In this article, you will find out how to remove .tornado file virus and restore data with the help of an available decryption tool.
The .tornado file virus is a severe threat that demands a ransom once it encodes sensitive data stored on a compromised host. Corrupted files can be recognized by the extension .tornado appended at the end of their names. In a file named key.txt you can find a ransom message that primarily aims to trick you into paying the ransom to hackers. The amount needs to be transferred to a Bitcoin address.
Threat Summary
| Name | .tornado virus |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | The ransomware virus encrypts files on your PC and drops a ransom note that demands payment for the decryption of .tornado files. |
| Symptoms | This ransomware encrypts your files and then appends the extension .tornado on every encrypted file. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Executable Files |
| Detection Tool |
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss .tornado virus. |
| 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. |
.tornado File Virus – Distribution
How the .tornado file virus may invade your system is via email spam messages, links to compromised web pages, freeware installers, fake software update notifications and other shady techniques of distribution.
Hackers mostly prefer the spam emails as senders’ names and subject lines are easily spoofed. The emails that deliver ransomware infections usually pose as reliable websites, services, or institutions.
Common traits of emails carriers of malware are:
- Spoofed email address and sender
- Text messages that attempt to provoke sense of urgency
- File attachment you need to download and see as soon as possible
- In-text link you should follow in order to obtain important information
By opening a compromised file attachment, you automatically grant access to .tornado ransomware to your system. The same happens in case that you decide to click on the presented link and visit the web page.
.tornado File Virus – Infection Flow
Once .tornado file virus is running on your system it initiates a sequence of malicious actions. In the beginning, it may connect its command and control server in order to arm itself with all the needed files taht will help it to fulfill the attack. There are several essential Windows system folders where the malicious files may be dropped:
- %AppData%
- %Temp%
- %Roaming%
- %Common%
- %System32%
Afterard, the crypto virus drops a ransom message and displays it on the screen. The ransom note file is called key.txt and could be located on the desktop. It primarily aims to urge you contact hackers at helpcrypt@airmail.cc or supphelp@cock.li and transfer an unspecified ransom to their Bitcoin address.
Below you can read the whole ransom message:
All your files have been encrypted due to a security problem with your PC. If you want to restore them, write us to the e-mail: helpcrypt@airmail.cc.You have to pay for decryption in Bitcoins. The price depends on how fast you write to us. After payment, we will send you the decryption tool that will decrypt all your files.In case of no answer in 48 hours write us to these e-mails: supphelp@cock.li
[redacted 512 hex]
If you don’t want to lose your money and get tricked again, it is better to try to overcome the problem with the help of reliable and secure solutions.
The threat has been proved to be a new iteration of the InsaneCrypt ransomware. Happily, the security researcher Michael Gillespie released an effective decryptor for the .tornado files. We have included it in the instructions below so you can utilize it after the removal process.
.tornado File Virus – Data Encryption
Being a data locker ransomware .tornado primarily aims to scan the system for predefined types of files in order to encrypt them. Security researchers who have been analyzing the threat’s samples stated that .tornado is supposed to utilize the RSA cipher to encode target data.
After encryption, all corrupted files can be recognized by the two specific file extensions appended at the end of their names. The string follows the pattern:
→.[email].Tornado
Files that store important information like documents, text files, databases, projects, audio records, images and photos may be encrypted in case .tornado file virus infection.
Unfortunately, the ransomware leaves all encrypted files completely out of order. Your access to all .tornado files is restricted until you pay the ransom or utilize alternative data recovery approach. Some of these approaches are listed in our guide below.
Тo reduce the data recovery options with one, the crypto virus currently known as Tornado, opens the Command Prompt panel to write the following command there:
→vssadmin.exe Delete Shadows /All /Quiet
Thereby, the ransomware deletes all Shadow Volume copies stored by the Windows system.
.tornado File Virus – Remove It and Restore Files
The step-by-step removal guide below provides both manual and automatic approaches. Тhe removal of .tornado crypto virus is not an easy task as it is a severe threat that plagues the whole system. Security researchers recommend the help of advanced anti-malware tool for maximum efficiency.
Once the removal of all malicious files and objects is complete, you can continue with the data recovery process. The guide provides information and a download link of the InsaneCrypt Decrypter that is able to restore .tornado files. Be advised to back up all encrypted files to an external drive before you proceed with the recovery.
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 .tornado virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall .tornado virus 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 .tornado virus 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 .tornado virus 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 .tornado virus
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by .tornado virus.
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 .tornado virus 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.
.tornado virus-FAQ
What is .tornado virus Ransomware?
.tornado virus 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 .tornado virus 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 .tornado virus Infect?
Via several ways..tornado virus 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 .tornado virus 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 ..tornado virus files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the ..tornado virus 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 ..tornado virus files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore "..tornado virus" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore ..tornado virus 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 .tornado virus 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 .tornado virus ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important ..tornado virus 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 .tornado virus 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 .tornado virus Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this .tornado virus 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 .tornado virus 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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