RansomwareRemoval Guide

Remove AWT Virus (+Decrypt .[getdataback22@protonmail.com].AWT files)

AWT – General Info

The AWT mean a ransomware-type infection. AWT was elaborated particularly to encrypt all major file types. Once the file is encrypted people are unable to use them. AWT adds the “.[getdataback22@protonmail.com].AWT” extension for each file encrypted by it. For example, the file “myphoto.jpg“, when encrypted by AWT, will be renamed into “myphoto.jpg.[getdataback22@protonmail.com].AWT“. As quickly as the encryption is completed, AWT places a special text file into every folder containing the encrypted data.

The message given by AWT text file requesting the ransom is absolutely the like the statements given by other ransomware virus representatives. It literally points out that the information is encrypted which the only way to bring back it is to use a a special decryption key. Regretfully, this is definitely true. The sort of cryptography mechanism applied by AWT is still not properly examined. Still, it is definitely particular that each victim may be given the specific decryption key, which is totally unique. It is impossible to bring back the files without the key available.

Another trick of AWT is that the victims cannot get to the key. The key is stored on a specific server run by the frauds connected with AWT ransomware. To get the key and recover the important information people have to pay the ransom.

Nevertheless, irrespective of the asked for quantity, people must keep away from paying the ransom. Cyber frauds are unfair, so they tend to totally ignore what their victims feel about the issue, even when the payment reaches their pockets. This is why paying the ransom generally does not provide any positive outcome and people simply waste their money for nothing.

We highly advise that you do not contact these crooks and certainly do not transfer money into their accounts. It is said to admit that there are no utilities able to crack AWT ransomware and to recover the data data totally free. Thus, the just best decision is to recover the lost information from the available backup.

Virus Summary

NameAWT Ransomware
File Extension.[getdataback22@protonmail.com].AWT
TypeRansomware
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 and RSA encryption algorithms. Once the encryption is completed, the ransomware adds its special [getdataback22@protonmail.com].AWT extension to all the files modified by it.
Distribution MethodSpam Emails, Email Attachments
Removal Tool   GridinSoft Anti-Malware

Remember that the world wide web is now overwhelmed with threats that look comparable to AWT ransomware. Malicious programs of such kind are normally elaborated to encrypt essential information and to set forth the demand prior to the user to pay the ransom. The peculiarity of all such ransomware threats is that all apply a similar algorithm to produce the unique decryption key for files decryption.

Thus, as long as the ransomware is still being developed or has some hidden bugs, manually recovering the information is merely not feasible. The only method to prevent the loss of your crucial information is to frequently create backups of your important information.

Keep in mind that even if you create such backups, they should be put into a special storage utility not connect to your main PC. You may use the USB Flash Drive or external hard drive for this purpose, or refer to the help of the cloud storage. If you keep your backup files on your common system they may be encrypted together with other files, so it’s definitely not a good storage location.

How did ransomware infect my PC?

There are several ways used by online frauds to distribute AWT ransom virus. Despite the fact that it doubts how precisely AWT injects your PC, there are some leaks through which it may infiltrate the system:

  • integration with third-party software, especially freeware;
  • spam e-mails from unknown senders;
  • sites rendering free hosting services;
  • pirated peer-to-peer (P2P) downloads.

Typically AWT virus might exist as some legitimate software application, for example, in the pop-ups instructing users to implement some crucial software updates. This is the common trick used by online scams to persuade people into downloading and installing AWT infection manually, by means of their direct participation in the installation process.

Furthermore, the criminals might refer to different email spam techniques to inject destructive codes into systems. So, they may refer to to sending unsolicited spam emails with tricky notices promoting users to download the attachments or click on certain download links, for example, the ones motivating users to open some video, documents, tax reports or invoices.

Needless to mention, opening such files or clicking on such dangerous links may seriously damage the PC. Fictitious Adobe Flash Player upgrade informs may result in AWT virus injection. As for the cracked software, these illegally downloaded programs may likewise consist of malicious codes leading to AWT secret installation. Finally, injection of AWT may happen by means of Trojans that secretly get injected into the system and install malicious utilities without the user’s permission.

Is there any method to prevent the injection of AWT ransomware?

Although there is no 100% guarantee to prevent your computer from getting infected, there are some pieces of guidance we wish to share with with you. Firstly, be very careful when you browse the web and specifically while downloading totally free apps. Keep away from opening suspicious email attachments, especially when the sender of the email is not familiar to you.

Keep in mind that some freeware installers may include other unwanted utilities in the package, so they may be harmful. Ensure that your current antivirus and your entire OS is always appropriately updated.

Naturally, downloading pirated software is illegal and may result in essential damage to be produced your PC. Hence, stay away from downloading cracked software. You are also highly advised to reconsider your existing security software and possibly switch to another security solution that can render much better services of defending your PC.

Screenshot of files with “.[getdataback22@protonmail.com].AWT” extension added by the ransomware:
AWT Ransomware - encrypt files with .[getdataback22@protonmail.com].AWT extension

Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove AWT 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

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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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