How to Recover .[victimID].[email].atomic Files Encrypted by Atomic Ransomware?
Our Atomic Decryptor: Expert‑Powered, AI‑Enhanced Recovery
We reverse‑engineered the Makop‑based Atomic ransomware’s encryption routines—including RSA and AES modules—to build a reliable decryptor. Compatible with Windows, Linux, and ESXi environments, it delivers precise and fast recovery without paying ransom.
Related article: How to Remove SpiderPery Ransomware and Decrypt (.SpiderPery) Files?
How It Works?
AI‑Driven Cloud Analysis + Blockchain Integrity
Encrypted files are securely analyzed in our cloud lab. Blockchain hashing ensures each recovered file matches the original, eliminating tampering risk.
Victim‑ID Mapping
Your unique victim ID—embedded in the .atomic filename—is automatically matched to the correct decryption key. No manual guesswork.
Universal Decryptor (Premium)
If the ransom note (“+README-WARNING+.txt”) is missing, our premium decryptor handles the latest variants based on key‑derivation pattern matching.
Safe & Read‑Only Initialization
A preliminary dry run scans files without altering them. Only confirmed matches are decrypted, preserving integrity.
Also read: How to Remove AIR (Makop) ransomware and Restore Encrypted .AIR Files?
Requirements
- Copy of the ransom note (+README-WARNING+.txt)
- Encrypted files with .atomic extension
- Internet connection for cloud‑based decryption
- Admin privileges on Windows, Linux, or ESXi
- Optional GPU for faster decryptor versions
Immediate Steps After Atomic Infection
Isolate Infected Systems
Unplug affected machines immediately to stop lateral spread. Do not access smb‑shares or restore backups from the same network.
Preserve Evidence
Keep all encrypted .atomic files and the ransom note intact. Save logs, file hashes, and memory dumps. These support forensic analysis and key‑matching.
Power Off If Needed
If dealing with encrypted backup systems or virtual environments, power off VMs to avoid triggering additional encryption.
Call in Experts
Atomic encrypts quickly and may exfiltrate data. Immediate expert response significantly improves chances of recovery. Contact our team to initiate secure analysis.
Decrypting Atomic Ransomware and Recovering Your Data
Atomic is a high‑impact Makop tool that appends .[VictimID].[email].atomic to files, warns of data exfiltration, and uses hybrid RSA+AES — a destructive combo. Here are four reliable recovery methods, from free options to advanced decryptors.
1. Free: Early-Variant Decryptor
Background
Early Atomic (Makop v1) used weak key generation, allowing some community tools to recover files.
How It Works?
The tool identifies predictable cryptographic flaws and generates AES keys accordingly. Ideal for files with the .atomic extension pre‑2023.
Limitations
Modern variants have hardened logic; this decryptor won’t work with them and may misidentify newer formats.
2. Restore From Backup
About
The simplest & safest method: restore from clean offline or segmented backups.
Steps
- Verify backup integrity using checksums
- Remove all infected systems
- Reinstantiate systems from trusted snapshots
Considerations
Ensure backups were isolated—Atomic may spread silently into backup systems.
3. VM Snapshots (Windows/Linux/ESXi)
Use Case
If snapshots were taken before the attack, rollback restores environments quickly.
Key Points
- Verify snapshot dates match pre‑infection
- Rollback with isolated environment
- Confirm snapshots weren’t compromised
Benefits
Instant recovery if snapshots are clean; minimal data loss.
4. Research‑Driven GPU Brute‑Force Decryptor
Signature‑Based Timestamp Recovery
Cybersecurity researchers posted an open-source GPU brute‑force tool targeting the timestamp seeds used by Atomic. It reconstructs time-based keys via CUDA.
