Remove TCVP Ransomware Virus (DECRYPT .tcvp FILES)

remove TCVP ransomware virus and learn how to decrypt or repair files with .tcvp extension (free guide)

TCVP ransomware encrypts files stored on a computer

Contents

TCVP ransomware encrypts files stored on a computer
- What do the ransomware operators want?
- Ransomware Summary
Ransomware distribution and tips to avoid getting infected
Remove TCVP ransomware virus and try to decrypt your files
Decrypt TCVP files
Frequently Asked Questions

TCVP ransomware is a new computer virus sample that we have discovered recently. It is a recognized variant from the STOP/DJVU ransomware family. The way this virus inflicts damage is by encrypting all files stored on the victimized computer. In order to make the damage more noticeable for the computer user, the ransomware appends .tcvp extension to each filename. For example, files originally named as 1.jpg or 2.docx will appear as 1.jpg.tcvp and 2.docx.tcvp. Once encrypted, there will be no chances to open them. The virus then drops _readme.txt ransom note in each data folder.

Victims affected by this ransomware should know that this threat often arrives together with additional malware, namely Vidar, Azorult or RedLine Stealer. These malware variants are recognized as information stealers and can grab sensitive data such as passwords, browsing history, cookies and more.

What do the ransomware operators want?

Cybercriminals behind TCVP ransomware virus let the computer user know about their intentions by leaving a ransom note behind. The ransom note, named _readme.txt, can be found in each folder containing some encrypted files.

The note asks for victim’s attention and clarifies that the only way to decrypt .tcvp files is to pay a ransom for them. The note points out that victims who write to cybercriminals via provided email addresses (support@fishmail.top, datarestorehelp@airmail.cc) within 72 hours can get a 50% discount on the initial ransom amount, setting the decryption tools’ price to $490. If delayed longer, the demanded ransom amount will remain at its starting point, which is $980.

The criminals recommend sending a sample of encrypted file along with victim’s Personal ID (included in the _readme.txt file) to them, and promise to send a decrypted file version back. The test file, however, should not contain any valuable information, or the criminals will deny decryption service.

Please bear in mind that paying a ransom to cybercriminals IS NOT A RECOMMENDED OPTION. Not only it doesn’t guarantee data recovery, but it also encourages the criminals to continue their activities since the more victims pay, the more profitable this illegal activity is. In addition, scammers may add you to their list of potential future targets as someone who is willing to pay up when faced with blackmail.

Therefore, if you have been affected by this malicious computer virus, do not hesitate and remove TCVP ransomware as soon as you can. We have prepared detailed instructions on how to do it without a computer technician’s help. In addition, we have two software recommendations that can help to deal with the ransomware attack consequences – (INTEGO Antivirus for malware removal and RESTORO (download link) for repairing virus-damaged Windows OS files.

Ransomware Summary

Name	TCVP Ransomware Virus
Type	Ransomware; Crypto-malware; Virtual Extortion Virus
Family	STOP/DJVU
Encryption type	RSA 2048 + Salsa20
Previous versions	FATP, FATE, TCBU, POZQ, ZATP, ZATE (find full list here)
Version	604th
Extension	.tcvp
Cybercriminal emails	support@fishmail.top and datarestorehelp@airmail.cc
Additional malware dropped	Azorult or Vidar Trojan
Damage	The ransomware uses encryption to maliciously modify all files on the PC and marks their original names with .tcvp extension. Ransom notes called as _readme.txt will be dropped in every computer folder. This piece of malware usually drags VIDAR Stealer alongside it and also eliminates VSS from the system. On top of that, it tends to modify Windows HOSTS file to restrict computer user’s access to cybersecurity-related websites online.
Ransom note	_readme.txt
Ransom demand	$490-$980 in Bitcoin
Distribution	Victims often download this ransomware along illegal torrent downloads, cracked software, activators, key generators or tools like KMSPico.
Known software cracks to contain this malware	Corel Draw, Tenorshare 4ukey, Adobe Photoshop, Cubase, Adobe Illustrator, Internet Download Manager, Tally, League of Legends.
Detection names	Trojan:Win32/Azorult.FW!MTB (Microsoft), Gen:Heur.Mint.Zard.52 (B) (Emsisoft), HEUR:Trojan.Win32.Scarsi.gen (Kaspersky), Gen:Heur.Mint.Zard.52 (BitDefender), Trojan.MalPack.GS (Malwarebytes), ML.Attribute.HighConfidence (Symantec) see all detection name variations on VirusTotal
Removal	Remove ransomware and related malware from your PC using trustworthy software like INTEGO Antivirus. To repair virus damage on Windows OS files, download and try RESTORO (secure download link).

