Toec ransomware: what it is and how to remove it

Toec ransomware is the malware that employs a sophisticated encryption algorithm and makes files useless to have a reason for a ransom demand. This is the 179th version of the notorious Djvu ransomware that keeps releasing variant after variant.

Facts checked October 7, 2026. Removal steps tested on Windows 11 (26H2) and checked against Microsoft's and the browser makers' current documentation. Sections marked as our earlier report are the original text: they describe the threat as it was then and have not been reviewed since. The 2026 status, the removal steps and the questions are current.

Automatic

Get a free scan and check if your PC is infected.

Fortect finds malware, unwanted programs and the Windows damage they leave behind, and repairs it in one pass.

Before you restore backups, a full scan can confirm the program that added .toec is gone.

Remove it nowTo use the full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Fortect. The scan is free.

Do it yourself · free Remove Toec ransomware yourself 6 steps, about 18 minutes, no software needed.

Start the steps
Screenshot of Toec ransomware: virus
Toec ransomware as our 2019 report showed it.

Toec ransomware: summary

DistributionThese viruses involving extortion and damage to files, system functions, spread around via infected files that drop the malicious script directly on the system. In most cases, the victim downloads cracked or pirated software, and executable or different type of data get installed. Also, malicious macro infections[1] come from spam email campaigns delivering infected documents with content enabling suggestions. The encryption starts immediately after one of these scrips get launched
NameToec ransomware
File marker.toec marker comes after the original file name and extension that determines the type of data. This appendix indicates affected files besides the blank file logo
Ransom note_readme.txt; the text of the note is not in our records
FamilyDjvu/STOP virus
Contact emailssalesrestoresoftware@firemail.cc, salesrestoresoftware@gmail.com
Removal

Scan the PC with security software to find and remove the malware and anything installed with it. Fortect scans Windows for malware and repairs the system files and settings it damaged.

Remove it nowTo use the full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Fortect. The scan is free.
Show 12 more facts
Detection namesNo Microsoft detection name is known
Encrypted file extension.toec
DecryptorNo free decryptor is known for this variant; check No More Ransom (nomoreransom.org) for updates
DamageNot recorded in the old report
TypeFile-encrypting ransomware
SymptomsFiles renamed with a new extension and a ransom note left in folders
Evidence4 write-ups by security sites; no sample analysed yet
Encrypted files.toec
Attacker contactssalesrestoresoftware@firemail.cc
Free decryptorNo free decryptor is known (checked 7 October 2026)
First seen5 November 2019
Facts checked7 October 2026
  • File extension: .toec
  • Note file: _readme.txt
  • Contact: salesrestoresoftware@firemail.cc

From our report of Nov 2019 · not reviewed since

More from our earlier report on Toec ransomware

  • _readme.txt - a text file that gets placed in various folders and contains information about the encryption, payment details, ransom amount and time window
  • The best tool for Toec ransomware removal is an anti-malware program because it can locate all core files and associated programs which need to get terminated completely
  • Use reputable anti-spyware to fix the system.
  • Since the threat interferes with various system files, you might need to fix virus damage by using .
  • Note that it cannot decrypt encrypted files!

How Toec ransomware behaves

From our report of Nov 2019 · not reviewed since

Toec ransomware is the cryptovirus that locks user's files forever due to an advanced encryption algorithm applied

Toec ransomware is the malware that employs a sophisticated encryption algorithm and makes files useless to have a reason for a ransom demand.

This is the 179th version of the notorious Djvu ransomware that keeps releasing variant after variant. Unfortunately, the previously-known as decryptable, now the family includes more advanced coding techniques, and it may take years to develop the decryption tool which recovers those affected files.

There are some free tools released already, but virus developers keep stating that those programs can only help with files encrypted using offline keys or for versions discovered before August 2019. One of the more recent and powerful tools that works for 148 versions can be found here.

It is possible that files affected by Toec ransomware virus and marked with the .toec appendix cannot be recovered, but you can still try to use third-party software capable of restoring encrypted files. If these files are backed up on external devices, cloud services, you should be fine.

Of course, you need to clean the machine thoroughly before you add anything new to the device to prevent further damage. For that, anti-malware programs work the best but follow the article to learn more tips.

Although Toec ransomware deletes the main virus file after successful encryption, there are many files planted around the system. Also, programs get installed to affect some system functions, disable applications. Windows registry, other directories, and Shadow Volume Copies may get deleted or compromised, so it becomes more difficult to remove the threat and recover the data. It affects:

Toec ransomware attack begins with the drop of a malicious payload that gets launched and immediately delivers ransomware on the system. To mask the encryption process and other background activities virus shows fake Windows update pop-up and tries to trick the person that the system is running slowly because if this.

