The Taoy virus, known as a ransomware infection, belongs to the STOP family. This malware family is famous for its malicious file encryption capabilities. When the Taoy virus infects a computer, it scans the system for files like documents, videos, photos, and more. It changes the file structure and appends the “.taoy” extension to each encrypted file, making them unusable without the decryptor.
Taoy Virus Overview
Taoy
Taoy malware belongs to ransomware that originates from the DJVU/STOP ransomware family. Its primary purpose is to cipher all of your files it can reach. Then, ransomware virus asks its victims for a ransom payment – ($490 – $980) in Bitcoin.
The Taoy virus is a malicious program that encrypts your files and makes you pay for their recovery. This malware encrypts various file types. ciphered files can be identified by a distinct “.taoy” extension. As a result, the files touched by ransomware become inaccessible and unusable.
Subsequently, the ransomware asks for a ransom payment in Bitcoin from its victims, ranging from $490 to $980. Usually, a ransom text file is named as “_readme.txt“.
Taoy Ransomware operates by Salsa20 encryption algorithms to scramble the contents of the targeted files. Since Taoy virus employs such a strong ciphering method, it becomes pretty hard, if even possible, to pick the decryption key without the assistance of the attackers.
Once Taoy malware finishes the encryption, it shows a ransom note to the victim, asking for a ransom payment in exchange for the decryption key. The ransom note provides instructions on the ways of making the payment and often includes threats of data loss or ransom amounts surge if the ransom is not paid within a specified timeframe.
I have created an all-encompassing list of potential solutions, tips, and approaches to disable the Taoy ransomware and decrypt and recover your files. There are situations when you can recover the files, while sometimes, it may be impossible.
Important Note!
It is important to say that paying the ransom is not a guarantee of the successful files recovery. The crooks who stand behind the Taoy virus are not trustworthy. There were the cases where people have paid the ransom, only to be denied by the cybercriminals with the decryption key provision.
Taoy employs a unique key for every victim, with one exception:
- If Taoy fails to establish a connection with its command and control server (C&C Server) before starting the encryption process, it resorts to using offline keys. This key is the same for all users, allowing for the decryption of files encrypted by the ransomware.
The Taoy virus bears resemblance to other DJVU ransomware samples like Yytw, Yyza, Tasa, and Poaz. This virus encrypts a wide range of common file types and appends its distinct “.taoy” extension to all files. For instance, a file named “1.jpg” would be altered to “1.jpg.taoy” and “2.png” to “2.png.taoy“.
After successful encryption, malware spawns a special text file named “_readme.txt” and places it in every folder containing the encrypted files. It also adds the readme file to the desktop, so the victim will not miss its appearance even without opening folders.
The image below provides a visual representation of files with the “taoy” extension:
Encrypted Files by STOP/DJVU Ransomware
| Name | Taoy Virus |
| Ransomware familyMy files are encrypted by ransomware, what should I do now?' data-wpel-link="internal" target="_self" rel="follow">1 | DJVU/STOPAbout DJVU (STOP) Ransomware.' data-wpel-link="internal" target="_self" rel="follow">2 ransomware |
| Extension | .taoy |
| Ransomware note | _readme.txt |
| Ransom | From $490 to $980 (in Bitcoins) |
| Contact | [email protected], [email protected] |
| Detection | VirTool:Win32/CeeInject!KC Virus Removal, Trojan-Ransom.Win32.Blocker.ikgf Virus Removal, Win32/Filecoder.Spacecolon.A Virus Removal |
| Symptoms |
|
| Fix Tool |
To remove possible malware infections, scan your PC:
6-day free trial available. |
This message asking payment is for restore files via decryption key:
_readme.txt (STOP/DJVU Ransomware) – The alarming alert requesting users to pay the ransom to decrypt the encrypted data contains these annoying admonitions.
Taoy ransomware arrives as a set of operations that are used to perform certain activities on a victim’s Computer. One of the initial processes being launched is winupdate.exe, a deceptive process that shows a false Windows update notification during the attack. This is meant to convince the victim that a sudden system slowdown is caused by a Windows update.
Simultaneously, the ransomware runs another process (named as 4 random chars) which initiates scanning the PC for target files and ciphering them. Next, the ransomware deletes Volume Shadow Copies from the system using the following CMD command:
vssadmin.exe Delete Shadows /All /Quiet
Once deleted, it becomes virtually impossible to retrieve the previous computer state using System Restore Points. The problem is, ransomware operators are getting rid of any built-in Windows methods that could help the victim to regain files for free. In addition, the hackers modify the Windows HOSTS file by appending a list of domains to it and linking them to the localhost IP. As a result, the victim will witness a DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error when trying to open one of the listed websites.
