AnonTsugumi ransomware (virus) - Recovery Instructions Included
AnonTsugumi virus Removal Guide
What is AnonTsugumi ransomware?
AnonTsugumi ransomware
Cybersecurity professionals have recognized AnonTsugumi, a recently found ransomware strain. 56 security vendors and one sandbox have identified this malware file as dangerous. Once it has gained access to a victim's device, it immediately starts encrypting data using complex methods.
The files that fall victim to this ransomware are altered with the addition of the “.anontsugumi” extension. For example, a file previously named “picture.jpg” will be transformed into “picture.jpg.anontsugumi” after encryption. Additionally, the file icons are changed to blank pages, rendering their content invisible even in preview mode. If an attempt is made to open these compromised files, a prompt appears, indicating that Windows is incapable of opening them.
An “README.txt” ransom note is then written on the user's computer to inform them of the situation and to provide them advice on what to do if they want to restore their files. It is noteworthy that the creators of this particular ransomware do not state the precise ransom amount needed in return for a decryption key or program.
NAME | AnonTsugumi |
TYPE | Ransomware, cryptovirus, data-locking malware |
DISTRIBUTION | Email attachments, peer-to-peer file-sharing platforms, malicious ads |
FILE EXTENSION | .anontsugumi |
RANSOM NOTE | README.txt |
FILE RECOVERY | If no backups are available, recovering data is almost impossible. We list alternative methods that could help you in some cases below |
MALWARE REMOVAL | Scan your machine with anti-malware software to eliminate the malicious files (this will not recover your data) |
SYSTEM FIX | Malware can seriously tamper with Windows systems, causing errors, crashes, lag, and other stability issues. To remediate the OS and avoid its reinstallation, we recommend scanning it with the FortectIntego repair tool |
The ransom note
AnonTsugumi ransomware drops a README.txt file, which is a ransom note:
All of your files have been encrypted
Your computer was infected with a ransomware virus. Your files have been encrypted and you won't
be able to decrypt them without our help.What can I do to get your files back?
You can buy our special decryption software, this software will allow you to recover all of your data and remove the cooties from your computer.The price for the software is any donation!!
Payment can be made in Bitcoin only.
Purchasing Bitcoin varies from country to country, you are best advised to do a quick google search
yourself to find out how to buy it.Contact me because im bored.
Telegram: @anontsugumiPayment information Amount: ANY BTC
Bitcoin Address: 17CqMQFeuB3NTzJ2X28tfRmWaPyPQgvoHV
This promise of a solution may initially seem enticing to victims, especially when faced with the fear of losing their valuable data. However, it's crucial for victims to understand why paying the ransom is not advisable:
1. No guarantee of data recovery: Cybercriminals cannot be trusted to provide the decryption key or software even after the ransom is paid. There's no assurance that your files will be restored as promised.
2. Supporting criminal activity: Paying the ransom directly supports illegal and harmful activities. It incentivizes cybercriminals to continue their operations, putting more individuals and organizations at risk.
3. Lack of recourse: Once payment is made in Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies, it is exceedingly challenging to trace or recover the funds. Law enforcement agencies may not be able to assist in retrieving the money.
4. Repeated attacks: Paying the ransom does not guarantee protection from future attacks. In fact, it may label you as a profitable target, leading to more extortion attempts.
In light of these risks and the unethical nature of ransomware attacks, victims are strongly encouraged not to pay the ransom. Instead, they should report the attack to law enforcement, isolate the infected system, attempt to remove the ransomware and restore their files from secure backups if available. The focus should be on enhancing cybersecurity measures to prevent future attacks, rather than negotiating with cybercriminals.
Start the removal process
The crucial step to take is to disconnect the affected machine from the local network, as we've previously discussed the associated risks. For home users, simply unplugging the ethernet cable should suffice. However, in a workplace setting, this might be more complex, so we've provided instructions for corporate environments at the end of this post.
Attempting to recover your data first can lead to permanent loss and even trigger a second encryption process. The ransomware will persist until the malicious files responsible for it are removed. It's essential not to try removing the malicious program yourself unless you possess the necessary experience. Manual ransomware removal is highly intricate and best suited for individuals with advanced IT skills.
Use anti-malware tools like SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes 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 does not let 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
- Click Start > Shutdown > Restart > OK.
- When your computer becomes active, start pressing 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.
- Select Safe Mode with Networking from the list.
Windows 10 / Windows 8
- Right-click on Start button and select Settings.
- Scroll down to pick Update & Security.
- On the left side of the window, pick Recovery.
