Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
Note! Your computer might be affected by Tilde and other threats.
Threats such as Tilde may be persistent on your system. They tend to re-appear if not fully deleted. A malware removal tool like SpyHunter will help you to remove malicious programs, saving you the time and the struggle of tracking down numerous malicious files. SpyHunter’s scanner is free but the paid version is needed to remove the malware threats. Read SpyHunter’s EULA and Privacy Policy
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
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.
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:
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: [email protected] 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.
Note! Your computer system may be affected by Tilde and other threats. Scan Your PC with SpyHunter SpyHunter is a powerful malware removal tool designed to help users with in-depth system security analysis, detection and removal of threats such as Tilde. 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.
To remove Tilde follow these steps:
1. Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove Tilde files and objects
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
Boot Your PC Into Safe Mode
1. For Windows XP, Vista and 7. 2. For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10. Fix registry entries created by malware and PUPs on your PC.
For Windows XP, Vista and 7 systems:
1. Remove all CDs and DVDs, and then Restart your PC from the “Start” menu. 2. Select one of the two options provided below:
– For PCs with a single operating system: Press “F8” repeatedly after the first boot screen shows up during the restart of your computer. In case the Windows logo appears on the screen, you have to repeat the same task again.
– For PCs with multiple operating systems: Тhe arrow keys will help you select the operating system you prefer to start in Safe Mode. Press “F8” just as described for a single operating system.
3. As the “Advanced Boot Options” screen appears, select the Safe Mode option you want using the arrow keys. As you make your selection, press “Enter“.
4. Log on to your computer using your administrator account
While your computer is in Safe Mode, the words “Safe Mode” will appear in all four corners of your screen.
Step 1: Open up the Start Menu.
Step 2: Click on the Power button (for Windows 8 it is the little arrow next to the “Shut Down” button) and whilst holding down “Shift” click on Restart.
Step 3: After reboot, a blue menu with options will appear. From them you should choose Troubleshoot.
Step 4: You will see the Troubleshoot menu. From this menu choose Advanced Options.
Step 5: After the Advanced Options menu appears, click on Startup Settings.
Step 6: From the Startup Settings menu, click on Restart.
Step 7: A menu will appear upon reboot. You can choose any of the three Safe Mode options by pressing its corresponding number and the machine will restart.
Some malicious scripts may modify the registry entries on your computer to change different settings. This is why cleaning your Windows Registry Database is recommended. Since the tutorial on how to do this is a bit long and tampering with registries could damage your computer if not done properly you should refer and follow our instructive article about fixing registry entries, especially if you are unexperienced in that area.
2. Find files created by Tilde on your PC
Find files created by Tilde
1. For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10. 2. For Windows XP, Vista, and 7.
For Newer Windows Operating Systems
Step 1:
On your keyboard press + R and write explorer.exe in the Run text box and then click on the Ok button.
Step 2:
Click on your PC from the quick access bar. This is usually an icon with a monitor and its name is either “My Computer”, “My PC” or “This PC” or whatever you have named it.
Step 3:
Navigate to the search box in the top-right of your PC’s screen and type “fileextension:” and after which type the file extension. If you are looking for malicious executables, an example may be “fileextension:exe”. After doing that, leave a space and type the file name you believe the malware has created. Here is how it may appear if your file has been found:
N.B. We recommend to wait for the green loading bar in the navination box to fill up in case the PC is looking for the file and hasn’t found it yet.
For Older Windows Operating Systems
In older Windows OS’s the conventional approach should be the effective one:
Step 1:
Click on the Start Menu icon (usually on your bottom-left) and then choose the Search preference.
Step 2:
After the search window appears, choose More Advanced Options from the search assistant box. Another way is by clicking on All Files and Folders.
Step 3:
After that type the name of the file you are looking for and click on the Search button. This might take some time after which results will appear. If you have found the malicious file, you may copy or open its location by right-clicking on it.
Now you should be able to discover any file on Windows as long as it is on your hard drive and is not concealed via special software.
Use SpyHunter to scan for malware and unwanted programs
3. Scan for malware and unwanted programs with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Scan your PC and Remove Tilde with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool and back up your data
1. Install SpyHunter to scan for Tilde and remove them.2. Scan with SpyHunter, Detect and Remove Tilde. Back up your data to secure it from malware in the future.
Step 1: Click on the “Download” button to proceed to SpyHunter’s download page.
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.
Step 2: Guide yourself by the download instructions provided for each browser.
Step 3: After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to update automatically.
Step 1: After the update process has finished, click on the ‘Malware/PC Scan’ tab. A new window will appear. Click on ‘Start Scan’.
Step 2: 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.
Step 3: If any threats have been removed, it is highly recommended to restart your PC.
Back up your data to secure it against attacks in the future
IMPORTANT! Before reading the Windows backup instructions, we highly recommend to back up your data with a cloud backup solution and insure your files against any type of loss, even from the most severe threats. We recommend you to read more about it and to download SOS Online Backup.
4. Try to Restore files encrypted by Tilde
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 several alternative methods that may help you go around direct decryption and try to restore your files. Bear in mind that these methods may not be 100% effective but may also help you a little or a lot in different situations.
Method 1: Scanning your drive’s sectors by using Data Recovery software. Another method for restoring your files is by trying to bring back your files via data recovery software. Here are some suggestions for preferred data recovery software solutions:
Method 2: Trying Kaspersky and EmsiSoft’s decryptors. If the first method does not work, we suggest trying to use decryptors for other ransomware viruses, in case your virus is a variant of them. The two primary developers of decryptors are Kaspersky and EmsiSoft, links to which we have provided below:
To restore your data in case you have backup set up, it is important to check for Volume Shadow Copies, if ransomware has not deleted them, in Windows using the below software:
Method 4: Finding the decryption key while the cryptovirus sends it over a network via a sniffing tool.
Another way to decrypt the files is by using a Network Sniffer to get the encryption key, while files are encrypted on your system. A Network Sniffer is a program and/or device monitoring data traveling over a network, such as its internet traffic and internet packets. If you have a sniffer set before the attack happened you might get information about the decryption key. See how-to instructions below:
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
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. 
1. For Windows XP, Vista and 7.
2. For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10.
Fix registry entries created by malware and PUPs on your PC.
1. Install SpyHunter to scan for Tilde and remove them.
Back up your data to secure it from malware in the future.
