How to remove ATCK Ransomware and decrypt .ATCK files

What is ATCK Ransomware

ATCK Ransomware is a malicious software variant that encrypts files on infected computers, rendering them inaccessible to users. This ransomware is part of the Dharma family, known for its damaging capabilities and widespread impact. This article provides an in-depth look at how ATCK ransomware operates, including its infection methods, encryption process, ransom note details, and potential recovery options. Upon infection, ATCK ransomware encrypts files and modifies their filenames significantly. It appends the victim’s unique ID, the attacker’s email address, and the .ATCK extension to each encrypted file’s name. For instance, a file named example.jpg would be renamed to example.jpg.id-{random-ID}.[attackattack@tutamail.com].ATCK after encryption. This renaming scheme not only signifies the file has been encrypted but also provides the victim with contact information for the ransom negotiation. ATCK ransomware delivers its ransom demands through two primary methods: a text file named info.txt and a pop-up window. Both notes inform the victim that their files have been encrypted and offer a way to restore them through contact with the attackers via provided email addresses (attackattack@tutamail.com or attackattack@cock.li). The ransom notes emphasize that attempting to decrypt files with third-party software could lead to permanent data loss, and they offer free decryption of a few files as proof that they can reverse the encryption.

As of the latest information, there are no guaranteed decryption tools available for ATCK ransomware that can universally decrypt files without the necessary decryption keys, which are held by the attackers. The complexity of the encryption method used by the Dharma family makes creating such tools challenging without specific vulnerabilities in the ransomware’s algorithm. Recovering files encrypted by ATCK ransomware involves a few potential approaches, though none guarantee success without the decryption key:

Restore from Backups: The most reliable method to recover your data is to restore from backups that were not connected to the network at the time of the infection.
Seek Professional Help: Consulting with cybersecurity professionals who specialize in ransomware recovery may provide additional options or negotiation strategies with the attackers.
Monitor for Decryption Tools: Occasionally, new decryption tools are developed and made available on platforms like No More Ransom. Victims should monitor these resources in case a viable decryption tool is released.

ATCK Ransomware (pop-up)

ATCK Ransomware (ransom note)

How ATCK Ransomware infects computers

ATCK Ransomware typically enters systems through compromised email attachments, malicious downloads, or vulnerabilities in software. Once inside the system, it executes a payload that begins the process of file encryption. Preventing an ATCK ransomware infection involves standard cybersecurity practices:

• Avoid opening attachments or clicking on links from unknown sources.
• Keep software and operating systems updated to patch vulnerabilities.
• Use reputable antivirus software and conduct regular scans.
• Educate users about the risks of phishing and other common attack vectors.

1. Download ATCK Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .ATCK files
3. Recover encrypted files with Stellar Data Recovery Professional
4. Restore encrypted files with Windows Previous Versions
5. Restore files with Shadow Explorer
6. How to protect from threats like ATCK Ransomware

ATCK Ransomware files:


Pop-up window
{randomname}.exe


ATCK Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .ATCK files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

Use the following tool from Kaspersky called Rakhni Decryptor, that can decrypt .ATCK files. Download it here:

There is no purpose to pay the ransom because there is no guarantee you will receive the key, but you will put your bank credentials at risk.

Dr.Web Rescue Pack

Famous antivirus vendor Dr. Web provides free decryption service for the owners of its products: Dr.Web Security Space or Dr.Web Enterprise Security Suite. Other users can ask for help in the decryption of .ATCK files by uploading samples to Dr. Web Ransomware Decryption Service. Analyzing files will be performed free of charge and if files are decryptable, all you need to do is purchase a 2-year license of Dr.Web Security Space worth $120 or less. Otherwise, you don’t have to pay.

If you are infected with ATCK Ransomware and removed from your computer, you can try to decrypt your files. Antivirus vendors and individuals create free decryptors for some crypto-lockers. To attempt to decrypt them manually, you can do the following:

Use Stellar Data Recovery Professional to restore .ATCK files

1. Download Stellar Data Recovery Professional.
2. Click Recover Data button.
3. Select the type of files you want to restore and click Next button.
4. Choose the location where you would like to restore files from and click Scan button.
5. Preview found files, choose ones you will restore and click Recover.

Using Windows Previous Versions option:

1. Right-click on infected file and choose Properties.
2. Select Previous Versions tab.
3. Choose a particular version of the file and click Copy.
4. To restore the selected file and replace the existing one, click on the Restore button.
5. In case there are no items in the list, choose an alternative method.

Using Shadow Explorer:

1. Download Shadow Explorer program.
2. Run it, and you will see a screen listing of all the drives and the dates that shadow copy was created.
3. Select the drive and date that you want to restore from.
4. Right-click on a folder name and select Export.
5. In case there are no other dates in the list, choose an alternative method.

If you are using Dropbox:

1. Login to the Dropbox website and go to the folder that contains encrypted files.
2. Right-click on the encrypted file and select Previous Versions.
3. Select the version of the file you wish to restore and click on the Restore button.

How to protect computer from viruses, like ATCK Ransomware, in future

1. Get special anti-ransomware software

Use ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware

ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware Dashboard

ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware Alert

ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware Blocked

Famous antivirus brand ZoneAlarm by Check Point released a comprehensive tool, that will help you with active anti-ransomware protection, as an additional shield to your current protection. The tool provides Zero-Day protection against ransomware and allows you to recover files. ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware is compatible with all other antiviruses, firewalls, and security software except ZoneAlarm Extreme (already shipped with ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware) or Check Point Endpoint products. The killer features of this application are: automatic file recovery, overwrite protection that instantly and automatically recovers any encrypted files, file protection that detects and blocks even unknown encryptors.

2. Back up your files

As an additional way to save your files, we recommend online backup. Local storage, such as hard drives, SSDs, flash drives, or remote network storage can be instantly infected by the virus once plugged in or connected to. ATCK Ransomware uses some techniques to exploit this. One of the best services and programs for easy automatic online backup is iDrive. It has the most profitable terms and a simple interface. You can read more about iDrive cloud backup and storage here.

3. Do not open spam e-mails and protect your mailbox

Malicious attachments to spam or phishing e-mails are the most popular method of ransomware distribution. Using spam filters and creating anti-spam rules is good practice. One of the world leaders in anti-spam protection is MailWasher Pro. It works with various desktop applications and provides a very high level of anti-spam protection.