In this article, you will find out how to remove Tear Dr0p all files and objects associated with the ransomware and how to restore .teardr0p files.
Tear Dr0p is a malware classified as a data locker ransomware. It invades computer systems to encrypt target files stored on their hard drives. The infection appends a specific file extension .teardr0p to each corrupted file. After, encryption the ransomware drops a ransom message that appears on the PC screen. Instead of demanding a ransom payment, hackers urge infected users to play a game to restore .teardr0p files.
Threat Summary
| Name | Tear Dr0p |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | The ransomware virus encrypts files on your PC and drops a ransom note that urges you to play a game for the decryption of locked files. |
| Symptoms | This ransomware encrypts your files and then it may append specific extension on every encrypted file. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Executable Files |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
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Malware Removal Tool
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Tear Dr0p. |
| 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. |
Tear Dr0p Ransomware – Distribution
There are several spread techniques for ransomware payloads that cyber crooks prefer. Well-crafted email spam messages are used commonly. They may be trying to make you more prone to download the infection on your PC. For the purpose, the email sender, as well as the address, may be spoofed. Thus, you may believe that the message is sent by a representative of a trustworthy company or even a friend of yours. In most of the cases, the text message in such emails is written in a way to convince you to download a malicious file attachment or visit a web page. Both components may be set to deliver the Tear Dr0p ransomware payload on your system.
When the malicious ransomware script is injected into a web page, hackers may configure that page to download Tear Dr0p automatically each time a user visits it. The links that land on corrupted web pages may be spread via instant messaging services or post on various social media channels.
Tear Dr0p Ransomware – Impact
It appears that Tear Dr0p is a ransomware that does not demand a ransom payment but tricks you into playing a game it provides. However, it still remains a malicious infection that needs to be removed from the compromised machine.
The analyses conducted by security researchers reveal that Tear Dr0p is able to access the Registry Editor in order to add certain values under the Run and RunOnce sub-keys. The ransomware targets these two keys because they have the functionality to execute predefined files on each Windows system launch. So by setting its malicious values under these keys, the ransomware ensures its automatic execution each time the system is started.
In addition Tear Dr0p may use the functionality of Run and RunOnce sub-keys to display its ransom note on the PC screen. Below you can read the text message and see a picture of the note:
Your files have been encrypted with AES, using 256 bit private key
You’re really unlucky ):
You have been infected with “TEAR DR0P” ransomware, oh no I’ve encrypted your files!
First of all DO NOT remove the ” .teardr0p” from the files! This tells the decryptor what files to decrypt!Fear not, this isn’t one of those “pay to unlock” ransomware, you just have to pass the “test”
You can do one (or more) of the following)
1: Pass the “test” and I’ll decrypt your files!
2: Crack the program and find the decryption key!
3: Remove “Tear Dr0p.exe” from your App Data folder (You won’t get your encrypted files back though)
Once your system got hit by Tear Dr0p crypto virus, you are likely to hear a voice message that speaks the following:
“Your files have been encrypted with AES, using 256 bit private key”
“please cry more”
“hahaha your files have been encrypted, please cry more”
“Invaild points cannot decrypt ): Play the game and get a high score to decrypt your files..”
At the end of the attack, when your files are completely out of order, the ransomware urges you to play a game and get a high score to decrypt data.
Tear Dr0p Ransomware – Data Encryption
Tear Dr0p ransomware is primarily designed to scan for predefined types of files and encrypt them by utilizing strong cipher algorithm. After encryption corrupted files are renamed with the specific file extension – .teardr0p. You may notice it on all files that originally have one of the folloing regular extenson:
→.7z, .c, .cpp, .doc, .docx, .gif,.htm, .html, .java, .jpeg. .zip, .jpg, .mp3, .mp4, .ogg, .pdf, .phtml, .png, .rar, .sql, .svg, .txt, .vb, .xhtml, .xls, .xml, .zipx
Eventually, you will be able to restore .teardr0p files by clicking the Decrypt files button which is presented on the ransom note window. In case that it doesn’t work properly you can check some alternative data recovery solutions and how to use them in the guide below.
Remove Tear Dr0p Ransomware and Restore Files
Тo remove Tear Dr0p ransomware just follow the step-by-step removal guide below which provides both manual and automatic approaches. Due to the complexity of ransomware code, security researchers recommend the help of advanced anti-malware tool that guarantees maximum efficiency.
Once the removal is complete, you could find alternative data recovery approaches for .teardr0p files. They may be useful for the restore of some encrypted files. Be advised to back up all encrypted files to an external drive before you proceed with the recovery process.
Gergana Ivanova
Highly motivated writer with 5+ years of experience writing for ransomware, malware, adware, PUPs, and other cybersecurity-related issues. As a writer, I strive to create content that is based on thorough technical research. I find joy in the process of creating articles that are easy to understand, informative, and useful. Follow me on Twitter (@IRGergana) for the latest in the field of computer, mobile, and online security.
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Step 1: Scan for Tear Dr0p with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Tear Dr0p 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 Tear Dr0p 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 Tear Dr0p 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 Tear Dr0p
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Tear Dr0p.
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 Tear Dr0p 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.
Tear Dr0p-FAQ
What is Tear Dr0p Ransomware?
Tear Dr0p 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 Tear Dr0p 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 Tear Dr0p Infect?
Via several ways.Tear Dr0p 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 Tear Dr0p 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 .Tear Dr0p files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Tear Dr0p 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 .Tear Dr0p files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Tear Dr0p" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Tear Dr0p 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 Tear Dr0p 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 Tear Dr0p ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Tear Dr0p 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 Tear Dr0p 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 Tear Dr0p Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Tear Dr0p 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 Tear Dr0p 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.
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- Always check "About Us" web page.
- Profile of the content creator.
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