Remove TTAP Ransomware Virus (+DECRYPT .ttap Files)
Ttap virus is a type of computer virus that infiltrates your computer, encrypts your documents, and then asks to pay the ransom for file decryption. Besides these bad actions, that virus also alters some important settings and can even stop your anti-malware program.
| Name | Ttap virus |
| Type | STOP/Djvu Ransomware |
| Files | .ttap |
| Message | _readme.txt |
| Ransom | $490/$980 |
| Contact | support@fishmail.top, datarestorehelp@airmail.cc |
| Damage | All files are encrypted and cannot be opened without paying a ransom. Additional password-stealing trojans and malware infections can be installed together with a ransomware infection. |
| Ttap Removal Tool | To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license. 6 days free trial available. |
Ttap virus – what is it?
Ttap malware can correctly be classified as a STOP/Djvu virus family. That type of computer virus is targeted at single users. This specification supposes that Ttap does not bring any sort of additional viruses, which often helps virus of other families to take control of your PC. Because of the fact that the majority users do not have anything valuable on their PCs, there is no reason to inject other malware that increases the risk of failure of the whole ransomware operation.
The common signs of Ttap ransomware activity is the emersion of .ttap files in your folders, instead of the document you used to have. The photo.jpg turns into photo.jpg.ttap, report.xlsx – into report.xlsx.ttap and so on. You are not able to suspend this action, and can’t open these documents – they are encrypted with pretty strong algorithm.
You can also spectate different other signs of ransomware activity. Suddenly disabled Microsoft Defender and inability to check the popular anti-malware forums or websites, where the malware removal and decryption guides are published. You will see how it works in the paragraph below. The malware removal and decryption guide are also available – check below how to remove Ttap malware and get the .ttap files back.
How did Ttap ransomware encrypt my files?
After the injection, the Ttap virus creates a connection with its command and control server. This server is controlled by malware maintainers – crooks who manage the distribution of this malware. Another activity which is conducted by these crooks is answering the emails of sufferers, who wish to decrypt their files.
The files are encrypted with one of the strongest encryption algorithm – AES-256. The digit in the name of this algo means the power of two – 2^256 for this case. 78-digit number of possible password variations – it is impossible to brute force it. As cipher analysts say, it will need more time than our planet can estimate to exist, even if you make use of the most powerful computer system. In each folder that has the encrypted file(s), Ttap ransomware creates the _readme.txt file with the following contents:
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: support@fishmail.top Reserve e-mail address to contact us: datarestorehelp@airmail.cc Your personal ID: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Nonetheless, you can still open some of your files. The Ttap malware encrypts only the first 150 KB of each file, but the other part of this document can be opened. Primarily, it works best with audio/video files, which are surely larger than 150 kilobytes. Not each media player is able to open these files – WinAmp is the best solution, since it is free and well-tested. First seconds of each recording will be missing – this part is encrypted – but the rest of the video or music will be accessible like nothing happened.
Is Ttap ransomware dangerous for my PC?
As it was described several paragraphs before, ransomware is not only about encrypting the files. Ttap virus makes the changes in your OS in order to prevent looking for the virus removal and file decryption guides. Malware does not establish the software obstacle – it just modifies the system settings, primarily – networking and security configurations.
Among the networking configurations, the most damaged item is the HOSTS file. This text file keeps the DNS-address configurations, which are used by the browsers while requesting to the server. If you add a specific DNS-address for the certain web page, your web browser will connect that page through this DNS next time. Ransomware alters this file, adding the unknown DNS, so any of the web browsers will show you the “Unable to resolve the DNS-address” error.
Other alterations done by the virus are aimed at prevention of fast detection of itself, and also blocking the installation of the majority of anti-malware programs. Ttap virus makes several changes in Group Policies – the system configuration application which allows to alter the abilities of each application. In such a way, ransomware disables the Microsoft Defender and several other security tools, as well as prevents the launch of anti-malware installation files.
How did I get infected?
Throughout the whole term while STOP/Djvu family is active, it was using dubious software as the main way of ransomware injection. Under the term of questionable programs I mean applications that are already not supported by the developer and distributed through the file sharing websites. These apps may be hacked, to make them possible to use without purchasing any license. One more example of such a program class is various hacking tools – cheat engines, keygens, Windows activation tools and so on.
Such programs may be distributed in many ways – through the web page that offers a downloading link, and also through the peering networks – ThePirateBay, eMule and so on. All these sources are well-known as the most popular computer piracy resources. Folks use these sources to get different programs or games for free, even if they must be purchased. Nobody can prevent the users who hack these apps from adding viruses of some sort to the files of the hacked app. Hacktools, however, are created for outlaw actions, so their creators may easily add the virus under the guise of some program part.
These hacked apps, regardless of their source, are one of the most often sources for various viruses, and definitely the most widespread one for Ttap ransomware. The best solution is to stop using of it, and not only because of malware installation risks. Avoiding the license buying is an outlaw action, and both hackers and users who use hacked programs fall under the charge of piracy.
How do I remove Ttap virus?
The Ttap virus is extremely hard to wipe out manually. Really, because of the number of alterations it makes into your computer, it is almost impossible to spot them all and repair. The best solution is to use antivirus programs. But which one to choose?
You can read the offers to make use of Microsoft Defender, which is already inside of your computer. But as it was mentioned earlier, most of STOP/Djvu malware examples block it even before the encryption procedure. Using the third-party program is the only possible option – and I can offer you the GridinSoft Anti-Malware as an option for that case. It has impressive detection abilities, so the malware will not be missed. It is also capable of system repairing, that is heavily needed after the Ttap virus attack.
To remove Ttap malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software.
