Tuow File Virus Ransomware Remove + Decrypt .Tuow Files
.Tuow is a file extension used by Stop/Djvu Ransomware family. It encrypts victims’ important data i.e pictures, texts, documents, etc. It shows a ransom (_readme.txt) note and demands money to restore your files. Security experts strongly advise against paying any money to hackers. Read this article in order to know all about .Tuow file virus along with the best possible ways to decrypt your data.
What is .Tuow Ransomware?
.Tuow virus is the latest member of Stop/Djvu Ransomware family. Cyber crooks have recently created it for encrypting all crucial files and applications onto the targeted computer systems. It blackmails the victims in order to pay ransom money. It is distributed on the targeted computer system by the means of Freeware, Shareware, spam email attachment, pornographic, etc.
This particular ransomware virus can appear on the system through P2P file sharing, Online gaming, and can be downloaded on your system by visiting suspicious websites. It uses the latest and the most complex AES-256 cryptographic algorithm to encrypt data. AES-256 is the most complex encryption algorithm which can not be cracked manually.
How does it work?
.Tuow virus Ransomware can easily assail all versions of windows based computers and compromise all popular web browsers. This vicious file encryption virus has been programmed with a very advanced cryptographic algorithm that enables this threat to encrypt all kinds of files including documents, videos, pictures, audio files, office documents, etc.
Futhermore, users will notice .Tuow file extension in all their encrypted files. If you have a video file named “myvideo.avi”, after encryption it will be renamed to “myvideo.avi.tuow”. Needless to say, you won’t be able to play that video anymore.
After encryption, it will leave a ransom note “_readme.txt” on the system to threaten victims and demand ransom for the decryption key. According to the ransom note, the decryption key is the only way to restore encrypted data. The base price for the decryptor is $980 to be paid in bitcoins (cryptocurrency).
Ransom Demand is Only a Trick
The ransom note also states that paying the ransom money within the first 72 hours will get you a flat 50% discount on the decryption key, which means instead of $980 you will just need to pay $490. Moreover, it also clarifies that you won’t be able to access your files without the unique decryption key.
As a guarantee, hackers even allow the victims to decrypt one encrypted file before paying the money in order to assure them that the decryption key works. Apart from this, the ransom note will also provide you with the hackers’ contact email address to make the contact and send your files for free decryption.
However, everything stated in the ransom note is just a desperate attempt by hackers to create a sense of emergency in users’ minds. It tries to make you believe that you have no other option but to pay the ransom. You should not contact hackers and never pay ransom money. It is not the only way to decrypt your files. It is quite rare that after paying the ransom, attackers will keep their promise of providing decryption software. Therefore, If you want to truly protect your files then you will have to remove .Tuow Ransomware completely from your PC.
Why it is dangerous?
Unfortunately, once .Tuow Ransomware gets into your PC it will create several problems. It also injects its malicious codes deep into your system and infected the registry editor. Moreover, Firewall and other system security measures like preinstalled antivirus programs will be disabled. It will also change the default browser settings and redirect the victims to phishing websites.
Your PC can get filled with lots of other threats like Spyware, Adware, Trojans, Browser hijackers, etc. Ransomware threats can also provide hackers with remote access to your PC. Moreover, this virus can monitor your every activity online and record your every personal, confidential, or crucial information such as banking details, credit card and debit card credentials, passwords, IP addresses, etc. and send them to the cybercriminals.
Tuow Virus: Threat Summary |
|
Name | .Tuow File Virus |
Type | Crypto virus |
Category | Ransomware |
File Extension | .Tuow |
Ransom Note | _readme.txt |
Family | Stop Djvu Family |
Ransom Amount | $980 in form of bitcoins |
Hackers Contact | support@sysmail.ch, supportsys@airmail.cc |
Symptoms | encrypts data, demands ransom, makes the PC useless |
Danger Level | High |
Removal | |
Data Recovery |
How to restore encrypted files?
