The Ttrd virus, also known as ransomware, belongs to the STOP/Djvu family. This malware is known for malignant file encryption operations. Once the Ttrd virus infects a computer system, it targets various types of files, like documents, videos, photos, and more. It changes the file structure and appends the “.ttrd” extension to each encrypted file, making them inaccessible and unusable without the decryption.
Ttrd Virus Overview
Ttrd
🤔 Ttrd virus belongs to ransomware that originates from the DJVU/STOP ransomware family. Its main target is to lock your files. After that ransomware virus asks its victims for a ransom payment – ($490 – $980) in Bitcoin.
The Ttrd virus is a malware type that ciphers your files and coerces you into paying for their decryption. This malware encrypts different file types. Encrypted files are identifiable by a distinct “.ttrd” extension. As a result, the files touched by ransomware become inaccessible and unusable.
Then, the ransomware asks for a ransom payment in Bitcoin from its victims, ranging from $490 to $980. Usually, a text file with ransom payment guidances is named “_readme.txt“.
Ttrd Ransomware uses Salsa20 encryption algorithms to cipher the files. Since the Ttrd virus utilizes such a robust encryption method, it becomes really difficult, if not impossible, to find the decryption key without the assistance of the attackers.
Once the files are encrypted, the Ttrd virus displays a ransom note to the user, asking for a ransom payment in exchange for the decryption key. The ransom note provides instructions on how to make the payment and often includes threats of system wipeout or ransom amounts surge if the demands are not met within a specified timeframe.
I have created a comprehensive list of the solutions, advice, and approaches to remove the Ttrd virus and decrypt and recover your files. In some cases, it may be possible to restore your files, but sometimes, it may be impossible.
📌 Important Note!
It is critical to say that paying off the ransom does not guarantee the successful recovery of your files. The cybercriminals behind the Ttrd virus are not trustworthy. There have been instances where people have paid the ransom, only to be denied by the cybercriminals with the decryption key provision.
Ttrd uses a unique key for every victim, with one exception:
The Ttrd virus is similar to other DJVU ransomware variants such as Mzre, Mzhi, Mzqt, and Azop. This virus encrypts a wide range of common file types and appends its distinct “.ttrd” extension to all files. For instance, a file named “1.jpg” would be altered to “1.jpg.ttrd” and “2.png” to “2.png.ttrd“.
Upon 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 the readme file to the desktop, so the user will not miss the attack even without opening folders.
The image below provides a visual representation of files with the “ttrd” extension:
Encrypted Files by STOP/DJVU Ransomware
| Name | Ttrd Virus |
| Ransomware family1 | DJVU/STOP2 ransomware |
| Extension | .ttrd |
| Ransomware note | _readme.txt |
| Ransom | From $490 to $980 (in Bitcoins) |
| Contact | [email protected], [email protected] |
| Detection | Win32/Agent_AGen.BAE, TrojanRansom.Cerber, Ransom:Win32/MoneyMessage.A!ibt |
| Symptoms |
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| 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 frightening warning requesting users to pay off the ransom to decrypt the encrypted data contains these exasperating admonitions.
Ttrd ransomware arrives as a set of tasks that are needed to carry out different activities on a victim’s computer. One of the first ones being launched is winupdate.exe, a tricky process that shows a false Windows update pop-up during the attack. This is meant to convince the victim that their PC has become slow because of a Windows update.
Simultaneously, the ransomware runs another process (named as 4 random chars) which initiates scanning the system for target files and encrypting them. Then the ransomware removes Volume Shadow Copies from the disk using the following CMD command:
vssadmin.exe Delete Shadows /All /Quiet
Once removed, it becomes impossible to recover the previous computer state using System Restore Points. The concern is, ransomware operators are eliminating any built-in Windows techniques that could aid the victim to regain files for free. In addition, the hackers modify the Windows HOSTS file by adding a list of domains to it and mapping them to the localhost IP. As a result, the victim will face a DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error when trying to access one of the blocked websites.
It has come to our attention that ransomware endeavors to restrict websites that developed various how-to guides for computer users. It is clear that by restricting specific domains, the crooks are attempting to stop the victim from connecting to relevant and helpful ransomware-attack-related information online. Malware also keeps two .txt files on the victim’s computer that present details related to the attack – the public key of this victim and personal ID. These two files are named bowsakkdestx.txt and PersonalID.txt.
After all these alterations, the malware doesn’t stop. Variants of STOP/DJVU have a tendency to release Vidar password-stealing Trojan on compromised systems. This threat possesses an huge 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 encryption algorithm in STOP/Djvu ransomware is Salsa20. So, if your data got encrypted with an online decryption key, the chances to get your files back are quite low. Thing is, this key is unique for each victim, and picking it will take too much time.
Obtaining the online decryption key in any other way is also nearly impossible. It is kept on a remote server controlled by the criminals who promote the Ttrd malware. For receiving unlocking key the payment should be $980. To obtain 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
How To Remove Ransomware?
Video Guide
How To Decrypt .ttrd Files?
How to restore big files?
Try removing .ttrd extension on a few big files and opening them. This malware has issues with large files encryption. Either the virus accessed and did not encode 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 Mzre, Mzhi, Mzqt etc.
As a outcome of the modifications 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.
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Select folders for decryption.
Based on the default configurations, the decryptor will automatically choose the available directories in order to decode the currently reachable drives (the connected ones), including the network drives. You can choose additional locations with the “Add” button.
Decryptors generally offer several options considering the specific malware family. The existing possible options are presented in the Options tab and can be enabled 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.
How to Restore .ttrd Files?
In some case ransomware is not doom for your files…
The Ttrd ransomware encryption mechanism is next: it ciphers every file byte-by-byte, then saves a file copy, deleting (not overriding!) the original file. Thus, the information of the file location on the physical disk is lost, but the original file is not deleted from the disk. The cell, or the sector where this file was stored, can still hold this file, but it is not listed by the file system and can be rewritten by data that has been loaded to this drive 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 open-source program, which is originally created for file retrieval from damaged disks, or for file retrieval 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 formats. Hence, it can be used for file restoration after the Ttrd attack.
First, you need to download this app. It is 100% free, but the developer states that there is no guarantee that your files will be recovered. PhotoRec is spread in a pack with another tool of the same developer – TestDisk. The resulting archive will bear TestDisk name, but don’t worry. PhotoRec files are right inside.
To launch PhotoRec, find and open “qphotorec_win.exe” file. No installation is needed – this program has all the files it need within the archive, hence, you can fit it on your USB drive, and try to help your friends/parents/anyone who has been attacked by Ttrd ransomware.
Upon the start, you will witness the screen showing you the complete list of your drives. However, this information 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 selecting the disk, you need to opt for the destination folder for the retrieved files. This menu is located at the lower part of the PhotoRec window. The best option is to export them on USB drive or any other type of removable disk.
Then, you need to define 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 begin files restoration by pressing the “Search” button. You will observe the screen where the findings of the scan and recovery are shown.
Ttrd files recovery Video Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
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