Victims affected by this ransomware should know that this threat often arrives together with additional malware, namely Vidar, Azorult or RedLine Stealer. These malware variants are recognized as information stealers and can grab sensitive data such as passwords, browsing history, cookies and more.
What do the ransomware operators want?
Cybercriminals behind TCVP ransomware virus let the computer user know about their intentions by leaving a ransom note behind. The ransom note, named _readme.txt, can be found in each folder containing some encrypted files. The note asks for victim’s attention and clarifies that the only way to decrypt .tcvp files is to pay a ransom for them. The note points out that victims who write to cybercriminals via provided email addresses (support@fishmail.top, datarestorehelp@airmail.cc) within 72 hours can get a 50% discount on the initial ransom amount, setting the decryption tools’ price to $490. If delayed longer, the demanded ransom amount will remain at its starting point, which is $980. The criminals recommend sending a sample of encrypted file along with victim’s Personal ID (included in the _readme.txt file) to them, and promise to send a decrypted file version back. The test file, however, should not contain any valuable information, or the criminals will deny decryption service. Please bear in mind that paying a ransom to cybercriminals IS NOT A RECOMMENDED OPTION. Not only it doesn’t guarantee data recovery, but it also encourages the criminals to continue their activities since the more victims pay, the more profitable this illegal activity is. In addition, scammers may add you to their list of potential future targets as someone who is willing to pay up when faced with blackmail. Therefore, if you have been affected by this malicious computer virus, do not hesitate and remove TCVP ransomware as soon as you can. We have prepared detailed instructions on how to do it without a computer technician’s help. In addition, we have two software recommendations that can help to deal with the ransomware attack consequences – (INTEGO Antivirus for malware removal and RESTORO (download link) for repairing virus-damaged Windows OS files.
Ransomware Summary
Ransomware distribution and tips to avoid getting infected
Ransomware-type threats are distributed in a variety of ways. We will begin by covering the distribution method used by STOP/DJVU operators to spread variants like TCVP virus, and add other known methods that you should be wary of. Award-winning antivirus solution for your PC. Robust security software that provides robust 24/7 real-time protection, Web Shield that stops online threats/malicious downloads, and Prevention engine that wards off Zero-Day threats. Keep your PC safe and protected against ransomware, Trojans, viruses, spyware and other forms of dangerous programs. The primary method used for distribution of this ransomware strain is cracked software downloads. The cybercriminals often upload fake installation (setup.exe) files to rogue cracked software sites or torrent listings. These files are often stored in password-protected archives in order to evade malware detection systems. Computer users who fall for this bait in attempts to install paid software versions for free risk falling victims to a ransomware attack. Therefore, it is essential to understand that legitimate software versions can be downloaded from trustworthy sources only, and we mean the official software developer’s website or a confirmed partner’s web page. The second ransomware distribution method that is no less popular than the previously discussed one is malicious email attachments. The cybercriminals go extreme lengths trying to fabricate emails of well-known companies or governmental institutions. It is important to ignore emails that get marked as spam. In addition, looking out for other suspicious details such as weird sender’s email address, grammar mistakes or overly generic greeting line is a good idea. Finally, cybercriminals often hide unwanted programs in fake installers advertised as software updates. Such ads may be designed to convince users to update well-known software, such as Java. Unfortunately, agreement to install it from an untrustworthy source can result in damage to your computer. That being said, we strongly advise you to check for official software updates in legitimate websites rather than aggressive ads that pop-up on your screen during your online browsing sessions.
Remove TCVP ransomware virus and try to decrypt your files
Being a victim of a ransomware attack is a horrible experience, and if you became one, it is time to secure your computer and your privacy. First, we recommend you to remove TCVP ransomware virus using a trustworthy AV solution like INTEGO Antivirus. You should do it after booting your computer in Safe Mode with Networking (see guide provided below). When it comes to repairing virus-damaged Windows OS files, the best solution, from our view, is RESTORO (download link). Once the computer is free from malware, we strongly recommend that you change all login credentials stored in your computer and browsers. OUR GEEKS RECOMMEND Our team recommends a two-step rescue plan to remove ransomware and other remaining malware from your computer, plus repair caused virus damage to the system: GeeksAdvice.com editors select recommended products based on their effectiveness. We may earn a commission from affiliate links, at no additional cost to you. Learn more. Get INTEGO ANTIVIRUS for Windows to remove ransomware, Trojans, adware and other spyware and malware variants and protect your PC and network drives 24/7. This VB100-certified security software uses state-of-art technology to provide protection against ransomware, Zero-Day attacks and advanced threats, Intego Web Shield blocks dangerous websites, phishing attacks, malicious downloads and installation of potentially unwanted programs. Use INTEGO Antivirus to remove detected threats from your computer. Read full review here. RESTORO provides a free scan that helps to identify hardware, security and stability issues and presents a comprehensive report which can help you to locate and fix detected issues manually. It is a great PC repair software to use after you remove malware with professional antivirus. The full version of software will fix detected issues and repair virus damage caused to your Windows OS files automatically. RESTORO uses AVIRA scanning engine to detect existing spyware and malware. If any are found, the software will eliminate them. Read full review here.
