GATQ Ransomware. How to decrypt .gatq files?

If you can’t open your pics, documents, or data and also see the .gatq extension on them, your system is surely infected with Gatq ransomware. It pertains to STOP/Djvu ransomware group

Gatq ransomware encrypts personal files found on the victim’s PC with the extension “.gatq” and then generates the ransom note in each folder which contains encrypted files. The instructions are put on the victim’s PC in the “readme.txt” file. Its activity is primarily comparable to other representatives of the same ransomware family: Gaze, Gapo, Xaro.

What is Gatq Ransomware?

Gatq is file-encrypting ransomware that prevents normal access to your text files, Excel tables, videos and images by ciphering them. It marks the encrypted files with the “.gatq” extension. Then Gatq ransomware adds a ransom note (readme.txt) to each folder. In it, you can see the guidance to pay the ransom ($490-$980 in Bitcoin) to a specified Bitcoin wallet. The AES-256 or RSA-1028 cipher it utilizes to encrypt the documents is not decryptable with modern computers. Even quantum computers that already exist will spend thousands of years to find the decryption key.

How dangerous is the Gatq ransomware?

When Gatq ransomware appears on your computer, it will run through your system for images, videos, and important documents. It [ciphers all widespread file formats- .psd, .doc, .docx, .xls, .xlsx, .pdf, .jpeg, .png, et cetera. When these files are found, the ransomware will encrypt them and also change their extension to “.gatq” to ensure that you understand what happened.

After the Gatq ransomware ciphered the data on your PC, it will generate the last “readme.txt” file on the main screen. In addition to the money transferring instructions, the victims also see the email addresses to contact the cybercriminals – datarestorehelp@airmail.cc and support@fishmail.top.

Here is the money ransom note that the Gatq ransomware shows to its victims:

ATTENTION!

Don't worry, you can return all your files!
All your files like pictures, 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-fhnNOAYC8Z
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:
support@fishmail.top

Reserve e-mail address to contact us:
datarestorehelp@airmail.cc

How did the Gatq ransomware get on my computer?

The Gatq ransomware spreads by placing links to get hacked programs or games. Cybercriminals who spread this ransomware are quite foxy, and try to correspond with the latest things. New games introductions, new popular movies – Gatq creators make whatever to get their victims on that. Some of the most favored tactics these crooks utilize is one-day sites with torrent downloading links. Nevertheless, pursuing the current things is not the only tactic these criminals use. Methods that have already become classic, such as email spamming, are likewise usual for STOP/Djvu ransomware distribution.

The example of email spamming that may lead to Gatq ransomware injection

Avoiding this ransomware does not require a lot of initiative. Adhering to the regular principles of computer hygiene will substantially reduce all dangers. Keep in mind that opening all documents you get on email is not a good idea. Even worse situation is to enable macros in Microsoft Office files. However, it is far better to prevent the malware intrusion at the moment when you have only opened the e-mail message. Inspecting the sender’s address can say a lot about what you can expect, as well as when you see the thing like “support@amazon.com”– it is likely a genuine email. Meanwhile, stuff that tries to appear like Amazon or FedEx delivery alert, but uses the email address of “amazonspurrot1363@gmail.com”– need to make you be on the alarm. Above, you can see the illustration of such a message.

Illegal sources of various digital things require some additional description. Breaking copyright policy already throws you to the possibility of being fined. Nevertheless, utilizing torrent trackers or third-party websites to download “free” programs likewise exposes you to a wide range of malware. Nobody can oversee anonymous people who start the torrent seeding or publish the hacked program version on the site with pirated software.

Gatq virus removal instructions.

This guide below shows how to use Trojan Killer Portable³ for Gatq virus detection and removal:

Restore the files encrypted by the Gatq ransomware

In most cases, it’s impossible to recover the files encrypted by the Gatq ransomware because the private key needed to unlock the encrypted files is only available through cybercriminals. However, we’ve listed one option you can use to recover your files below.

Warning! Make sure you remove the ransomware from your system first, otherwise, it will repeatedly encrypt your files.

If your files were encrypted with an offline key, there is a chance you can recover them by using Emsisoft Decryptor for the STOP/Djvu decryption tool. Follow the below guide to recover your files using the Emsisoft Decryptor for STOP/Djvu.

1. You can download Emsisoft Decryptor for STOP Djvu by clicking this link.
2. When the decryptor has finished downloading, double-click on “decrypt_STOPDjvu.exe” to run this program on your computer.
3. Click the “Decrypt” button to start the decryption process for Gatq files. The screen will switch to a status view, informing you about your files’ current process and decryption status.
4. The decryptor will inform you once the decryption process will be finished. If you require the report for your records, you can save it by clicking the “Save log” button.

If the Emsisoft Decryptor can’t decrypt your .gatq files and you do not plan on paying the ransom, it is advised that you make an image of the encrypted drives so that you can decrypt them in the future.

Your computer should now be free of the Gatq ransomware infection. However, suppose your current antivirus allowed this malicious program on your computer. In that case, you might want to consider purchasing the full-featured version of Trojan Killer to protect against these types of threats in the future.

Remove GATQ Ransomware Virus (DECRYPT .gatq FILES)

Name: GATQ Virus

Description: GATQ Virus is a STOP/DJVU family of ransomware-type virus. It encrypts files, video, photos, documents. Encrypted files can be tracked by a specific gatq extension. GATQ ransomware asks victims for a ransom fee about $490 - $980 in Bitcoin.

Offer price: 480

Currency: $

Operating System: Windows

Application Category: Virus

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