How to remove Tastylock ransomware

Tastylock ransomware is a slightly improved new variant of CryptoMix virus

Tastylock functions as a ransomware-type virus which encrypts the most widely used data and appends .tastylock extension at the end of the filenames. The victims receive a _HELP_INSTRUCTION.TXT file which serves as a ransom note and demands to make a payment in exchange for a decryption tool. Additionally, experts have found linkage to the infamous CryptoMix ransomware and consider this one to be an offspring. 

The ransom note of Tastylock virus:

All you files an encrypted!
For decrypt write DECRYPT ID to t_tasty@aol.com
YOU DECRYPT-ID-[id] number

!!!ATTENTION!!!
Do not change!
Do not move files!
Do not use other programs (they do not work)!
You can lose your files if you do not follow the instructions!

 After encryption, Tastylock ransomware modifies the filenames to random characters and appends the suffix such as 0E7F38D60C909B048B4DE5DA0F8C7774.tastylock. The victims are encouraged to contact the criminals via t_tasty@aol.com email address. However, we do not recommend doing that.

Note that if you decide to pay the ransom, you have no guarantees that the crooks will provide you with a valid decryption key^[1]. Additionally, the amount of the payment varies from 500-1500$ which would lead to substantial financial losses. We suggest you remove Tastylock as soon as possible and try to recover corrupted data from backups.

Do not panic if you do not keep copies of your files. You can still complete Tastylock removal and try alternative recovery methods which are presented at the end of this article. Since ransomware is one of the most dangerous type of the viruses, we recommend using FortectIntego.

Also, you should be aware that scammers try to benefit from desperate ransomware victims and offer expensive as well as useless decryption tools. Therefore, if you decide to use third-party tools, make sure that they are reliable and get Tastylock decryptor only from authorized experts. 

Ransomware distribution methods

There are several most commonly used distribution techniques to spread the malicious programs worldwide. The most popular one is spam emails which deceive users by imitating legitimate companies or even governmental authorities^[2]. Criminals send fake letters as invoices or shopping receipts to trick users into opening the infected attachment.

Once the obfuscate file is opened, the ransomware executable is dropped, and the computer is corrupted. Likewise, never open emails from people you do not know or companies you do not recognize having business with. Note that ransomware can even spread on social media platforms and you should be careful about not clicking on the infected link as well. 

Additionally, we always recommend avoiding to download content illegally from peer-to-peer (P2P) networks. Usually, the crooks can design a genuine looking software update or the program itself to lure you into downloading the ransomware. Thus, make sure that you install/download applications only from verified developers or authorized distributors.

Also, experts from NoVirus.uk^[3] say that the wisest decision would be to use a professional anti-malware software since it can protect you from manually infiltrating high-risk computer infections. You can use the ones our IT specialists recommend in the list below or pick your own. 

Learn how to terminate Tastylock virus

An essential step in Tastylock removal is not to try to get rid of the ransomware executables or other components yourself. You can either fail to terminate it successfully or even damage your computer system permanently. Likewise, the only option to protect your PC is to use a powerful antivirus software.

To remove Tastylock you can use FortectIntego, SpyHunterCombo Cleaner, or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes. They are reliable and expert-tested applications which are easy to use. You should start by rebooting your computer to Safe Mode. Later, download the security program and run a full system scan. If you are not aware how to complete the steps mentioned above, feel free to use the guide below.