This article has been created in order to help you by showing you how to remove the .twist files virus and how to restore files encrypted by this ransomware without paying ransom to the cyber-criminals who are behind it.
New ransomware virus, using the .[twist@airmail.cc].twist file extension which it adds after it encrypts the files on the compromised computer has been detected out in the wild. The virus aims to encrypt the files on computers, making them no longer able to be opened. This results in the malware becoming the one in control with your file, and it also drops “How_Decrypt_Files.txt” ransom instructions which explain carefully how to pay a hefty extortion fee to the cyber-criminals in order to get the files back, which is not advisable as a course of action. If your computer has been infected by the .twist files virus, we advise you to read this article and learn how to remove it from your computer and try to restore your files without having to pay ransom.
Threat Summary
| Name | .twist Files Virus |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | Aims to encrypt the files on your computer system, and demand a ransom payoff in order to get them restored back to working state. |
| Symptoms | Aims to encrypt the files on the victim’s computer, adding the .[twist@airmail.cc].twist and a “How_Decrypt_Files.txt” ransom note. |
| 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 .twist Files 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. |
.Twist Ransomware – Update December 2018
.Twist Ransomware – How Does It Infect
The main method of infection which is used by this ransom infection is connected with various spam e-mail messages which are being sent out to a pre-set list of e-mail addresses. In addition to this, malicious e-mail attachments are contained within the e-mail addresses which often aim to resemble:
- Invoices.
- Receipts.
- Documents coming from banks.
- Various different types of fake files.
Most e-mails also contain convincing statements within them, whose primary purpose is to convince the victim that the e-mail is legitimate and the attachment within it should be opened immediately, similar to what the example e-mail below displays.
In addition to this, some of those e-mails may also contain malicious macros which are triggered when the victim clicks on “Enable content” after the documents are opened:
Furthermore, besides via e-mails, the .twist files virus may also cause malware infection as a result of more passive tactics, such as uploading the files on a suspicious website or torrent sites with weak security. In those, the files often pretend to be:
- Installers of drivers or other free software.
- Installers of patches for software or games.
- Key generators.
- Software license activators.
- Cracks or fixes.
.twist Files Virus – Malicious Activity
The .twist files ransomware is the type of virus which is from the file encryption kind, meaning that it aims to interfere heavily with the files on your computer to temporarily break them until it’s decryptor decodes them and they become operational.
The first actions of the .twist file ransomware after it infects your computer system is to immediately begin to drop malicious files, which may reside in the following Windows directories:
- %AppData%
- %Local%
- %Roaming%
- %Temp%
- %LocalLow%
- %Windows%
As soon as the files are dropped without the victim noticing this, the malware may begin it’s malicious activities, which begin from creating mutants all the way to displaying the ransom note with the scary message after the files have already been encrypted. After having created mutexes, the .twist files ransomware begins to modify the Windows Registry editor, more importantly it may attack the following Windows registry sub-keys:
→ 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
In those sub-keys, the .twist ransomware adds registry values in which data is added with the actual location of the file which the .twist ransomware may run automatically when your system startup.
After interfering with your Windows Registry Editor, the .twist files virus may also perform other unwanted activity on your computer, which may result in the deletion of the shadow volume copies and other backed up files via Windows. This is achievable by inserting the following commands via script as an administrator in the victim’s computers:
→ process call create “cmd.exe /c vssadmin.exe delete shadows /all /quiet & bcdedit.exe /set {default} recoveryenabled no & bcdedit.exe /set {default} bootstatuspolicy ignoreallfailures”
.twist Files Virus – Encryption
The encryption procedure of this ransomware’s file encryption is done by an advanced encryption mode which results in portions of the file being replaced with data from the cipher being used. This makes a legitimate file no longer able to be opened. And on top of that the virus ads an ASCII hex at the end of each file and the first 8B are the victim’s identifier – rather clever method for identification. After the encryption, the virus also adds the e-mail of the cyber-criminals along with the file extension of the virus, and the files look like the image below displays:
After encrypting the files on the computer of the victim, the .twist files virus also may open it’s ransom note automatically so that the victim sees it’s ransom instructions. The note, named How_Decrypt_Files.txt has the following message to victims:
Hello !
All your files have been encrypted !
If you want restore your files write on email – twist@airmail.cc
In the subject write – id-{Unique ID, also seen in the file’s hex}
The ransom note asks victims to negotiate for their files in the anonymous e-mail of the crooks where likely a decryptor is created specifically for each victim’s files.
Remove Twist Ransomware and Restore .twist Encrypted Files
In order to remove this ransomware infection, recommendations are to follow the manual or automatic removal instructions down below. If you lack experience in eliminating malware manually, security researchers would advise that you perform the removal process automatically via downloading an advanced anti-malware program, which by scanning your PC will fully get rid of all malware currently residing in it and protect it against future viruses, like Twist ransomware.
In order for you to try and restore as many files as possible, we recommend you to follow the file recovery instructions down below in step “2. Restore files encrypted by .twist Files Virus”. They may not be 100% guarantee you will be able to restore all of your files, but with their aid, you may be able to recover as many files as possible.
Ventsislav Krastev
Ventsislav is a cybersecurity expert at SensorsTechForum since 2015. He has been researching, covering, helping victims with the latest malware infections plus testing and reviewing software and the newest tech developments. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for learning new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management, Network Administration and Computer Administration of System Applications, he found his true calling within the cybersecrurity industry and is a strong believer in the education of every user towards online safety and security.
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Step 1: Scan for .twist Files Virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall .twist Files 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 .twist Files 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 .twist Files 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 .twist Files Virus
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by .twist Files 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 .twist Files 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.
.twist Files Virus-FAQ
What is .twist Files Virus Ransomware?
.twist Files 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 .twist Files 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 .twist Files Virus Infect?
Via several ways..twist Files 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 .twist Files 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 ..twist Files Virus files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the ..twist Files 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 ..twist Files Virus files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore "..twist Files Virus" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore ..twist Files 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 .twist Files 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 .twist Files Virus ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important ..twist Files 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 .twist Files 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 .twist Files Virus Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this .twist Files 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 .twist Files 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.
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.
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