Recently, a ransomware that goes by the name of TrueCrypter surfaced. It can disable several Windows processes to increase its longevity. The ransomware encrypts files with the .enc extension. Around $100 is the sum of money asked as payment for the ransom. RSA-2048 encryption is used. To see ways to remove the ransomware what methods you can try to restore your files, you should thoroughly read this article.
Threat Summary
| Name | TrueCrypter |
| Type | Ransomware |
| Short Description | The ransomware encrypts files with the .enc extension and demands a ransom to be paid. |
| Symptoms | Nearly 100 unique extensions are targeted by the ransomware and can be encrypted. The ransomware creates an executable file that launches with every start of Windows. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
| Detection Tool |
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| User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss TrueCrypter. |
| 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. |
TrueCrypter Ransomware — June 2019 Update
Truecrypter ransomware has been identified in an ongoing attack campaign by an unknown hacking group. This new version exhibits much of the dangerous actions that have been spotted in other popular virus releases. When the infection has been made the main engine will initiate an anti-analysis module. It will resolve both system and applications APIs and calls to the virus itself. This particular release of the virus has been found to perform many network operations by tracking the Internet usage which might be related to a built-in data retrieval module. It can be used to generate an unique ID based on the characteristics of the infected host: the installed hardware components, user settings and operating system conditions.
The code analysis also shows that the TrueCrypter ransomware has the ability to connect to a remote host in a similar way to Trojan viruses. Using this connection the operators can induce all kinds of malicious behavior, deliver other malware threats and spy on the victims in real-time. The encryption will function much like the previous versions — a built-in list of target file type extensions will guide the strong cipher into processing them. Like the previous version the same .enc extension will be applied to the victim files. However a new version of the ransom note will be presented to the victims, it is crafted in a file called ReadMeToDecrypte.txt.
TrueCrypter Ransomware – Distribution Ways
TrueCrypter ransomware is distributed in several ways. One of the most effective ways, as for almost every ransomware nowadays, remains spam emails. These emails distribute the malware as attachments. Malicious code can be inside the body of the emails instead. Opening such emails could be more than enough to infect a computer with the ransomware.
Social media sites and file-sharing services are the other distribution ways that may pose a risk. Malware-related files could be hidden around them. Preventing infection is doable by not downloading, opening or clicking anything suspicious.
TrueCrypter Ransomware – Closer Look
TrueCrypter a new ransomware, and it shouldn’t be confused with the encrypting program TrueCrypt.
The ransomware connects to remote locations and then shutdowns processes of Windows. This is a list of these processes:
- antilogger
- netmon
- taskmgr
- wireshark
- charles
- fiddler
- reflector
- sbiectrl
TrueCrypter creates two files in the %AppData%\Microsoft\TrueCrypter\ directory. One of them is an executable file by the name of TrueCrypter.exe. The other is a .xml file of the same name.
You can see a picture of the executable down here:
Image Source: Symantec
After the creation of the files, the ransomware makes entries in the Windows Registry. Those entries are made to ensure the malware will launch with every boot of Windows.
The registry entries are the following:
→HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run\”TrueCrypter” = “%AppData%\Microsoft\TrueCrypter\TrueCrypter.exe”
and the following three afterward,
→HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\policies\system\”EnableLUA” = “0”
→HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\policies\system\”PromptOnSecureDesktop” = “0”
→HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\policies\system\”ConsentPromptBehaviorAdmin” = “0”
Besides the initially created files, a warning message appears on your Desktop, and it reads:
If you see this text, probably your computer got encrypted by TrueCrypter. This means all your important files (documents, images, etc.) are now unaccessible and you will lose them forever unless you pay a sum of money to get your decryption key.
The decryption key uses the RSA-2048 algorithm, impossible to crack. Your files will be lost forever without paying.
If you don’t care about your files, just uninstall this software.
If you lost the application because your antivirus deleted it, or you need help, you can contact us on our email:
trueransom@mail2tor.com(You only have 72 hours before your private key will be destroyed, hurry up if you want to save your files!)
You can complete the payment in two ways including in BitCoins or with an Amazon Gift card. There are details in both the executable and instructions files. The payment amounts to around 100 dollars in BitCoins or 115 dollars if the Amazon method is used.
Paying, no matter what method you use, is NOT advised. Not only your files may remain locked, but you could also give inspiration to the cyber crooks to create more nasty ransomware. If they receive enough money, they also might make a new variant of the current ransomware that is tougher.
The TrueCrypter ransomware locks files with nearly sixty different extensions. RSA-2048 algorithm is implemented as the encryption process. The extensions that the ransomware can lock are:
→.docm, .docx, .dotm, .dotx, .gzip, .html, .index, .java, .jfif, .jpeg, .json, .litcofee, .pages, .php3, .php4, .php5, .7zip, .aspx, .bash, .bookmarks, .class, .config, .csproj, .phps, .phpt, .phtml, .potm, .potx, .ppam, .ppsm, .ppsx, .pptm, .pptx, .prproj, .psm1, .resx, .scpt, .shtml, .sitx, .sldm, .sldx, .splus, .sqlite, .sqlite3, .swift, .tar.gz, .thmx, .tiff, .vcxproj, .xcodeproj, .xhtm, .xhtml, .xlsx, .zipx
The extensions list might be incomplete as this ransomware still perseveres. After file encryption, all files will have the extension .enc – an extension used by the Cryptohasyou Ransomware too.
The TrueCrypter ransomware shuts down so many key processes in Windows, such as the Task Manager, so Shadow Volume Copies might be erased from the operating system as well.
Remove TrueCrypter Ransomware and Restore .enc Encrypted Files
If your PC got infected by the TrueCrypter ransomware, you should have a little experience with removing malware. You should remove the malware as soon as you can as it could encrypt other files over the network or files found on external storage devices if you connect them. The recommended action is for you to remove the ransomware and follow the step-by-step instructions provided down below.
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for TrueCrypter with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall TrueCrypter 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 TrueCrypter 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 TrueCrypter 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 TrueCrypter
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by TrueCrypter.
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 TrueCrypter 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.
TrueCrypter-FAQ
What is TrueCrypter Ransomware?
TrueCrypter 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 TrueCrypter 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 TrueCrypter Infect?
Via several ways.TrueCrypter 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 TrueCrypter 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 .TrueCrypter files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .TrueCrypter 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 .TrueCrypter files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".TrueCrypter" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .TrueCrypter 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 TrueCrypter 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 TrueCrypter ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .TrueCrypter 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 TrueCrypter 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 TrueCrypter Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this TrueCrypter 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 TrueCrypter 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.
- Make sure that real people are behind the site and not fake names and profiles.
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