The Ttza virus, also known as a ransomware, is part of the STOP family. This malware family is notorious for its malicious file encryption capabilities. Once the Ttza virus gets into a computer, it targets various types of files, such as documents, videos, photos, and more. It changes the file structure and appends the “.ttza” extension to each encrypted file, making them unusable without the decryption.
Ttza Virus Overview
Ttza
Ttza malware belongs to ransomware that originates from the DJVU/STOP ransomware family. Its main target is to lock your files. After that ransomware virus asks for a ransom payment – ($490 – $980) in Bitcoin.
The Ttza virus is a malicious program that encrypts your files and forces you to pay for their decryption. This ransomware encrypts various file types. Encrypted files can be identified by a distinct “.ttza” extension. As a result, the affected files become inaccessible and unusable.
Subsequently, the ransomware asks for a file decryption payment in Bitcoin from its victims, ranging from $490 to $980. In all cases, a text file with ransom payment guidances is named as “_readme.txt“.
Ttza Ransomware operates by Salsa20 encryption algorithms to cipher the targeted files. Since Ttza virus applies such a robust ciphering method, it becomes really difficult, if even possible, to find the decryption key without cooperating with the attackers.
Once Ttza malware finishes the encryption, it shows a ransom note to the user, asking for a ransom payment for the decryption key. The ransom note contains instructions on the ways of making the payment and also often contains threats of permanent data loss or ransom amounts surge if the ransom is not paid within a specified timeframe.
I have created a comprehensive list of the solutions, tips, and approaches to neutralize the Ttza virus and decrypt your files. There are situations where you can regain access to the files, while sometimes, it may be impossible.
Important Reminder!
It is critical to say that paying off the bill is not a guarantee of the successful files recovery. The rascals behind the Ttza virus are known for their untrustworthiness. There were the cases where victims have paid the ransom, only to be denied by the cybercriminals with the decryption key provision.
Ttza employs a unique key for every victim, with one exception:
- If Ttza 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. An offline key is not unique and is the same for all users, which allows for the decryption of files encrypted by the ransomware.
The Ttza virus is highly similar to other DJVU ransomware variants like Ttwq, Ttrd, Mzre, and Mzhi. This virus encrypts a wide range of common file types and appends its distinct “.ttza” extension to all files. For instance, a file named “1.jpg” would be altered to “1.jpg.ttza” and “2.png” to “2.png.ttza“.
After successful encryption, the virus spawns a special text file named “_readme.txt” and places it in every folder containing the encrypted files. It also adds this file to the desktop, so the victim will not miss the attack even without opening folders.
The image below provides a visual representation of files with the “ttza” extension:
Encrypted Files by STOP/DJVU Ransomware
| Name | Ttza 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 | .ttza |
| Ransomware note | _readme.txt |
| Ransom | From $490 to $980 (in Bitcoins) |
| Contact | [email protected], [email protected] |
| Detection | Win32/Agent_AGen.BAE Virus Removal, TrojanRansom.Cerber Virus Removal, Ransom:Win32/MoneyMessage.A!ibt 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 terrifying notification insisting users to pay off the ransom to decrypt the encrypted data contains these annoying warnings.
Ttza ransomware arrives as a set of operations that are used to perform different functions on a victim’s computer. One of the initial processes being launched is winupdate.exe, a deceptive process that displays a false Windows update alert during the attack. Such a trick helps to convince the victim that their PC has become slow because of a Windows update.
At the same time, the ransomware runs another process (usually named by four random characters) which starts scanning the system for target files and encrypting them. Then the ransomware removes Volume Shadow Copies from the system disk using the following CMD command:
vssadmin.exe Delete Shadows /All /Quiet
Once erased, it becomes nearly impossible to retrieve the previous computer state using System Restore Points. The concern is, ransomware operators are eliminating any built-in Windows techniques that could assist 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 see a DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error when accessing one of the blacklisted websites.
We’ve observed that ransomware attempts to restrict websites that developed various how-to guides for computer users. It is obvious that by restricting specific domains, the crooks are trying to hinder the victim from accessing relevant and helpful ransomware-attack-related information online. Malware also stores two .txt files on the victim’s computer that offer attack-related particulars – the victim’s public key and personal ID. These two files are named bowsakkdestx.txt and PersonalID.txt.
After all these alterations, the malware doesn’t cease. Variants of STOP/DJVU are inclined to deploy Vidar password-stealing Trojan on compromised systems. This threat has an large list of capabilities, including:
- Manipulating and viewing files on the victim’s computer without their knowledge.
- Extracting sensitive information such as browser cookies, saved passwords, and browsing history.
- Obtaining unauthorized access to login credentials of Steam, Telegram, and Skype.
- Granting the hackers remote control over the victim’s computer for various malicious activities.
- Stealing cryptocurrency wallets from the victim’s system.
- Gathering sensitive data by running malicious software on the victim’s computer.
The cryptography algorithm in STOP/Djvu ransomware is AES-256. So, if your data got encrypted with an online decryption key, the possibility 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.
Getting the online decryption key in another way is also merely impossible. It is stored on a command server owned by the criminals who spread the Ttza malware. For receiving unlocking key the payment should be $980. To get the payment details, the victims should contact the fraudsters 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
The _readme.txt document also demands that the computer user should contact the hackers during 72 hours since the file encryption. If the 72hrs demand is met, hackers grant a 50% discount. Thus the ransom amount will be minimized down to $490.
