RansomwareRemoval Guide

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

AWT – Ransomware

The AWT stands for a ransomware-type infection. AWT was elaborated particularly to encrypt all major file types. When 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“, once encrypted by AWT, will be renamed into “myphoto.jpg.[getdataback22@protonmail.com].AWT“. As soon as the encryption is finished, AWT places a special text file into every folder containing the encrypted data.

The message given by AWT text file requesting for the ransom is definitely the same as the statements given by other ransomware representatives. It literally points out that the info is encrypted which the only way to restore it is to use a an unique decryption key. Regretfully, this is definitely true. The type of cryptography mechanism used by AWT is still not correctly examined. Still, it is absolutely particular that each victim might be given the specific decryption key, which is absolutely distinct. It is impossible to bring back the files without the key available.

Another technique of AWT is that the victims cannot gain access to the key. The key is saved on a particular server run by the frauds connected with AWT ransomware. To get the key and recover the important information people need to pay the ransom.

Nevertheless, regardless of the requested amount, people must stay away from paying the virus. Cyber frauds are unfair, so they tend to entirely disregard what their victims feel about the problem, even when the payment reaches their pockets. This is why paying the ransom normally does not give any positive outcome and people just waste their money for absolutely nothing.

We highly encourage that you do not contact these crooks and absolutely 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 information data totally free. Therefore, the only right 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

Keep in mind that the world wide web is now overwhelmed with threats that look similar to AWT ransomware. Harmful programs of such kind are typically elaborated to encrypt crucial data and to state the need before the user to pay the ransom. The peculiarity of all such ransomware threats is that all apply a comparable algorithm to generate the special decryption key for data decryption.

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

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

How did ransomware infect my computer?

There are several ways used by online frauds to distribute AWT virus. Despite the fact that it is uncertain how exactly AWT injects your computer, there are some leaks through which it may penetrate the system:

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

Often AWT ransomware might exist as some legitimate software application, for example, in the pop-ups instructing users to execute some essential software updates. This is the common technique used by online scams to persuade people into downloading and installing AWT infection manually, by ways of their direct participation in the installation process.

Furthermore, the criminals may refer to different e-mail spam tactics to inject destructive codes into systems. So, they may refer to to sending unsolicited spam emails with tricky notifications promoting users to download the attachments or click on certain download links, for example, the ones encouraging users to open some video, files, tax reports or invoices.

Needless to mention, opening such documents or clicking on such dangerous links may significantly harm the system. Fictitious Adobe Flash Player upgrade alerts may result in AWT ransom injection. When it comes to the cracked software, these illegally downloaded programs may also consist of malicious codes leading to AWT secret installation. Finally, injection of AWT may take place by means of Trojans that privately get injected into the system and set up harmful utilities without the user’s permission.

Is there any method to prevent the injection of AWT ransom virus?

Despite the fact that there is no 100% guarantee to prevent your computer from getting infected, there are some pieces of suggestions we wish to show with you. First of all, be very cautious 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 contain other unwanted utilities in the package, so they may be destructive. Ensure that your current antivirus software and your entire operating system 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 encouraged to reconsider your existing security software and possibly change to another security solution that can render 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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