We noticed that ransomware endeavors to restrict websites that promote various how-to guides for computer users. It is evident that by hindering specific domains, the crooks are attempting to prevent the victim from connecting to relevant and helpful ransomware-attack-related information online. The virus also stores two .txt files on the victim’s computer that present details related to the attack – the victim’s public key and personal ID. These two files are named bowsakkdestx.txt and PersonalID.txt.
After all these changes, the malware doesn’t stop. Variants of STOP/DJVU tend to deploy Vidar password-stealing Trojan on compromised systems. This threat has an extensive list of capabilities, including:
- Gathering sensitive data by running malicious software on the victim’s computer.
- Acquiring unauthorized login credentials of Steam, Telegram, and Skype accounts.
- Manipulating and viewing files on the victim’s computer without their knowledge.
- Stealing cryptocurrency wallets from the victim’s system.
- Granting the hackers remote control over the victim’s computer for various malicious activities.
- Extracting sensitive information such as browser cookies, saved passwords, and browsing history.
The cryptography algorithm used by DJVU/STOP virus is AES-256. So, if your data got encrypted with an online decryption key, the chances to get your files back without paying the ransom are quite low. Thing is, this key is unique for each victim, and picking it will take too much time.
Retrieving the online key in another way is also nearly impossible. It is stored on a command server owned by the hackers who spread the Taoy malware. For receiving decrypting code the payment should be $980. To get the payment details, the victims should contact the hackers by email ([email protected]).
The message by the ransomware states the following information:
ATTENTION! Don't worry, you can return all your files! All your files like photos, databases, documents and other important are encrypted with strongest encryption and unique key. The only method of recovering files is to purchase decrypt tool and unique key for you. This software will decrypt all your encrypted files. What guarantees you have? You can send one of your encrypted file from your PC and we decrypt it for free. But we can decrypt only 1 file for free. File must not contain valuable information. You can get and look video overview decrypt tool: https://we.tl/t-WJa63R98Ku Price of private key and decrypt software is $980. Discount 50% available if you contact us first 72 hours, that's price for you is $490. Please note that you'll never restore your data without payment. Check your e-mail "Spam" or "Junk" folder if you don't get answer more than 6 hours. To get this software you need write on our e-mail: [email protected] Reserve e-mail address to contact us: [email protected] Your personal ID: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Do not pay the ransom!
Please, try to use the available backups, or Decrypter tool
_readme.txt file also states that the computer user should contact the hackers’ representatives within 72 hours after the attack. If user contacts hackers during 72 hours, hackers grant a 50% discount. Thus the ransom amount will be minimized down to $490.
Yet, stay away from paying off the ransom! I highly recommend that you to avoid contacting these fraudsters and do not pay. A highly effective solution to retrieve the lost data is just using the available backups, or using Decrypter tool from Emsisoft.
The uniqueness of all such viruses is the application a similar set of actions for decryption key generation. Thus, unless the ransomware is still in development or possesses with some hard-to-track flaws, manually recovering the ciphered data is a thing you can’t perform. The sole remedy to prevent the loss of your valuable data is to regularly make backups of your important files.
Keep in mind that even if you do preserve such backups regularly, they should be placed into a specific location without loitering, not being connected to your main workstation. For instance, the backup may be kept on the USB flash drive or some optional external hard drive storage. Optionally, you may turn to the help of online (cloud) information storage.
It goes without saying, when you keep your backup data on your common device, it may be encrypted together with your files. For this reason, placing the backup on your computer’s disk is surely not a wise idea.
How I was infected?
Ransomware has a various methods to built into your system. But it doesn’t really matter what way had place in your case.
Ransomware attack following a successful phishing attempt.
- Using online free hosting resources as a means to distribute the virus undetected.
- Disguising the virus installer alongside various apps, particularly those offered as freeware or shareware.
- Spreading the virus through spam emails containing deceptive links that lead to its installation.
- Obtaining pirated software from illegal peer-to-peer (P2P) resources, exposing users to potential malware threats.
Some incidents occurred when the Taoy virus was disguised as some legitimate procedure, for example, the messages demanding to install a browser update or a vastly needed codec for online media playback. This is usually the way how some online deceptions aim to force you into installing the ransomware manually, by actually making you directly involve in this process.
Surely, the fraudulent update alert will not indicate that you are going to actually inject the virus. This process will be disguised under some alert stating that you need to install an urgent security update or some dubious program whatsoever.
