Remove Tilde Ransomware and Restore .~ Encrypted Files

by Ventsislav Krastev | July 25, 2016 | 0 Comments AES Encryption Algorithm, file-encryption, ransomware, RSA Encryption Algorhitm, Windows

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	See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware Download Malware Removal Tool
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:\_RECOVER_INSTRUCTIONS.ini
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:

In the key:
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.

How to Remove Tilde from Windows.

Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove Tilde

OFFER

Manual Removal Usually Takes Time and You Risk Damaging Your Files If Not Careful!

We Recommend To Scan Your PC with SpyHunter

Keep in mind, that SpyHunter’s scanner is only for malware detection. If SpyHunter detects malware on your PC, you will need to purchase SpyHunter's malware removal tool to remove the malware threats. Read our SpyHunter 5 review. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter's EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria

1. Hold Windows key() + R

2. The "Run" Window will appear. In it, type "msconfig" and click OK.

3. Go to the "Boot" tab. There select "Safe Boot" and then click "Apply" and "OK".

Tip: Make sure to reverse those changes by unticking Safe Boot after that, because your system will always boot in Safe Boot from now on.

4. When prompted, click on "Restart" to go into Safe Mode.

5. You can recognise Safe Mode by the words written on the corners of your screen.

Step 2: Uninstall Tilde and related software 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:

1. Hold the Windows Logo Button and "R" on your keyboard. A Pop-up window will appear.

2. In the field type in "appwiz.cpl" and press ENTER.

3. This will open a window with all the programs installed on the PC. Select the program that you want to remove, and press "Uninstall"

Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall most 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:

1. Open the Run Window again, type "regedit" and click OK.

2. When you open it, you can freely navigate to the Run and RunOnce keys, whose locations are shown above.

3. You can remove the value of the virus by right-clicking on it and removing it.

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.

IMPORTANT!
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: Scan for Tilde with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool

1. Click on the "Download" button to proceed to SpyHunter's download page.

Download

Malware Removal Tool

It is recommended to run a scan before purchasing the full version of the software to make sure that the current version of the malware can be detected by SpyHunter. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter's EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria.

2. After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to update automatically.

3. After the update process has finished, click on the 'Malware/PC Scan' tab. A new window will appear. Click on 'Start Scan'.

4. After SpyHunter has finished scanning your PC for any files of the associated threat and found them, you can try to get them removed automatically and permanently by clicking on the 'Next' button.

If any threats have been removed, it is highly recommended to restart your PC.

Step 5 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Tilde.

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.

1. Download the reccomended Data Recovery software by clicking on the link underneath:

EaseUS Data Recovery Software

Simply click on the link and on the website menus on top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.

Windows Mac OS X

Get rid of Tilde from Mac OS X.

Step 1: Uninstall Tilde and remove related files and objects

OFFER

Manual Removal Usually Takes Time and You Risk Damaging Your Files If Not Careful!

We Recommend To Scan Your Mac with SpyHunter for Mac

Keep in mind, that SpyHunter for Mac needs to purchased to remove the malware threats. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter’s EULA and Privacy Policy

1. Hit the ⇧+⌘+U keys to open Utilities. Another way is to click on “Go” and then click “Utilities”, like the image below shows:

2. Find Activity Monitor and double-click it:

3. In the Activity Monitor look for any suspicious processes, belonging or related to Tilde:

Tip: To quit a process completely, choose the “Force Quit” option.

4. Click on the "Go" button again, but this time select Applications. Another way is with the ⇧+⌘+A buttons.

5. In the Applications menu, look for any suspicious app or an app with a name, similar or identical to Tilde. If you find it, right-click on the app and select “Move to Trash”.

6: Select Accounts, after which click on the Login Items preference. Your Mac will then show you a list of items that start automatically when you log in. Look for any suspicious apps identical or similar to Tilde. Check the app you want to stop from running automatically and then select on the Minus (“-“) icon to hide it.

7: Remove any left-over files that might be related to this threat manually by following the sub-steps below:

Go to Finder.
In the search bar type the name of the app that you want to remove.
Above the search bar change the two drop down menus to “System Files” and “Are Included” so that you can see all of the files associated with the application you want to remove. Bear in mind that some of the files may not be related to the app so be very careful which files you delete.
If all of the files are related, hold the ⌘+A buttons to select them and then drive them to “Trash”.

In case you cannot remove Tilde via Step 1 above:

In case you cannot find the virus files and objects in your Applications or other places we have shown above, you can manually look for them in the Libraries of your Mac. But before doing this, please read the disclaimer below:

Disclaimer! If you are about to tamper with Library files on Mac, be sure to know the name of the virus file, because if you delete the wrong file, it may cause irreversible damage to your MacOS. Continue on your own responsibility!

1: Click on "Go" and Then "Go to Folder" as shown underneath:

2: Type in "/Library/LauchAgents/" and click Ok:

3: Delete all of the virus files that have similar or the same name as Tilde. If you believe there is no such file, do not delete anything.

You can repeat the same procedure with the following other Library directories:

→ ~/Library/LaunchAgents
/Library/LaunchDaemons

Tip: ~ is there on purpose, because it leads to more LaunchAgents.

Click the button below below to download SpyHunter for Mac and scan for Tilde:

Download

SpyHunter for Mac

Step 3 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Tilde.

1. Download the reccomended Data Recovery software by clicking on the link underneath:

EaseUS Data Recovery Software

Simply click on the link and on the website menus on 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 and how does it work?

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 algorithm how 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.

How does Tilde ransomware infect my computer?

Via several ways.Tilde Ransomware infects computers by being sent via phishing e-mails, 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.

After you download and execute this attachment, a drive-by download occurs and your computer is infected with the ransomware virus.

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. At this point the .Tilde files are encrypted. You can only open them once they are decrypted.

Decryptor did not decrypt my data. What now?

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.

One way to restore files, encrypted by Tilde ransomware is to use a decryptor for it. But since it's a new virus, advised that the decryption keys for it may not be out yet and available to the public. We will update this article and keep you posted as soon as this decryptor is released.

How Do I restore ".Tilde" files (Other Methods)?

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% guarantee that you will be able to get your files back. But if you have a backup, your chances of success are much greater.

How do I get rid of Tilde ransomware virus?

The safest way and the most efficient one for the removal of this ransomware infection is the use a professional anti malware software. It will scan for and locate Tilde ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Tilde files.

Also, keep in mind that viruses like Tilde ransomware also install Trojans and keyloggers that can steal your passwords and accounts. Scanning your computer with an anti-malware software will make sure that all of these virus components are removed and your computer is protected in the future.

What to Do If nothing works?

There is still a lot you can do. If none of the above methods seem to work for you, then try these methods:

Try to find a safe computer from where you can can login on your own line accounts like One Drive, iDrive, Google Drive and so on.
Try to contact your friends, relatives and other people so that they can check if they have some of your important photos or documents just in case you sent them.
Also, check if some of the files that were encrypted it can be re-downloaded from the web.
Another clever way to get back some of your files is to find another old computer, a flash drive or even a CD or a DVD where you may have saved your older documents. You might be surprised what will turn up.
You can also go to your email account to check if you can send any attachments to other people. Usually what is sent the email is saved on your account and you can re-download it. But most importantly, make sure that this is done from a safe computer and make sure to remove the virus first.

More tips you can find on our forums, where you can also asks any questions about your ransomware problem.