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 |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
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Malware Removal Tool
|
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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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.
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.
References
1. How to Recognize Spam Emails with Ransomware
2. How Does Ransomware Encryption Work?
3. How to Decrypt Ransomware Files
4. Ransomware Getting Greedier and Bigger, Attacks Increase by 40%
5. 1 in 5 Americans Victim of Ransomware
- Guide 1: How to Remove TNT Ransomware from Windows.
- Guide 2: Get rid of TNT Ransomware from Mac OS X.
How to Remove TNT Ransomware from Windows.
Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove TNT Ransomware
1. Hold Windows Key + R.
2. The "Run" Window will appear. In it, type "msconfig" and click OK.
3. Go to the "Boot" tab. There select "Safe Boot" and then click "Apply" and "OK".
4. When prompted, click on "Restart" to go into Safe Mode.
5. You can recognise Safe Mode by the words written on the corners of your screen.
Step 2: Uninstall TNT Ransomware 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:
1. Hold the Windows Logo Button and "R" on your keyboard. A Pop-up window will appear.
2. In the field type in "appwiz.cpl" and press ENTER.
3. This will open a window with all the programs installed on the PC. Select the program that you want to remove, and press "Uninstall"
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall most 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:
1. Open the Run Window again, type "regedit" and click OK.
2. When you open it, you can freely navigate to the Run and RunOnce keys, whose locations are shown above.
3. You can remove the value of the virus by right-clicking on it and removing it.
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 TNT Ransomware with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
1. Click on the "Download" button to proceed to SpyHunter's download page.
2. After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to update automatically.
3. After the update process has finished, click on the 'Malware/PC Scan' tab. A new window will appear. Click on 'Start Scan'.
4. 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.
Video Guide for Automatic and Fast Removal
Step 5 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by TNT Ransomware.
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.
1. Download the recommended Data Recovery software by clicking on the link underneath:
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.
Step 6: How to Restore Files Encrypted by Ransomware (Video Guide)
Get rid of TNT Ransomware from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall TNT Ransomware 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:
2. Find Activity Monitor and double-click it:
3. In the Activity Monitor look for any suspicious processes, belonging or related to TNT Ransomware:
4. Click on the "Go" button again, but this time select Applications. Another way is with the ⇧+⌘+A buttons.
5. In the Applications menu, look for any suspicious app or an app with a name, similar or identical to TNT Ransomware. If you find it, right-click on the app and select “Move to Trash
”.
6. Select Accounts, after which click on the Login Items preference.
Your Mac will then show you a list of items that start automatically when you log in. Look for any suspicious apps identical or similar to TNT Ransomware. Check the app you want to stop from running automatically and then select on the Minus (“-“) icon to hide it.
7. Remove any left-over files that might be related to this threat manually by following the sub-steps below:
- 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 TNT Ransomware 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:
1: Click on "Go" and Then "Go to Folder" as shown underneath:
2: Type in "/Library/LauchAgents/" and click Ok:
3: Delete all of the virus files that have similar or the same name as TNT Ransomware. If you believe there is no such file, do not delete anything.
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 TNT Ransomware.
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.
1. Download the recommended Data Recovery software by clicking on the link underneath:
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.
TNT Ransomware FAQ
What is TNT Ransomware ransomware and how does it work?
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 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 TNT Ransomware ransomware infect my computer?
Via several ways.TNT Ransomware 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 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. At this point the .TNT Ransomware 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 .TNT Ransomware files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
One way to restore files, encrypted by TNT Ransomware 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 ".TNT Ransomware" files (Other Methods)?
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% 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 TNT Ransomware 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 TNT Ransomware ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .TNT Ransomware files.
Also, keep in mind that viruses like TNT Ransomware 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.