Once encrypted, files become unusable since the victim cannot open them, no matter what program is used. That is the whole point of the ransomware attack – to prevent the user from accessing personal files, cause frustration and then demand a ransom payment for FATE file decryption tools. However, another danger posed by this ransomware is that it often arrives together with information stealers, namely VIDAR, Azorult or RedLine. Below, you can see how encrypted files look like as well as the ransom note contents.

Ransom note contents explained

FATE ransomware drops a copy of _readme.txt ransom note in every folder it visits during the system attack, so that the victim could notice the file easily. The note states that encrypted data can still be restored, but only if the victim pays a ransom. The note specifies that the decryption tool may cost $490 or $980. The way this works is if the victim reaches out to the attackers within 3 days, they will be willing to settle for the lower price point, however, if delayed any longer, the price will be $980. The note also states that the user of the compromised computer can test the decryption service before paying the ransom. In order to do that, the victim should send one encrypted file as an attachment to an email to the attackers. The ransom note includes two email addresses that belong to the criminals: support@fishmail.top and datarestorehelp@airmail.cc. People who contact the criminals usually receive instructions on how to make the ransom payment. The criminals usually ask the victim to purchase a specific cryptocurrency worth the amount in dollars, and then transfer the sum to their virtual wallet address. The reason behind this is that these payment are nearly untraceable, so the law enforcement agencies like FBI cannot reveal the attackers’ identities by tracing the transaction. It should also be noted that paying a ransom is not a recommended action – it never guarantees data recovery and motivates the attackers to keep doing what they do.

Additional information stealers dropped: what to do now

Data encryption isn’t the sole damage done by the malware that has infected your computer. Unfortunately, research shows that the majority of STOP/DJVU ransomware variants, including FATE virus, arrive in tandem with information-stealing Trojans, such as VIDAR, AZORULT, or RedLine. These threats are known for their extensive functionalities to steal sensitive information, including saved passwords, browsing history, cookies, and even offline cryptocurrency wallet contents. The stolen data then gets transferred to cybercriminals’ Command&Control server. To prevent further damage and secure your computer, it is vital to remove FATE ransomware virus and any additional threats that may have landed alongside the main threat. To do this, we strongly recommend using trustworthy antivirus, such as INTEGO Antivirus. What also helps is downloading RESTORO (secure download link), a tool that is exceptional when it comes to repairing Windows OS files damaged by various malware.

Ransomware Summary

The screenshot below shows how encrypted files look like. Award-winning antivirus solution for your PC. Robust security software that provides robust 24/7 real-time protection, Web Shield that stops online threats/malicious downloads, and Prevention engine that wards off Zero-Day threats. Keep your PC safe and protected against ransomware, Trojans, viruses, spyware and other forms of dangerous programs.

How to avoid ransomware attacks

In order to avoid ransomware attacks, you should always keep an up-to-date antivirus on your computer. Furthermore, you should stay away from deceptive sites online, especially those promoting software cracks, keygens and pirated versions of copyright-protected content. Fake software cracks are the primary tool used by STOP/DJVU ransomware operators in order to push versions like FATE file extension virus. Instead of searching for ways to access premium software without paying, we recommend supporting legitimate software developers. Otherwise, you may put your computer at risk, because looking for software versions via torrent listings or direct download websites is the easiest way to fill your computer with a wide set of malware. Aside from malicious downloads, computer users should stay vigilant when checking their email – the perpetrators often pretend to be someone they’re not and send convincing emails to thousands of potential targets. Such deceptive emails typically contain several attachments, mostly documents in DOCX, PDF or XLS formats. Once launched, the malicious script embedded in them downloads and runs ransomware from an external resource. Finally, we recommend computer users to be cautious when visiting various gaming, streaming, or video download sites, as these can be packed with ads from not-so-reputable ad networks. The general rule is, if you notice that a site redirects you to suspicious pages asking you to allow push-notifications or asking you to install some magic software to fix all your computer problems, you should close the said page immediately. To be specific, you should be very careful around deceptive ads that suggest installing updates for your outdated software – such installers can be packed with malware.