Undoubtedly, the software cracks represent the harm as well. Using P2P is both illegal and may end up with the injection of severe malware, including the Taoy ransomware.
To sum up, what can you do to prevent the penetration of the ransomware into your PC? Even though there is no 100% guarantee to thwart your PC from getting infected, there are certain tips I want to give you to avert the Taoy penetration. You must be vigilant while using free software today.
Verify you always read what the installer offers aside from the main free program. Stay away from opening dubious email attachments. Do not run files from the unknown recipients. Certainly, your current anti-malware software must always be updated.
The malware does not show itself openly. It will not be mentioned in the list of your available programs. Instead, it will be masked under some malevolent process running consistently in the background, that starts at the moment when you start your computer.
How To Remove Ransomware?
Remove Taoy Virus with Gridinsoft Anti-Malware
We have also been using this software on our systems ever since, and it has always been successful in detecting viruses. It has blocked the most common Ransomware as shown from our tests with the software, and we assure you that it can remove Taoy Virus as well as other malware hiding on your computer.
To use Gridinsoft for remove malicious threats, follow the steps below:
1. Begin by downloading Gridinsoft Anti-Malware, accessible via the blue button below or directly from the official website gridinsoft.com.
2.Once the Gridinsoft setup file (setup-gridinsoft-fix.exe) is downloaded, execute it by clicking on the file.
3.Follow the installation setup wizard's instructions diligently.
4. Access the "Scan Tab" on the application's start screen and launch a comprehensive "Full Scan" to examine your entire computer. This inclusive scan encompasses the memory, startup items, the registry, services, drivers, and all files, ensuring that it detects malware hidden in all possible locations.
Be patient, as the scan duration depends on the number of files and your computer's hardware capabilities. Use this time to relax or attend to other tasks.
5. Upon completion, Anti-Malware will present a detailed report containing all the detected malicious items and threats on your PC.
6. Select all the identified items from the report and confidently click the "Clean Now" button. This action will safely remove the malicious files from your computer, transferring them to the secure quarantine zone of the anti-malware program to prevent any further harmful actions.
8. If prompted, restart your computer to finalize the full system scan procedure. This step is crucial to ensure thorough removal of any remaining threats. After the restart, Gridinsoft Anti-Malware will open and display a message confirming the completion of the scan.
Remember Gridinsoft offers a 6-day free trial. This means you can take advantage of the trial period at no cost to experience the full benefits of the software and prevent any future malware infections on your system. Embrace this opportunity to fortify your computer's security without any financial commitment.
Trojan Killer for "Taoy Virus" removal on locked PC
In situations where it becomes impossible to download antivirus applications directly onto the infected computer due to malware blocking access to websites, an alternative solution is to utilize the Trojan Killer application.
There is a really little number of security tools that are able to be set up on the USB drives, and antiviruses that can do so in most cases require to obtain quite an expensive license. For this instance, I can recommend you to use another solution of GridinSoft - Trojan Killer Portable. It has a 14-days cost-free trial mode that offers the entire features of the paid version. This term will definitely be 100% enough to wipe malware out.
Trojan Killer is a valuable tool in your cybersecurity arsenal, helping you to effectively remove malware from infected computers. Now, we will walk you through the process of using Trojan Killer from a USB flash drive to scan and remove malware on an infected PC. Remember, always obtain permission to scan and remove malware from a computer that you do not own.
Step 1: Download & Install Trojan Killer on a Clean Computer:
1. Go to the official GridinSoft website (gridinsoft.com) and download Trojan Killer to a computer that is not infected.
2. Insert a USB flash drive into this computer.
3. Install Trojan Killer to the "removable drive" following the on-screen instructions.
4. Once the installation is complete, launch Trojan Killer.
Step 2: Update Signature Databases:
5. After launching Trojan Killer, ensure that your computer is connected to the Internet.
6. Click "Update" icon to download the latest signature databases, which will ensure the tool can detect the most recent threats.
Step 3: Scan the Infected PC:
7. Safely eject the USB flash drive from the clean computer.
8. Boot the infected computer to the Safe Mode.
9. Insert the USB flash drive.
10. Run tk.exe
11. Once the program is open, click on "Full Scan" to begin the malware scanning process.
Step 4: Remove Found Threats:
12. After the scan is complete, Trojan Killer will display a list of detected threats.
13. Click on "Cure PC!" to remove the identified malware from the infected PC.
14. Follow any additional on-screen prompts to complete the removal process.
Step 5: Restart Your Computer:
15. Once the threats are removed, click on "Restart PC" to reboot your computer.
16. Remove the USB flash drive from the infected computer.
Congratulations on effectively removing Taoy Virus and the concealed threats from your computer! You can now have peace of mind, knowing that they won't resurface again. Thanks to Gridinsoft's capabilities and commitment to cybersecurity, your system is now protected.
