Tsetso Mihailov is a tech-geek and loves everything that is tech-related, while observing the latest news surrounding technologies. He has worked in IT before, as a system administrator and a computer repair technician. Dealing with malware since his teens, he is determined to spread word about the latest threats revolving around computer security.
Tsetso Mihailov is a tech-geek and loves everything that is tech-related, while observing the latest news surrounding technologies. He has worked in IT before, as a system administrator and a computer repair technician. Dealing with malware since his teens, he is determined to spread word about the latest threats revolving around computer security.
Tsetso Mihailov is a tech-geek and loves everything that is tech-related, while observing the latest news surrounding technologies. He has worked in IT before, as a system administrator and a computer repair technician. Dealing with malware since his teens, he is determined to spread word about the latest threats revolving around computer security.
Note! Your computer might be affected by Torchwood and other threats.
Threats such as Torchwood 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
Tsetso Mihailov is a tech-geek and loves everything that is tech-related, while observing the latest news surrounding technologies. He has worked in IT before, as a system administrator and a computer repair technician. Dealing with malware since his teens, he is determined to spread word about the latest threats revolving around computer security.
This article will aid you to remove Torchwood ransomware efficiently. Follow the ransomware removal instructions provided at the end of the article.
Torchwood is a cryptovirus. The virus encrypts your files and demands money as a ransom to get your files restored. Files will receive the .TORCHWOOD or .TRCHWD extension. The Torchwood ransomware will leave a ransom note message inside a file called ИНСТРУКЦИЯ_ПО_РАСШИФРОВКЕ_ФАЙЛОВ.txt. Keep on reading the article and see how you could try to potentially recover some of your locked files.
Threat Summary
Name
Torchwood
Type
Ransomware, Cryptovirus
Short Description
The ransomware encrypts files by placing the .TORCHWOOD or .TRCHWD extension on your computer system and demands a ransom to be paid to allegedly recover them.
Symptoms
The ransomware will encrypt your files and leave a ransom note with payment instructions.
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.
Torchwood Ransomware – Distribution Tactics
The Torchwood ransomware might distribute itself via different tactics. A payload dropper which initiates the malicious script for this ransomware is being spread around the World Wide Web, and researchers have gotten their hands on a malware sample. If that file lands on your computer system and you somehow execute it – your computer device will become infected.
Freeware which is found on the Web can be presented as helpful also be hiding the malicious script for the cryptovirus. Refrain from opening files right after you have downloaded them. You should first scan them with a security tool, while also checking their size and signatures for anything that seems out of the ordinary. You should read the tips for preventing ransomware located at the corresponding forum thread.
Torchwood Ransomware – In-Depth Analysis
Torchwood is a virus that encrypts your files and opens a ransom note, with instructions inside it, about the compromised computer machine. The extortionists want you to pay a ransom fee for the alleged restoration of your files.
Torchwood ransomware might make entries in the Windows Registry to achieve persistence, and could launch or repress processes in a Windows environment. Such entries are typically designed in a way to start the virus automatically with each boot of the Windows Operating System.
After encryption the Torchwood virus shows the following ransom message inside a text file called ИНСТРУКЦИЯ_ПО_РАСШИФРОВКЕ_ФАЙЛОВ.txt or just ИНСТРУКЦИЯ.txt:
The ransom message is in the Russian language and reads the following:
Внимание! Если Вы читаете это сообщение, значит Вы уже догадались, что с компьютером что-то не так. Вынуждены сообщить Вам не самую приятную новость: вся Ваша информация (документы, базы данных, бэкапы и другие файлы) на этом компьютере была зашифрована. Все зашифрованые файлы имеют расширение .TORCHWOOD Этот шифратор полностью криптоустойчив, поэтому восстановить файлы можно только имея уникальный для вашего пк дешифратор. Смена ОС, установка антивирусов и обращение к специалистам по дешифровке лишь отнимут Ваше время. Без дешифратора эту проблему не решит ни один системный администратор в мире. На всякий случай предупреждаем: не изменяйте файлы и не используйте чужие дешифраторы, иначе Вы можете потерять Ваши данные навсегда. Если Вы всё же хотите попытаться решить проблему сами, то делайте это на копии, чтобы потом не было претензий к нам.
