TowerWeb is a modern ransomware variant that encrypts the files on infected computers, asking the approximate sum of 100 US dollars for decryption of the files. The virus uses a very strong cipher which denies access to the files after encryption. It also changes the wallpaper of infected computers with an image containing ransom instructions. Users who have become victims of TowerWeb ransomware are advised not to pay any ransom to the cyber-criminals and immediately remove it since it threatens to break Windows after 72 hours of no payment. If you want to try and restore the encrypted files, we strongly advise you to read this article and learn how to do it, instead of making the ransom payoff.
Threat Summary
Name | TowerWeb |
Type | Ransomware |
Short Description | Encrypts files using a strong file encryption algorithm. Asks the sum of 100$ for file decrypion. |
Symptoms | Files are encrypted and become inaccessible. The background is changed to a ransom note. |
Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, File Sharing Networks. |
Detection Tool |
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Malware Removal Tool
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User Experience | Join our forum to Discuss Locky Ransomware. |
Data Recovery Tool | Windows Data Recovery by Stellar Phoenix Notice! This product scans your drive sectors to recover lost files and it may not recover 100% of the encrypted files, but only few of them, depending on the situation and whether or not you have reformatted your drive. |
Ransomware – How It Infects Its Victims
The TowerWeb Ransomware uses several strategies to make a successful infection. For starters, it may use spam bots to spread two types of threats:
- Malicious web links.
- Malicious executable files.
These spam bots may send out spam e-mail messages, post spam comments as well as post other messages which may be comments, chat messages, and other types. Such web links may redirect to malicious URLs which can infect the user through a drive-by download or another mean (Exploit Kits, JavaScript). Malicious files can be distributed as e-mail attachments and may resemble Microsoft Office documents or Adobe Reader files. Some malicious files may even be pretending to be installers of various software, widely played games’ cracks or key generators for software.
TowerWeb Ransomware Viewed In Detail
As soon as it has been dropped, TowerWeb may situate one or more files of the following file types:
These types of files may be its malicious modules, each one of which has specific functions. These files are usually dropped in key Windows locations, such as the following:
- %AppData%
- %Temp%
- %Roaming%
- %My Documents%
- %Desktop%
- %Temp%
After being dropped, the program may modify the following registry keys to run on Windows Startup:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
When the malicious files of TowerWeb ransomware have been executed, the virus begins to encrypt a variety of widely used file types.
After it encrypts the files, the ransomware changes the background image of the affected computer to a picture which is Anonymous-themed. It contains the following ransom instructions:
Ransom Id: {ID}
BTC Address: {ADDRESS}
Email: towerweb@yandex.com
IF YOU LOOSE THIS INFO, YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO CONTACT
…………WRITE THIS INFORMATION DOWN…………
YOU WILL NEED TO USE ANOTHER
DEVICE TO EMAIL US. YOUR
COMPUTER WILL NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY
UNTIL YOU PAY.
Your computer files have been encrypted moved to a hidden ENCRYPTED partition on your computer.
You must pay $100 USD within 24 hours or $150 after 24 hours in Bitcoin to get them back.
After 72 hours all files will be deleted including your operating system.
If you do not have Bitcoin visit www.LocalBitcoins.com to purchase them.
Email us if you need assistance or have paid.
Email: towerweb@yandex.com
In the mean time, you will notice your computer will not respond to your commands.
Don’t worry… everything will be back to normal when you pay.
Once you pay all your files and programs will be decrypted, and your computer restored quickly.
Without the decryption password, you will not get them back, and your computer will not function properly.
Once payment is received you will get the decryption password and simple instructions to restore all
your files and computer to normal instantly. It takes about five minutes to restore everything to normal.
Once again… after 72 hours all files will be deleted including your operating system.
Email us if you need assistance or have paid.
Email: towerweb@yandex.com
The same information is on your desktop.
DO NOT LOOSE THE CONTACT INFO
HINT: IF YOU CANT CLICK ON ANYTHING YOUR
MOUSE BUTTONS HAVE ALREADY BEEN REVERSED.
