TorS@Tuta.Io ransomware (Virus Removal Guide) - Recovery Instructions Included

TorS@Tuta.Io virus Removal Guide

What is TorS@Tuta.Io ransomware?

TorS@Tuta.Io ransomware – data locking virus that might make you lose your files forever

TorS@Tuta.Io ransomwareTorS@Tuta.Io ransomware is a powerful malware that renders personal files useless until ransom is paid

TorS@Tuta.Io ransomware is a type of malware that specializes in money extortion. Mainly distributed via spam email attachments, such as Zip files, this virus's main goal is to encrypt all personal files on the infected machine with the help of a powerful encryption algorithm.[1] Suchlike modified data becomes inaccessible for the victims, and each of the affected files is marked with .TorS@Tuta.Io appendix.

Once pictures, music, documents, databases, videos, as well as other files, are locked, TorS@Tuta.Io virus delivers a ransom note which is titled “Help decrypt.hta.” This file serves as a notice from malware authors, who claim that the only way to recover files is by transferring Bitcoin to a particular digital wallet. However, we do not recommend doing so, as you might end up losing your money in addition to personal data.

Name TorS@Tuta.Io ransomware
Type File locking virus, crypto-malware
Malware family GlobeImposter ransomware
Distribution Spam emails, exploits, fake updates, insecure RDP connections, software cracks, etc.
File extension Each of the affected files is appended with .TorS@Tuta.Io extension. Example of an encrypted file: “picture.jpg.TorS@Tuta.Io”
Ransom note Help decrypt.hta pop-up window, which is shown as soon as malware completes the file locking process
Data recovery options Without backups, there are little chances of recovering all the encrypted files. However, there might be a few methods that could help you retrieve at least some portion of the encrypted data – check the second section of this article for more details
Malware removal Ransomware can be eliminated by scanning a computer with powerful anti-malware software – we recommend using SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes
System fix Malware infections can render any Windows system less effective, sluggish or even result in system crashes. Thus, if you experience such issues once you get rid of the infections, you can attempt to repair virus damage with tools like FortectIntego

First spotted by security researcher Ravi[2] in mid-July 2020, this malware belongs to an established ransomware family – GlobeImposter 2.0 (also called Fake Globe). However, the ransom note closely resembles one that is used by Dharma ransomware authors, hence, experts believe that the distributor is related to both strains.

While TorS@Tuta.Io file virus is mostly distributed via spam email campaigns, malicious actors might use other methods to ensure a bigger victim count. Other delivery tactics might include:

  • Malicious links/ads embedded on various websites;
  • Exploit kits and software vulnerabilities;[3]
  • Software cracks or pirated program installers;
  • Unprotected Remote Desktop connections, etc.

Once inside a Windows environment, TorS@Tuta.Io ransomware would perform several system changes, which include registry database modification, Shadow Volume Copy elimination, process termination, malicious file injection, etc. The malware performs these changes in order to prepare the system for the file encryption process. We suggest using repair tools like FortectIntego to attempt to fix virus damage after TorS@Tuta.Io ransomware removal is performed.

A full system scan is performed in order to find predetermined types of files, which include PDF, MS Office documents, Zip, JPG, and many other most commonly used files. The extortionists program malware to look for these files to cause the maximum amount of damage to victims, hence increasing chances of ransom payments.

TorS@Tuta.Io ransomware virusTorS@Tuta.Io ransomware is a file locking virus that stems from GlobeImposter malware family

As soon as file encryption is initiated, victims then soon notice that they are unable to open and use them. This unfortunate consequence is that it makes ransomware like TorS@Tuta.Io virus so devastating. Users might never get their files back, so it is important to employ powerful security software that would prevent such outcomes from happening in the future.

