Xatz – General Info
Xatz is a harmful software application functioning as common ransomware. Michael Gillespie, the well-known virus researcher, very first discovered this new name in the DJVU ransomware family.
Xatz 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 unable to get access to them. Xatz ransomware adds its own “.xatz” to all the encrypted data. For instance, the file “price_list.xls”, as soon as modified by Xatz, will be entitled as “price_list.xls.xatz”. As soon as the file encryption is achieved, Xatz puts its own special text file (_readme.txt) into all the folders that save the encrypted files.
The alert specified by _readme.txt asking for the random os extremely similar to the notifications given by other ransomware risks coming from the DJVU family. The caution basically shows that the data has been secured and the only option to get access to it is to use an unique standalone key. Regretfully, this statement is definitely real.
The method to secure the files utilized by Xatz is not completely researched. Nevertheless, there is no doubt that each computer owner may be provided an unique decryption key, which is absolutely unique. It is extremely tough to recover the data without the proper key in location.
“Don’t worry, you can return all your files!”, from _readme.txt message:
One more peculiarity of the Xatz ransomware is that the users are unable to get access to the key. The decrypting key is hosted on a special server under the total control by the crooks who have actually released the Xatz virus into the web. In order to get the key and bring back the essential information, the users are told to connect with the frauds through e-mail or by telegram and to pay the ransom in the quantity of $980.
The message likewise states that the people ought to call the Xatz authors within 72 hours upon the moment of the data file encryption. The alert indicates that by doing so the people will obtain a 50% discount rate, for that reason, the ransom amount drops down to $490.
Xatz modified your information, nevertheless, it might not be the only danger on your computer. Plus, the ransomware might be hidden deep in the system. To identify and erase the threat totally, we recommend you to refer to the help of GridinSoft Anti-Malware app.
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No matter what the quantity of the ransom is, we strongly advise that you do not pay the ransom. There is no warranty that these online criminals will keep their guarantees, so they may not care at all what the victims feel about the file encryption, even when the amount of the ransom is received into their accounts. Hence, paying ransom typically does not lead to a successful healing. So, the users might just lose their money for nothing.
Similarly, we urge you not to contact the scams as they advise. Do not transfer loan into their wallets. There are no applications that could break the Xatz ransomware or bring back the information at no cost. For that reason, the only proper decision is to restore the data from possible backups (if offered).
Virus Summary
| Name | Xatz Ransomware |
| File Extension | xatz |
| 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 .xatz extension to all the files modified by it. |
| Distribution Method | Adware bundles and software cracks |
| Similar Infections | Lokas, Besub, Nusar |
| Xatz Removal Tool | GridinSoft Anti-Malware |
| Xatz Decryption Tool | Emsisoft Djvu Decryptor |
Do not forget that the Web is now full of infections similar to the Xatz virus. For example, this particular risk is essentially identical to Brusaf and other ransomware-type infections. These harmful energies have been developed in order to secure the important data and express the need for the users to pay the ransom. All these infections utilize the similar algorithm to produce the specific key for successful information decryption.
Unless the Xatz ransomware is still under the advancement procedure or has got some hidden bugs, it is not possible to bring back the information by hand. Therefore, the only working service to prevent the loss of your crucial information is to routinely maintain current backups of all your crucial files.
Another crucial piece of suggestions is to store the backups on special storage not connected to your main PC. For example, 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 regular drive is really risky, because the backup might likewise be secured by the Xatz .
Leakages for the Xatz ransomware attack.
Xatz utilizes numerous courses to penetrate the vulnerable computer systems. It is not certain what particular method was utilized in your case, nevertheless, the invasion might happen by means of the following channels:
- bundling with third-party programs, primarily freeware;
- spam e-mails from the unknown senders;
- sites offering free hosting;
- P2P (peer-to-peer) torrent software.
There are times when the Xatz might camouflage itself as some genuine application, for example, through the misleading alerts demanding setup of some software application upgrade. This is the most typical technique utilized by the frauds to inject the Xatz infection files into the system. By doing this users partly take part in its installation, without plainly understanding the danger.
In addition, the scams might send unsolicited spam email with tricky informs encouraging individuals to open dubious attachments or click some download links, for example, those motivating the people to open specific images, text files, tax files and other information.
No doubt, opening these files or clicking on the malicious links might essentially damage the system. Fake Adobe Flash Player upgrade notifications may cause the Xatz ransomware infiltration. Similarly, downloading the cracked software might additionally contain the ransomware installer. The last but not the least, installation of Xatz may occur through some Trojan horses that may be set up stealthily into the system and without the user’s direct consent and even permission.
Avoiding the Xatz injection.
Obviously, there is no absolute assurance that your computer will be always without any malware attacks, nevertheless, we want to share some useful tips with you to make it much safer. Make certain to pay extremely very close attention while searching the web and specifically while downloading cost-free programs. Do not open any dubious e-mail attachments, specifically if the sender is not understood to you.
Do not forget that particular freeware installer might also consist of some other extra apps in the bundle. These extra applications may be very damaging. It is of utmost significance to keep your anti-virus software application and your os in general to be constantly effectively upgraded.
It is quite sensible that downloading cracked programs is illegal, nevertheless, in addition, such unauthorized software application use might likewise bring severe damage to your computer. Thus, do not download any cracked programs. Plus, the fact that your current anti-virus did not safeguard the system from the Xatz ransomware is a good reason for you to reevaluate your options and change to another program that can render the securing functions on a far better level.
Below please find the quotation from the Xatz 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 “.xatz” extension added by the ransomware:”
Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove Xatz 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 xatz 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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