XATZ Virus (.xatz File) Ransomware — Remove & Decrypt Files

If you can’t open your images, documents, or other files and see the .xatz extension on them, your computer is definitely infected with Xatz ransomware. It belongs to STOP/Djvu ransomware group

Xatz ransomware encrypts personal documents identified on the victim’s computer with the extension “.xatz” and after that leaves the ransom note in each folder which contains encrypted files. The instructions are put on the victim’s desktop in the “readme.txt” file. Its activity is generally similar to other variants of the same ransomware family: Xash, Gatz, Gash.

What is Xatz Ransomware?

Xatz is file-encrypting ransomware that prevents access to your text files, Excel tables, videos and pictures by ciphering them. It marks the encrypted files with the “.xatz” extension. Then Xatz ransomware adds a money ransom note (readme.txt) to each folder. In it, you can see the instructions to pay the ransom ($490-$980 in Bitcoin) to a specified Bitcoin address. The AES-256 or RSA-1028 cipher it uses to cipher the files is not decryptable with contemporary computers. Even quantum PCs that already exist will likely spend hundreds of years to find the decryption key.

How dangerous is the Xatz ransomware?

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

After the Xatz ransomware ciphered the files on your PC, it will drop the last “readme.txt” file on the main screen. In addition to the ransom transactioning instructions, the victims also see the emails to contact the cybercriminals – datarestorehelp@airmail.cc and support@fishmail.top.

Here is the ransom note that the Xatz 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 Xatz ransomware get on my computer?

The Xatz ransomware spreads by posting links to download hacked programs or games. They try to keep their eye on all buzz themes which can be chosen to spread ransomware. New games releases, new popular movies – Xatz developers make whatever to get their victims on that. Some of the most preferred techniques these crooks put to use is one-day websites with torrent downloading links. Nevertheless, following the contemporary trends is not the only tactic these criminals utilize. Ways that have already become classic, such as e-mail spamming, are also common for STOP/Djvu ransomware spreading.

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

Preventing this ransomware does not need a lot of initiative. Adhering to the regular principles of computer hygiene will considerably minimize all hazards. Bear in mind that launching all documents you receive on email is not a great idea. Even worse case is to allow macros in Microsoft Office documents. But it is much better to prevent the malware intrusion at the moment when you have only opened the e-mail message. Checking the sender’s address can point out a lot about what you can anticipate, and when you see the thing like “support@amazon.com”– it is likely a genuine e-mail. On the other hand, stuff that tries to look similar to Amazon or FedEx delivery alert, however, uses the email address of “amazonspurrot1363@gmail.com”– must make you get on the alarm. Above, you can see the illustration of such a message.

Outlaw sources of various digital things need some extra description. Going against copyright law surely exposes you to the danger of being fined. Nevertheless, utilizing torrent trackers or third-party sites to download “free” programs likewise exposes you to various malware. No one can control undisclosed people that launch the torrent seeding or release the hacked program version on the site with pirated software.

Xatz virus removal instructions.

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

Restore the files encrypted by the Xatz ransomware

In most cases, it’s impossible to recover the files encrypted by the Xatz 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 Xatz 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 .xatz 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 Xatz 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 XATZ Ransomware Virus (DECRYPT .xatz FILES)

Name: XATZ Virus

Description: XATZ Virus is a STOP/DJVU family of ransomware-type virus. It encrypts files, video, photos, documents. Encrypted files can be tracked by a specific xatz extension. XATZ 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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