Well, there is an easy way to restore all your important files encrypted by .Tuow File Virus, just pay the demanded ransom and hope that hackers will decrypt your files as promised. Being said that, it is neither the only option nor is it recommended by any security expert. Hence, before you make the payment you might wanna consider some hard true facts.
First things first, you are dealing with hackers, and professional criminals, who prey on others in order to earn profit. How can you be completely sure that once you made the payment, hackers will not continue to demand more?? You can’t just take them at their word. Additionally, by some chance even if they will provide a working decryption key, you will still have .Tuow File Virus in your system, which can be used by hackers in order to exploit your files again as it has been seen in many causes.
Numerous, victims complained that even after paying the ransom their files got encrypted but as soon as hackers developed a new version of Stop/Djvu Ransomware, their files got encrypted all over again and the old key wasn’t working anymore. Therefore, as long .Tuow Virus stays in your PC, and your data is never safe, which brings us to our other solution to decrypt files.
Well, this solution is gonna be difficult but it is a permanent solution. In order to protect your files completely, you should get rid of the root cause. In simple words, remove .Tuow Ransomware completely. Once the ransomware is completely gone then you can easily restore all your files by using powerful data recovery software.
How To Remove .Tuow File Virus From PC
Well, you have three possible ways to get rid of .Tuow File Virus virus completely from your Windows PC. The first option is to download SpyHunter Malware Scanner Tool and remove all kinds of notorious threats and viruses from infected computers permanently. The second option is manual removal which is time taking and especially recommended for computer geeks and experienced users. The third and last option is to take your PC to a computer repair center which is quite a good but very expensive option as engineers in the service center may ask you to pay a lot even to repair normal issues. Therefore, it would be quite sensible to make use of SpyHunter 5 Malware Scanner Tool as it is a quick, safe, and very cost-effective way to get rid of .Tuow File Virus completely.
Solution A – Remove Virus Automatically (Recommended)
Removing malware with Spyhunter 5 Anti-Malware is a very safe as well as an easy option. SpyHunter will thoroughly remove all kinds of malware and its associated files automatically from your system.
Solution B – Remove Virus Manually
Manual removal is a quite complicated process, it includes multiple steps. You will need essential technical skills in order to remove .Tuow File Virus manually from your system. If you are choosing a manual method, make sure you delete all malicious hidden files from your computer, clear your browser, and restore all the settings that have been modified by the virus.
Remove .Tuow File Virus Automatically
Spyhunter 5 Anti-Malware is one most effective, powerful, and easy to use utility that may easily detect and remove all kinds of nasty viruses and spyware threats completely from your Windows PC. Programmed by security experts, this Spyhunter 5 Anti-Malware is loaded with lots of amazing features and is capable to get rid of all kinds of malware, spyware, browser infections, ransomware, and Trojan viruses in just a few easy steps. The best part of SpyHunter is that it comes with a very user-friendly and interactive graphical user interface that allows the users to navigate all its amazing features easily hence you may remove all vicious threats from your PC without any kind of essential technical skills.
In order to remove .Tuow File Virus, you just need to download Spyhunter 5 Anti-Malware which may scan your entire computing machine thoroughly and may show all unwanted and potentially unwanted threats available on your PC. However, in order to delete this malware permanently, you may need the licensed version of this utility. Meanwhile, the good news is SpyHunter is quite cost-effective and you may easily purchase the licensed key of this utility from this site or use Free Scanner Tool.
Significant Features of Spyhunter 5 Anti-Malware
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- Malware Detection And Removal – It thoroughly detects and removes all kinds of spyware, malware, rootkits, ransomware, trojans, viruses, browser hijackers, worms, RaT, toolkits, etc. from infected systems.
- Custom Scan – With Custom Scan, you can scan specific drives in your system including external drives.
- Real-Time Protection – Its Advanced System Guard feature automatically blocks harmful threats and malware and protects your PC from severe malware attacks in real-time.
- Technical Support – You will get one-on-one customer support ‘24/7’, so if you are stuck you can just contact the experts anytime you want.