How It Works
- Brute‑forces timestamp seeds from encrypted metadata
- Requires NVIDIA GPU (RTX 3060+, 4090 recommended)
- Linux command‑line utility
Limitations
- Slow on low‑end GPUs; faster on clusters
- Needs CUDA and Unix scripting
- Best-effort: may not work if metadata was truncated
5. Paid: Ransom Payment (Not Recommended)
Overview
Paying can deliver a decryptor tied to your victim ID, but it’s risky.
Risks
- No guarantee of working decryptor
- Potential malware/backdoor with tool
- Legal and ethical issues; may violate regulations
6. Third‑Party Negotiators
Services Offered
Experts negotiate, confirm decryption via sample files, and shield your identity. Often reduce ransom demands.
Drawbacks
Fees can be high; success varies based on attacker credibility.
Our Specialized Atomic Decryptor
Reverse‑Engineered Core
Analyzes Makop/EASY‑based hybrid logic to extract AES keys and decode files reliably.
Cloud‑Powered Platform
Encrypted files are processed in sandboxed cloud systems. Auditable logs let you verify recovered file integrity.
Verification Systems Only
We connect directly to your device—secure TLS—and no files are stored beyond session length.
Step‑by‑Step Recovery Guide
1. Assess the Infection
Check for files renamed with the full extension format .[VictimID].[data-leakreport@onionmail.com].atomic along with the presence of the ransom note +README-WARNING+.txt to confirm it’s an Atomic ransomware infection.
2. Secure Your Workspace
Disconnect infected hosts and inhibit further encryption.
3. Submit for Analysis
Send a sample encrypted file and ransom note to our service for variant detection and estimate.
4. Run the Decryptor
To begin the decryption process, first launch the application with administrative privileges. Then, point the tool to the folder containing the encrypted files. After that, enter the provided Victim ID accurately. Once all the required information is in place, initiate the decryption process by starting the tool.
5. Post‑Decryption Steps
Start by running antivirus and EDR scans to ensure there is no lingering persistence on the system. Once confirmed, harden the affected systems and proceed to restore data from clean, verified backups. After restoration, continue to monitor the network closely for any signs of data exfiltration or further compromise.
Also read: How to Restore .Darkness Encrypted Files After a Darkness Ransomware Attack?
Offline vs Online Modes
Offline Mode
For sensitive air‑gapped setups. Transfer decryptor via secure glide‑drive. Local execution ensures zero cloud dependency.
Online Mode
For faster, expert‑supported recovery. Upload files via encrypted channel and run decryptor in secure cloud.
What Is Atomic Ransomware?
Atomic is a Makop-family ransomware variant that uses RSA and AES encryption and appends a full extension format like .[2AF20FA3].[data-leakreport@onionmail.com].atomic to all compromised files, uniquely identifying each victim by ID and attacker contact email. It warns of stolen data and threatens publication. It has targeted SMBs and small enterprises using email attachments, pirated software, and compromised ads. Encryption often finishes in minutes.
Atomic Ransomware Trends: Timeline, Geography, and Industry Impact
Timeline of Atomic Ransomware Evolution
Geographic distribution of likely Atomic ransomware victims based on Makop-family activity
Estimated breakdown of targeted industries by Atomic ransomware
Indicators of Compromise (IOCs)
- File extensions: .atomic
- Emails: data-leakreport@onionmail.com, support-leakreport@onionmail.com
- Ransom note: +README-WARNING+.txt
- Download exfiltration IPs, TOR contact links
- Shadow‑copy deletion (vssadmin delete shadows)
- Temporary folder artifact usage
Inside the Atomic Ransom Note: Threats, Tactics, and Warnings
The ransom note contains the following message:
*/!\ WE RECENTLY CONDUCTED A SECURITY AUDIT OF YOUR COMPANY /!*
All your important files have been encrypted!Your data is safe — it is simply encrypted (using RSA + AES algorithms).
WARNING:
ANY ATTEMPTS TO RECOVER FILES USING THIRD-PARTY SOFTWARE
WILL RESULT IN IRREVERSIBLE DATA LOSS.DO NOT MODIFY the encrypted files.
