TorS@Tuta.Io Ransomware

TorS@Tuta.Io Ransomware is a harmful application that can encrypt all files on an infected device, including data belonging to the operating system. Therefore, the threat may not only take away your personal files but also make your computer unbootable. To reverse the encryption, process the hackers behind the threat offer their decryption tools. The problem is that you cannot know for sure that the malicious application’s developers will hold on to their end of the bargain. It means that you could get scammed, and if you do not want to risk it happening, we advise not to put up with any demands. Instead, we recommend reading our full article to learn more about the malware and what you could do to restore your files without paying the ransom. Also, in the text, we talk about how to erase TorS@Tuta.Io Ransomware, which is vital if you want your computer to be malware-free.

The first thing that we ought to explain about TorS@Tuta.Io Ransomware is how it could enter a system. Such malicious applications are often distributed with malicious email attachments and fake software installers. Thus, usually, the victims of such threats open their launchers without realizing it. To avoid this happening to you, we advise never to open email attachments even if they seem harmless or appear to be coming from reputable companies. Cybercriminals have means to disguise data as well as steal the identity of people whom you might trust. Therefore, you have to be extra cautious if you do not want to be tricked into launching harmful email attachments. Another highly advisable thing is to stay away from unreliable file-sharing websites. Instead, you should download software from legitimate sources only. Plus, we recommend having a reliable antimalware tool that you could use to scan data received or downloaded from the Internet before opening it.

After TorS@Tuta.Io Ransomware enters a system, it should begin the encryption process. The more files there are on the infected device, the longer this process could take. However, an attentive user might notice how one by one, his files are receiving a second extension called .[TorS@Tuta.Io]. For example, if a file called coffee.jpg gets encrypted, it ought to become coffee.jpg.[TorS@Tuta.Io]. If a user notices such changes, he could try to shut down his computer to interrupt the encryption process. Sadly, it is unlikely to happen as the threat works silently in the background, and the victim might not be looking at his files at that moment. In such a case, the malware might be able to encrypt its targeted files with no problem. The worst part is that TorS@Tuta.Io Ransomware could target all data, including data belonging to the operating system, which means that the infected computer might become unbootable. The sample we tested encrypted all of the files that were on our computer. There may be variants that do not encrypt all data entirely, as most hackers want users to be able to boot their devices so that they could see their ransom notes.

TorS@Tuta.Io Ransomware’s ransom note should be called Help Restore.hta, and it should appear on a user’s desktop. Our researchers say that it should contain a text saying that “All your files have been encrypted due to a security problem with your PC.” Also, it should explain that you can restore them if you pay a ransom. The note might not mention how much you would have to pay to get the hacker’s promised decryption tools, but it may provide information on how to contact them. Of course, we do not recommend dealing with TorS@Tuta.Io Ransomware’s developers if you do not want to risk losing your money in vain. There is a possibility that hackers might not hold on to their end of the deal, which is why we advise not to rush and think carefully.

Some users might be lucky to have backup copies that they can use to replace encrypted files. In which case, there might be no need for decryption tools. Of course, before transferring your backup copies or continuing to use the device that got infected, it is vital to clean it. In other words, it might be unsafe to use it until the malicious application is gone. If your computer is still bootable, you might be able to delete TorS@Tuta.Io Ransomware manually by following the instructions available below or with a reputable antimalware tool. If the threat encrypted your operating system’s data, your computer could be unbootable. In such a case, specialists say that the only solution is to rewrite Windows. Keep in mind that if you reinstall the operating system, not only TorS@Tuta.Io Ransomware but also the files that got encrypted might get erased during the process. Therefore, if you want to keep the data that got encrypted, you should copy it to a removable media device or cloud storage.

Erase TorS@Tuta.Io Ransomware

1. Click Ctrl+Alt+Delete.
2. Choose Task Manager and select Processes.
3. Find a process belonging to the threat.
4. Mark it and click End Task.
5. Exit Task Manager.
6. Click Win+E.
7. Find these paths:
   %TEMP%
   %USERPROFILE%\Downloads
   %USERPROFILE%\Desktop
8. Locate the malicious application’s launcher (could be any recently downloaded file).
9. Right-click the malicious launcher and select Delete.
10. Then go to your Desktop and find Help Restore.hta (malware’s ransom note).
11. Right-click the malware’s ransom note and press Delete.
12. Exit File Explorer.
13. Empty your Recycle Bin.
14. Restart the computer.