Towz – Ransomware
Towz is a harmful software application working as common ransomware. Michael Gillespie, the widely known malware researcher, very first found this new name in the DJVU ransomware family.
Towz was created for the sole purpose to encrypt all popular file types. Logically, as quickly as the encryption is successfully achieved, the users are not able to get access to them. Towz ransomware adds its own “.towz” to all the encrypted files. For instance, the file “price_list.xls”, once crypted by Towz, will be titled as “price_list.xls.towz”. When the encryption is achieved, Towz puts its own unique text file (_readme.txt) into all the folders that keep the encrypted files.
The message mentioned by text file requesting for the random os very comparable to the notices provided by other ransomware threats coming from the DJVU family. The caution generally indicates that the information has been encrypted and the only option to get access to it is to use a special standalone key. Regretfully, this declaration is definitely real.
The approach to secure the files used by Towz is not totally researched. However, there is no doubt that each computer system owner might be provided an unique decryption key, which is definitely unique. It is extremely tough to recover the information without the appropriate type in location.
“Don’t worry, you can return all your files!”, from text file message:
One more peculiarity of the Towz ransomware is that the users are unable to get access to the key. The decrypting key is hosted on a special server under the total control by the scoundrels who have introduced the Towz ransomware into the internet. In order to obtain the key and bring back the essential information, the users are informed to connect with the scams by means of email or by telegram and to pay the ransom in the quantity of $980.
The message likewise states that individuals need to contact the Towz authors within 72 hours upon the moment of the information file encryption. The alert suggests that by doing so the people will get a 50% discount, for that reason, the ransom quantity drops down to $490.
Towz crypted your information, however, it might not be the only risk on your computer. Plus, the ransomware may be hidden deep in the system. To identify and delete the hazard entirely, we recommend you to refer to the aid of GridinSoft Anti-Malware .
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No matter what the amount of the ransom is, we strongly recommend that you do not pay the ransom. There is no warranty that these online criminals will keep their pledges, so they may not care at all what the victims feel about the file encryption, even when the amount of the ransom is gotten into their accounts. For this reason, paying ransom often does not result in a successful recovery. So, the users may just lose their money for absolutely nothing.
Likewise, we advise you not to call the scams as they advise. Do not transfer loan into their wallets. There are no applications that might break the Towz ransomware or bring back the information at no cost. For that reason, the only correct choice is to restore the information from possible backups (if readily available).
Virus Summary
| Name | Towz Ransomware |
| File Extension | towz |
| Type | Ransomware |
| Family | DJVU |
| Short Description | The 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. |
| Symptoms | File encryption by the ransomware is performed by means of the AES-256 algorithm (CFB mode) encryption algorithm. Once the encryption is completed, the ransomware adds its special .towz extension to all the files modified by it. |
| Distribution Method | Adware bundles and software cracks |
| Similar Infections | Lokas, Besub, Nusar |
| Towz Removal Tool | GridinSoft Anti-Malware |
| Towz Decryption Tool | Emsisoft Djvu Decryptor |
Do not forget that the Web is now full of infections comparable to the Towz ransomware. For example, this particular hazard is essentially identical to Brusaf and other ransomware-type infections. These damaging utilities have actually been established in order to secure the important data and reveal the demand for the users to pay the ransom. All these infections use the similar algorithm to generate the specific key for effective files decryption.
Unless the Towz ransomware is still under the development process or has actually got some hidden bugs, it is not possible to bring back the information by hand. Thus, the only working service to avoid the loss of your essential data is to frequently maintain updated backups of all your vital data.
Another essential piece of advice is to store the backups on special storage not linked to your primary PC. For instance, you might save it on the USB Flash Drive, or some external hard disk, or by using the cloud data storage services. Keeping the backups on your system drive is extremely risky, since the backup may also be secured by the Towz infection.
Leakages for the Towz ransomware attack.
Towz utilizes lots of paths to infiltrate the vulnerable computer systems. It is not specific what particular method was utilized in your case, however, the invasion might happen by means of the following channels:
- bundling with third-party programs, mainly freeware;
- spam e-mails from the unknown senders;
- sites providing free hosting;
- P2P (peer-to-peer) torrent downloads.