MORE CHANGES WILL COME UNTIL YOU PAY.
The wallpaper changed by it looks similar to another ransomware, called Strictor:
TowerWeb Ransomware – Conclusion, Removal, and File Restoration
The bottom line is that this ransomware does not fool around, threating to crash the operating system of the infected PC. This is why we recommend to immediately take actions to stop It and try restoring the files using the instructions below.
To remove Tower Web Ransomware, we strongly advise you to follow the removal manual below. For maximum effectiveness when removing TowerWeb ransomware, you may require an advanced anti-malware program.
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for TowerWeb with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall TowerWeb and related malware from Windows
Here is a method in few easy steps that should be able to uninstall most programs. No matter if you are using Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista or XP, those steps will get the job done. Dragging the program or its folder to the recycle bin can be a very bad decision. If you do that, bits and pieces of the program are left behind, and that can lead to unstable work of your PC, errors with the file type associations and other unpleasant activities. The proper way to get a program off your computer is to Uninstall it. To do that:
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by TowerWeb on your computer.
The usually targeted registries of Windows machines are the following:
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
You can access them by opening the Windows registry editor and deleting any values, created by TowerWeb there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
Before starting "Step 4", please boot back into Normal mode, in case you are currently in Safe Mode.
This will enable you to install and use SpyHunter 5 successfully.
Step 4: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove TowerWeb
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by TowerWeb.
Method 1: Use STOP Decrypter by Emsisoft.
Not all variants of this ransomware can be decrypted for free, but we have added the decryptor used by researchers that is often updated with the variants which become eventually decrypted. You can try and decrypt your files using the instructions below, but if they do not work, then unfortunately your variant of the ransomware virus is not decryptable.
Follow the instructions below to use the Emsisoft decrypter and decrypt your files for free. You can download the Emsisoft decryption tool linked here and then follow the steps provided below:
1 Right-click on the decrypter and click on Run as Administrator as shown below:
2. Agree with the license terms:
3. Click on "Add Folder" and then add the folders where you want files decrypted as shown underneath:
4. Click on "Decrypt" and wait for your files to be decoded.
Note: Credit for the decryptor goes to Emsisoft researchers who have made the breakthrough with this virus.
Method 2: Use data recovery software
Ransomware infections and TowerWeb aim to encrypt your files using an encryption algorithm which may be very difficult to decrypt. This is why we have suggested a data recovery method that may help you go around direct decryption and try to restore your files. Bear in mind that this method may not be 100% effective but may also help you a little or a lot in different situations.
Simply click on the link and on the website menus on the top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.
TowerWeb-FAQ
What is TowerWeb Ransomware?
TowerWeb is a ransomware infection - the malicious software that enters your computer silently and blocks either access to the computer itself or encrypt your files.
Many ransomware viruses use sophisticated encryption algorithms to make your files inaccessible. The goal of ransomware infections is to demand that you pay a ransom payment to get access to your files back.
What Does TowerWeb Ransomware Do?
Ransomware in general is a malicious software that is designed to block access to your computer or files until a ransom is paid.
Ransomware viruses can also damage your system, corrupt data and delete files, resulting in the permanent loss of important files.
How Does TowerWeb Infect?
Via several ways.TowerWeb Ransomware infects computers by being sent via phishing emails, containing virus attachment. This attachment is usually masked as an important document, like an invoice, bank document or even a plane ticket and it looks very convincing to users.
Another way you may become a victim of TowerWeb is if you download a fake installer, crack or patch from a low reputation website or if you click on a virus link. Many users report getting a ransomware infection by downloading torrents.
How to Open .TowerWeb files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .TowerWeb files are encrypted. You can only open them once they are decrypted using a specific decryption key for the particular algorithm.
What to Do If a Decryptor Does Not Work?
Do not panic, and backup the files. If a decryptor did not decrypt your .TowerWeb files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".TowerWeb" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .TowerWeb files.