After the ransomware removal, you can go to file decryption. Virus removal is required to prevent the repeating ciphering of your files: while Ttap ransomware is active, it will not miss any unencrypted file.
How to decrypt the .ttap files?
There are two ways to decrypt your files after a Ttap malware attack. First one and the most popular is file decryption. It is performed with a special tool, designed by Emsisoft, and called Emsisoft Decryptor for STOP/Djvu. This program is free. Analysts update its decryption keys databases as often as possible, so you will surely get your files back, sooner or later.
Another option to get your files back is to try to recover them from your disk drives. Since ransomware deletes them and substitutes with a ciphered copy, the residue of the files are still stored on the disk drive. After the removal, the information about them is removed from the file system, but not from a disk. Special tools, like PhotoRec, are able to recover these files. It is free, too, and may also be used for file recovery in case when you have deleted some files unintentionally.
Decrypting the .ttap files with Emsisoft Decrypter for STOP/Djvu
Download and install Emsisoft Decrypter tool. Agree with its EULA and continue to the interface.
The interface of this program is extremely easy. All you have to do is to select the folder where the encrypted files are stored, and wait. If the program has the decryption key which corresponds to your ransomware case – it will decrypt it.
During the use of Emsisoft Decrypter for STOP/Djvu, you may observe various error messages. Don’t worry, that does not mean that you did something wrong or a program does not work properly. Each of these errors refer to a specific case. Here is the explanation:
Error: Unable to decrypt file with ID: [your ID]
The program does not have a corresponding key for your case. You need to wait for some time until the key database will be updated.
No key for new variant online ID: [your ID]
Notice: this ID appears to be an online ID, decryption is impossible.
This error means that your files are encrypted with an online key. In such a case, the decryption key is unique and stored on the remote server, controlled by crooks. Unfortunately, the decryption is impossible.
Result: No key for new variant offline ID: [example ID]
This ID appears to be an offline ID. Decryption may be possible in the future.
Ransomware uses the offline key to encrypt your files. This key is not unique, so you likely have it in common with another victim. Since offline keys must be collected, too, it is important to keep calm and wait until the analysts team finds one which will fit your case.
Remote name could not be resolved
This error indicates that the program has problems with DNS on your computer. That’s a clear sign of malicious alterations in your HOSTS file. Reset it using the official Microsoft guide.
Recovering the .ttap files with PhotoRec tool
PhotoRec is an open-source tool, which is created to recover the deleted or lost files from the disk. It checks each disk sector for the remains of deleted files, and then attempts to recover them. That app is able to recover the files of more than 400 different extensions. Because of the described feature of ransomware encryption mechanism, it is possible to use this tool to get the original, unencrypted files back.
Download PhotoRec from the official website. It is absolutely free, however, its developer warns that he does not guarantee that this program will be 100% effective for file recovery purposes. Moreover, even paid apps can barely give you such a guarantee, because of the chain of random factors that can make the file recovery harder.
Unzip the downloaded archive to the folder you like. Don’t worry because of its name – TestDisk – this is the name of the utility developed by the same company. They decided to spread it together since PhotoRec and TestDisk are often used together. Among the unzipped files, search for qphotorec_win.exe file. Run this executable file.
Before you can start the recovery process, you need to specify several settings. In the drop-down list, choose the logic disk where the files were stored before the encryption.
Then, you need to specify the file formats you need to recover. It may be difficult to scroll all 400+ formats, luckily, they are sorted by alphabetical order.
Finally, name the folder you want to use as a container for recovered files. The program will likely dig out a lot of useless files, which were deleted intentionally, so desktop is a bad solution. The best option is to use the USB-drive.
After these easy manipulations, you may just press the “Search” button (it turns active if you specified all required parameters). The recovery process may take several hours, so keep patient. It is recommended not to use the computer during this term, since you may overwrite some files you are intending to recover.
Frequently Asked Questions
✔️Are the files encrypted by Ttap malware dangerous?
No. Ttap files is not a virus, it is not able to inject its code into the files and force them to execute it. The .EXT files are just the same as regular ones, but encrypted and cannot be opened in the usual way. You may store it together with normal files without any fears.
✔️Is it possible that antivirus software will delete the encrypted files?
As I have mentioned in a previous paragraph, encrypted files are not dangerous. Hence, good anti-malware programs like GridinSoft Anti-Malware will not trigger on them. Meanwhile, some of the “disk cleaning tools” may remove them, stating that they belong to the unknown format and are likely broken.
✔️The Emsisoft tool says my files are encrypted with the online key and cannot be decrypted. What do I need to do?
It is very unpleasant to hear that the files you have are likely lost. Ransomware creators lie a lot in order to scare their victims, but they tell the truth in claims about the strength of the encryption. Your decryption key is stored on their servers, and it is impossible to select it because of the strength of the encryption mechanism.
Try other recovery methods – through the PhotoRec, or using the previously created backups. Search for the previous versions of these files – getting back a part of your dissertation, for example, is better than missing it all.
Last option is just waiting. When the cyber police caughts the crooks who create and distribute ransomware, first get the decryption keys and publish it. Emsisoft analysts will surely take these keys and add them to the Decryptor databases. In some cases, malware creators may publish the rest of the keys when they stop their activity.
✔️Not all of my .ttap files are decrypted. What do I need to do?
The situation when the Emsisoft Decryptor failed to decrypt several files usually happens when you have not added the correct file pair for the certain file format. Another case when this problem may appear is when some problem occurred during the decryption process – for example, RAM limit reached. Try to perform the decryption process once again.
Another situation when the Decryptor app may leave your files unencrypted is when ransomware uses different keys for certain files. For example, it may use offline keys for a short period of time when it has connection issues. The Emsisoft tool is not able to check both key types simultaneously, so you need to launch the decryption again, in order to repeat the process.