Then files get encrypted without your noticing, and the ransom note in _readme.txt file appears in various folders, on the desktop. Once the message appears, you can be sure that Toec files virus is running on full speed in the background. Although the ransom amount of $980 and the 50% discount seems reasonable, paying is not getting you anywhere.

Toec ransomware belongs to a known family of DJVU virus that hasn't changed much, so there is no reason to trust criminals. This malware alters Windows hosts file to disable users from entering security sites and cybersecurity forums. This is how malware tries to prevent victims from accessing anti-malware tools and forums that offer help.

This damage alongside other Toec ransomware-related files needs to be removed completely. Deleting those can be difficult or even damaging when you lack knowledge, so we offer to get an anti-spyware, such as for this task. Additionally, fix Windows system and corrupted files with the software like that might fix the damage caused by the virus.

The initial Toec ransomware removal might require disabling the virus, as many experts note. By disabling the malicious processes running in the background, you will get a chance to launch the security software. Tips for this task are provided at the end of this article.

Additionally, get a professional anti-malware program to remove Toec ransomware fully. Detection names and results, in general, depends on the particular virus database that specific tool you use relies on. This is why you shouldn't expect the particular name of the virus to pop-up on the list of issues and malicious detections and remove all the intruders and threats found on the system.

It is less than believable that Toec ransomware affected files will get decrypted in the future, but you can store virus-related data on the external device before you delete the threat and then check the following sites for decryption tool updates:

  • files in windows registry;
  • security functions;
  • programs or system features having an anti-malware function;
  • programs or features having file recovery functions.
  • https://www.nomoreransom.org/en/index.html
  • https://id-ransomware.malwarehunterteam.com/
  • https://www.emsisoft.com/ransomware-decryption-tools/
Screenshot of Toec ransomware: virus
Toec ransomware in our 2019 report.
Toec ransomware: toec djvu ransomware
Toec ransomware in our 2019 report.

From our report of Nov 2019 · not reviewed since

Avoid hacked, pirated files and installations of suspicious programs

The bulk of user complaints about such infections, especially the particular ransomware family includes the key phrases like "I downloaded cracked version" or " pirated some software."

These tendencies are the biggest mistakes any internet user can make because there are plenty of malware types that get delivered via those torrent services or licensed programs downloaded from a free page.

Infected file loads alongside the program during the installation and gets launched immediately after, so you don't get the cracked video game or an application. Ransomware lands on the pc instead and immediately start the file locking process. Also, such infected files may appear as financial information attachments on the legitimate-looking email send from crooks.

You need to either clean the email box more often and pay more attention to such details, restrain from torrent services and pirated program networks or keep the system safe with a proper security program that can block any dangerous material.

From our report of Nov 2019 · not reviewed since

Make the system Toec ransomware virus-free again with robust anti-malware scan

Any user that surfs the internet should take into consideration the possibility of additional infections and other threats besides Toec ransomware virus.

It is known that the family of these file-locking threats also delivers trojans, info-stealing malware. When you recover the files and don't remove all files of the virus, your identity and privacy remain at risk.

Get the anti-malware tool and run a full system scan. When proper results come back with all the threats and dangerous applications, you can fully remove Toec ransomware from your system. You may need to reboot into a Safe Mode first to achieve the best results, but we have prepared a guide for that below.

Then, for system file repair and optimization purposes, use . You may need to fix some serious virus damage and corrupted files left on the machine before you use the device normally again.

[GI=method-1]Remove Toec ransomware by rebooting the machine in Safe Mode with Networking

[GI=method-2]System Restore should also be a helpful feature for the elimination of Toec ransomware since it can recover the machine in a previous state before the malicious infection

Windows Previous Versions is the particular function of the machine that can recover your data

When System Restore gets enabled, you can rely on Windows Previous Versions and restore encrypted files one by one

ShadowExplorer as an alternate data recovery method for Toec ransomware encrypted files

When Toec ransomware virus is not affecting those Shadow Volume Copies, you can use them to restore files with ShadowExplorer

Decryption of the particular Toec ransomware virus affected files is not possible

The Toec ransomware note

The note is called _readme.txt.

We did not record the full text of the ransom note in our report.

How to remove Toec ransomware

Tools you'll need

All of these are free except where noted. Download them on a clean device if the infected PC is offline.

