Tuow ransomware or .tuow file-encrypting malware is a version of the Djvu/STOP ransomware family. It encrypts personal files and demands payment for a decryptor to recover them. It’s a sophisticated infection and can be difficult to deal with. Unfortunately, unless you have a backup of your files, you will not be able to recover files for free. The malware operators will offer a decryptor for $980.

 

Tuow ransomware note

 

Ransomware targets personal files including photos, videos, and documents. Because encrypted files have a .tuow extension, it will be clear which files have been encrypted. For example, text.txt would become text.txt.tuow. Unless you run a decryptor on them first, files with this extension will be unopenable. It won’t be easy to obtain the decryptor, which is in the hands of malware operators. The _readme.txt ransom note that is dropped in all folders with encrypted data contains instructions on how to get it.

Tuow ransomware files

The ransom note explains that the Tuow ransomware decryptor costs $980. The note also mentions a 50% discount for users who make contact with cyber criminals within the first 72 hours. Whether that is true or not, paying the ransom or even engaging with cybercriminals is not a good idea. Even if you pay the ransom, there is no guarantee that you will receive a decryptor because you are dealing with cyber criminals. Malware developers are unlikely to feel obligated to help victims even if they pay them. Keep in mind too that the payments from victims will be used to fund other criminal activities. One of the variables influencing the success of ransomware is the victims’ willingness to pay the required ransom.

Unfortunately, there currently is no free Tuow ransomware decryptor available, so victims without backups won’t be able to restore their files for free. The Djvu/STOP family’s ransomware variants encrypt files using online keys, which means they’re unique to each user. A free Tuow ransomware decryptor is not likely to be released unless users’ encryption keys are made public by malware operators. It’s possible, though, that these keys will eventually be released if cyber criminals decide to close shop.

Because there are so many fake Tuow ransomware decryptors, you should proceed with extreme caution when looking for a decryptor. Downloading the wrong one could result in even more malware. Choose legitimate sources like NoMoreRansom for decryptors. If you cannot find it on NoMoreRansom, there’s likely no decryptor available.

As soon as you fully remove Tuow ransomware from your computer, you can begin restoring files if you have a backup of your data. Unless you know exactly what you’re doing, we don’t recommend trying to delete Tuow ransomware manually. The process can be quite complex and doing something wrong could cause additional damage to your computer. It’s much safer to use anti-virus software.

How is ransomware distributed?

Users who engage in dangerous online activities are more likely to infect their computers with malware than those who have good online habits. Users who open unsolicited email attachments without double-checking them first, use torrents to download copyrighted content, click on random links, etc., are much more likely to encounter malware infections like ransomware. Developing better online habits is a good way to prevent future trouble.

Cybercriminals frequently distribute malware using email attachments. For their malicious email campaigns, they buy tens of thousands of email addresses from hacker forums, and then attach infected files to emails. When the infected file is opened by users, the malware can initiate. These emails are typically very low-effort, which makes them easy to identify. Grammar and spelling mistakes in emails supposedly sent by legitimate businesses are the most obvious red flag. Since malicious senders typically pose as employees of legitimate companies, the mistakes are quite obvious. You will rarely see any mistakes in legitimate emails sent by companies because they look unprofessional.

Emails supposedly sent by companies whose services you use addressing you using words like “User”, “Member”, and “Customer” instead of your name is another red flag. Customers’ names are automatically inserted into legitimate emails because it’s a tactic used by companies to make the emails seem more personal. But malicious actors usually do not have users’ personal information and target users on a massive scale, so they use generic words.

If threat actors target someone specific and have access to some of their personal information, the malicious emails would be much more sophisticated. These emails would address recipients by name, have no mistakes, and contain details that would lend the email credibility. Therefore, it is strongly encouraged to scan all unsolicited email attachments with anti-virus software or VirusTotal before opening them.

Malware is also frequently distributed using torrents. Since torrent websites are typically not well-moderated, malicious actors can post torrents with malware. Your chances of encountering malware significantly increase if you use torrents to download copyrighted content for free. The majority of malware is typically found in torrents for entertainment. specifically torrents for video games, TV programs, and movies. Using torrents to download copyrighted content is not only dangerous for your computer and data, but it is also technically stealing.