There are times when the Towz may camouflage itself as some authentic application, for instance, through the deceptive notifies requiring setup of some software application update. This is the most common trick used by the frauds to inject the Towz ransomware files into the system. In this manner users partly participate in its installation, without plainly comprehending the threat.
Moreover, the frauds may send unsolicited spam e-mail with difficult signals encouraging individuals to open dubious attachments or click some download links, for example, those encouraging the people to open specific pictures, text files, tax documents and other information.
No doubt, opening these files or clicking the harmful links might essentially harm the system. Fake Adobe Flash Player update notifications may cause the Towz ransomware infiltration. Likewise, downloading the cracked software application might in addition consist of the ransomware installer. The last but not the least, installation of Towz may take place through some Trojan horses that may be set up stealthily into the system and without the user’s direct consent or perhaps permission.
Preventing the Towz ransom virus injection.
Of course, there is no outright assurance that your computer will be always without any malware attacks, nevertheless, we want to share some beneficial suggestions with you to make it safer. Ensure to pay really very close attention while browsing the web and especially while getting cost-free programs. Do not open any dubious email accessories, specifically if the sender is not understood to you.
Do not forget that specific freeware installer may likewise contain some other additional apps in the bundle. These extra applications may be really harmful. It is of utmost importance to keep your anti-virus software application and your os in general to be constantly properly updated.
It is quite sensible that downloading pirated programs is illegal, however, in addition, such unauthorized apps usage might likewise bring major damage to your computer. Thus, do not download any cracked programs. Plus, the truth that your existing anti-virus did not secure the system from the Towz ransomware is a great factor for you to reconsider your options and change to another program that can render the protecting functions on a much better level.
Below please find the quotation from the Towz text file:
ATTENTION! Don't worry, you can return all your files! All your files like photos, databases, documents and other important are encrypted with strongest encryption and unique key. The only method of recovering files is to purchase decrypt tool and unique key for you. This software will decrypt all your encrypted files. What guarantees you have? You can send one of your encrypted file from your PC and we decrypt it for free. But we can decrypt only 1 file for free. File must not contain valuable information. You can get and look video overview decrypt tool: https://we.tl/t-2P5WrE5b9f Price of private key and decrypt software is $980. Discount 50% available if you contact us first 72 hours, that's price for you is $490. Please note that you'll never restore your data without payment. Check your e-mail "Spam" or "Junk" folder if you don't get answer more than 6 hours. To get this software you need write on our e-mail: restorealldata@firemail.cc Reserve e-mail address to contact us: gorentos@bitmessage.ch Our Telegram account: @datarestore
Screenshot of files with “.towz” extension added by the ransomware:”
Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove Towz ransomware from your computer
1.Download GridinSoft Anti-Malware.
You can download GridinSoft Anti-Malware by clicking the button below:
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.
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.
3. Press Install button for run GridinSoft Anti-Malware.
3.Once installed, GridinSoft Anti-Malware will automatically run.
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.
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.
Use Emsisoft Decryptor for restore towz files
You can download Emsisoft Decryptor by clicking the button below:
- Run the decryptor as an administrator. The license terms will show up, which you have to agree to by clicking the “Yes” button.
- Once the license terms are accepted, the primary decryptor user interface opens.
- By default, the decryptor will pre-populate the locations to decrypt with the currently connected drives and network drives. Additional locations can be added using the Add” button.
- Decryptors typically offer various options depending on the particular malware family. The available options are located in the Options tab and can be enabled or disabled there. You can find a detailed list of the available Options below.
- After you have added all the locations you want to decrypt to the list, click the “Decrypt” button to start the decryption process. The screen will switch to a status view, informing you about the current process and decryption status of your files
- The decryptor will inform you once the decryption process is finished. If you require the report for your personal records, you can save it by clicking the “Save log” button. You can also copy it straight to your clipboard to paste it into emails or forum posts if you are asked to.
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