These methods are in no way 100% guaranteed that you will be able to get your files back. But if you have a backup, your chances of success are much greater.
How To Get Rid of TowerWeb Virus?
The safest way and the most efficient one for the removal of this ransomware infection is the use a professional anti-malware program.
It will scan for and locate TowerWeb ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .TowerWeb files.
Can I Report Ransomware to Authorities?
In case your computer got infected with a ransomware infection, you can report it to the local Police departments. It can help authorities worldwide track and determine the perpetrators behind the virus that has infected your computer.
Below, we have prepared a list with government websites, where you can file a report in case you are a victim of a cybercrime:
Cyber-security authorities, responsible for handling ransomware attack reports in different regions all over the world:
Germany - Offizielles Portal der deutschen Polizei
United States - IC3 Internet Crime Complaint Centre
United Kingdom - Action Fraud Police
France - Ministère de l'Intérieur
Italy - Polizia Di Stato
Spain - Policía Nacional
Netherlands - Politie
Poland - Policja
Portugal - Polícia Judiciária
Greece - Cyber Crime Unit (Hellenic Police)
India - Mumbai Police - CyberCrime Investigation Cell
Australia - Australian High Tech Crime Center
Reports may be responded to in different timeframes, depending on your local authorities.
Can You Stop Ransomware from Encrypting Your Files?
Yes, you can prevent ransomware. The best way to do this is to ensure your computer system is updated with the latest security patches, use a reputable anti-malware program and firewall, backup your important files frequently, and avoid clicking on malicious links or downloading unknown files.
Can TowerWeb Ransomware Steal Your Data?
Yes, in most cases ransomware will steal your information. It is a form of malware that steals data from a user's computer, encrypts it, and then demands a ransom in order to decrypt it.
In many cases, the malware authors or attackers will threaten to delete the data or publish it online unless the ransom is paid.
Can Ransomware Infect WiFi?
Yes, ransomware can infect WiFi networks, as malicious actors can use it to gain control of the network, steal confidential data, and lock out users. If a ransomware attack is successful, it could lead to a loss of service and/or data, and in some cases, financial losses.
Should I Pay Ransomware?
No, you should not pay ransomware extortionists. Paying them only encourages criminals and does not guarantee that the files or data will be restored. The better approach is to have a secure backup of important data and be vigilant about security in the first place.
What Happens If I Don't Pay Ransom?
If you don't pay the ransom, the hackers may still have access to your computer, data, or files and may continue to threaten to expose or delete them, or even use them to commit cybercrimes. In some cases, they may even continue to demand additional ransom payments.
Can a Ransomware Attack Be Detected?
Yes, ransomware can be detected. Anti-malware software and other advanced security tools can detect ransomware and alert the user when it is present on a machine.
It is important to stay up-to-date on the latest security measures and to keep security software updated to ensure ransomware can be detected and prevented.
Do Ransomware Criminals Get Caught?
Yes, ransomware criminals do get caught. Law enforcement agencies, such as the FBI, Interpol and others have been successful in tracking down and prosecuting ransomware criminals in the US and other countries. As ransomware threats continue to increase, so does the enforcement activity.
About the TowerWeb Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this TowerWeb how-to removal guide included, is the outcome of extensive research, hard work and our team’s devotion to help you remove the specific malware and restore your encrypted files.
How did we conduct the research on this ransomware?
Our research is based on an independent investigation. We are in contact with independent security researchers, and as such, we receive daily updates on the latest malware and ransomware definitions.
Furthermore, the research behind the TowerWeb ransomware threat is backed with VirusTotal and the NoMoreRansom project.
To better understand the ransomware threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.
As a site that has been dedicated to providing free removal instructions for ransomware and malware since 2014, SensorsTechForum’s recommendation is to only pay attention to trustworthy sources.
How to recognize trustworthy sources:
- Always check "About Us" web page.
- Profile of the content creator.
- Make sure that real people are behind the site and not fake names and profiles.
- Verify Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter personal profiles.