Video Guide
How To Decrypt .taoy Files?
How to restore big files?
Try removing .taoy extension on a few big files and opening them. This malware has issues with large files encryption. Either the virus scanned and did not lock the file, or it failed and did not add the filemarker. If your files are very large (2GB+), such a situation is highly probable. Please, let me know in comments if that will work for you.
The newest extensions released around the end of August 2019 after the criminals made changes. This includes Yytw, Yyza, Popn etc.
As a consequence of the modifications made by the criminals, STOPDecrypter is no longer backed. It has been replaced with the Emsisoft Decryptor for STOP Djvu Ransomware developed by Emsisoft.
You can download free decryption tool here: Decryptor for STOP Djvu.
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Download and run decryption tool.
Start downloading the decryption tool.
Make sure to launch the decryption utility as an administrator. You need to agree with the license terms that will come up. For this purpose, click on the “Yes” button:
As soon as you accept the license terms, the main decryptor user interface comes up:
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Select folders for decryption.
Based on the default configurations, the decryptor will automatically choose the available directories in order to decrypt the currently available drives (the connected ones), including the network drives. You can choose other locations with the “Add” button.
Decryptors generally propose several options depending on the specific malware family. The existing possible options are displayed in the Options tab and can be turned on or turned off there. You may find a comprehensive list of the currently active Options below.
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Click on the “Decrypt” button.
As soon as you add all the desired locations for decryption into the list, click on the “Decrypt” button in order to initiate the decryption procedure.
Note that the main screen may turn you to a status view, letting you know of the active process and the decryption statistics of your data:
The decryptor will notify you as soon as the decryption procedure is completed. If you need the report for your personal papers, you can save it by choosing the “Save log” button. Note that it is also possible to copy it directly to your clipboard and to paste it into emails or messages here if you need to do so.
The Emsisoft Decryptor might display different messages after a failed attempt to restore your files:
✓ Error: Unable to decrypt file with ID: [your ID]
✓ No key for New Variant online ID: [your ID]
Notice: this ID appears to be an online ID, decryption is impossible
✓ Result: No key for new variant offline ID: [example ID]
This ID appears be an offline ID. Decryption may be possible in the future.
It can take a few weeks or months until the decryption key gets found and uploaded to the decryptor. Please follow updates regarding the decryptable DJVU versions here.
✓ Remote name could not be resolved
How to Restore .taoy Files?
In some case ransomware is not doom for your files…
The Taoy ransomware encryption mechanism algoritm is next: it ciphers every file byte-by-byte, then saves a file copy, removing (not overriding!) the initial file. Hence, the data of the file location on the disk drive is lost, but the original file is not erased from the drive. The cell, or the sector where this file was stored, can still contain this file, but it is not present in the file system and can be overwritten by data that has been loaded to this disk after the deletion. Hence, it is possible to retrieve your files using special software.
Anyway, after realizing it was an online algorithm, it is impossible to retrieve my encrypted files. I also had my backup drive plugged in at the time of the virus, and this was also infected, or so I thought. Every folder within my backup drive had been infected and was encrypted. However, despite losing some important files, I retrieved almost 80% of my 2TB storage.
When I started going through the folders, I noticed the readme.txt ransom note in every folder. I opened some of the folders and found that all files that were not in a subfolder within that folder had been encrypted. However, I found a flaw and glimmer of hope when I went into the subfolders in other folders and found that these files had not been encrypted. Every folder within my c and d drives, including subfolders, had been encrypted, but this was not the case with the backup drive. Having subfolders created within a folder has saved 80% of my data.
As I said, I believe this to be only a small loophole on a backup drive. I’ve since found a further 10 % of my data on another hard drive on a different pc. So my advice is if you use a backup drive, create subfolders. I was lucky, I guess. But I was also unlucky that the virus hit as I was transferring some files from my backup.
Hopefully, this can help some other people in my situation.
Jamie NewlandRecovering your files with PhotoRec
PhotoRec is an free program, which is originally created for data recovery from damaged disks, or for data recovery in case if they are unintentionally deleted. However, as time has gone by, this program adopted the ability to retrieve the files of 400 different extensions. Hence, it can be used for file restoration after the Taoy attack.