- Regular Malware Definition Updates – Regular malware definition updates provide complete security for your PC and protect your PC from all the latest threats or any serious malware outbreak.
User Guide – Steps to Use SpyHunter Malware Scanner Tool
1. First of all Download SpyHunter Malware Scanner on your PC.
Some threats keep getting back on the infected PC if all the core files are not removed. We advise you to SpyHunter 5 Anti-Malware to scan your PC for threats. It can save you lots of time and effort.
SpyHunter 5 Anti-Malware 7-day fully-functional Free Trial with Credit card required, NO charge upfront. No charge if you cancel 2 business days before the trial ends. Notification before billing and 30 days money-back guarantee. Read EULA and Privacy Policy, and Discount Terms. See more details.
2. Install this utility by clicking SpyHunter-Installer.exe.
3. Click on Start Scan Now.
4. You can monitor System Scan.
5. Click on the Next button to see scan results, then remove all the infections.
How to Decrypt .Tuow Files
This virus encrypts data with a very sophisticated encryption algorithm but victims can use a backup file if they have created one. A proper backup of all your important data would certainly be the best way to restore your files. However, in case you don’t have a backup file then decrypting data manually would be next to impossible for you. We strongly recommend against paying the ransom. There is no certainty that you will get the decryption tool. Many victims have reported that even after paying ransom money, they didn’t receive any decryption key. You can use powerful data recovery tools like Stellar Phoenix Data Recovery in order to restore your files.
Stellar Phoenix Data Recovery is a very effective and powerful data recovery tool that can restore even encrypted files. It’s packed with some very useful and prominent features. It scans PC for all kinds of deleted, corrupted, encrypted, or inaccessible files and there is a strong possibility that it will decrypt all your encrypted files in a very safe and hassle-free manner.
How to Recover your files
- Download Stellar Phoenix Data Recovery software on your PC.
Download Data Recovery Software Now
- Once Installed, launch the program and select the Data type to recover, and then click the Next button to proceed.
- Select the drive or location and click on the Scan button to see all recoverable files.
- From the list of files, choose all your desired files and click the Recover button.
Remove .Tuow File Virus Manually
Caution – Please Read
Important Note:- Removing malware manually requires vast technical skill and intense knowledge about the malware including its associate file name. Manual Removal needs various lengthy processes. Even a small mistake can cause severe damage to your PC so need to be extra careful. It would be sensible to bookmark this page before starting the removal process as you might need to restart your PC and browser several times in order to complete the manual removal process.
Beware! For the safety of your computer, you should confirm the following point before starting the manual removal of .Tuow File Virus.
- You will need technical skills and previous malware removal experience.
- Make sure you are familiar with the system process and its applications.
- You must have the necessary information regarding the registry editor and important registry files.
- You should be able to recognize your mistake and undo any damages.
In case you have any doubts or if you are unable to fulfill any criteria then you should better take the help of Spyhunter 5 Anti-Malware in order to ensure the safe and complete removal of all kinds of malicious threats from your PC. If you wish to continue with the manual method close all running applications and follow the below instructions carefully.
Start Pc in Safe Mode With Networking
- First of all, Restart your Windows system.
- Open Boot menu by pressing F8 button.
- You may see three different options in Boot menu.
- Use the arrow keys and choose “Safe Mode With Networking” option and press Enter.
End Malicious Process From Task Manager
- Press Win + R keys to open Run box.
- Enter “tskmgr” in Run and then click OK button.
- Find and select all malicious processes related to .Tuow File Virus.
- Right-click on the malicious process and then click End process.
Uninstall .Tuow Virus From Control Panel
- Press Windows key + R button on your keyboard.
- Type appwiz.cpl in Run window and then click OK button.
- Now Program and Feature window will appear on your system screen.
- Find .Tuow File Virus related program and then click on Uninstall button.
Some threats keep getting back on the infected PC if all the core files are not removed. We advise you to SpyHunter 5 Anti-Malware to scan your PC for threats. It can save you lots of time and effort.