To inform users, hackers behind TorS@Tuta.Io ransomware deliver a pop-up window, which reads:

All your files have been encrypted!
All your files have been encrypted due to a security problem with your PC. If you want to restore them, write us to the e-mail: ToRs@TuTa.Io
Write this ID in the title of your message:

In case of no answer in 24 hours write us to theese e-mails:torsed@protonmail.ch
You have to pay for decryption in Bitcoins. The price depends on how fast you write to us. After payment we will send you the decryption tool that will decrypt all your files.
Free decryption as guarantee
Before paying you can send us up to 1-3 file for free decryption. The total size of files must be less than 5Mb (non archived), and files should not contain valuable information. (databases,backups, large excel sheets, etc.)
How to obtain Bitcoins
The easiest way to buy bitcoins is LocalBitcoins site. You have to register, click 'Buy bitcoins', and select the seller by payment method and price.
hxxps://localbitcoins.com/buy_bitcoins
Also you can find other places to buy Bitcoins and beginners guide here:
hxxp://www.coindesk.com/information/how-can-i-buy-bitcoins/
Attention!
Do not rename encrypted files.
Do not try to decrypt your data using third party software, it may cause permanent data loss.
Decryption of your files with the help of third parties may cause increased price (they add their fee to our) or you can become a victim of a scam.

However, paying the ransom is not recommended by most security experts, as the attackers might simply take the money and never provide the TorS@Tuta.Io ransomware decryption tool that is needed for data recovery.

Instead, we suggest you remove TorS@Tuta.Io ransomware virus from your computer with a powerful anti-malware software and then use alternative methods for data recovery. You will find a full guide below.

TorS@Tuta.Io file recovery options

Once you get infected with ransomware, an automated process is initiated, which is embedded within malware's functionality – it uses a powerful encryption algorithm to lock all personal files on the system. Unfortunately, this process is not reversible with TorS@Tuta.Io file virus elimination.

Anti-malware software can be used to get rid of the infection itself so that no incoming files would be encrypted anymore. However, all the data which was present on the computer when the infection occurred will be inaccessible even after malware removal. Most users have a huge misconception about this process and believe that security software can help them open .TorS@Tuta.Io files.

So the question remains: how to recover TorS@Tuta.Io files? The answer is, unfortunately, not a positive one, as the only secure method to retrieve data is by copying it over from backups that should have been prepared before ransomware struck.

There is also an option to pay cybercriminals so that they provide the decryption tool. However, there have been numerous cases when victims did not receive what they were promised – keep in mind that these people are cybercriminals.

If you had no backups, here are your remaining options of restoring TorS@Tuta.Io files:

  • Using third-party data recovery tools that might be able to retrieve at least some portion of the lost files;
  • Attempting to use built-in recovery features, such as Windows Previous Versions Feature or System Restore;
  • Waiting till security researchers find a weakness in malware's code and develop a working ransomware decryptor.

For more details on how to perform these steps, check our recovery section at the bottom of this article.

TorS@Tuta.Io ransomware encrypted filesThere are very few options of recovering TorS@Tuta.Io virus files if no backups are available

A correct way to eliminate TorS@Tuta.Io ransomware and deal with its consequences

As mentioned above, TorS@Tuta.Io ransomware removal is not the same as file recovery, and these two processes should be treated as two different things. However, since most of the victims of ransomware typically never encountered such an infection before, they do not know how to handle the TorS@Tuta.Io virus file situation.

If you had no backups of your files and they are important to you, you should first back them all up on an external device, such as a USB flash or cloud storage. Keep in mind that encrypted files do not hold malicious code inside them, so they are safe to use in all cases. As soon as backups are ready, you can remove TorS@Tuta.Io ransomware from your machine. For that, you should download powerful anti-malware software and perform a full system scan. Note that members of this malware family might attempt to disable your antivirus, so you can access Safe Mode with Networking as explained below to bypass this feature.

Once you get rid of the TorS@Tuta.Io file virus infection, you can attempt to recover your data as per the instructions provided below.

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What to do if failed?
If you failed to fix virus damage using Fortect Intego, submit a question to our support team and provide as much details as possible.
Fortect Intego has a free limited scanner. Fortect Intego offers more through scan when you purchase its full version. When free scanner detects issues, you can fix them using free manual repairs or you can decide to purchase the full version in order to fix them automatically.
Alternative Software
Different software has a different purpose. If you didn’t succeed in fixing corrupted files with Fortect, try running SpyHunter 5.
Alternative Software
Different software has a different purpose. If you didn’t succeed in fixing corrupted files with Intego, try running Combo Cleaner.

