Message left in the _readme.txt holds brief explanation about what has happened to victim’s computer. It begins with ATTENTION! line followed by assurance that all files can still be decrypted. According to the message, TIRP ransomware has encrypted all pictures, databases, documents and other important files with strongest encryption and unique key. In order to obtain file decryption key and software, the crooks ask to write them and follow instructions on purchasing cryptocurrency (Bitcoins) and transfer them to their virtual wallet address. The note suggests that if the victim contacts the criminals within 72 hours, the ransom price will be lower, $490. Otherwise, it costs $980 in Bitcoin. The attackers also suggest testing the TIRP file decryption tool by sending them one encrypted file via email. They promise to respond with a decrypted file version. However, what the note doesn’t mention is that this ransomware silently installed AZORULT password-stealing malware on the system alongside it, nor that the virus modified Windows HOSTS file to block victim’s access to computer help online.
Reasons not to pay the ransom for cybercriminals
It goes without saying that the primary aim of TIRP ransomware developers is to extort the victim virtually. They claim that they can decrypt all files as soon as the victim pays the ransom. However, cybersecurity experts advise against doing so, due to multiple reasons. One of the reasons not to pay up is that the decryption software might be faulty and fail to restore files. It might be due to changes to files made by the victim, or mistakes in the decryption software itself. Moreover, even if the tool does work, it is not a good idea to pay the criminals as it simply supports their filthy business and encourages them to continue it. Reports show that each year ransomware creators rake up millions in ransoms. Moreover, paying the ransom, just like demanding it, can be illegal in certain countries. Finally, do not forget that the criminals might ask you for more money after receiving the first amount you transferred. In short, the best idea now is to remove TIRP ransomware virus safely using robust malware removal software. After that, we strongly recommend scanning with RESTORO to repair virus damage on Windows OS files.
Threat Summary
Ways that ransomware viruses spread: avoid the virtual menace
Ransomware family that TIRP virus originates from (known as STOP/DJVU) has a tendency to spread in a very specific way. Almost all victims report that it infected their computers after downloading a malicious torrent, mostly via software crack or keygen. It is a common and very successful malware distribution channel that targets computer users who are unwilling to pay for premium software licenses. Such users try to download illegal tools that help to activate such programs for free. Unfortunately, these kind of downloads are known to distribute not only ransomware, but various types of Trojans and other malware. The key of success is that many victims proceed to open such downloads even if their security software says that it is malicious. Moreover, computer users even go so far to whitelist the detection so that they could run it. Unfortunately, doing so simply launches a ransomware downloader that downloads the actual virus and runs it on the system. Needless to say, trying to repair virus damage on the system after such attack always results in more financial damage than paying for legal software subscription. Therefore, we strongly recommend you to obtain program licenses from confirmed sources only and support legitimate software developers rather than cybercriminals. Another common ways to spread ransomware is malicious email spam. The criminals tend to compose convincing messages along with malicious email attachments (in a form of Microsoft Office documents such as Word or Excel file, or PDFs, JS or ACE format files). In fact, criminals are capable of inserting malware in a wide range of file formats today, unlike in the past, when malware could be distributed via .exe or .zip only. Finally, some cybercriminals opt to distribute malware via fake online ads that look like suggestions to install legitimate software updates. The most common examples of these are fake Adobe Flash or Java updates. The fake installer provided by the criminals installs the update along with some spyware or malware programs.
Remove TIRP ransomware virus and restore your files safely
The easiest way to remove TIRP ransomware virus is to run a robust automatic malware removal tool. You can use a program of your choice, however, we recommend to run exceptional virus damage repair program – RESTORO to revert damage on Windows OS files. Please follow the detailed TIRP ransomware virus removal instructions provided below to ensure safe computer cleansing process. Additionally, we encourage you to report Internet crime incident for a respective institution in your country (see references below). Finally, do not forget to change all of your passwords, especially for accounts that you stored passwords in your 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 TIRP 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 TIRP 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.
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Decrypt TIRP files
Fix and open large TIRP 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. TIRP 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 TIRP files, follow the given tutorial.
Meanings of decryptor’s messages
The TIRP 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 TIRP 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 TIRP 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.