  • A USB stick: to keep the ransom note, two or three encrypted files and screenshots off the infected PC.
  • Microsoft Defender Offline: built into Windows 11 and Windows 10; scans before Windows starts, so running malware cannot hide.
  • Microsoft Safety Scanner: a second, portable scanner with current signatures; each download works for 10 days.
  • ID Ransomware: identifies the family from the note and one encrypted file and says whether a decryptor exists.
  • No More Ransom: the free decryptors from police and security companies; check it again every few months.
  • Fortect (optional): scans Windows for malware and repairs the system files and settings it damaged. The free scan is in the box above.

How to remove Toec ransomware and get your files back

Work in this order.

Disconnecting comes first, removal comes before any restore, and nothing here asks you to contact the attackers.

  1. Step 1: Disconnect the PC and unplug backup drives

    Toec ransomware encrypts everything it can reach, including drives and shares you connect later. Cut the network first: cable out, or Wi-Fi off from the taskbar.

    Then unplug every USB stick and backup disk and pause cloud sync, so the encrypted versions do not replace your online copies. Do not reconnect any of them until the ransomware is removed from the Windows 11 or Windows 10 PC.

    Windows 11 quick settings with Wi-Fi turned off
    Windows 11: turn off Wi-Fi to take the PC offline.

    Full procedure with screenshots: Ransomware: first steps, finding a decryptor and recovering files

  2. Step 2: Save the ransom note and confirm the family

    Copy _readme.txt and one or two files ending in .toec to a USB stick, and leave the originals where they are.

    From another device, upload the note and a sample file to ID Ransomware or No More Ransom's Crypto Sheriff, which name the family from the note, the extension and the file structure.

    Write down the contact address and your personal ID from the note, because a decryptor or the police may ask for them.

    Warning: Never contact the attackers from the infected Windows 11 or Windows 10 PC.

    A ransom note text file next to encrypted files in File Explorer
    Windows 11: the ransom note and encrypted files to copy for identification.

    Full procedure with screenshots: Ransomware: first steps, finding a decryptor and recovering files

  3. Step 3: Check for a free decryptor

    For Toec ransomware, no free decryptor is known (checked 7 October 2026). Search the family name in the No More Ransom decryption tools list and in the free decryptors of Emsisoft, Avast and Kaspersky, because new tools appear years after an attack.

    Important: Keep the encrypted files even if nothing works today, and do not pay before every free option is ruled out: payment does not guarantee a working key.

    Decryptors run on Windows 11 and Windows 10, but only after the ransomware itself is removed.

    Full procedure with screenshots: Ransomware: first steps, finding a decryptor and recovering files

  4. Step 4: Remove the ransomware before you restore or decrypt

    Restoring or decrypting files while Toec ransomware still runs lets it encrypt them again. Run a Full scan in Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Scan options, then the Microsoft Defender Antivirus (offline scan).

    If the ransomware blocks Windows Security, start Safe Mode with Networking and scan from there. Some families install a password stealer as well, so let both scans finish on Windows 11 or Windows 10.

    Windows Security Scan options with Microsoft Defender Antivirus offline scan selected
    Windows 11: Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Scan options.

    Full procedure with screenshots: Run a Microsoft Defender Offline scan

  5. Step 5: Look for shadow copies of the files

    Open Command Prompt as administrator and run vssadmin list shadows. If it lists copies dated before the attack, right-click a folder with encrypted files in File Explorer, choose Properties > Previous Versions, and open or restore a version from before that date.

    ShadowExplorer, a free tool, shows the same copies when the tab is empty or hidden. Most current families delete shadow copies, so an empty list is normal, but the check takes two minutes on Windows 11 or Windows 10.

    Command Prompt running vssadmin list shadows
    Windows 11: vssadmin list shadows shows whether shadow copies exist.

    Full procedure with screenshots: Ransomware: first steps, finding a decryptor and recovering files

  6. Step 6: Restore the files from a backup or recover deleted originals

    Restore from an external backup, File History or OneDrive's version history, choosing a date before the attack. Connect the backup drive only after the scans are clean, or the ransomware encrypts it too.

    If there is no backup, file recovery software can sometimes find the deleted originals, because some ransomware writes an encrypted copy and deletes the original file.

    Stop writing to the drive and try recovery on Windows 11 or Windows 10 before new files overwrite the space.

    Full procedure with screenshots: Recover deleted files (Recycle Bin, backups, OneDrive) On uGetFix

Instructions for each browser and system

The detailed steps for every browser and system this guide covers. Open the one you use.