Getting rid of TorS@Tuta.Io virus. Follow these steps

Manual removal using Safe Mode

In case of malware is tampering with your security software, you can access Safe Mode with Networking:

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.

Remove TorS@Tuta.Io using System Restore

System Restore is one of the methods that can be used in order to recover your computer to the previous state (this might not be successful is the virus eliminated files needed for this feature to be useful):

  • Step 1: Reboot your computer to Safe Mode with Command Prompt
    Windows 7 / Vista / XP
    1. Click Start Shutdown Restart OK.
    2. When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
    3. Select Command Prompt from the list Select 'Safe Mode with Command Prompt'

    Windows 10 / Windows 8
    1. Press the Power button at the Windows login screen. Now press and hold Shift, which is on your keyboard, and click Restart..
    2. Now select Troubleshoot Advanced options Startup Settings and finally press Restart.
    3. Once your computer becomes active, select Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt in Startup Settings window. Select 'Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt'
  • Step 2: Restore your system files and settings
    1. Once the Command Prompt window shows up, enter cd restore and click Enter. Enter 'cd restore' without quotes and press 'Enter'
    2. Now type rstrui.exe and press Enter again.. Enter 'rstrui.exe' without quotes and press 'Enter'
    3. When a new window shows up, click Next and select your restore point that is prior the infiltration of TorS@Tuta.Io. After doing that, click Next. When 'System Restore' window shows up, select 'Next' Select your restore point and click 'Next'
    4. Now click Yes to start system restore. Click 'Yes' and start system restore
    Once you restore your system to a previous date, download and scan your computer with FortectIntego and make sure that TorS@Tuta.Io removal is performed successfully.

Bonus: Recover your data

Guide which is presented above is supposed to help you remove TorS@Tuta.Io from your computer. To recover your encrypted files, we recommend using a detailed guide prepared by 2-spyware.com security experts.

If your files are encrypted by TorS@Tuta.Io, you can use several methods to restore them:

make use of Data Recovery Pro

Data Recovery Pro is one of the most popular recovery applications that is mostly used for lost or accidentally deleted files. In some cases, it can also retrieve working copies of ransomware-encrypted files, although the success rate depends on many factors, including how much you used your computer after getting infected with  TorS@Tuta.Io ransomware.

  • Download Data Recovery Pro;
  • Follow the steps of Data Recovery Setup and install the program on your computer;
  • Launch it and scan your computer for files encrypted by TorS@Tuta.Io ransomware;
  • Restore them.

Try the built-in Windows Previous Versions

This feature can only work if the virus failed to delete Shadow Volume Copies.

  • Find an encrypted file you need to restore and right-click on it;
  • Select “Properties” and go to “Previous versions” tab;
  • Here, check each of available copies of the file in “Folder versions”. You should select the version you want to recover and click “Restore”.

ShadowExplorer might be able to restore all the encrypted data

In those rare cases, when ransomware fails to delete Shadow Volume Copies, ShadowExplorer is the best tool to use for file recovery.

  • Download Shadow Explorer (http://shadowexplorer.com/);
  • Follow a Shadow Explorer Setup Wizard and install this application on your computer;
  • Launch the program and go through the drop down menu on the top left corner to select the disk of your encrypted data. Check what folders are there;
  • Right-click on the folder you want to restore and select “Export”. You can also select where you want it to be stored.

No decryption tool has yet been created

Finally, you should always think about the protection of crypto-ransomwares. In order to protect your computer from TorS@Tuta.Io and other ransomwares, use a reputable anti-spyware, such as FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes

How to prevent from getting ransomware

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 Private Internet Access 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 Data Recovery Pro can also be effective and restore at least some of your lost data.

About the author
Lucia Danes
Lucia Danes - Virus researcher

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