RansomwareRemoval Guide

Remove ThunderX Virus (.tx_locked Files Ransomware) – ThunderX Ransomware

ThunderX – Ransomware

The ThunderX stands for a ransomware-type infection. The virus comes from the ThunderX ransomware family. ThunderX was elaborated specifically to encrypt all major file types. Once 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 quickly 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 requesting the ransom is absolutely the same as the statements given by other ransomware virus representatives belonging to the ThunderX family. It actually mentions that the information is encrypted and that the only way to restore it is to use a an unique decryption key. Sadly, this is absolutely true. The type of cryptography mechanism applied by ThunderX is still not properly examined. Still, it is absolutely specific that each victim might be given the specific decryption key, which is absolutely distinct. It is impossible to restore the files without the key available.

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

Nonetheless, irrespective of the asked for quantity, people must stay away from paying the virus. Cyber frauds are unfair, so they tend to totally ignore what their victims feel about the issue, even when the payment reaches their pockets. This is why paying the ransom normally does not give any positive result and people just lose their money for absolutely nothing.

We highly encourage 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 information data for free. Thus, the just best decision is to recover the lost data from the available backup.

Virus Summary

NameThunderX Ransomware
File Extension.tx_locked
TypeRansomware
FamilyThunderX
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

Keep in mind that the world wide web is now overwhelmed with threats that look comparable to ThunderX ransomware. Malicious programs of such kind are usually elaborated to encrypt essential information 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 generate the unique decryption key for information decryption.

Therefore, as long as the ransomware is still being developed or has some hidden bugs, by hand recovering the information is simply not feasible. The only method to prevent the loss of your crucial files is to frequently create backups of your important information.

Bear in mind that even if you create such backups, they must be placed into a special storage utility not connect to your main computer. You may use the 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 place.

How did ransomware infect my computer?

There are a number of methods used by online frauds to distribute ThunderX virus. Despite the fact that it is uncertain how precisely ThunderX injects your system, there are some leaks through which it may penetrate the system:

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

Typically ThunderX ransomware may exist as some legitimate software, for instance, in the pop-ups advising users to execute some important software updates. This is the common trick used by online scams to persuade people into downloading and installing ThunderX infection manually, by methods of their direct participation in the installation process.

In addition, the criminals may describe different email spam strategies to inject destructive codes into systems. So, they may refer to to sending unsolicited spam e-mails with tricky notices promoting users to download the attachments or click on certain download links, for example, the ones encouraging users to open some photos, documents, tax reports or invoices.

Needless to mention, opening such documents or clicking on such dangerous links may severely harm the system. Fictitious Adobe Flash Player update informs may result in ThunderX virus injection. As for the cracked software, these illegally downloaded programs may also consist of harmful codes resulting in ThunderX secret installation. Finally, injection of ThunderX may happen by methods of Trojans that privately get injected into the system and set up destructive tools without the user’s authorization.

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

Despite the fact that there is no 100% guarantee to avoid your computer from getting infected, there are some pieces of guidance we want to share with with you. First of all, be very mindful when you surf the web and specifically while downloading free programs. Stay away from opening suspicious email attachments, especially when the sender of the email is not familiar to you.

Keep in mind that some freeware installers may contain other unwanted utilities in the package, so they may be destructive. Make sure that your current antivirus and your entire OS is always appropriately updated.

Naturally, downloading pirated software is prohibited and may lead to necessary damage to be produced your PC. Hence, stay away from downloading cracked software. You are also strongly advised to reconsider your existing security software and perhaps switch to another security solution that can render much better services of protecting your computer.

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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