чтобы узнать как получить дешифратор, напишите нам письмо на адрес [email protected] Пожалуйста дублируйте все Ваши письма на адрес – [email protected] Если мы Вам не ответили в течении 6 часов – повторите пересылку письма.
В письмо укажите номер – 456789 или вставьте текст из файла ИНСТРУКЦИЯ_ПО_РАСШИФРОВКЕ_ФАЙЛОВ.txt В ответном письме Вы получите все инструкции.
The contents roughly translated into English read:
Attention! If you read this message, then you already guessed that there is something wrong with the computer. We are obliged to inform you about not the most pleasant news: All your information (documents, databases, backups and other files) on this computer has been encrypted. All encrypted files have the extension .TORCHWOOD This encoder is completely crack-resistant, so you can restore files only by having a unique decoder for your PC. Changing the operating system, installing antivirus software and contacting decryption specialists will only take your time. Without a decoder this problem will not be solved by any system administrator in the world. Just in case, we warn: Do not change files and do not use other decoders, otherwise, you can lose your data forever. If you still want to try to solve the problem yourself, then do it on a copy so that later there are no claims to us.
To find out how to get the decoder, write us an email to [email protected] Please duplicate all your emails to the address – [email protected] If we did not respond within 6 hours, please resend the email.
In the letter, enter the number – [user ID] or paste the text from the file INSTRUCTION_PROFILING_FILE.txt In the reply email, you will receive all instructions.
The note of the Torchwood ransomware virus states that your files are encrypted. You are demanded to pay a ransom sum of 15000 Russian rubles or around 220 US dollars to allegedly restore your files. However, you should NOT under any circumstances pay any ransom sum. Your files may not get recovered, and nobody could give you a guarantee for that. Adding to that, giving money to cybercriminals will most likely motivate them to create more ransomware viruses or commit different criminal activities. That may even result to you getting your files encrypted all over again after payment.
Torchwood Ransomware – Encryption Process
The encryption process of the Torchwood ransomware rather simple – every file that gets encrypted will become simply unusable. Files will get the .TORCHWOOD.TRCHWD extension after being locked. The newly added extension will be added as a secondary one, without changing the original, nor the file name. The AES encryption algorithm is used for the file encryption process.
A list with the targeted extensions of files which are sought to get encrypted is currently unknown. However, if the list becomes available, the article will get updated accordingly.
The files used most by users and which are probably encrypted are from the following categories:
Audio files
Video files
Document files
Image files
Backup files
Banking credentials, etc
The Torchwood cryptovirus could be set to erase all the Shadow Volume Copies from the Windows operating system with the help of the following command:
→vssadmin.exe delete shadows /all /Quiet
In case the above-stated command is executed that will make the effects of the encryption process more efficient. That is due to the fact that the command eliminates one of the prominent ways to restore your data. If a computer device was infected with this ransomware and your files are locked, read on through to find out how you could potentially restore some files back to their normal state.
Remove Torchwood Ransomware and Restore .TRCHWD Files
If your computer system got infected with the Torchwood ransomware virus, you should have a bit of experience in removing malware. You should get rid of this ransomware as quickly as possible before it can have the chance to spread further and infect other computers. You should remove the ransomware and follow the step-by-step instructions guide provided below.
Note! Your computer system may be affected by Torchwood 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 Torchwood. 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 Torchwood follow these steps:
1. Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove Torchwood 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 Torchwood on your PC
Find files created by Torchwood
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 Torchwood with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool and back up your data
1. Install SpyHunter to scan for Torchwood and remove them.2. Scan with SpyHunter, Detect and Remove Torchwood. 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 Torchwood
Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Torchwood
Ransomware infections and Torchwood 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:
Tsetso Mihailov is a tech-geek and loves everything that is tech-related, while observing the latest news surrounding technologies. He has worked in IT before, as a system administrator and a computer repair technician. Dealing with malware since his teens, he is determined to spread word about the latest threats revolving around computer security.
Tsetso Mihailov is a tech-geek and loves everything that is tech-related, while observing the latest news surrounding technologies. He has worked in IT before, as a system administrator and a computer repair technician. Dealing with malware since his teens, he is determined to spread word about the latest threats revolving around computer security.
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 Torchwood and remove them.
Back up your data to secure it from malware in the future.