- Now scroll down to find Advanced Startup section.
- Click Restart now.
- Select Troubleshoot.
- Go to Advanced options.
- Select Startup Settings.
- Click Restart.
- Press 5 or click 5) Enable Safe Mode with Networking.
Repair corrupted system files
Encountering performance, stability, and usability issues severe enough to necessitate a full Windows reinstallation is not uncommon following a malware infection. These types of viruses have the capability to modify the Windows registry database, impair critical bootup and system sections, delete or corrupt DLL files, and more. Once a system file is compromised by malware, antivirus software is unable to rectify the damage.
Addressing such damage through manual troubleshooting is also a highly intricate and time-consuming process. This is where FortectIntego comes into play. It has the capacity to rectify a substantial portion of the harm caused by infections of this nature. Problems like Blue Screen errors, system freezes, registry issues, damaged DLLs, and the like can render your computer completely inoperable. By utilizing this maintenance tool, you may be able to circumvent the need for a full Windows reinstallation.
Try recovering data with third-party software
Only hackers hold the decryption key, which can unlock your files, so if you did not back them up previously, there is a good chance that you will never get them back. You can try using data recovery software, but keep in mind that third-party programs cannot always decrypt the files. Whatever the situation may be, we suggest at least trying this method. Before you proceed, copy the corrupted files and place them in a USB flash drive or another external storage device. And remember – only do this if you have already removed the AnonTsugumi ransomware.
Before you begin, several pointers are important 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
- Download Data Recovery Pro.
- Double-click the installer to launch it.
- Follow on-screen instructions to install the software.
- As soon as you press Finish, you can use the app.
- Select Everything or pick individual folders where you want the files to be recovered from.
- Press Next.
- At the bottom, enable Deep scan and pick which Disks you want to be scanned.
- Press Scan and wait till it is complete.
- You can now pick which folders/files to recover – don't forget you also have the option to search by the file name!
- Press Recover to retrieve your files.
Getting rid of AnonTsugumi virus. Follow these steps
Isolate the infected computer
Some ransomware strains aim to infect not only one computer but hijack the entire network. As soon as one of the machines is infected, malware can spread via network and encrypt files everywhere else, including Network Attached Storage (NAS) devices. If your computer is connected to a network, it is important to isolate it to prevent re-infection after ransomware removal is complete.
The easiest way to disconnect a PC from everything is simply to plug out the ethernet cable. However, in the corporate environment, this might be extremely difficult to do (also would take a long time). The method below will disconnect from all the networks, including local and the internet, isolating each of the machines involved.
- Type in Control Panel in Windows search and press Enter
- Go to Network and Internet
- Click Network and Sharing Center
- On the left, pick Change adapter settings
- Right-click on your connection (for example, Ethernet), and select Disable
- Confirm with Yes.
If you are using some type of cloud storage you are connected to, you should disconnect from it immediately. It is also advisable to disconnect all the external devices, such as USB flash sticks, external HDDs, etc. Once the malware elimination process is finished, you can connect your computers to the network and internet, as explained above, but by pressing Enable instead.
Find a working decryptor for your files
File encryption is a process that is similar to applying a password to a particular file or folder. However, from a technical point of view, encryption is fundamentally different due to its complexity. By using encryption, threat actors use a unique set of alphanumeric characters as a password that can not easily be deciphered if the process is performed correctly.
There are several algorithms that can be used to lock data (whether for good or bad reasons); for example, AES uses the symmetric method of encryption, meaning that the key used to lock and unlock files is the same. Unfortunately, it is only accessible to the attackers who hold it on a remote server – they ask for a payment in exchange for it. This simple principle is what allows ransomware authors to prosper in this illegal business.
While many high-profile ransomware strains such as Djvu or Dharma use immaculate encryption methods, there are plenty of failures that can be observed within the code of some novice malware developers. For example, the keys could be stored locally, which would allow users to regain access to their files without paying. In some cases, ransomware does not even encrypt files due to bugs, although victims might believe the opposite due to the ransom note that shows up right after the infection and data encryption is completed.
Therefore, regardless of which crypto-malware affects your files, you should try to find the relevant decryptor if such exists. Security researchers are in a constant battle against cybercriminals. In some cases, they manage to create a working decryption tool that would allow victims to recover files for free.
Once you have identified which ransomware you are affected by, you should check the following links for a decryptor:
- No More Ransom Project
- Free Ransomware Decryptors by Kaspersky
- Free Ransomware Decryption Tools from Emsisoft
- Avast decryptors
If you can't find a decryptor that works for you, you should try the alternative methods we list below. Additionally, it is worth mentioning that it sometimes takes years for a working decryption tool to be developed, so there are always hopes for the future.
