How to remove TURKEY ransomware

TURKEY ransomware

Recently, ransomware researchers detected a new strain of malicious programs called TURKEY. It is based on Chaos ransomware and is a file locking malware. When it infiltrates the system, it immediately starts the encryption^[1] process. After the encryption process is done, the malicious program appends files with extensions consisting of four random characters.

If a file was previously named picture.jpg, it would now look like picture.jpg.(four random letters). This makes the files impossible to open, view, and use. The icons also turn to white pages. Usually, ransomware encrypts personal files, like photos, videos, and documents. Threat actors then generate a ransom note read_it.txt which informs victims about what has happened to their files.

The ransom note

The full read_it.txt ransom note reads as follows:

All of your files have been encrypted with TURKEY ransomware
Your computer was infected with a ransomware. Your files have been encrypted and you won't
be able to decrypt them without our help. What can I do to get my files back? You can buy our special
decryption software, this software will allow you to recover all of your data and remove the
ransomware from your computer. The price for the software is $1,500. Payment can be made in Bitcoin
only.
How do I pay, where do I get Bitcoin?
Purchasing Bitcoin varies from country to country, you are best advised to do a quick google search
yourself to find out how to buy Bitcoin.
Many of our customers have reported these sites to be fast and reliable:
Coinbase-hxxps://www.coinbase.com Bitpanda-hxps://www.bitpanda.com
Payment informationAmount: 0.03394 BTC
Bitcoin Address: 17CGtu7UkdyHnzPFRt49mxueKdAmuANMpJ

The ransom note informs users that their files have been encrypted and they need to purchase a decryption software to get them back. The amount that cybercriminals ask for is $1,500 in Bitcoin. Threat actors choose cryptocurrency^[2] as a form of payment because it is anonymous.

Cryptocurrency transactions are non-refundable so once you send your money to someone, it is impossible to get it back later. Many previous ransomware attack victims have come forward and reported that they never heard back from the malware developers.

Another important thing to note is that there is no contact information included in the note so it is unclear how victims should even contact the cybercriminals and inform them that they made the payment. We strongly advise against paying them since they cannot be trusted.

Distribution methods

Although it is unknown how specifically TURKEY ransomware is spread on the Internet, there are some general tactics that threat actors use to distribute malicious programs. The malicious code^[3] usually gets introduced by an executable file (.exe) that may have been in a zip folder, embedded within a Microsoft Office document’s macros, or disguised as another attachment.

Malicious files can infiltrate the system during “cracked” software^[4] installations. Platforms that distribute them are unregulated, breeding grounds for all kinds of malware. Almost all downloads contain some kind of malicious files and they are hard to identify for the average user.

Cybercriminals can even use email to deliver ransomware into your system. This can be done by embedding malicious links or attachments in the email. Always be careful, and do not open emails from unknown senders. Even if you received an attachment from someone on your friend list it is better to double-check with them through another platform.

Another common distribution channel is for hackers to use OS or software vulnerabilities. That is why it is vital to keep everything updated. Software developers often release security updates for newly found vulnerabilities, so you can be exposed if you do not do that. 

Ransomware removal with anti-malware tools

If the machine is not located at your workplace but in your home, plugging out the ethernet cable is enough to disconnect from the network. You have to do this if other devices use the same network because they can be infected too.

After that, you have to remove the malicious files that are performing the tasks in the background. If you try to recover your data first, it can result in permanent loss. Also, the files can keep getting encrypted again and again until you eliminate the cause. It would be best if you did not try removing it yourself unless you have IT knowledge. Using anti-malware tools like SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes to scan your system will give you the best chance of removal being complete. This security software should find all the related files and entries and remove them automatically for you.

If you cannot open security software, the code might be preventing the program from being able to function. Proceed with accessing Safe Mode, where you will be able to deploy the antivirus safely:

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 10 / Windows 8

1. Right-click on 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 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.

File recovery using third-party software

Third-party programs cannot always decrypt the files, but you should at least try it. 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 TURKEY ransomware.

It is devastating to know, but if you do not have backups, this might be your only chance at recovery because only hackers hold the decryption key, which can unlock your files.

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.

The operating system can be damaged after an attack

Performance, stability, and usability issues, to the point where a full 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,^[5] 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.

Additional instructions are provided for corporate environments on isolating the infected machine and stopping the malicious program from affecting the entire network at the bottom of this post. You will also find information on where you can report your attack. Doing it will give you a better chance of having your perpetrators caught.