A very interesting ransom virus, named Tilde has been detected to add the .~ (tilde sign) file extension to the files it encrypts. It uses a very strong AES encryption and demands 0.8 BTC from infected users. Tilde ransomware also changes the wallpaper of the infected computer with its ransom note aiming to scare off users into paying the ransom, claiming that it also uses a uniquely generated RSA key to strengthen its encryption. The ransomware also drops a .ini file and a .bmp image containing its ransom instructions. Users who have become victims of Tilde ransomware are strongly advised not to perform any activities associated with paying the ransom money to cyber crooks. Instead, we recommend reading this article to learn how to remove Tilde ransomware and try to restore files which cannot be directly decrypted.
Threat Summary
| Name |
Tilde |
| Type | Ransomware |
| Short Description | The malware encrypts users files and demand 0.8 BTC as a ransom payoff. |
| Symptoms | The user may witness ransom message as a desktop with instructions on how to make the payoff. Files are encrypted with the “.~” sign as a file extension. |
| Distribution Method | Via a malicious e-mail attachment. |
| Detection Tool |
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Malware Removal Tool
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| User Experience | Join our forum to Discuss Tilde 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. |
Tilde Ransomware – How Does It Replicate
There are several methods by which cyber criminals may distribute this virus all over the web. They include a huge investment into the latest tools that bypass standard OS defenses:
- Program obfuscators.
- Exploit kits.
- JavaScript.
- Spam bots or spamming services.
- File joiners.
All of the different tools may be used to spread the virus via e-mail. One method of e-mail attacks is undertaking massive spam campaigns to infect as many users as possible. One of those e-mail subjects may be a free upgrade or a promise of anything for free. Users have also reported e-mails from banking institutions claiming their accounts have been suspected. Most e-mails use deceptive tactics just to get users to start opening the malicious e-mail attachments or URLs which can infect their computer via different combinations of the abovementioned malicious tools.
Malware attacks by Tilde ransomware may also be targeted against specific organizations by using spoof e-mails. This means that the black hat hackers may pretend to be someone from the company and send an e-mail address to the local e-mail server to infect computers in the local area network of the company like seen in the TV series Mr.Robot.
Some blackhats may also use the services of ad-supported applications, like browser hijackers which may cause direct redirects to malicious URLs if paid to do so.
Tilde Ransomware – In-Depth Analysis
After Tilde has successfully infected the computer of its victim, it may create one or more malicious files in several usually targeted Windows Folders:
The files may have different names, ranging from completely random to names appearing like legitimate Windows processes, such as svchost.exe, for example.
As soon as it has made the malicious files, Tilde ransomware may immediately start encrypting data and create registry values so that it runs every time you boot Windows, They may be located in the following keys:
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
Tilde Ransomware may begin to scan for a wide variety of file types, primarily associated with videos, music, photos, databases, virtual drives, remote drives and other files. After it detects the file extensions it is looking for; Tilde encrypts them using a very strong AES encryption. The files can no longer be opened after encoding with any software. They are appended the .~ file extension, and they may look like the following example:
After encryption, the Tilde Ransomware drops the following files containing its ransom note:
C:\Documents and Settings\Default User\Desktop\_RECOVER_INSTRUCTIONS.ini
C:\Documents and Settings\Default User\Templates\_RECOVER_INSTRUCTIONS.ini
%TEMP%\Simple_Encoder\img.bmp
C:\Documents and Settings\Local\Temp\Simple_Encoder\img.bmp
These files have the ransom note as a text .ini file and a .bmp image. Tilde Ransomware may modify the following registry key to change the wallpaper to its ransom note:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop
The value string:
“Wallpaper”=” C:\Documents and Settings\Local\Temp\Simple_Encoder\img.bmp”
The ransom note has the following text:
→ “All your system is encrypted.
All your files (documents, photos, videos) were encrypted.
It’s impossible to get access to your files without necessary decrypt key.
All your attempts to solve problem yourself will be unsuccessful!
We suggest you to read some articles about this type of encryption:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RSA_(cryptosystem)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Advanced_Encryption_Standard
Now you have two options to solve the problem:
1. Format your hard disk. This way you’ll lose all your files.
2. Pay 0.8 Bitcoin and get key of decryption. At the end of this ad you’ll see your personal ID and our contact information.
Now you should send us email with your personal ID. This email
will be as confirmation you are ready to pay for decryption key.
After payment we’ll send you key of decryption with instructions how to decrypt the system.
Please, don’t send us emails with threats. We don’t read it and don’t reply!
We guarantee we’ll send you the decryption key after your payment so you’ll get access to all your files.
Our e-mail address: one1uno243@yandex.com
YOUR PERSONAL IDENTIFIER: ***”
Tilde Ransomware – Conclusion, Removal, and File Restoration
As a bottom line, Tilde Ransomware is a relatively new variant, and it may be a heavily modified ransomware of other viruses, like Cerber, Troldesh or Locky or any other viruses that may be sold online. Cyber-criminals behind it aim to motivate users into paying and this is why contacting them is not suggestable.
Instead, experts advise removing Tilde ransomware completely from your computer. To do this, we recommend using an advanced anti-malware program since it will swiftly and automatically remove Tilde ransomware from your computer, in case you fail to locate manually and delete its files. More information you can find by carefully following the removal instructions below. They also include file restoration alternatives in step “3.Restore Files Encrypted by Tilde” below. These are methods with which you may attempt to revert your files in case direct decryption is not available. We also suggest you follow this article since we will update it as soon as a free decryptor has been released out into the public.
Ventsislav Krastev
Ventsislav is a cybersecurity expert at SensorsTechForum since 2015. He has been researching, covering, helping victims with the latest malware infections plus testing and reviewing software and the newest tech developments. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for learning new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management, Network Administration and Computer Administration of System Applications, he found his true calling within the cybersecrurity industry and is a strong believer in the education of every user towards online safety and security.
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Step 1: Scan for Tilde with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Tilde 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:
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully delete most unwanted and malicious programs.
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by Tilde 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 Tilde there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
Tip: To find a virus-created value, you can right-click on it and click "Modify" to see which file it is set to run. If this is the virus file location, remove the value.
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 Tilde
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Tilde.
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 Tilde 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.
Tilde-FAQ
What is Tilde Ransomware?
Tilde 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 Tilde 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 Tilde Infect?
Via several ways.Tilde 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 Tilde 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 .Tilde files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Tilde 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 .Tilde files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Tilde" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Tilde 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 Tilde 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 Tilde ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Tilde 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 Tilde 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 Tilde Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Tilde 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 Tilde 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.