Create data backups to avoid file loss in the future
One of the many countermeasures for home users against ransomware is data backups. Even if your Windows get corrupted, you can reinstall everything from scratch and retrieve files from backups with minimal losses overall. Most importantly, you would not have to pay cybercriminals and risk your money as well.
Therefore, if you have already dealt with a ransomware attack, we strongly advise you to prepare backups for future use. There are two options available to you:
- Backup on a physical external drive, such as a USB flash drive or external HDD.
- Use cloud storage services.
The first method is not that convenient, however, as backups need to constantly be updated manually – although it is very reliable. Therefore, we highly advise choosing cloud storage instead – it is easy to set up and efficient to sustain. The problem with it is that storage space is limited unless you want to pay for the subscription.
Using Microsoft OneDrive
OneDrive is a built-in tool that comes with every modern Windows version. By default, you get 5 GB of storage that you can use for free. You can increase that storage space, but for a price. Here's how to setup backups for OneDrive:
- Click on the OneDrive icon within your system tray.
- Select Help & Settings > Settings.
- If you don't see your email under the Account tab, you should click Add an account and proceed with the on-screen instructions to set yourself up.
- Once done, move to the Backup tab and click Manage backup.
- Select Desktop, Documents, and Pictures, or a combination of whichever folders you want to backup.
- Press Start backup.
After this, all the files that are imported into the above-mentioned folders will be automatically backed for you. If you want to add other folders or files, you have to do that manually. For that, open File Explorer by pressing Win + E on your keyboard, and then click on the OneDrive icon. You should drag and drop folders you want to backup (or you can use Copy/Paste as well).
Using Google Drive
Google Drive is another great solution for free backups. The good news is that you get as much as 15GB for free by choosing this storage. There are also paid versions available, with significantly more storage to choose from.
You can access Google Drive via the web browser or use a desktop app you can download on the official website. If you want your files to be synced automatically, you will have to download the app, however.
- Download the Google Drive app installer and click on it.
- Wait a few seconds for it to be installed.
- Now click the arrow within your system tray – you should see Google Drive icon there, click it once.
- Click Get Started.
- Enter all the required information – your email/phone, and password.
- Now pick what you want to sync and backup. You can click on Choose Folder to add additional folders to the list.
- Once done, pick Next.
- Now you can select to sync items to be visible on your computer.
- Finally, press Start and wait till the sync is complete. Your files are now being backed up.
Report the incident to your local authorities
Ransomware is a huge business that is highly illegal, and authorities are very involved in catching malware operators. To have increased chances of identifying the culprits, the agencies need information. Therefore, by reporting the crime, you could help with stopping the cybercriminal activities and catching the threat actors. Make sure you include all the possible details, including how did you notice the attack, when it happened, etc. Additionally, providing documents such as ransom notes, examples of encrypted files, or malware executables would also be beneficial.
Law enforcement agencies typically deal with online fraud and cybercrime, although it depends on where you live. Here is the list of local authority groups that handle incidents like ransomware attacks, sorted by country:
- USA – Internet Crime Complaint Center IC3
- United Kingdom – ActionFraud
- Canada – Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre
- Australia – ScamWatch
- New Zealand – ConsumerProtection
- Germany – Polizei
- France – Ministère de l'Intérieur
If your country is not listed above, you should contact the local police department or communications center.
How to prevent from getting ransomware
Access your website securely from any location
When you work on the domain, site, blog, or different project that requires constant management, content creation, or coding, you may need to connect to the server and content management service more often. The best solution for creating a tighter network could be a dedicated/fixed IP address.
If you make your IP address static and set to your device, you can connect to the CMS from any location and do not create any additional issues for the server or network manager that needs to monitor connections and activities. VPN software providers like Private Internet Access can help you with such settings and offer the option to control the online reputation and manage projects easily from any part of the world.
Recover files after data-affecting malware attacks
While much of the data can be accidentally deleted due to various reasons, malware is one of the main culprits that can cause loss of pictures, documents, videos, and other important files. More serious malware infections lead to significant data loss when your documents, system files, and images get encrypted. In particular, ransomware is is a type of malware that focuses on such functions, so your files become useless without an ability to access them.
Even though there is little to no possibility to recover after file-locking threats, some applications have features for data recovery in the system. In some cases, Data Recovery Pro can also help to recover at least some portion of your data after data-locking virus infection or general cyber infection.