehending the danger.
Furthermore, the scams may send out unsolicited spam email with difficult notifies encouraging individuals to open suspicious attachments or click some download links, for example, those motivating individuals to open certain pictures, text files, tax documents and other info.
No doubt, opening these files or clicking the malicious links may essentially damage the system. Fake Media Player update notifications may lead to the Ahtw ransomware infiltration. Similarly, downloading the broken software might additionally include the ransomware installer. The last however not the least, installation of Ahtw might happen through some Trojan horses that may be set up stealthily into the system and without the user’s direct authorization or perhaps authorization.
Avoiding the Ahtw attack.
Naturally, there is no outright assurance that your computer system will be always free of any malware attacks, nevertheless, we want to share some beneficial suggestions with you to make it safer. Ensure to pay really close attention while searching the web and specifically while getting cost-free programs. Do not open any suspicious email attachments, especially if the sender is not known to you.
Do not forget that specific freeware installer may also contain some other extra apps in the bundle. These additional applications might be very damaging. It is of utmost importance to keep your anti-virus software application and your os in general to be always correctly upgraded.
It is quite rational that downloading pirated programs is prohibited, nevertheless, furthermore, such unapproved software usage might also bring serious damage to your PC. For this reason, do not download any broken programs. Plus, the reality that your current anti-virus did not safeguard the system from the Ahtw ransomware is an excellent reason for you to reassess your options and change to another program that can render the protecting functions on a better level.
Below please find the quotation from the Ahtw text file:
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-2P5WrE5b9f 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: restorealldata@firemail.cc Reserve e-mail address to contact us: gorentos@bitmessage.ch Our Telegram account: @datarestore
Screenshot of files with “.ahtw” extension added by the ransomware:”
Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove Ahtw ransomware from your computer
1.Download GridinSoft Anti-Malware.
You can get GridinSoft Anti-Malware by clicking the button below:
2. Double-click on the setup file.
When setup file has finished downloading, double-click on the setup-antimalware-ag.exe file to install GridinSoft Anti-Malware on your computer.
An User Account Control asking you about to allow GridinSoft Anti-Malware to make changes to your device. So, you should click “Yes” to continue with the installation.
3. Press Install button for run GridinSoft Anti-Malware.
3.Once installed, GridinSoft Anti-Malware will automatically run.
4. Wait for the GridinSoft Anti-Malware scan to complete.
GridinSoft Anti-Malware will automatically start scanning your computer for Win Speedup 2018 and other malicious programs. This process can take a 20-30 minutes, so we suggest you periodically check on the status of the scan process.
5. Click on “Clean Now”.
When the scan has completed, you will see the list of infections that GridinSoft Anti-Malware has detected. To remove them click on the “Clean Now” button in right corner.
Use Emsisoft Decryptor for restore ahtw files
You can get Emsisoft Decryptor by clicking the button below:
- Run the decryptor as an administrator. The license terms will show up, which you have to agree to by clicking the “Yes” button.
- Once the license terms are accepted, the primary decryptor user interface opens.
- By default, the decryptor will pre-populate the locations to decrypt with the currently connected drives and network drives. Additional locations can be added using the Add” button.
- Decryptors typically offer various options depending on the particular malware family. The available options are located in the Options tab and can be enabled or disabled there. You can find a detailed list of the available Options below.
- After you have added all the locations you want to decrypt to the list, click the “Decrypt” button to start the decryption process. The screen will switch to a status view, informing you about the current process and decryption status of your files
- The decryptor will inform you once the decryption process is finished. If you require the report for your personal records, you can save it by clicking the “Save log” button. You can also copy it straight to your clipboard to paste it into emails or forum posts if you are asked to.
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