Djvu VirusRansomwareRemoval Guide

Aawt Virus Removal Guide (+Decrypt .aawt files)

Aawt Virus Ransomware

Aawt is a destructive software application functioning as typical ransomware. Michael Gillespie, the popular malware researcher, very first found this new name in the DJVU ransomware family.

Aawt was developed for the sole function to encrypt all popular file types. Rationally, as quickly as the encryption is successfully achieved, the users are unable to get access to them. Aawt ransomware includes its own “.aawt” to all the encrypted data. For instance, the file “price_list.xls”, when crypted by Aawt, will be titled as “price_list.xls.aawt”. As soon as the file encryption is achieved, Aawt puts its own unique text document (_readme.txt) into all the folders that save the encrypted files.

The message stated by _readme.txt asking for the random os really similar to the notifications provided by other ransomware dangers belonging to the DJVU family. The warning basically shows that the files have been encrypted and the only solution to get access to it is to use an unique standalone key. Regretfully, this statement is definitely real.

The approach to encrypt the files used by Aawt is not entirely looked into. Nevertheless, there is no doubt that each computer owner may be issued an unique decryption key, which is absolutely special. It is exceptionally hard to recover the information without the appropriate key in place.

“Don’t worry, you can return all your files!”, from _readme.txt message:

message from Aawt virus

One more peculiarity of the Aawt virus is that the users are not able to get access to the key. The decrypting key is hosted on a special server under the total control by the scoundrels who have released the Aawt ransomware into the web. In order to acquire the key and bring back the important information, the users are informed to contact the scams through email or by telegram and to pay the ransom in the amount of $980.

The message also says that individuals must contact the Aawt authors within 72 hours upon the moment of the data file encryption. The alert indicates that by doing so individuals will obtain a 50% discount rate, therefore, the ransom quantity drops down to $490.

No matter what the quantity of the ransom is, we strongly recommend that you do not pay the ransom. There is no assurance that these online crooks will keep their promises, so they might not care at all what the victims feel about the file encryption, even when the amount of the ransom is received into their accounts. Thus, paying ransom frequently does not lead to a successful recovery. So, the users might simply lose their money for nothing.

Likewise, we urge you not to call the frauds as they advise. Do not transfer cash into their wallets. There are no applications that could crack the Aawt ransomware or bring back the data at no cost. For that reason, the only proper choice is to bring back the information from possible backups (if offered).

Virus Summary

NameAawt Ransomware
File Extensionaawt
TypeRansomware
FamilyDJVU
Short DescriptionThe 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.
SymptomsFile 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 .aawt extension to all the files modified by it.
Distribution MethodAdware bundles and software cracks
Similar InfectionsLokas, Besub, Nusar
Aawt Removal Tool   GridinSoft Anti-Malware
Aawt Decryption Tool   Emsisoft Djvu Decryptor

Do not forget that the Internet is now filled with infections comparable to the Aawt ransomware. For example, this specific danger is basically identical to Brusaf and other ransomware-type infections. These destructive utilities have been developed in order to secure the important information and express the need for the users to pay the ransom. All these infections utilize the identical algorithm to produce the specific key for effective files decryption.

Unless the Aawt ransomware is still under the advancement procedure or has got some concealed bugs, it is not possible to bring back the information manually. Hence, the only working solution to prevent the loss of your crucial information is to regularly preserve current backups of all your important documents.

Another crucial piece of recommendations is to store the backups on unique storage not linked to your main computer. For instance, you may keep it on the USB Flash Drive, or some external drive, or by using the cloud data storage services. Keeping the backups on your regular drive is very risky, since the backup might also be encrypted by the Aawt infection.

Leakages for the Aawt ransomware attack.

Aawt utilizes numerous paths to penetrate the vulnerable computer systems. It is not specific what specific technique was utilized in your case, nevertheless, the invasion might happen through the following channels:

  • bundling with third-party programs, generally free software;
  • spam e-mails from the unidentified senders;
  • sites offering complimentary hosting;
  • P2P (peer-to-peer) torrent downloads.

There are times when the Aawt may disguise itself as some genuine application, for example, through the misleading notifies demanding installation of some software application update. This is the most typical trick used by the scams to inject the Aawt ransomware files into the system. This way users partially participate in its installation, without clearly understanding the threat.

Furthermore, the frauds might send unsolicited spam e-mail with difficult informs motivating the people to open dubious attachments or click on some download links, for example, those encouraging individuals to open certain photos, text files, tax files and other information.

No doubt, opening these files or clicking the harmful links might essentially harm the system. Fake Adobe Flash Player update notices may result in the Aawt ransomware infiltration. Similarly, downloading the broken software application might additionally include the ransomware installer. The last however not the least, installation of Aawt may occur through some Trojan horses that may be set up stealthily into the system and without the user’s direct permission or perhaps authorization.

Preventing the Aawt ransomware injection.

Obviously, there is no absolute guarantee that your computer will be always without any malware attacks, however, we would like to share some helpful suggestions with you to make it much safer. Make sure to pay really attention while searching the web and particularly while downloading cost-free programs. Do not open any suspicious e-mail attachments, especially if the sender is not understood to you.

Do not forget that specific freeware installer might likewise contain some other additional apps in the bundle. These additional applications might be very damaging. It is of utmost value to keep your anti-virus software and your os in basic to be constantly properly upgraded.

It is quite sensible that downloading pirated apps is prohibited, however, furthermore, such unapproved software application use might also bring major damage to your computer. Hence, do not download any cracked programs. Plus, the reality that your current anti-virus did not secure the system from the Aawt ransomware is an excellent factor for you to reevaluate your choices and switch to another program that can render the securing functions on a far better level.

Below please find the quotation from the Aawt 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 “.aawt” extension added by the ransomware:”

Aawt Ransomware - encrypt files with .aawt extension

Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove Aawt ransomware from your computer

1.Download GridinSoft Anti-Malware.

You can download GridinSoft Anti-Malware by clicking the button below:

  GridinSoft Anti-Malware

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.
GridinSoft Anti-Malware
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.
GridinSoft Anti-Malware Setup

3. Press Install button for run GridinSoft Anti-Malware.

GridinSoft Anti-Malware Install

3.Once installed, GridinSoft Anti-Malware will automatically run.

GridinSoft Anti-Malware  Start

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.
GridinSoft Anti-Malware Scan

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.
GridinSoft Anti-Malware Scan Result

Use Emsisoft Decryptor for restore aawt files

You can download Emsisoft Decryptor by clicking the button below:

  Emsisoft Decryptor

  1. Run the decryptor as an administrator. The license terms will show up, which you have to agree to by clicking the “Yes” button.
  2. Once the license terms are accepted, the primary decryptor user interface opens.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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
  6. 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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Daniel Zimmermann

Daniel Zimmermann has been writing on security and malware subjects for many years and has been working in the security industry for over 10 years. Daniel was educated at the Saarland University in Saarbrücken, Germany and currently lives in New York.

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