THT ransomware is a very dangerous virus instance that has been identified in an ongoing hacker attack. It has been discovered during a security investigation of large enterprises around the world. It is an advanced threat that needs to be removed as fast as possible. Refer to our detailed removal guide to learn more about deleting active TNT ransomware infections.
Threat Summary
| Name | TNT Ransomware |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | The ransomware encrypts sensitive information on your computer system and demands a ransom to be paid to allegedly recover them. |
| Symptoms | The ransomware will encrypt your files with a strong encryption algorithm. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
| Detection Tool |
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss TNT 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. |
THT Ransomware Virus Virus – Distribution Ways
The THT ransomware is a newly discovered virus threat that appears to use popular methods for infection. At the moment the ongoing attack campaigns appears to target primarily large servers used by organizations, corporations and government agencies and also medium-sized businesses. One of the dangerous characteristics about it is the fact that it has been discovered during a security inspection. This means that the virus was able to penetrate all security measures and infiltrate the main servers.
This is probably caused by a direct hack attack that resulted in compromised remote access credentials. It is very possible that the hackers have found a vulnerability on the systems and used the weak spot to intrude into the servers.
If any further attacks are planned by the criminals then the wide array of popular infection tactics can be used. One of the primary ones is the use of email SPAM messages. They coerce the victims into believing that the messages have been sent by a well-known company, the virus files can be either hyperlinked or directly attached.
Using hacker-created download sites the hackers can blackmail the users into thinking that they have accessed a legitimate download portal. They are created using the same design templates as well-known sites. Along with email messages the fake download sites are the primary places where computer users can get infected by malware payloads. There are two main types:
- Documents — The hackers can embed the ransomware code into documents of various types: spreadsheets, presentations, text documents and databases. Once they are opened by the users a notification prompt will appear that will ask for permissions to execute the built-in scripts (macros). This action will trigger a code that starts the virus infection process.
- Browser Hijackers — The THT ransomware can be distributed via browser hijackers — they are malicious web browser plugins that are usually found on the relevant repositories. They are advertised using fake developer credentials and user reviews. — The hacker operators can embed the virus code into application installers of popular software: creativity suites, productivity applications or system utilities. They are made by taking the legitimate file installer from the official download site and creating infected copies of it.
THT Ransomware Virus Virus – In-Depth Analysis
The THT ransomware is an acronym for Timisoara Hacker Team which is the collective’s name. They are probably from Romania or a Romanian-speaking country judging from their name. The initial security analysis suggests that it is based on various ransomware strains that were released so far. The fact that it is not based on one single threat shows that the criminals have attempted to create a custom threat.
This means that it uses a highly customizable code that can launch various processes — already built-in or ones that can be downloaded from the Internet.
The THT ransomware consequently can feature a highly customizable behavior pattern. The most common types rely on starting up the data harvesting module first. It can scan the host computer for any metrics that can help optimize the attacks such as network status and available hardware components. It can also be used to hijack personal data that can reveal the victim’s identity: their name, address, interests, location and passwords.
This information can then be forwarded to another component called stealth protection which guards the engine from security software. They are usually made compatible with the most popular anti-virus products, debug environments and virtual machine hosts.
If instructed so the THT ransomware can carry out various system modifications. As the collected strains have been found to infect deep into the hosts there are many types of system manipulation options available. Some of the possible actions can include the following:
- Windows Registry Modifications — The THT ransomware code can manipulate the available Windows registry entries — both those belonging to the user-installed applications and the operating system ones. This can result in the inability to start certain functions, services and overall system performance will suffer.
- Persistent Installation — The THT ransomware can be configured to make the virus engine automatically start once the computer boots. It will also disable certain services and also disable the boot recovery menu. This effectively disallows most manual user recovery options.
- Additional Modules Delivery — Based upon the information obtained from the victim hosts the ransomware will be able to deploy and start other components.
- Hacker Server Connection — The THT ransomware engine can connect to a hacker-controlled server that allows the criminals to take over control of the infected machines and spy on the victims in real time.
THT Ransomware Virus Virus -Encryption
THT ransomware uses a strong cipher (AES-256) that is applied to the target data. Like other similar viruses it uses a built-in list of target data. Examples include the following:
- Archives
- Backups
- Databases
- Images
- Videos
- Music
One of the interesting characteristics is that it doesn’t rename the target data — their icons will be changed to generic White icons. Upon clicking on the victim data the users will receive a notification prompt telling them that the file is corrupted.
A ransomware note has been produced in several strains which reads the following message:
Hello. Sorry, your company’s server hard drive was encrypted by us.
We use the most complex encryption algorithm (AES256). Only we can decrypt.
Please contact us: TimisoaraHackerTeam@protonmail.com (Please check spam, Avoid missing mail)
Identification code: [random characters] (Please tell us the identification code)
Ransom: Please pay 10 bitcoins. After the payment is successful, we will tell the Password.
(If the contact is fast, we will give you a discount.)
In order for you to believe in us, we have prepared the test server. Please contact us and we will tell the test server and decrypt the password.
How to buy and pay for Bitcoin:
hxxp://www.localbitcoins[.]com
Or you can google search “How to buy Bitcoin”
If you know other trading websites better.
We are a professional hacker team, not a virus. We only take directional attacks. We know everything about your company. If you refuse to pay, we will disclose important documents that we have (file, email, contracts and many more).
We are a reputable organization and definitely not a liar. Our business covers more than 20 countries around the world. There are hundreds of companies that have successfully unlocked
Remove TNT Virus and Restore Encrypted Files
If your computer got infected with the TNT 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.
Martin Beltov
Martin graduated with a degree in Publishing from Sofia University. As a cyber security enthusiast he enjoys writing about the latest threats and mechanisms of intrusion.
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Step 1: Scan for TNT Ransomware with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall TNT Ransomware 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 TNT Ransomware 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 TNT Ransomware 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 TNT Ransomware
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by TNT Ransomware.
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 TNT Ransomware 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.
TNT Ransomware-FAQ
What is TNT Ransomware Ransomware?
TNT Ransomware 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 TNT Ransomware 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 TNT Ransomware Infect?
Via several ways.TNT Ransomware 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 TNT Ransomware 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 .TNT Ransomware files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .TNT Ransomware 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 .TNT Ransomware files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".TNT Ransomware" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .TNT Ransomware 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 TNT Ransomware 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 TNT Ransomware ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .TNT Ransomware 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 TNT Ransomware 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 TNT Ransomware Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this TNT Ransomware 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 TNT Ransomware 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.
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