Sato Virus – Details
Sato is a destructive software functioning as typical ransomware. Michael Gillespie, the well-known malware researcher, very first discovered this new name in the DJVU ransomware family.
Sato was developed for the sole function to encrypt all popular file types. Logically, as soon as the file encryption is successfully achieved, the users are not able to get access to them. Sato virus includes its own “.sato” to all the encrypted data. For instance, the file “price_list.xls”, as soon as crypted by Sato, will be entitled as “price_list.xls.sato”. When the file encryption is achieved, Sato puts its own unique text file (_readme.txt) into all the folders that keep the encrypted files.
The alert specified by _readme.txt requesting for the random os really comparable to the alerts offered by other ransomware hazards coming from the DJVU family. The warning generally indicates that the data has been secured and the only service to get access to it is to use an unique standalone key. Regretfully, this declaration is definitely real.
The technique to encrypt the files utilized by Sato is not completely investigated. However, there is no doubt that each computer system owner may be provided an unique decryption key, which is definitely distinct. It is incredibly difficult to recover the information without the suitable type in place.
“Don’t worry, you can return all your files!”, from _readme.txt message:
One more peculiarity of the Sato virus is that the users are unable to get access to the key. The decrypting key is hosted on a special server under the complete control by the crooks who have launched the Sato virus into the web. In order to obtain the key and bring back the crucial data, the users are told to contact the frauds via email or by telegram and to pay the ransom in the quantity of $980.
The message also says that individuals need to call the Sato 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, therefore, the ransom amount falls to $490.
Sato encrypted your information, nevertheless, it may not be the only hazard on your computer. Plus, the ransomware might be hidden deep in the system. To spot and erase the hazard totally, we suggest you to describe the aid of GridinSoft Anti-Malware tool.
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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 warranty that these online crooks will keep their pledges, so they may not care at all what the victims feel about the encryption, even when the quantity of the ransom is received into their accounts. For this reason, paying ransom often does not lead to an effective healing. So, the users may simply lose their money for absolutely nothing.
Similarly, we advise you not to call the scams as they advise. Do not transfer cash into their wallets. There are no applications that might split the Sato ransomware or bring back the data at no cost. For that reason, the only correct choice is to restore the data from possible backups (if offered).
Virus Summary
| Name | Sato Ransomware |
| File Extension | sato |
| 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 .sato extension to all the files modified by it. |
| Distribution Method | Adware bundles and software cracks |
| Similar Infections | Lokas, Besub, Nusar |
| Sato Removal Tool | GridinSoft Anti-Malware |
| Sato Decryption Tool | Emsisoft Djvu Decryptor |
Do not forget that the Web is now loaded with infections comparable to the Sato virus. For instance, this particular threat is basically identical to Brusaf and other ransomware-type infections. These harmful utilities have been established in order to secure the essential information and express the demand for the users to pay the ransom. All these infections use the identical algorithm to create the specific key for effective information decryption.
Unless the Sato ransomware is still under the advancement process or has got some hidden bugs, it is not possible to bring back the information by hand. Hence, the only working option to avoid the loss of your crucial information is to routinely keep current backups of all your essential files.
Another essential piece of recommendations is to keep the backups on special storage not linked to your primary PC. For instance, you might store 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 really risky, because the backup may likewise be encrypted by the Sato infection.
Leaks for the Sato ransomware attack.
Sato utilizes numerous courses to penetrate the susceptible computers. It is not certain what specific technique was used in your case, however, the intrusion may occur through the following channels:
- bundling with third-party programs, primarily free software;
- spam e-mails from the unidentified senders;
- sites offering complimentary hosting;
- P2P (peer-to-peer) torrent downloads.
There are times when the Sato virus might camouflage itself as some genuine application, for instance, through the deceptive alerts requiring setup of some software update. This is the most common trick utilized by the frauds to inject the Sato virus files into the system. In this manner users partly participate in its setup, without clearly understanding the threat.
In addition, the frauds might send out unsolicited spam email with difficult signals encouraging the people to open suspicious attachments or click some download links, for example, those motivating the people to open certain photos, text files, tax files and other info.
No doubt, opening these files or clicking on the destructive links might basically damage the system. Fake Media Player update notifications may lead to the Sato ransomware infiltration. Similarly, downloading the cracked software may additionally consist of the ransomware installer. The last however not the least, installation of Sato may occur through some Trojan horses that may be installed stealthily into the system and without the user’s direct permission or even permission.
Preventing the Sato ransom virus injection.
Naturally, there is no absolute warranty that your computer system will be always devoid of any malware attacks, however, we wish to share some beneficial ideas with you to make it safer. Make sure to pay extremely very close attention while browsing the web and especially while getting cost-free programs. Do not open any dubious e-mail attachments, particularly if the sender is not known to you.
Do not forget that certain freeware installer may also contain some other additional apps in the bundle. These additional applications might be really destructive. It is of utmost importance to keep your anti-virus software and your os in general to be constantly appropriately upgraded.
It is quite sensible that downloading cracked apps is unlawful, nevertheless, additionally, such unapproved software application usage might likewise bring serious damage to your PC. Hence, do not download any cracked programs. Plus, the reality that your current anti-virus did not protect the system from the Sato ransomware is a great factor for you to reconsider your options and change to another program that can render the safeguarding functions on a better level.
Below please find the quotation from the Sato 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 “.sato” extension added by the ransomware:”
Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove Sato ransomware from your computer
1.Download GridinSoft Anti-Malware.
You can download 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 sato files
You can download 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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