Manual removal using Safe Mode

Important! →
Manual removal guide might be too complicated for regular computer users. It requires advanced IT knowledge to be performed correctly (if vital system files are removed or damaged, it might result in full Windows compromise), and it also might take hours to complete. Therefore, we highly advise using the automatic method provided above instead.

Step 1. Access Safe Mode with Networking

Manual malware removal should be best performed in the Safe Mode environment.

Windows 7 / Vista / XP

  1. Click Start > Shutdown > Restart > OK.
  2. 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.
  3. Select Safe Mode with Networking from the list.Windows 7/XP

Windows 10 / Windows 8

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

Step 2. Shut down suspicious processes

Windows Task Manager is a useful tool that shows all the processes running in the background. If malware is running a process, you need to shut it down:

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
  2. Click on More details.
    Open task manager
  3. Scroll down to Background processes section, and look for anything suspicious.
  4. Right-click and select Open file location.
    Open file location
  5. Go back to the process, right-click and pick End Task.
    End task
  6. Delete the contents of the malicious folder.

Step 3. Check program Startup

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
  2. Go to Startup tab.
  3. Right-click on the suspicious program and pick Disable.
    Startup

Step 4. Delete virus files

Malware-related files can be found in various places within your computer. Here are instructions that could help you find them:

  1. Type in Disk Cleanup in Windows search and press Enter.
    Disk cleanup
  2. Select the drive you want to clean (C: is your main drive by default and is likely to be the one that has malicious files in).
  3. Scroll through the Files to delete list and select the following: Temporary Internet Files
    Downloads
    Recycle Bin
    Temporary files
  4. Pick Clean up system files.
    Delete temp files
  5. You can also look for other malicious files hidden in the following folders (type these entries in Windows Search and press Enter): %AppData%
    %LocalAppData%
    %ProgramData%
    %WinDir%

After you are finished, reboot the PC in normal mode.

Report it and recover your files

Report it

Report the attack even if you do not expect the files back: insurers and banks ask for the report number, and police use the contacts in the note to link cases.

United States
FBI IC3 · FTC ReportFraud

Give the victim ID, the note and the date the files were encrypted. A business that holds personal data may also have to notify its data protection authority, in the EU within 72 hours.

Protect the files you restore

Restore only after the scans are clean and the PC no longer shows files that end in .toec and no longer open; otherwise the restored copies can be damaged again.

Then build a backup that survives the next infection:

  • one copy in the cloud with version history
  • one on an external drive that is disconnected between backups
  • the working copy on the PC

Version history matters because a backup that syncs damaged files overwrites the good ones.

How to do this with the tools built into Windows: the 3-2-1 backup rule on Windows.

Stream videos without limitations, no matter where you are

There are multiple parties that could find out almost anything about you by checking your online activity.

While this is highly unlikely, advertisers and tech companies are constantly tracking you online. The first step to privacy should be a secure browser that focuses on tracker reduction to a minimum.

Even if you employ a secure browser, you will not be able to access websites that are restricted due to local government laws or other reasons. In other words, you may not be able to stream Disney+ or US-based Netflix in some countries. To bypass these restrictions, you can employ a powerful VPN, which provides dedicated servers for torrenting and streaming, not slowing you down in the process.

Data backups are important - recover your lost files

Ransomware is one of the biggest threats to personal data.

Once it is executed on a machine, it launches a sophisticated encryption algorithm that locks all your files, although it does not destroy them. The most common misconception is that anti-malware software can return files to their previous states. This is not true, however, and data remains locked after the malicious payload is deleted.

While regular data backups are the only secure method to recover your files after a ransomware attack, tools such as can also be effective and restore at least some of your lost data.

Questions about Toec ransomware

How do I open .toec files?

You cannot open them by renaming or by choosing another program. The .toec ending shows that Toec ransomware encrypted the content, and only the matching key can reverse it. Renaming a file back to .docx or .jpg changes nothing except the icon, and it can confuse a future decryptor, so leave the names as they are.

To get the content back, use a backup, an unencrypted copy elsewhere, or a decryptor listed on No More Ransom if one exists for Toec ransomware. Store the encrypted files on an external disk until then.

Is there a free Toec ransomware decryptor?

We last checked on 7 October 2026, and for Toec ransomware no free decryptor is known. We check No More Ransom, which collects free tools from police and security companies, and the decryptor pages of the major antivirus vendors. A working decryptor exists only when the encryption has a flaw or the keys were leaked or seized.