Tuow ransomware removal

Manual Tuow ransomware removal is not recommended because ransomware is a very sophisticated infection. You can end up doing more harm to your computer if you don’t know exactly what you’re doing. It’s a difficult process that ought to be left to professionals. Using anti-virus software to remove Tuow ransomware is significantly safer. You can access your backup and begin restoring your files after the ransomware has been completely removed from the computer.

Your only choice is to wait for a free Tuow ransomware decryptor to be released if you do not have files saved in a backup. Although it’s not guaranteed that it will be released. Nonetheless, it’s still recommended to back up your encrypted files while you wait for a decryptor to be made available. If it is ever released, it would be posted on NoMoreRansom.

Tuow ransomware is detected as:

  • Win32:DropperX-gen [Drp] by Avast/AVG
  • Packed-GDT!0FA6A1219CC1 by McAfee
  • Trojan:Win32/Woreflint.A!cl by Microsoft
  • A Variant Of Win32/Kryptik.HRFA by ESET
  • HEUR:Trojan.Win32.Packed.gen by Kaspersky
  • Trojan.MalPack.GS by Malwarebytes
  • Trojan.Win32.PRIVATELOADER.YXCJQZ by TrendMicro

 

Tuow ransomware detections

 

Quick Menu

Step 1. Delete Tuow ransomware using Safe Mode with Networking.

Remove Tuow ransomware from Windows 7/Windows Vista/Windows XP
  1. Click on Start and select Shutdown.
  2. Choose Restart and click OK. Windows 7 - restart
  3. Start tapping F8 when your PC starts loading.
  4. Under Advanced Boot Options, choose Safe Mode with Networking. Remove Tuow ransomware - boot options
  5. Open your browser and download the anti-malware utility.
  6. Use the utility to remove Tuow ransomware
Remove Tuow ransomware from Windows 8/Windows 10
  1. On the Windows login screen, press the Power button.
  2. Tap and hold Shift and select Restart. Windows 10 - restart
  3. Go to Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Start Settings.
  4. Choose Enable Safe Mode or Safe Mode with Networking under Startup Settings. Win 10 Boot Options
  5. Click Restart.
  6. Open your web browser and download the malware remover.
  7. Use the software to delete Tuow ransomware

Step 2. Restore Your Files using System Restore

Delete Tuow ransomware from Windows 7/Windows Vista/Windows XP
  1. Click Start and choose Shutdown.
  2. Select Restart and OK Windows 7 - restart
  3. When your PC starts loading, press F8 repeatedly to open Advanced Boot Options
  4. Choose Command Prompt from the list. Windows boot menu - command prompt
  5. Type in cd restore and tap Enter. Uninstall Tuow ransomware - command prompt restore
  6. Type in rstrui.exe and press Enter. Delete Tuow ransomware - command prompt restore execute
  7. Click Next in the new window and select the restore point prior to the infection. Tuow ransomware - restore point
  8. Click Next again and click Yes to begin the system restore. Tuow ransomware removal - restore message
Delete Tuow ransomware from Windows 8/Windows 10
  1. Click the Power button on the Windows login screen.
  2. Press and hold Shift and click Restart. Windows 10 - restart
  3. Choose Troubleshoot and go to Advanced options.
  4. Select Command Prompt and click Restart. Win 10 command prompt
  5. In Command Prompt, input cd restore and tap Enter. Uninstall Tuow ransomware - command prompt restore
  6. Type in rstrui.exe and tap Enter again. Delete Tuow ransomware - command prompt restore execute
  7. Click Next in the new System Restore window. Get rid of Tuow ransomware - restore init
  8. Choose the restore point prior to the infection. Tuow ransomware - restore point
  9. Click Next and then click Yes to restore your system. Tuow ransomware removal - restore message

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2-remove-virus.com is not sponsored, owned, affiliated, or linked to malware developers or distributors that are referenced in this article. The article does not promote or endorse any type of malware. We aim at providing useful information that will help computer users to detect and eliminate the unwanted malicious programs from their computers. This can be done manually by following the instructions presented in the article or automatically by implementing the suggested anti-malware tools.

The article is only meant to be used for educational purposes. If you follow the instructions given in the article, you agree to be contracted by the disclaimer. We do not guarantee that the artcile will present you with a solution that removes the malign threats completely. Malware changes constantly, which is why, in some cases, it may be difficult to clean the computer fully by using only the manual removal instructions.

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