First, you need to download this app. It is 100% free, but the developer notifies that there is no warranty that your files will be restored. PhotoRec is distributed in a pack with another utility of the same developer – TestDisk. The resulting archive will have TestDisk name, but don’t worry. PhotoRec files are right inside.
To run PhotoRec, you need to find and open “qphotorec_win.exe” file. No installation process is required – the program has all the files it need inside of the archive, hence, you can mount it on your USB drive, and try to help your friends/parents/anyone who has been attacked by Taoy ransomware.
After the launch, you will witness the screen showing you the complete list of your disks. However, this details are likely futile, because the required menu is placed a bit higher. Click this tab, then choose the disk which was attacked by ransomware.
After choosing the disk, you need to choose the destination folder for the restored files. This menu is located at the lower part of the PhotoRec window. The best selection is to export them on USB drive or any other type of removable disk.
Then, you need to specify the file formats. This choice is located at the bottom, too. As it was mentioned, PhotoRec can recover the files of about 400 different formats.
Finally, you can begin files restoration by pressing the “Search” button. You will observe the screen where the findings of the scan and recovery are shown.
Taoy files recovery Video Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I open “.taoy” files?
No way. These files are encrypted by ransomware. The contents of encrypted files are not available until they are decrypted.
Encrypted files contain important information. How can I decrypt them urgently?
If your data remained in the .taoy files are very valuable, then most likely you made a backup copy.
If not, then you can try to restore them through the system function – Restore Point.
All other methods will require patience.
You have advised using GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove Taoy. Does this mean that the program will delete my encrypted files?
Of course not. Your encrypted files do not pose a threat to the computer. What happened has already happened.
You need GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove active system infections. The virus that encrypted your files is most likely still active and periodically runs a test for the ability to encrypt even more files. Also, these viruses install keyloggers and backdoors for further malicious actions (for example, theft of passwords, credit cards) often.
This virus has blocked infected PC: I can’t get the activation code.
In this situation, you need to prepare the memory stick with a pre-installed Trojan Killer.
Decryptor did not decrypt all my files, or not all of them were decrypted. What should I do?
Have patience. You are infected with the new version of STOP/DJVU ransomware, and decryption keys have not yet been released. Follow the news on our website.
We will keep you posted on when new keys or new decryption programs appear.
What can I do right now?
The Taoy ransomware encrypts only the first 150KB of files. So MP3 files are rather large, some media players (Winamp for example) may be able to play the files, but – the first 3-5 seconds (the encrypted portion) will be missing.
You can try to find a copy of an original file that was encrypted:
- Files you downloaded from the Internet that were encrypted and you can download again to get the original.
- Pictures that you shared with family and friends that they can just send back to you.
- Photos that you uploaded on social media or cloud services like Carbonite, OneDrive, iDrive, Google Drive, etc
- Attachments in emails you sent or received and saved.
- Files on an older computer, flash drive, external drive, camera memory card, or iPhone where you transferred data to the infected computer.
If the guide doesn’t help you to remove infection, please download the GridinSoft Anti-Malware that I recommended. Do not forget to share your experience in solving the problem. Please leave a comment here! This can help other victims to understand they are not alone. And together we will find ways to deal with this issue.
How to Protect Your Computer from Taoy Ransomware
As cyber threats continue to evolve, ensuring the security of our computers has become more critical than ever. Malware, short for malicious software, poses a significant risk to our data, privacy, and overall online experience. Follow these simple guidelines to protect your computer:
- Install a Reliable Anti-Malware Solution: Having a robust anti-malware software is your first line of defense against cyber threats. Gridinsoft Anti-Malware is an industry-leading solution that offers real-time protection, thorough system scans, and automatic malware removal. Its constantly updated database ensures it can detect even the newest and most sophisticated threats.
- Keep Your Operating System and Software Updated: Regularly updating your operating system and software is crucial. Updates often include security patches that address vulnerabilities that cybercriminals may exploit. Enable automatic updates to ensure you stay protected.
- Exercise Caution with Email Attachments and Links: Malicious emails often contain infected attachments or links that lead to malware-infested websites. Avoid opening suspicious emails or clicking on unknown links. Be especially wary of emails that urge you to take immediate action or provide sensitive information.
- Use Strong Passwords and Enable Two-Factor Authentication: Strong, unique passwords are essential for protecting your online accounts. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) whenever possible to add an extra layer of security.
- Avoid
This post first appeared on Useful Tips For Finding Viruses On Your Computer. Hope Is Not Lost! Follow Our Guides To Fix Your PC And Get Rid Of A Computer Virus., please read the originial post: here