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Ransomware distribution and tips to avoid getting infected

Ransomware-type threats are distributed in a variety of ways. We will begin by covering the distribution method used by STOP/DJVU operators to spread variants like TCVP virus, and add other known methods that you should be wary of.

The primary method used for distribution of this ransomware strain is cracked software downloads. The cybercriminals often upload fake installation (setup.exe) files to rogue cracked software sites or torrent listings. These files are often stored in password-protected archives in order to evade malware detection systems. Computer users who fall for this bait in attempts to install paid software versions for free risk falling victims to a ransomware attack. Therefore, it is essential to understand that legitimate software versions can be downloaded from trustworthy sources only, and we mean the official software developer’s website or a confirmed partner’s web page.

The second ransomware distribution method that is no less popular than the previously discussed one is malicious email attachments. The cybercriminals go extreme lengths trying to fabricate emails of well-known companies or governmental institutions. It is important to ignore emails that get marked as spam. In addition, looking out for other suspicious details such as weird sender’s email address, grammar mistakes or overly generic greeting line is a good idea.

Finally, cybercriminals often hide unwanted programs in fake installers advertised as software updates. Such ads may be designed to convince users to update well-known software, such as Java. Unfortunately, agreement to install it from an untrustworthy source can result in damage to your computer. That being said, we strongly advise you to check for official software updates in legitimate websites rather than aggressive ads that pop-up on your screen during your online browsing sessions.

Remove TCVP ransomware virus and try to decrypt your files

Being a victim of a ransomware attack is a horrible experience, and if you became one, it is time to secure your computer and your privacy. First, we recommend you to remove TCVP ransomware virus using a trustworthy AV solution like INTEGO Antivirus.

You should do it after booting your computer in Safe Mode with Networking (see guide provided below). When it comes to repairing virus-damaged Windows OS files, the best solution, from our view, is RESTORO (download link).

Once the computer is free from malware, we strongly recommend that you change all login credentials stored in your computer and browsers.

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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:

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TCVP Ransomware Virus Removal Guidelines

Method 1. Enter Safe Mode with Networking

Step 1. Start Windows in Safe Mode with Networking

Before you try to remove TCVP 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

First of all, turn off your PC. Then press the Power button to start it again and instantly start pressing F8 button on your keyboard repeatedly in 1-second intervals. This launches the Advanced Boot Options menu.
Use arrow keys on the keyboard to navigate down to Safe Mode with Networking option and press Enter.

Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10/11 users

Open Windows Start menu, then press down the Power button. On your keyboard, press down and hold the Shift key, and then select Restart option.
This will take you to Windows Troubleshoot screen. Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings > Restart. Tip: If you can't find Startup Settings, click See more recovery options.
In Startup Settings, press the right key between F1-F9 to enter Safe Mode with Networking. In this case, it is the F5 key.

Step 2. Remove files associated with the virus

Now, you can search for and remove TCVP 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.

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Method 2. Use System Restore

In order to use System Restore, you must have a system restore point, created either manually or automatically.

Step 1. Boot Windows in Safe Mode with Command Prompt

Instructions for Windows XP/Vista/7 users

Shut down your PC. Start it again by pressing the Power button and instantly start pressing F8 button on your keyboard repeatedly in 1-second intervals. You will see Advanced Boot Options menu.
Using arrow keys on the keyboard, navigate down to Safe Mode with Command Prompt option and press Enter.

Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10/11 users

Launch Windows Start menu, then click the Power button. On your keyboard, press down and hold the Shift key, and then choose Restart option with the mouse cursor.
This will take you to Windows Troubleshoot screen. Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings > Restart. Tip: If you can't find Startup Settings, click See more recovery options.
In Startup Settings, press the right key between F1-F9 to enter Safe Mode with Command Prompt. In this case, press F6 key.

Step 2. Start System Restore process

Wait until system loads and command prompt shows up.
Type cd restore and press Enter, then type rstrui.exe and press Enter. Or you can just type %systemroot%system32restorerstrui.exe in command prompt and hit Enter.
This launches System Restore window. Click Next and then choose a System Restore point created in the past. Choose one that was created before ransomware infection.
Click Yes to begin the system restoration process.

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

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Decrypt TCVP files

Fix and open large TCVP 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.

Create a copy of encrypted file to a separate folder using Copy > Paste commands.
Now, right-click the created copy and choose Rename. Select the TCVP extension and delete it. Press Enter to save changes.
In the prompt asking whether you want to make the changes as file might become unusable, click OK.
Try opening the file.

STOP/DJVU decryption tool usage guide

STOP/DJVU ransomware versions are grouped into old and new variants. TCVP Ransomware Virus is considered the new STOP/DJVU variant, just like FATP, FATE, TCBU, POZQ, ZATP, ZATE (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 TCVP files, follow the given tutorial.

Download the decryption tool from Emsisoft.
Click the little arrow next to your download and choose Show in Folder.
Now, right-click the file and choose Run as Administrator. If asked, enter administrator's password.
In UAC window, click Yes.
Click Yes to agree to software terms in both windows.
The tool will automatically include C:// disk as a location to decrypt. The file recovery tool will prepopulate the locations to scan, including connected data storage drives or network drives. Click Add folder if you wish to add additional locations.
In Options tab, you can choose to keep encrypted file copies. We recommend leaving this option selected, especially if you do not know if the decryption tool will work.
Click Decrypt to start restoring TCVP files. You will see the progress in the Results tab. Here, you can see messages from the tool, such as whether the decryption procedure is successful, or you need to wait for an update.
You might also be informed that online key was used to encrypt your files. In such case, the decryption tool won't work for you, and the only way to recover your files is to use a data backup.

Meanings of decryptor's messages

The TCVP 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 TCVP 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 TCVP 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

✓ How can I open .TCVP files?

You can only open TCVP files if you have the decryption key, or if you were affected by offline encryption type.

✓ How do I know if my files were encrypted with offline or online encryption?

To figure out whether you were affected by offline encryption, please go to C:/SystemID/PersonalID.txt and see if the string inside of it ends in t1. You can also try using Emsisoft Decryptor for STOP/DJVU.

✓ My files contain very important information (family memories). Every tool I used says it is impossible to decrypt. What should I do?

Please follow the guidances provided by the official TCVP decryption tools and believe what they say. If they say it is impossible to decrypt, it really is so. There is no magic tool or human capable of decrypting your files hiding somewhere. Encryption is a technique created to be nearly impossible to decrypt without a special private key (held by the criminals).

✓ I am afraid virus is still in my computer system. What should I do?

We advise scanning with anti-virus, anti-malware, malware removal tools or software like RESTORO to eliminate virus damage on the system. If you do not trust using a single tool, try running one after another. However, we do not recommend keeping several security programs on a computer at once as they can interfere with each other's work.

✓ I saw several Youtube videos suggesting secret decryption tools. Can I trust them?

Beware of fake TCVP decryption tools circulating around the web. Cyber criminals are uploading them to various shady websites, also might be promoting them via suspicious Youtube videos. These programs can infect your computer even more heavily (Trojans, miners, etc.). We suggest being extremely cautious around the web. If there will be an official STOP/DJVU decryption tool available, it will be widely discussed in public media.

Norbert Webb

Norbert Webb is the head of Geek’s Advice team. He is the chief editor of the website who controls the quality of content published. The man also loves reading cybersecurity news, testing new software and sharing his insights on them. Norbert says that following his passion for information technology was one of the best decisions he has ever made. “I don’t feel like working while I’m doing something I love.” However, the geek has other interests, such as snowboarding and traveling.