ThunderCrypt virus: decrypt files and remove ransomware

This entry provides the low-down on the new ThunderCrypt ransomware, which uses asymmetric cipher to lock files and demands Bitcoins for decryption.

Unfortunately, cryptography isn’t entirely about benign scope of use these days. This domain of applied science was originally meant to secure communication, data transfer and information storage. However, cybercrooks ventured into turning this status quo upside down. They cooked up a type of high-profile malicious code that encrypts users’ files in order to hold them for ransom. Ransomware, which is a term denoting this particular category of computer viruses, became a buzzword since the first samples were discovered in the wild. The infection called ThunderCrypt is one of the latest manifestations of this adverse trend. It is currently stirring up a great deal of fuss in the IT security ecosystem, exhibiting malicious characteristics that are extremely difficult to tackle.

ThunderCrypt leverages the RSA-2048 cryptographic algorithm to make one’s important data inaccessible. This means that a 2048-bit public key is generated for an infected computer and used to scramble the inner structure of files. The filenames themselves stay unaltered, but they cannot be opened or edited. The inaccessibility effect isn’t the only way to find out that the malady is inside. The ransomware displays a warning window that explains what exactly happened and what steps can fix the problem.

Specifically, the ransom note reads, “We have encrypted all your personal files!” It goes on to say, “We did this using hybrid RSA-2048 public key encryption. It basically means there is no way to decrypt your files without the private key. The private key is stored on our server. Indeed, we can recover your files. You just have to pay us before the deadline.” The GUI does indicate the deadline, which is the point in time after which the unencrypt task will become unfeasible.

According to this warning, the victim is bound to redeem the files by paying 0.345 BTC, which is worth about 500 USD at the time of this writing. The ransom note provides the infected user’s unique Bitcoin address to submit this ransom. Once the payment has been made and the transaction has been confirmed, the decryption process will supposedly start automatically. To prove that this whole routine works, the felons can allegedly unencrypt one file for free as long as its size is under 10 MB.

ThunderCrypt is mainly making the rounds via malspam that delivers contagious attachments. It’s a very wrong thing to open every file received this way, because that’s how the overwhelming majority of today’s crypto ransomware samples propagate. If the assault happens to have taken place, make sure you don’t get hustled into paying the ransom right way. First, figure out whether alternative recovery techniques can help.

ThunderCrypt ransomware automated removal and data recovery

When faced with ransomware like ThunderCrypt, one of the best shortcuts in terms of removal is to use Combo Cleaner, a lightweight and incredibly effective application with PC security and optimization features under the hood. It detects and thoroughly deletes threats while giving you insights into the overall health of your computer.

This program’s protection power spans modules that forestall all known types of malware, including ransomware and browser hijackers, and take your online security to the next level by blocking phishing sites and other suspicious web pages. Follow these simple steps to eliminate the infection for good:

1. Download Combo Cleaner installer.

Download ThunderCrypt remover

^{Combo Cleaner scans your PC with no strings attached, but you’ll have to buy its fully functional version to remove the threats it detects. The disk optimization tools that find large files and duplicates are free to use.}

2. Open the CCSetup.exe file to get started. Several subsequent screens will allow you to make initial customizations so that the program works exactly as you need from the get-go.

3. The installation will be followed by an update of malware signatures. Once this process is through, click the Start Scan button in the left-hand sidebar.

4. Combo Cleaner will then check system locations that are most often polluted by Windows malware. The first scan can take a while to finish.

5. Combo Cleaner will display a system tray notification as soon as the scan is over. Click the Resolve found threats button to view the results.

6. The scan summary shows the names and types of the detected threats as well as their statuses and locations. Click the Remove all threats button and follow further on-screen prompts to get rid of these items.

Data recovery toolkit to the rescue

Some strains of ransomware are known to delete the original files after the encryption routine has been completed. As hostile as this activity appears, it can play into your hands. There are applications designed to revive the information that was obliterated because of malfunctioning hardware or due to accidental removal. The tool called Stellar Data Recovery features this type of a capability and therefore it can be applied in ransom attack scenarios to at least get the most important files back. So use the app to get an idea of what data can be restored and let it do the recovery job. Here is a step-by-step walkthrough:

1. Download and install Stellar Data Recovery.

Download Stellar Data Recovery

2. Open the application, select the types of recoverable files to look for, and click Next.

3. Choose the areas you want the tool to recover from and click the Scan button.

4. Having scanned the specified locations, the program will display a notification about the total amount of recoverable data. Close the dialog and click the Recover button. This will hopefully help you get some of your valuable files back.

ThunderCrypt ransomware manual removal and file recovery

Some ransomware strains terminate themselves after completing the encryption job on a computer, but some don’t. Furthermore, the ThunderCrypt virus may prevent victims from using popular antimalware tools in order to stay on board for as long as possible. Under the circumstances, it may be necessary to utilize the Safe Mode with Networking or System Restore functionality.

Be advised that even after the ransomware is removed, files will still be encrypted and inaccessible. The malicious code cleanup part, however, is important because it keeps a relapse of the infection from occurring further on and eliminates all opportunistic malware.

Ways of non-ransom recovery of files ransomed by ThunderCrypt

Cracking the crypto used by this ransom Trojan is more of a science fiction thing rather than an attainable prospect for the masses. This is why the troubleshooting in predicaments of this sort is a matter of two approaches: one is to pay the ransom, which isn’t an option for many victims; and the other is to apply instruments that take advantage of the ransomware’s possible weaknesses. If the latter is your pick, the advice below is a must-try.

Ransomware Prevention Tips

To avoid ThunderCrypt ransomware and other file-encrypting infections in the future, follow several simple recommendations:

These techniques are certainly not a cure-all, but they will add an extra layer of ransomware protection to your security setup.

Revise your security status

Post-factum assessment of the accuracy component in malware removal scenarios is a great habit that prevents the comeback of harmful code or replication of its unattended fractions. Make sure you are good to go by running an additional safety checkup. Another benefit of using the antimalware tool is that it will keep ransomware threats from intruding on your computer further on.

Download ThunderCrypt removal tool