The Ttwq virus, also known as ransomware, belongs to the STOP/Djvu family. This malware is famous for its malicious file encryption capabilities. When the Ttwq virus gets into a computer, it targets various types of files, such as documents, videos, photos, and more. It changes the file structure and adds the “.ttwq” extension to each file, making them inaccessible and unusable without the decryption.
Ttwq Virus Overview
Ttwq
🤔 Ttwq virus can be classified as ransomware that originates from the DJVU/STOP family. Its primary purpose is to cipher your files. After that ransomware virus asks for a ransom fee – ($490 – $980) in Bitcoin.
The Ttwq virus is a type of malware that encrypts your files and coerces you into paying for their decryption. This malware ciphers various file types. Encrypted files are identifiable by a distinct “.ttwq” extension. The affected files become impossible to access and use.
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“.
Ttwq Ransomware operates by Salsa20 encryption algorithms to scramble the contents of the targeted files. Since the Ttwq virus uses such a robust ciphering method, it becomes particularly difficult, if not impossible, to find the decryption key without cooperating with the attackers.
Once Ttwq malware finishes the encryption, it shows a ransom note to the user, asking for a ransom payment in exchange for the decryption key. The ransom note contains instructions on how to pay off the bill and also often contains threats of permanent data loss or increased ransom amounts if the demands are not met within a specified timeframe.
I have created a comprehensive list of the solutions, tips, and methods to neutralize the Ttwq malware and recover access to your files. There are cases when it may be possible to restore your files, while sometimes, it may be impossible.
📌 Important Reminder!
It is crucial to voice that paying off the bill is not a guarantee of the successful files recovery. The individuals who stand behind the Ttwq virus are known for their untrustworthiness. There were the cases where victims have paid the ransom, only to be denied by the cyber criminals with the decryption key provision.
Ttwq uses a unique key for each victim, with one exception:
The Ttwq virus is highly similar to other DJVU ransomware samples like Ttrd, Mzre, Mzhi, and Mzqt. This virus encrypts a wide range of common file types and appends its distinct “.ttwq” extension to all files. For instance, a file named “1.jpg” would be altered to “1.jpg.ttwq” and “2.png” to “2.png.ttwq“.
Upon successful encryption, malware 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 user will not miss the attack even without opening folders.
The image below provides a visual representation of files with the “ttwq” extension:
Encrypted Files by STOP/DJVU Ransomware
| Name | Ttwq Virus |
| Ransomware family1 | DJVU/STOP2 ransomware |
| Extension | .ttwq |
| 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 |
|
| 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 alert insisting users to pay off the ransom to unlock the encrypted data contains these frustrating admonitions.
Ttwq ransomware arrives as a set of actions that are used to execute different tasks on a victim’s computer. One of the first ones being launched is winupdate.exe, a sneaky process that displays a false Windows update prompt during the attack. This is meant to convince the victim that their PC has become slow because of a Windows update.
At the same time, the ransomware runs another process (which name commonly consists of 4 random characters) which commences scanning the computer for target files and encrypting them. Next, the ransomware deletes Volume Shadow Copies from the disk using the following CMD command:
vssadmin.exe Delete Shadows /All /Quiet
Once removed, it becomes nearly impossible to restore the previous computer state using System Restore Points. The concern is, ransomware operators are eliminating any built-in Windows methods that could help the victim to regain files for free. In addition, the crooks modify the Windows HOSTS file by including 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 trying to open one of the blacklisted websites.
We noticed that ransomware attempts to restrict websites that publish various how-to guides for computer users. It is obvious that by limiting specific domains, the perpetrators are trying to stop the victim from reaching relevant and helpful ransomware-attack-related information online. The virus also keeps two .txt files on the victim’s computer that offer attack-related details – the victim’s public encryption key and personal ID. These two files are named bowsakkdestx.txt and PersonalID.txt.
After all these alterations, the malware doesn’t halt. Variants of STOP/DJVU tend to install Vidar password-stealing Trojan on compromised systems. This threat has an large list of capabilities, including:
- Stealing Steam, Telegram, Skype login / password;
- Stealing cryptocurrency wallets;
- Downloading other malware to the computer and running it;
- Stealing browser cookies, saved passwords, browsing history, and more;
- Viewing and manipulating files on victim’s computer;
- Allowing the hackers to perform other tasks on the victim’s computer remotely.
The cryptography algorithm in STOP/Djvu ransomware is AES-256. So, once your data is encrypted with an online decryption key, the possibility to get your files back without paying the ransom are quite low. Thing is, the key is unique for each victim, and finding a suitable one will take exceptionally big amount of time.
Obtaining the online key in another way is also nearly impossible. It is stored on a server owned by the crooks who spread the Ttwq malware. For receiving decrypting code the payment should be $980. To obtain 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
How To Remove Ransomware?
Video Guide
How To Decrypt .ttwq Files?
How to restore big files?
Try removing .ttwq extension on a few big files and opening them. This malware has issues with large files encryption. Either the virus scanned 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 Ttrd, Mzre, Mzhi etc.
As a outcome of the changes made by the criminals, STOPDecrypter is no longer supported. 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 by default choose the available directories in order to decode the currently accessible drives (the connected ones), including the network drives. Extra (optional) locations can be selected with the aid of the “Add” button.
Decryptors typically offer several options depending on the specific malware family. The existing possible options are shown in the Options tab and can be turned on or deactivated there. You may locate 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]
Emsisoft failed to find a correspondnig decryption key in their database.
✓ No key for New Variant online ID: [your ID]
Notice: this ID appears to be an online ID, decryption is impossible
Malware used an online key to cipher your files. Your key is unique and is kept on the command server, controlled by criminals. File recovery without paying the ransom 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.
An offline key was used, but files could not be restored (the offline decryption key isn’t available yet). But, receiving this message is good news for you, because it might be 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
It’s an indication of a DNS issue on your PC. Our first recommendation is to reset your HOSTS file back to default.
How to Restore .ttwq Files?
In some case ransomware is not doom for your files…
The Ttwq ransomware encryption algorithm is next: it encodes every file byte-by-byte, then saves a duplicate, removing (not overriding!) the initial file. Hence, the data of the file location on the physical disk is lost, but the original file is not deleted from the drive. The cell, or the sector where this file was kept, can still contain this file, but it is absent in the file system and can be rewritten by data that has been loaded to this drive after the removal. 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 open-source program, which is initially created for data recovery from damaged disks, or for data recovery 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 Ttwq attack.
First, you need to download this app. It is 100% free, but the developer notifies that there is no warranty that the files will be restored. PhotoRec is spread in a pack with other tool of the same developer – TestDisk. The program archive will bear TestDisk name, but don’t worry. PhotoRec files are right inside.
To run PhotoRec, find and open “qphotorec_win.exe” file. No setup is required – this program has all the files it need within the archive, hence, you can mount it on your USB drive, and help your friends/parents/anyone who has been attacked by Ttwq ransomware.
Upon the start, you will observe the screen showing you the complete list of your disk spaces. However, this details are presumably irrelevand, because the required menu is placed a bit higher. Click this menu, then choose the disk which was attacked by ransomware.
After opting for the disk, you need to pick 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 designate the file formats. This setting is located at the bottom, too. As it was mentioned, PhotoRec can retrieve the files of about 400 different formats.
Finally, you can start files restoration by pressing the “Search” button. You will view the screen where the findings of the scan and recovery are shown.
Ttwq files recovery Video Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
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icannot decrypt my files because it is a online key i really want to recover my docs. please help