Method 1. Enter Safe Mode with Networking
Before you try to remove TCVP Ransomware Virus virus, you must start your computer in Safe Mode with Networking. Below, we provide the easiest ways to boot PC in the said mode, but you can find additional ones in this in-depth tutorial on our website – How to Start Windows in Safe Mode. Also, if you prefer a video version of the tutorial, check our guide How to Start Windows in Safe Mode on Youtube. Instructions for Windows XP/Vista/7 users Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10/11 users Now, you can search for and remove TCVP Ransomware Virus files. It is very hard to identify files and registry keys that belong to the ransomware virus, Besides, malware creators tend to rename and change them repeatedly. Therefore, the easiest way to uninstall such type of a computer virus is to use a reliable security program such as INTEGO Antivirus. For virus damage repair, consider using RESTORO.
Method 2. Use System Restore
In order to use System Restore, you must have a system restore point, created either manually or automatically. Instructions for Windows XP/Vista/7 users Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10/11 users After restoring the system, we recommend scanning the system with antivirus or anti-malware software. In most cases, there won’t be any malware remains, but it never hurts to double-check. In addition, we highly recommend checking ransomware prevention guidelines provided by our experts in order to protect your PC against similar viruses in the future.
Alternative software recommendations
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Removing spyware and malware is one step towards cybersecurity. To protect yourself against ever-evolving threats, we strongly recommend purchasing a Premium version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware, which provides security based on artificial intelligence and machine learning. Includes ransomware protection. See pricing options and protect yourself now.
System Mechanic Ultimate Defense If you’re looking for an all-in-one system maintenance suite that has 7 core components providing powerful real-time protection, on-demand malware removal, system optimization, data recovery, password manager, online privacy protection and secure driver wiping technology. Therefore, due to its wide-range of capabilities, System Mechanic Ultimate Defense deserves Geek’s Advice approval. Get it now for 50% off. You may also be interested in its full review.
Disclaimer. This site includes affiliate links. We may earn a small commission by recommending certain products, at no additional cost for you. We only choose quality software and services to recommend.
Decrypt TCVP files
Fix and open large TCVP files easily:
It is reported that STOP/DJVU ransomware versions encrypt only the beginning 150 KB of each file to ensure that the virus manages to affect all files on the system. In some cases, the malicious program might skip some files at all. That said, we recommend testing this method on several big (>1GB) files first.
STOP/DJVU decryption tool usage guide
STOP/DJVU ransomware versions are grouped into old and new variants. TCVP Ransomware Virus is considered the new STOP/DJVU variant, just like BPTO, ISWR, ISZA, BPSM, ZOUU, MBTF, ZNSM (find full list here). This means full data decryption is now possible only if you have been affected by offline encryption key. To decrypt your files, you will have to download Emsisoft Decryptor for STOP DJVU, a tool created and maintained by a genius security researcher Michael Gillespie. Note! Please do not spam the security researcher with questions whether he can recover your files encrypted with online key - it is not possible. In order to test the tool and see if it can decrypt TCVP files, follow the given tutorial.
Meanings of decryptor’s messages
The TCVP decryption tool might display several different messages after failed attempt to restore your files. You might receive one of the following messages: Error: Unable to decrypt file with ID: [example ID] This message typically means that there is no corresponding decryption key in the decryptor’s database. No key for New Variant online ID: [example ID]Notice: this ID appears to be an online ID, decryption is impossible This message informs that your files were encrypted with online key, meaning no one else has the same encryption/decryption key pair, therefore data recovery without paying the criminals 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. If you were informed that an offline key was used, but files could not be restored, it means that the offline decryption key isn’t available yet. However, receiving this message is extremely good news, meaning that it might be possible to restore your TCVP extension files in the future. It can take a few months until the decryption key gets found and uploaded to the decryptor. We recommend you to follow updates regarding the decryptable DJVU versions here. We strongly recommend backing up your encrypted data and waiting.
Report Internet crime to legal departments
Victims of TCVP Ransomware Virus should report the Internet crime incident to the official government fraud and scam website according to their country:
In the United States, go to the On Guard Online website.In Australia, go to the SCAMwatch website.In Germany, go to the Bundesamt für Sicherheit in der Informationstechnik website.In Ireland, go to the An Garda Síochána website.In New Zealand, go to the Consumer Affairs Scams website.In the United Kingdom, go to the Action Fraud website.In Canada, go to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.In India, go to Indian National Cybercrime Reporting Portal.In France, go to the Agence nationale de la sécurité des systèmes d’information.
If you can’t find an authority corresponding to your location on this list, we recommend using any search engine to look up “[your country name] report cyber crime”. This should lead you to the right authority website. We also recommend staying away from third-party crime report services that are often paid. It costs nothing to report Internet crime to official authorities. Another recommendation is to contact your country’s or region’s federal police or communications authority.