TAOY Virus (.TAOY File) 🔐 Decrypt & Removal Guide

The Taoy virus is a ransomware infection that belongs to the STOP/Djvu family. That malware family is famous for its file encryption capabilities. Once the Taoy virus infects a computer, it checks the disks for videos, photos, documents, and the like, and encrypts them. You can distinguish these files by the .taoy extensions at the end.

Taoy Virus Overview

The Taoy virus is a malicious program that encrypts your files and demands payment for their recovery. This malware targets various file types and adds a distinct “.taoy” extension to the encrypted files. As a result, the files affected by this ransomware become inaccessible and unusable.

Subsequently, the ransomware demands a payment in Bitcoin from its victims, with the amount ranging from $490 to $980. Usually, the ransom instructions are provided in a text file named “_readme.txt“.

The Taoy Ransomware utilizes the Salsa20 encryption algorithm to scramble the contents of the targeted files. Due to the robust nature of this ciphering method, it is exceptionally challenging, if not impossible, to decrypt the files without the involvement of the attackers.

Upon completing the encryption process, the Taoy malware presents a ransom note to the victim, outlining the demand for payment in exchange for the decryption key. This note provides detailed instructions on how to make the payment and often includes threats of data loss or an increase in the ransom amount if the payment is not submitted 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.

Taoy employs a unique key for every victim, with one exception:

The Taoy virus bears resemblance to other DJVU ransomware samples like Jaqw, Jasa, Jaoy, 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

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.

The Taoy ransomware operates by executing a series of actions on a victim’s computer to carry out specific tasks. To begin with, it launches the winupdate.exe process, a misleading operation that displays a fake Windows update notification during the attack. This deceptive tactic aims to convince the victim that the sudden system slowdown is a result of a Windows update.

Concurrently, the ransomware initiates another process (named with four random characters) that scans the PC for targeted files and encrypts them. Subsequently, the ransomware eradicates Volume Shadow Copies from the system using the following CMD command:

vssadmin.exe Delete Shadows /All /Quiet

Once these copies are deleted, it becomes nearly impossible to restore the previous state of the computer using System Restore Points. The issue lies in the fact that ransomware operators eliminate any inherent Windows methods that could aid the victim in recovering files without charge. Furthermore, the hackers modify the Windows HOSTS file by appending a list of domains and associating them with the localhost IP address. Consequently, when the victim attempts to access one of the listed websites, a DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error is encountered.

We have observed that the ransomware strives to restrict access to websites that offer various how-to guides for computer users. Clearly, by impeding access to specific domains, the malicious actors aim to prevent the victim from accessing pertinent and helpful information related to ransomware attacks online. The virus also places two .txt files on the victim’s computer containing details about the attack – the victim’s public key and personal ID. These files are named bowsakkdestx.txt and PersonalID.txt.

Even after implementing these changes, the malware doesn’t halt its activities. Variants of the STOP/DJVU ransomware often deploy the Vidar password-stealing Trojan on compromised systems. This threat boasts an extensive array of capabilities, including:

• Collecting sensitive data by executing malicious software on the victim’s computer.
• Gaining unauthorized access to login credentials for Steam, Telegram, and Skype accounts.
• Manipulating and viewing files on the victim’s computer discreetly.
• 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

The _readme.txt file also indicates that the computer user must initiate contact with the hackers’ representatives within 72 hours following the attack. If the user complies within this timeframe, the hackers offer a 50% discount, thereby reducing the ransom amount to $490.

However, it is strongly advised to refrain from paying the ransom! I highly recommend avoiding any communication with these fraudulent individuals and refraining from making any payment. A highly effective solution for recovering the lost data involves utilizing existing backups or employing the Decrypter tool provided by Emsisoft.

What sets all these viruses apart is the utilization of a similar series of steps for generating decryption keys. Consequently, unless the ransomware is still under development or harbors elusive vulnerabilities, manual recovery of the encrypted data is an unfeasible task. The only effective measure to safeguard your valuable data against loss is to consistently create backups of your crucial files.

Keep in mind that even if you maintain regular backups, they should be stored in a dedicated location separate from your primary workstation. For instance, you could store the backup on a USB flash drive or an external hard drive that is not constantly connected. Alternatively, you might consider leveraging online (cloud) storage solutions.

It goes without saying that if you store your backup data on your main device, it might become encrypted alongside your files. Therefore, storing the backup on your computer’s disk is certainly not a prudent choice.

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.

How To Remove Ransomware?

Video Guide

How To Decrypt .taoy Files?

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.

1. 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.

2. 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.

✓ 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.

Recovering 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

1. My files are encrypted by ransomware, what should I do now?
2. About DJVU (STOP) Ransomware.

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