DO NOT RENAME the encrypted files.
No publicly available software can help you. Only we can restore your data.
We have copied confidential data from your servers, including:
Personal data of employees and clients (passports, addresses)
Financial documents, accounting reports, tax declarations
Contracts with suppliers and clients (including NDAs)
Full client databases with payment histories
All data is stored on our secure offshore servers.
If no agreement is reached:
We will begin leaking data on:
Twitter/X (mentioning your clients and partners)
Darknet forums (for sale to competitors/hackers)
Major media outlets
Tax authorities (full financial reports + evidence of violations)
Important information:
The attack was designed to look like an internal crime. This means:Your cyber insurance will not apply (if you have one)
Law enforcement will first suspect your employees or tax evasion.
We offer a one-time payment — with no further demands.
Our terms:
Your data holds no value to us — it is only a guarantee of payment.
We do not want to bankrupt your company.FREE DECRYPTION AS A GUARANTEE
Before making a payment, you may send up to 2 files for free decryption.
The total size of the files must not exceed 1 MB (unarchived).
Files must not contain sensitive or important information (e.g., databases, backups, multi-page documents, large Excel spreadsheets, etc.).
If a file contains important data or a lot of text, you will receive only a screenshot of the decrypted file.Contact us at:
data-leakreport@onionmail.com
support-leakreport@onionmail.com
Tactics, Techniques & Toolset Analysis
Initial Access
Delivered via phishing, cracked apps, or RDP exploits. Often piggybacks on pirated software or malvertising.
Credential Theft & Lateral Movement
Uses Mimikatz or custom scripts to steal creds. Spreads via SMB and shared network drives.
- Mimikatz: A widely abused post-exploitation tool used by Atomic affiliates to dump Windows credentials directly from memory. Once administrative privileges are gained, it allows the extraction of plaintext passwords, NTLM hashes, and Kerberos tickets, giving attackers access to domain-level systems with ease.
- LaZagne: Another credential-harvesting utility embedded in many ransomware toolkits. It scans local systems for stored passwords across browsers, email clients, VPNs, and Wi-Fi networks. Atomic operators use it to quickly gather additional login data that aids lateral movement.
- SoftPerfect Network Scanner: Serves as the reconnaissance workhorse. It performs detailed scans across internal IP ranges to identify live hosts, open ports, and potentially vulnerable services. This tool is typically used after gaining access to a foothold to build a map of the target environment.
- Advanced IP Scanner: It works alongside SoftPerfect to conduct fast, non-intrusive sweeps of the local network. It lists device types, shared resources, and RDP-enabled machines, helping attackers prioritize targets for deployment of the ransomware payload.
- Zemana AntiMalware: It is ironically a security tool, is weaponized in Atomic campaigns through Bring Your Own Vulnerable Driver (BYOVD) techniques. Threat actors exploit known flaws in Zemana’s driver to disable antivirus software or tamper with system internals, bypassing traditional defenses without detection.
Defense Evasion & Persistence
Disables AV with DLL injections or vulnerable drivers. Runs deep in AppData or service-level locations.
Exfiltration
Built-in routines push data to TOR backend, FTP, or cloud storage before encryption.
Encryption
Fast hybrid AES + RSA encryption; destroys shadow backups to disable recovery.
Mitigation & Best Practices
- Enable MFA on all external access (RDP, VPN)
- Patch vulnerabilities promptly, especially in Windows & apps
- Restrict unsigned driver installation
- Segment networks and isolate backups
- Use SOC/MDR for full‑time monitoring
Conclusion: Act Fast, Recover Fully
Atomic ransomware seems powerful—but with knowledge, speed, and the right tools, you can regain control. Avoid shady decryptors and high-pressure ransom demands. Whether using restore, research tools, or our cloud decryptor, swift action is your best defense.
Frequently Asked Questions
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