Yet, stay away from paying the ransom! I highly recommend that you do not contact these swindlers 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 such viruses is the application a similar set of actions for decryption key generation. Thus, unless the ransomware is still under the stage of development or has some hard-to-track encryption, manually recovering the ciphered data is a thing you can’t perform. The exclusive resolution to prevent the data loss is to regularly make backups of your important files.
Remember that even if you do preserve such backups regularly, they should be located 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.
Unnecessary to mention, when you store your backup data on your regular device, it may be similarly ciphered as well as other data. For this reason, storing the backup on your 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.
Nevertheless, these are the common leaks through which it may be injected into your PC:
- Concealing the virus within seemingly legitimate apps, especially utilities provided as freeware or shareware.
- Spreading the virus through spam emails containing suspicious links that lead to the virus installer.
- Exploiting online free hosting resources to host and distribute the virus files discreetly.
- Obtaining pirated software from illegal peer-to-peer (P2P) resources, which may unknowingly contain malware.
Instances have been reported when the Ttza virus hiding as some legitimate thing, for example, the messages requesting to start a browser update or a vastly needed codec for online media playback. This is usually the way how some online scams aim to force you into installing the ransomware manually, by actually making you directly participate in this process.
Surely, the fake update alert will not indicate that you are installing the threat. This process will be disguised under some alert stating that you need to install an urgent security update or some suspicious program whatsoever.
Undoubtedly, the software cracks represent the harm too. Using P2P is both illegal and may end up with the injection of severe malware, including the Ttza 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 prevent your PC from getting infected, there are some tips I want to give you to avert the Ttza penetration. You must be careful while installing free software today.
Make sure you always read what the installation window offers aside from the main free program. Keep away from launching suspicious email attachments. Do not run files from the unknown senders. Certainly, your current anti-malware software must always be updated.
The malware does not states openly about itself. It will not be mentioned in the list of your available programs. Instead, it will be masked under some malevolent process running regularly in the background, starting from the moment when you start your computer.
How To Remove Ransomware?
Remove Ttza 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 Ttza 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 "Ttza 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 Ttza 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 .ttza Files?
How to restore big files?
Try deleting .ttza extension on a few big files and opening them. This malware has issues with large files encryption. Either the virus read and did not encrypt the file, or it bugged and did not add the filemarker. If you have files that are very large (2GB+), such a situation is highly probable. Please, text me in the comments whether this helped you or not.
The newest extensions released around the end of August 2019 after the criminals made changes. This includes Ttwq, Ttrd, Mzre etc.
As a result of the changes made by the criminals, STOPDecrypter is no longer assisted. 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.
-
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:
-
Select folders for decryption.
Based on the default configurations, the decryptor will automatically choose the reachable directories in order to decrypt the currently available drives (the connected ones), including the network drives. You can select additional locations with the “Add” button.
Decryptors usually propose several options depending on the specific malware family. The present possible options are shown in the Options tab and can be activated or deactivated there. You may discover a detailed list of the currently active Options below.
-
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]
There is no corresponding decryption key in the Emsisoft decryptor’s database.
✓ No key for New Variant online ID: [your ID]
Notice: this ID appears to be an online ID, decryption is impossible
Your original files were encrypted with an online key. Your key is unique and is kept on the command server, controlled by criminals. File recovery is only possible through paying the ransom.
✓ Result: No key for new variant offline ID: [example ID]
This ID appears be an offline ID. Decryption may be possible in the future.
Malware used an offline key, though the file recovery operation failed (the offline decryption key isn’t available yet). But, this message is a good news for you, since it is possible to restore your files 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
This stands for a DNS issue present in your system. Our first recommendation is to reset your HOSTS file back to default.
How to Restore .ttza Files?
In some case ransomware is not doom for your files…
The Ttza ransomware encryption mechanism is next: it encodes every file byte-by-byte, then saves a duplicate, deleting (not overriding!) the original file. Hence, the data of the file location on the disk drive is lost, but the original file is not deleted from the disk. The cell, or the sector where this file was kept, can still keep this file, but it is not listed by the file system and can be overwritten by data that has been loaded to this drive after the deletion. Hence, it is possible to restore 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 files recovery from damaged disks, or for file retrieval in case if they are unintentionally deleted. However, with time flow, this program adopted the ability to retrieve the files of 400 different file types. Hence, it can be used for file restoration after the Ttza attack.
First, you need to download this app. It is 100% free, but the developer states that there is no assurance that your files will be recovered. PhotoRec is spread 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 launch PhotoRec, find and open “qphotorec_win.exe” file. No setup is needed – this program has all the files it need inside of the archive, hence, you can fit it on your USB drive, and try to help your friends/parents/anyone who has been attacked by Ttza ransomware.
After the launch, you will encounter the screen showing you the full list of your drives. However, this data is presumably useless, because the required menu is placed a bit higher. Click this bar, then choose the disk which was attacked by ransomware.
After choosing the disk, you need to opt for the destination folder for the reclaimed 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 designate the file formats. This setting is located at the bottom, too. As it was mentioned, PhotoRec can restore the files of about 400 different formats.
Finally, you can initiate files restoration by pressing the “Search” button. You will see the screen where the outcomes of the scan and recovery are shown.
Ttza files recovery Video Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
No way. These files are encrypted by ransomware. The contents of encrypted files are not available until they are decrypted.
In this situation, you need to prepare the memory stick with a pre-installed Trojan Killer.
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.
The Ttza 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.
I need your help to share this article.
It is your turn to help other people. I have written this guide to help people like you. You can use buttons below to share this on your favorite social media Facebook, Twitter, or Reddit.
Brendan SmithThe post TTZA Virus (.TTZA File) 🔐 Decrypt & Removal Guide appeared first on How To Fix Guide.
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
