The Ttza virus, belongs to the STOP/Djvu ransomware family. This malware family has gained notoriety for its malicious file encryption capabilities. Once the TTZA virus infiltrates a computer, it actively targets various types of files, including documents, videos, photos, and more. It alters the file structure and appends the “.ttza” extension to every encrypted file, rendering them unusable without 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 actively encrypts your files and compels you to pay for their decryption. This ransomware encrypts a variety of file types, and you can recognize the encrypted files by the distinct “.ttza” extension. Consequently, the affected files become both inaccessible and unusable.
Following this, the ransomware demands a Bitcoin payment for file decryption from its victims, with amounts ranging from $490 to $980. In all instances, a text file containing ransom payment instructions is named “_readme.txt“.
Ttza Ransomware utilizes Salsa20 encryption algorithms to cipher the targeted files. Because Ttza employs such a robust ciphering method, it becomes exceedingly difficult, if not impossible, to ascertain the decryption key without cooperating with the attackers.
Once the Ttza malware completes the encryption process, it presents a ransom note to the user, demanding payment for the decryption key. The ransom note includes instructions on how to make the payment and often includes threats of permanent data loss or increased ransom amounts if the payment is not made within a specified timeframe.
I have created a comprehensive list of the solutions, tips, and approaches to neutralize the Ttza 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 STOP/Djvu 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.
Ttza uses a distinct key for each victim, except in one specific scenario:
The Ttza 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 family1 | DJVU/STOP2 ransomware |
| Extension | .ttza |
| 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 for payment is for restoring 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 virus performs a series of operations to execute various functions on a victim’s computer. One of the initial processes it launches is winupdate.exe, a deceptive process that displays a false Windows update alert during the attack. This trick convinces the victim that their PC has become slow due to a Windows update.
Simultaneously, the ransomware initiates another process (usually named with four random characters), which scans the system for target files and encrypts them. The ransomware then removes Volume Shadow Copies from the system disk using the following CMD command:
vssadmin.exe Delete Shadows /All /Quiet
Once deleted, it becomes nearly impossible to restore the previous computer state using System Restore Points. The concern is that ransomware operators eliminate any built-in Windows techniques that could help the victim recover files for free. Additionally, the hackers modify the Windows HOSTS file by appending a list of domains to it and linking them to the localhost IP. Consequently, the victim encounters a DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error when accessing one of the blacklisted websites.
We have observed that the ransomware attempts to restrict access to websites that offer various how-to guides for computer users. It is evident that by blocking specific domains, the criminals are trying to prevent the victim from accessing relevant and helpful information about ransomware attacks online. The malware also stores two .txt files on the victim’s computer containing attack-related details: the victim’s public key and personal ID. These two files are named bowsakkdestx.txt and PersonalID.txt.
After all these changes, the malware does not stop. Variants of STOP/DJVU are prone to deploying the Vidar password-stealing Trojan on compromised systems. This threat has a wide range 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 for 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 used in STOP/Djvu ransomware is Salsa20. If your data gets encrypted with an online decryption key, the chances of recovering your files without paying the ransom are quite low. The reason is that this key is unique for each victim, and retrieving it would take a significant amount of time.
Obtaining the online decryption key through other means is also nearly impossible. It is stored on a command server owned by the criminals who distribute the Ttza virus. To receive the unlocking key, the payment required is $980. Victims need to contact the fraudsters by email ([email protected]) to get payment details.
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 the strongest encryption and unique key. The only method of recovering files is to purchase a decrypt tool and a unique key for you. This software will decrypt all your encrypted files. What guarantees do you have? You can send one of your encrypted files from your PC and we decrypt it for free. But we can decrypt only 1 file for free. The file must not contain valuable information. You can get and look video overview decrypt tool: https://we.tl/t-WJa63R98Ku The price of private key and decrypt software is $980. Discount of 50% available if you contact us first 72 hours, that 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 an answer for more than 6 hours. To get this software you need to write on our e-mail: [email protected] Reserve an e-mail address to contact us: [email protected] Your personal ID: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
How To Remove Ransomware?
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.
Criminals made changes around the end of August 2019, and they released the newest extensions. As a result of the criminals’ changes, STOPDecrypter no longer assists. Emsisoft developed the Emsisoft Decryptor for STOP Djvu Ransomware, replacing it.
You can download the 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 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.
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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]
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 encryption algorithm 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 virus 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
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