RansomwareRemoval Guide

Remove ThunderX Virus (.tx_locked Files Ransomware)

ThunderX Virus Ransomware

The ThunderX stands for a ransomware-type infection. ThunderX was elaborated particularly to encrypt all major file types. As soon as the file is encrypted people are not able to use them. ThunderX adds the “.tx_locked” extension for each file encrypted by it. For example, the file “myphoto.jpg“, as soon as encrypted by ThunderX, will be renamed into “myphoto.jpg.tx_locked“. As soon as the encryption is completed, ThunderX places a special text file into every folder containing the encrypted data.

The message given by ThunderX text file asking for the ransom is definitely the same as the statements given by other ransomware virus representatives. It actually discusses that the information is encrypted which the only way to restore it is to use a a distinct decryption key. Regretfully, this is definitely true. The type of cryptography mechanism applied by ThunderX is still not properly examined. Still, it is absolutely particular that each victim might be given the specific decryption key, which is totally distinct. It is impossible to restore the files without the key available.

Another technique of ThunderX is that the victims cannot gain access to the key. The key is kept on a particular server run by the frauds connected with ThunderX ransomware. To get the key and recover the important information people have to pay the ransom.

However, regardless of the asked for quantity, people need to stay away from paying the virus. Cyber frauds are not fair, so they tend to completely ignore what their victims feel about the problem, even when the payment reaches their pockets. This is why paying the ransom usually does not give any positive result and people simply lose their money for absolutely nothing.

We strongly advise that you do not contact these crooks and definitely do not transfer money into their accounts. It is said to admit that there are no utilities able to crack ThunderX ransomware and to recover the data data totally free. Thus, the just best decision is to recover the lost information from the available backup.

Virus Summary

NameThunderX Ransomware
File Extension.tx_locked
TypeRansomware
Short DescriptionThe ransomware encrypts all the data stored on your system and requires a ransom to be paid on your part supposedly to recover your important files.
SymptomsFile encryption by the ransomware is performed by means of the AES and RSA encryption algorithms. Once the encryption is completed, the ransomware adds its special tx_locked extension to all the files modified by it.
Distribution MethodSpam Emails, Email Attachments
Decryption Files
Removal Tool   GridinSoft Anti-Malware

Bear in mind that the internet is now overwhelmed with threats that look similar to ThunderX ransomware. Harmful programs of such kind are typically elaborated to encrypt important data and to state the need before the user to pay the ransom. The peculiarity of all such ransomware threats is that all apply a comparable algorithm to produce the special decryption key for information decryption.

Hence, as long as the ransomware is still being developed or has some hidden bugs, manually recovering the information is just not feasible. The only method to prevent the loss of your crucial data is to regularly create backups of your important information.

Bear in mind that even if you create such backups, they must be put into a special storage utility not connect to your main PC. You may use the USB Memory Stick or external hard drive for this purpose, or refer to the help of the cloud storage. If you keep your backup files on your common system they may be encrypted in addition to other files, so it’s absolutely not a good storage location.

How did ransomware infect my computer?

There are numerous ways used by online scams to distribute ThunderX virus. Even though it is uncertain how exactly ThunderX injects your system, there are some leaks through which it may penetrate the system:

  • integration with third-party software application, especially freeware;
  • spam emails from unknown senders;
  • sites rendering free hosting services;
  • pirated peer-to-peer (P2P) downloads.

Frequently ThunderX ransomware may be presented as some genuine software, for instance, in the pop-ups instructing users to carry out some important software updates. This is the typical trick used by online frauds to persuade people into downloading and installing ThunderX infection manually, by means of their direct participation in the installation process.

Additionally, the criminals might describe various e-mail spam techniques to inject harmful codes into PC. So, they may refer to to sending unsolicited spam emails with tricky notices promoting users to download the attachments or click on certain download links, for example, the ones motivating users to open some photos, documents, tax reports or invoices.

Needless to mention, opening such files or clicking on such dangerous links may severely harm the system. Fictitious Adobe Flash Player upgrade alerts may result in ThunderX ransom injection. As for the cracked software, these illegally downloaded programs may also include destructive codes leading to ThunderX secret installation. Lastly, injection of ThunderX may occur by means of Trojans that privately get injected into the system and set up harmful tools without the user’s authorization.

Is there any method to avoid the injection of ThunderX ransomware?

Although there is no 100% guarantee to prevent your system from getting infected, there are some pieces of guidance we want to share with with you. Firstly, be very mindful when you browse the web and particularly while downloading free programs. Keep away from opening suspicious email attachments, especially when the sender of the email is not familiar to you.

Bear in mind that some freeware installers may contain other unwanted utilities in the package, so they may be destructive. Ensure that your current antivirus software and your entire OS is always duly updated.

Obviously, downloading pirated software is prohibited and may result in necessary damage to be produced your PC. Thus, stay away from downloading cracked software. You are also highly encouraged to reconsider your existing security software and perhaps change to another security solution that can render far better services of defending your system.

Below please find the quotation from the ThunderX text file:

Attention! Your network has been locked by ThunderX
Your computers and server are encrypted
For this server all encrypted files have extension: .tx_locked
Follow our instructions below and you will recover all your data

----
You cant open or work with files while it encrypted - we use strongest encryption algorithms
All backups are deleted or formatted, do not worry, we can help you restore your files

The only way to return your files back - contact us and receive decryption program.

Do not worry about guarantees - you can decrypt any 3 files FOR FREE as guarantee
----

Contact us: deloneThunder@protonmail.com or ThunderBirdXeX@cock.li

And attach in first letter this file or just send all info below (copy all info!):

key: -
personal id: -

Screenshot of files with “.tx_locked” extension added by the ransomware:
ThunderX Ransomware - encrypt files with .tx_locked extension

Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove ThunderX ransomware from your computer

1.Download GridinSoft Anti-Malware.

You can download GridinSoft Anti-Malware by clicking the button below:

  GridinSoft Anti-Malware

2. Double-click on the setup file.

When setup file has finished downloading, double-click on the setup-antimalware-ag.exe file to install GridinSoft Anti-Malware on your computer.
GridinSoft Anti-Malware
An User Account Control asking you about to allow GridinSoft Anti-Malware to make changes to your device. So, you should click “Yes” to continue with the installation.
GridinSoft Anti-Malware Setup

3. Press Install button for run GridinSoft Anti-Malware.

GridinSoft Anti-Malware Install

3.Once installed, GridinSoft Anti-Malware will automatically run.

GridinSoft Anti-Malware  Start

4. Wait for the GridinSoft Anti-Malware scan to complete.

GridinSoft Anti-Malware will automatically start scanning your computer for Win Speedup 2018 and other malicious programs. This process can take a 20-30 minutes, so we suggest you periodically check on the status of the scan process.
GridinSoft Anti-Malware Scan

5. Click on “Clean Now”.

When the scan has completed, you will see the list of infections that GridinSoft Anti-Malware has detected. To remove them click on the “Clean Now” button in right corner.
GridinSoft Anti-Malware Scan Result

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Daniel Zimmermann

Daniel Zimmermann has been writing on security and malware subjects for many years and has been working in the security industry for over 10 years. Daniel was educated at the Saarland University in Saarbrücken, Germany and currently lives in New York.

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