Remove FATE ransomware virus and restore your files

If, unfortunately, the described malware has invaded your computer, you should remove FATE ransomware components and related threats – the sooner, the better. If you’re unsure how to do it without the help of a computer technician, we recommend following the free guide prepared by our team. Our team strongly recommends INTEGO Antivirus for FATE ransomware removal. Finish the procedure by downloading RESTORO and scanning the system with it to identify Windows OS files that can be repaired. 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.

Method 1. Enter Safe Mode with Networking

Before you try to remove FATE Ransomware Virus 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, if you prefer a video version of the tutorial, check our guide How to Start Windows in Safe Mode on Youtube. Instructions for Windows XP/Vista/7 users Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10/11 users Now, you can search for and remove FATE 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 security program such as INTEGO Antivirus. For virus damage repair, consider using RESTORO.

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 8/8.1/10/11 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.

Alternative software recommendations

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware 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.

System Mechanic Ultimate Defense If you’re looking for an all-in-one system maintenance suite that has 7 core components providing powerful real-time protection, on-demand malware removal, system optimization, data recovery, password manager, online privacy protection and secure driver wiping technology. Therefore, due to its wide-range of capabilities, System Mechanic Ultimate Defense deserves Geek’s Advice approval. Get it now for 50% off. You may also be interested in its full review.

Disclaimer. This site includes affiliate links. We may earn a small commission by recommending certain products, at no additional cost for you. We only choose quality software and services to recommend.

Decrypt FATE files

Fix and open large FATE files easily:

It is reported that STOP/DJVU ransomware versions encrypt only the beginning 150 KB of each file to ensure that the virus manages to affect all files on the system. In some cases, the malicious program might skip some files at all. That said, we recommend testing this method on several big (>1GB) files first.

STOP/DJVU decryption tool usage guide

STOP/DJVU ransomware versions are grouped into old and new variants. FATE Ransomware Virus is considered the new STOP/DJVU variant, just like BPTO, ISWR, ISZA, BPSM, ZOUU, MBTF, ZNSM (find full list here). This means full data decryption is now possible only if you have been affected by offline encryption key. To decrypt your files, you will have to download Emsisoft Decryptor for STOP DJVU, a tool created and maintained by a genius security researcher Michael Gillespie. Note! Please do not spam the security researcher with questions whether he can recover your files encrypted with online key - it is not possible. In order to test the tool and see if it can decrypt FATE files, follow the given tutorial.

Meanings of decryptor’s messages

The FATE decryption tool might display several different messages after failed attempt to restore your files. You might receive one of the following messages: Error: Unable to decrypt file with ID: [example ID] This message typically means that there is no corresponding decryption key in the decryptor’s database. No key for New Variant online ID: [example ID]Notice: this ID appears to be an online ID, decryption is impossible This message informs that your files were encrypted with online key, meaning no one else has the same encryption/decryption key pair, therefore data recovery without paying the criminals is impossible. Result: No key for new variant offline ID: [example ID]This ID appears to be an offline ID. Decryption may be possible in the future. If you were informed that an offline key was used, but files could not be restored, it means that the offline decryption key isn’t available yet. However, receiving this message is extremely good news, meaning that it might be possible to restore your FATE extension files in the future. It can take a few months until the decryption key gets found and uploaded to the decryptor. We recommend you to follow updates regarding the decryptable DJVU versions here. We strongly recommend backing up your encrypted data and waiting.

Victims of FATE Ransomware Virus should report the Internet crime incident to the official government fraud and scam website according to their country:

In the United States, go to the On Guard Online website.In Australia, go to the SCAMwatch website.In Germany, go to the Bundesamt für Sicherheit in der Informationstechnik website.In Ireland, go to the An Garda Síochána website.In New Zealand, go to the Consumer Affairs Scams website.In the United Kingdom, go to the Action Fraud website.In Canada, go to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.In India, go to Indian National Cybercrime Reporting Portal.In France, go to the Agence nationale de la sécurité des systèmes d’information.

If you can’t find an authority corresponding to your location on this list, we recommend using any search engine to look up “[your country name] report cyber crime”. This should lead you to the right authority website. We also recommend staying away from third-party crime report services that are often paid. It costs nothing to report Internet crime to official authorities. Another recommendation is to contact your country’s or region’s federal police or communications authority.