XATI file virus demands ransom for data decryptionThreat SummaryFile-encrypting malware distribution methods explainedVisual representation of XATI infectionRemove XATI ransomware using free instructions
After a successful ransomware attack, the victim will find all of his/hers personal files renamed, for example, a file called image.jpg will become image.jpg.2N678D01.[xatixxatix@mail.fr].xati. These files won’t open, and the message in the ransom note info.hta explains why. The note suggests that the victim has to email the criminals via provided address, and include the given personal ID. The attackers promise to reply within next 12 hours, otherwise, the victim has to try and send a message again. Xati ransomware virus creators are supposed to send back information regarding the ransom price for the file decryption tool and key, criminals’ cryptowallet address for untraceable transaction, and list of places to purchase cryptocurrency and related information. The ransom note also lists a few warnings, such as suggestions not to rename encrypted files, not to use third-party decryption tools, or use scam data decryption “services” that cost even more than the original ransom. The third point is actually true – beware of scammers who simply take your money and pay the ransom to the cybercriminals, plus take a large commission for doing so. Ransomware business is booming in 2020; with cases of DJVU, OONN, NILE, DHARMA and others, the damage caused to computer systems worldwide is counted in millions of dollars. That said, we do not recommend paying the ransom to get XATI decryption tool, and instead restore encrypted data from backups. In case you have been hit by this ransomware attack, we suggest you remove XATI virus using free instructions below, and using a trustworthy malware removal tool such as Reimage Repair, which will also repair damage on Windows OS files.
Threat Summary
File-encrypting malware distribution methods explained
Data-locking malware, such as XATI ransomware or similar infections such as .data (Dharma) or LOG, are typically pushed to victims using various virtual deception schemes. The most common method of delivering ransomware infections is malicious spam campaigns (email). In such case, victims receive deceptive messages implying that they have to urgently open the email attachment, typically a Word, PDF, or EXCEL file (in rare cases nowadays – ZIP file), that contains some form of information that the victim “needs” to see and respond immediately. Such attachments are often named as cash refunds, tax documents, or invoices. Once opened, these documents might activate attached scripts used to download and open malware on victim’s computer. Another known way of distributing ransomware is uploading it alongside various cracks to illegal download sites. Here we are talking about untrustworthy sites that are based on peer-to-peer file sharing clients, widely known as torrent sites. To download such files, the user needs to use a download agent. It is a well-known fact that many computer users often head to such sites to obtain software or game cracks to activate them illegally for free. However, such distribution method can be used by DHARMA virus variants, as well as STOP/DJVU malware and others. Therefore, we suggest that you always head to trustworthy and official software developer’s sites to purchase official license keys and download safe files. Finally, you might install ransomware after clicking on a malicious online ad. Criminals like to use fake update pop-ups, those usually suggest updating Flash or similar software. Clicking on such pop-ups can lead to an immediate data encryption.
Visual representation of XATI infection
The following paragraph contains typical symptoms left by XATI file virus and contents of the ransom notes. Screenshot of file folder affected by the ransomware attack: Text presented in info.hta file (the pop-up note): Contents of FILES ENCRYPTED.txt note:
Remove XATI ransomware using free instructions
Once hit by a ransomware, victims should eliminate the threat from the system as soon as possible and check whether there were any additional malware installed. That said, we recommend you to remove XATI ransomware using an automatic malware detecting and removing tool, such as Reimage Repair. After a successful XATI virus removal, start recovering your files. Use a data backup, plug it into your computer and start importing your files. Make sure you do this after the malware elimination, because virus remains can damage your backup as well. OUR GEEKS RECOMMEND Our team recommends a two-step rescue plan to remove ransomware and other remaining malware from your computer, plus repair caused virus damage to the system: GeeksAdvice.com editors select recommended products based on their effectiveness. We may earn a commission from affiliate links, at no additional cost to you. Learn more. Get INTEGO ANTIVIRUS for Windows to remove ransomware, Trojans, adware and other spyware and malware variants and protect your PC and network drives 24/7. This VB100-certified security software uses state-of-art technology to provide protection against ransomware, Zero-Day attacks and advanced threats, Intego Web Shield blocks dangerous websites, phishing attacks, malicious downloads and installation of potentially unwanted programs. Use INTEGO Antivirus to remove detected threats from your computer. Read full review here. RESTORO provides a free scan that helps to identify hardware, security and stability issues and presents a comprehensive report which can help you to locate and fix detected issues manually. It is a great PC repair software to use after you remove malware with professional antivirus. The full version of software will fix detected issues and repair virus damage caused to your Windows OS files automatically. RESTORO uses AVIRA scanning engine to detect existing spyware and malware. If any are found, the software will eliminate them. Read full review here.
Alternative software recommendations
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware
Method 1. Enter Safe Mode with Networking
Before you try to remove the virus, you must start your computer in Safe Mode with Networking. Below, we provide the easiest ways to boot PC in the said mode, but you can find additional ones in this in-depth tutorial on our website – How to Start Windows in Safe Mode. Also, see a video tutorial on how to do it: Instructions for Windows XP/Vista/7 users Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10 users Now, you can search for and remove XATI ransomware virus files. It is very hard to identify files and registry keys that belong to the ransomware virus, Besides, malware creators tend to rename and change them repeatedly. Therefore, the easiest way to uninstall such type of a computer virus is to use a reliable malware removal program. In addition, we suggest trying a combination of INTEGO Antivirus (removes malware and protects your PC in real-time) and RESTORO (repairs virus damage to Windows OS files).
Method 2. Use System Restore
In order to use System Restore, you must have a system restore point, created either manually or automatically. Instructions for Windows XP/Vista/7 users Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10 users After restoring the system, we recommend scanning the system with antivirus or anti-malware software. In most cases, there won’t be any malware remains, but it never hurts to double-check. In addition, we highly recommend checking ransomware prevention guidelines provided by our experts in order to protect your PC against similar viruses in the future. Removing spyware and malware is one step towards cybersecurity. To protect yourself against ever-evolving threats, we strongly recommend purchasing a Premium version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware, which provides security based on artificial intelligence and machine learning. Includes ransomware protection. See pricing options and protect yourself now.
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