SpyHunter 5 Anti-Malware 7-day fully-functional Free Trial with Credit card required, NO charge upfront. No charge if you cancel 2 business days before the trial ends. Notification before billing and 30 days money back guarantee. Read EULA and Privacy Policy, and Discount Terms. See more details.
Remove Virus From Browsers
Note – .Tuow File Virus infects your browser, downloads malicious extensions, modifies settings, alters the homepage, changes the search engine, and takes complete control over your web browser. In order to remove this malware completely from your browser, you will need to go through multiple steps and make sure all your browsers are completely virus free.
However, it has been seen that malware like this often comes back even after following all the removal steps. If you are facing such an issue then better opt for professional assistance. You can download SpyHunter Malware Scanner to completely get rid of this notorious virus from your PC. It not only removes viruses from browsers but also deletes all hidden malicious files and codes from the infected system. If you are not sure you can follow through with all the steps then you should better take the help of SpyHunter Malware Scanner Tool in order to detect and remove all malicious threats completely from your PC.
From Google Chrome
Remove Malicious Extension
- Open Chrome Click on Menu (⋮) icon, and select More Tools, Find Extensions.
- Search and remove all extensions related to .Tuow File Virus.
Reset Browser Settings
- Inside Chrome, click on Menu (⋮) icon, and select Settings.
- Look for Show Advance Settings option.
- Scroll down to the end of Advanced Setting page, you should see the Reset Settings button.
- Click the Reset button and restart your web browser.
From Mozilla Firefox
Remove Malicious Extension
- After opening Firefox browser, Click on Menu (☰) icon and select Add-ons.
- Remove all unwanted and unknown extensions that may seem to be related to .Tuow File Virus.
Reset Browser Settings
- Once you start Firefox, go to the upper right corner and hit on Menu (☰) icon.
- Click on the Help option from the drop-down menu.
- You should see a “Troubleshooting Information” option, click on it.
- Right-click “Refresh Firefox” button on the Troubleshooting Information page.
- Finally hit “Refresh Firefox” button when the dialog box may appear on your screen.
From MS Edge
Remove Malicious Extension
- After opening Microsoft Edge, Click More Option (⋯) icon, and select Settings, Choose Extensions.
- Click on .Tuow File Virus related extension and hit uninstall button.
Remove Malicious Extension
- Open Microsoft Edge browser and select More (⋯) on the address bar.
- Click on the Settings option and then hit the Reset Settings option.
- Click on Restore settings to their default values, under Reset Settings option.
- Click Reset to confirm.
From Internet Explorer
Remove Malicious Extension
- Start I.E Browser Click on Gear icon and select Manage Add-ons.
- Click on .Tuow File Virus related extension and press disable button.
Remove Malicious Extension
- Launch IE browser and then Click on Settings menu.
- Now select “Internet option” from the drop-down menu.
- Select “Advanced tab” and then click on “Reset” button.
- Check out the “Delete personal settings” box and click on “Reset” button.
- Hit the “Close” button hence restart your Internet, Explorer.
Delete .Tuow File Virus From Registry Entries
- Click Win + R keys at the same time to open Run window.
- Type ”regedit” and then press OK button.
- Windows Registry Editor will appear on your system screen.
- Search all related registry files related to .Tuow File Virus:
HKEY_HILDA_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\msmpeng.exe “Debugger” = ‘svchost.exe’
HKEY_HILDA_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\msseces.exe “Debugger” = ‘svchost.exe’
HKEY_HILDA_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall
HKEY_HILDA_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Uninstall\”Virus”
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings “WarnOnHTTPSToHTTPRedirect” = ’0′
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run “xas”
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Virus
Some threats keep getting back on the infected PC if all the core files are not removed. We advise you to SpyHunter 5 Anti-Malware to scan your PC for threats. It can save you lots of time and effort.
SpyHunter 5 Anti-Malware 7-day fully-functional Free Trial with Credit card required, NO charge upfront. No charge if you cancel 2 business days before the trial ends. Notification before billing and 30 days money back guarantee. Read EULA and Privacy Policy, and Discount Terms. See more details.