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. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
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Malware Removal Tool
|
User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Torchwood. |
| 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. |
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 torchwood0000@yandex.com
Пожалуйста дублируйте все Ваши письма на адрес – torchwood@66.ru
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 torchwood0000@yandex.com
Please duplicate all your emails to the address – torchwood@66.ru
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.
Tsetso Mihailov
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.
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Attention! SensorsTechForum strongly recommends that all malware victims should look for assistance only by reputable sources. Many guides out there claim to offer free recovery and decryption for files encrypted by ransomware viruses. Be advised that some of them may only be after your money.
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.
How to Remove Torchwood from Windows.
Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove Torchwood
Step 2: Uninstall Torchwood 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:
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall most programs.
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by Torchwood 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 Torchwood 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: Scan for Torchwood with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 5 (Optional): 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 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 top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.
Get rid of Torchwood from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall Torchwood and remove related files and objects
1. Hit the ⇧+⌘+U keys to open Utilities. Another way is to click on “Go” and then click “Utilities”, like the image below shows:
- 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 Torchwood 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:
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.
Step 3 (Optional): 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 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 top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.
Torchwood FAQ
What is Torchwood ransomware and how does it work?
Torchwood 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 Torchwood ransomware infect my computer?
Via several ways.Torchwood 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 Torchwood 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 .Torchwood files?
You can't. At this point the .Torchwood 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 .Torchwood files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
One way to restore files, encrypted by Torchwood 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 ".Torchwood" files (Other Methods)?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Torchwood 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 Torchwood 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 Torchwood ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Torchwood files.
Also, keep in mind that viruses like Torchwood 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.
How to 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.
