How to remove .Tro ransomware

.Tro ransomware is a file locking malware that stems from STOP virus family

.Tro ransomware is a cryptovirus that was recently noticed by independent cybersecurity researcher Michael Gillespie. It is a member of STOP family and a variant of Djvu ransomware, that was observed actively infecting users around mid-December 2018. This particular version does not differ from its predecessors much, although it is known to mostly be distributed with the help of fake Windows updates or malicious spam email attachments. It encrypts personal data with the help of a secure encryption algorithm and appends .tro extension, preventing victims from opening databases, documents, photos, videos, etc. Soon after the execution, .Tro ransomware virus contacts C&C^[1] server to upload the personal key of the victim and sends out a ransom note _openme.txt which details the hacking attack. In case the malware fails to contact the remote server, it performs the encoding process offline and uses a hard-coded key.

Tro ransomware was first spotted in January 2019, right after .pdff file virus showed up in the wild. Both of these infections have a lot of similarities, including the ransom note _openme.txt and the contact addresses – pdfhelp@india.com and pdfhelp@firemail.cc. The message also includes the link to a video online that displays the operation of the alleged decryptor. As usual, we do not recommend contacting cybercriminals and remove .Tro ransomware instead.

The ransom note from Tro virus authors also states that users can send a file for test decryption and that a 50% discount is available within first 72 hours of the infection. Victims are then asked to pay ransom in Bitcoin or another crypto, which typically was around $200 to $600.

.Tro ransomware also performs several changes to the system, including modification of Windows Registry, Shadow Volume Copies elimination, and similar adjustments. After successful .Tro ransomware removal, we recommend users employing PC repair software FortectIntego and performing full system scan.

As soon as the computer is safe and secure from infections (ransomware viruses can often be connected to several other threats, such as backdoors, trojans, and other malware), users can proceed with file recovery procedure. Since .Tro ransomware virus is not yet decryptable, victims can restore their data with the help of backups or third-party data recovery software. We explain how to use such applications below.

However, if no backups were kept and data recovery did not succeed, we suggest to keep the copy of the encoded files, as security experts are continually working on decryptor, and many instances proved to be successful, as proves No More Ransom project.^[2]

Secure your computer from ransomware by being attentive online

Ransomware viruses are one of the most dangerous kind of infections that leave (sometimes irreversible) traces behind – encrypted files, as even if malware is removed, it will not decode the personal data. For that reason, avoiding the virus is the best choice. Unfortunately, not all users take cybersecurity seriously and fail to protect their PCs with anti-malware software, visit high-risk websites and similar. To reduce the possibility of the infection,^[3] experts recommend following these tips:

• Download and install reputable security software with real-time protection feature;
• Backup your files regularly;
• Avoid visiting domains that host pirated content;^[4]
• Do not open suspicious email attachments or click on links, as phishing emails are one of the main malware distribution methods;
• Use strong passwords for RDP and other accounts;
• Scan each executable with security software before opening it, no matter where it comes from;
• Patch your system as soon as new updates roll out, as software vulnerabilities can often be abused by hackers to use exploit kits;
• Be aware of fake updates that pop-up out of nowhere. Set up your software to roll automatic updates;

Get rid of .Tro ransomware with the help of reputable security software

.Tro ransomware removal should not be that complicated, as long as you can enter Safe Mode with Networking and perform necessary steps that are required by anti-virus software. However, one vital factor is that not all AV engines recognize all viruses, as different databases can be used, and not all of them are updated at the same time, failing to identify some viruses.

Therefore, we suggest you remove .Tro ransomware using anti-virus software that is capable of detecting this particular infection. That is why we recommend using FortectIntego or SpyHunterCombo Cleaner.

After .tro file virus elimination, you can try to recover your files. Do not forget that you need to delete the ransomware completely before connecting your backup device to the computer, as all the backup data will be encrypted as well.