Ignore sites and videos that offer a "Toec ransomware decryptor" for download or for a fee: these are usually scams or malware. Real decryptors are free and come from known security companies or law enforcement. Keep the encrypted files in case a tool appears later.

Should I pay the ransom?

We advise against it, and so do the FBI, Europol and national cyber agencies. Payment does not guarantee a working tool: some attackers never reply, some tools damage files, and some variants have no decryptor at all. Paying also funds further attacks and can make you a target again.

Before considering payment, try every recovery option in this guide and report the attack. Companies must involve their legal adviser and insurer, because payments to sanctioned groups can be illegal. If files are truly irreplaceable, store the encrypted copies and wait; decryptors sometimes appear later.

Can a data-recovery company decrypt my files for a fee?

Only if a decryptor already exists or the company pays the attackers for you. Some "ransomware recovery" services advertise that they can decrypt families with no known flaw; in practice they negotiate with the attackers and add their own fee. Others use the same free tools listed on No More Ransom.

Before you hire anyone, ask in writing how they will recover the files, whether they will contact the attackers and what happens if they fail. A legitimate service answers clearly. If a free decryptor exists for your family, you can run it yourself.

How did Toec ransomware get on my computer?

The way Toec ransomware spreads has not been documented yet, so look at your own recent activity. On home PCs, ransomware most often comes with cracked programs, game cheats, key generators and fake updates, or with an e-mail attachment that was opened. On business networks, attackers usually log in through Remote Desktop with a stolen or guessed password.

Think back to what was downloaded or installed in the days before files that end in .toec and no longer open, and check the Downloads folder and Installed apps sorted by date. Keep anything suspicious for your report, but do not run it again.

Did Toec ransomware steal my files or passwords?

We do not know yet. Nothing published so far shows data theft by Toec ransomware, but the only confirmed sign is files that end in .toec and no longer open, which says nothing about what happened before. Many current ransomware attacks copy files or run a password stealer first, so it is wise to act as if they did.

From a clean device, change the passwords that were saved in the browsers on this PC, starting with e-mail and banking, sign out of all sessions and turn on two-step verification. Watch bank statements and account activity for the next few weeks.

Is Toec ransomware the same as other ransomware with a similar name?

Not necessarily. Ransomware names come from the file extension, the note or a word in the code, so unrelated families often end up with similar names, and one family can appear under several names. The difference matters: a decryptor or advice for one family does not fit another and can damage files.

Compare the ending added to your files and the exact name of the note with the summary table at the top of this guide, then upload the note and one encrypted file to ID Ransomware from a clean device. If the result names another family, follow the guide for that family instead.

Can I just remove .toec from the file names?

You can try it on a copy, but for real ransomware it will not help. The .toec extension is only a label; the file content has been scrambled with a key the attackers hold.

If a renamed copy opens normally, the malware only renamed files, which happens with some fake ransomware, and you can rename the rest back. If it does not open, leave the files as they are. Renaming encrypted files can confuse a decryptor later, so always work on copies.

Should I open _readme.txt?

Reading it is fine if you open it in Notepad. A plain text _readme.txt cannot harm the PC. Be careful with notes in HTA or HTML format: double-clicking those runs them in a window that can contain scripts, so right-click and choose Open with > Notepad instead.

The note tells you the contact addresses, the claimed amount and the deadline. Do not visit links or write to the addresses from this PC. Use the note to identify the family and check for a free decryptor first.

Will Fortect remove Toec ransomware?

Fortect scans Windows for malware and unwanted programs and repairs the system files and settings they change, and its free scan shows what it finds on your PC before you decide anything.

For Toec ransomware, follow the plan above as well: the browser steps take back permissions and settings that no scanner treats as a threat, and uninstalling the program that brought it removes the source.

Run Microsoft Defender's full scan and, if anything was found, its offline scan as a second opinion. If the symptoms are gone after the plan and both scans are clean, there is nothing more to do.

Sources

  1. Techtarget: Macro virus (read October 7, 2026)
  2. Virusai: Virusai (read October 7, 2026)
  3. VirusTotal: 1F9C.TMP.EXE detection results (read October 7, 2026)
  4. CISA: StopRansomware (read October 7, 2026)
  5. No More Ransom (read October 7, 2026)

More removal guides

Questions and experiences: Toec ransomware

Still seeing it, or found something we did not cover? Ask here: members and our editors answer. Reading is open; writing needs a free account.

0 comments

…

5,622 members already hereReading, writing, commenting and voting. 0 verified · 347 joined this year