How to remove Tao ransomware

Tao ransomware locks users' files and asks for payment in Bitcoin to decrypt them

Tao ransomware infiltrates the system and uses complicated encryption algorithms to lock users' personal files, like photos, videos, and documents. Such infections can be extremely devastating as they can cause permanent data loss if users do not have backups.

Affected files are appended with an extension consisting of four random characters. The icons also change to blank pages so no thumbnails are available. Shortly after the encryption process is done, a ransom note read_it.txt is generated on the machine.

The ransom note

The full read_it.txt ransom note reads as follows:

Your Windows PC is infected with the Toa Ransomware. Without the key, files can't, and won't, be returned. However, you can get yourself out of this mess. By buying our decryptor software. you can return all of your infected files. The price for this software is $274 in USD. payment can be made in BTC only. If you don't know how to get Bitcoin, Google how. once payment is recevied, a email will contact you and send you the decrypter. If you dont get the decryptor, check your spam folder. Windows Recovery is disabled and all Shadow Copies are deleted as well as the backup catalog. Once you sent the Bitcoin, from the email that infected you, send them your Public Key.

Public Key: –
BTC Adress: 0xDe3cbc738a2B57168FD5906B39941Ce8958dB044

In the ransom note, threat actors can state their demands. They ask for $274 in Bitcoin for the decryption key.^[1] Cybercriminals say that they disabled Windows Recovery, and the Shadow Copies with the backup catalog were deleted. There is no other way to get the data back without the decryption tool.

However, we strongly advise against paying the ransom because cyber criminals cannot be trusted. Many previous ransomware attack victims say that they never received the promised tools after sending the money. Cryptocurrencies are also chosen as a form of payment because they provide anonymity.

Once you send a cryptocurrency transaction to another wallet, it is impossible to get the funds back. So you might not only lose your files but your money as well. Besides, by paying, you are supporting the malicious activity. There is a third-party recovery tool that helps in some cases, so we provided instructions on how to use it below.

Distribution methods

It is unknown what particular channel is used to spread Tao ransomware. But there are some general methods that cybercriminals use. Mostly, the malicious code gets inside by an executable file (.exe) that may have been in a zip folder, embedded within a Microsoft Office document’s macros,^[2] or disguised as another viable attachment.

Probably the most common infection method is “cracked” software^[3] installations. People go to Torrent websites, peer-to-peer file-sharing, and freeware distribution platforms. However, they are completely unsafe. It is impossible to know if the programs do not hide any malicious files. Even though it can get costly, it is best to use official web stores and developer websites. You may save in the long run by keeping your system running smoothly.

Threat actors also use various phishing techniques to lure users in. It can be in a form of an email attachment or a malicious URL. Fraudsters can use friend lists to make it look more legitimate. It is best to double-check with the person through another platform before opening any email attachments because you can potentially put your entire local network in danger.

Finally, it is extremely important to keep your operating system and software updated. Hackers can use software vulnerabilities to deliver their malicious programs. Software developers regularly release security patches for newly found vulnerabilities, so they should be installed as soon as they come out.

Use professional security tools to eliminate malicious files

The critical thing to do is disconnect the affected machine from the local network. For home users, disconnecting the ethernet cable should do the job. If this happened at your workplace, doing that might be complicated, so we have instructions for corporate environments at the bottom of this post.

If you try to recover your data first, it can result in permanent loss. It can also encrypt your files the second time. It will not stop until you remove the malicious files causing it first. You should not attempt removing the malicious program yourself unless you have experience.

Use anti-malware tools like SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes to scan your system. This security software should find all the related files and entries and remove them automatically for you. In some cases, malware is not letting you use antivirus in normal mode, so you need to access Safe Mode and perform a full system scan from there:

Windows 7 / Vista / XP

1. Click Start > Shutdown > Restart > OK.
2. When your computer becomes active, start pressing the F8 button (if that does not work, try F2, F12, Del, etc. – it all depends on your motherboard model) multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
3. Select Safe Mode with Networking from the list.

Windows 10 / Windows 8

1. Right-click on the Start button and select Settings.
   
2. Scroll down to pick Update & Security.
3. On the left side of the window, pick Recovery.
4. Now scroll down to find the Advanced Startup section.
5. Click Restart now.
6. Select Troubleshoot.
7. Go to Advanced options.
8. Select Startup Settings.
9. Click Restart.
10. Press 5 or click 5) Enable Safe Mode with Networking.

Fix system errors to prevent Windows reinstallation

Performance, stability, and usability issues, to the point where a complete Windows reinstall is required, are expected after malware infection. These types of infections can alter the Windows registry database, damage vital bootup and other sections, delete or corrupt DLL files, etc. Once a system file is damaged by malware, antivirus software is not able to repair it. 

This is why FortectIntego was developed. It can fix a lot of the damage caused by an infection like this. Blue Screen errors,^[4] freezes, registry errors, damaged DLLs, etc., can make your computer completely unusable. By using this maintenance tool, you could avoid Windows reinstallation.

• Download the application by clicking on the link above
• Click on the ReimageRepair.exe
  
• If User Account Control (UAC) shows up, select Yes
• Press Install and wait till the program finishes the installation process
• The analysis of your machine will begin immediately
• Once complete, check the results – they will be listed in the Summary
• You can now click on each of the issues and fix them manually
• If you see many problems that you find difficult to fix, we recommend you purchase the license and fix them automatically.

File recovery options

Many people think that they can fix their files with anti-malware tools, but that is not what they are designed for. All the security tools can do is detect suspicious processes in your system and eliminate malicious files. The truth is, the files can be restored only with a decryption key or software that only the cybercriminals have.

If you did not back up your data previously, you possibly lost your files forever. You can try using data recovery software, but third-party programs cannot always decrypt the files. We suggest at least trying this method. Before proceeding, you have to copy the corrupted files and place them in a USB flash drive or another storage. And remember – only do this if you have already removed the Tao ransomware.

Before you begin, several pointers are essential while dealing with this situation:

• Since the encrypted data on your computer might permanently be damaged by security or data recovery software, you should first make backups of it – use a USB flash drive or another storage.
• Only attempt to recover your files using this method after you perform a scan with anti-malware software.

Install data recovery software

1. Download Data Recovery Pro.
2. Double-click the installer to launch it.
3. Follow on-screen instructions to install the software.
4. As soon as you press Finish, you can use the app.
5. Select Everything or pick individual folders where you want the files to be recovered from.
6. Press Next.
7. At the bottom, enable Deep scan and pick which Disks you want to be scanned.
8. Press Scan and wait till it is complete.
9. You can now pick which folders/files to recover – don't forget you also have the option to search by the file name!
10. Press Recover to retrieve your files.