Remove TTII Ransomware Virus (DECRYPT .ttii FILES)

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

TTII ransomware poses a threat to your computer-stored data

Contents

TTII ransomware poses a threat to your computer-stored data
Ransomware distribution: tips and tricks to avoid getting infected
Remove TTII Ransomware Virus and Recover Your Files
Decrypt TTII files
Frequently Asked Questions

TTII is a ransomware-type virus. It originates from the well-known ransomware group known as STOP/DJVU. Once the computer gets infected, the virus encrypts all files including images, videos, documents and other data types and marks original filenames with .ttii extension. For example, a file named 1.jpg will be renamed to 1.jpg.ttii, 2.txt to 2.txt.ttii and so on.

The ransomware drops a message from its operators into _readme.txt files saved throughout the computer system. These files are often referred to as “ransom notes” as they contain an explanation that in order to recover all files, the computer user has to pay a ransom for the cybercriminals. As a result, the crooks would provide the victim with TTII file decryption tool and private decryption key required for successful data recovery.

_readme.txt note instructs to pay a ransom

Just like any typical ransomware, TTII leaves a ransom note with a brief message from its operators. It suggests that the only way to decrypt encrypted files is to purchase decryption tools from cybercriminals for a specified price. According to the note, the victim can get a 50% discount on it if one writes to the criminals within 3 days. In such case, the decryption service costs $490. If delayed any longer, the price will be set to $980.

The only way to contact the attackers is via provided emails – manager@time2mail.ch and supportsys@airmail.cc.

After contacting the criminals via email, the victim will find out that the payment can only be made using cryptocurrency (preferably Bitcoin) as it helps to keep the transaction and the attackers’ identity anonymous.

The ransom note also suggests attaching one encrypted file to the email in order to test the decryption service. This way, the crooks seek to encourage the victim and provide guarantees that it is “worth” paying the ransom.

See a screenshot of the said ransom note to see the full message.

However, cybersecurity experts and FBI recommend ransomware victims to NOT PAY THE RANSOM. It hardly gives you guarantees that all data will be restored, besides, funding cybercriminal operations is also not a good idea. Moreover, cybercriminals often tend to memorize victims who are willing to pay up and target them again and again.

Additional risks involved

Victims of this ransomware variant should know that STOP/DJVU malware usually travels along with VIDAR or AZORULT Trojans, a highly dangerous threats capable of stealing private information such as login credentials, browsing history, cryptocurrency wallets and more. In addition, these Trojans allow the attacker to access the infected computer remotely and view, delete or download files to the computer. Such functionality is often leveraged for the purpose of blackmailing the computer user.

In addition, the ransomware deletes Volume Shadow Copies from the system, thus infringing the functionality of System Restore points. In other words, the virus attempts to make every modification on the infected system in order to halt data recovery options for the victim. Moreover, the virus will modify Windows HOSTS file by uploading a list of domains to it and mapping them to localhost IP. As a consequence, the user might run into DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error in web browser when trying to access one of them. The explanation behind this is that the cybercriminals want to prevent the victim from reaching help online.

In order to secure your computer, you should remove TTII ransomware virus and related malware without any hesitations. First of all, see the guide provided below and learn how to boot your computer in Safe Mode with Networking. Next, run a trusted antivirus solution on it. Finally, consider downloading RESTORO to repair virus damage on Windows OS files.

Ransomware Summary

Name	TTII Ransomware Virus
Type	Ransomware; Crypto-malware; Virtual Extortion Virus
Family	STOP/DJVU
Encryption type	RSA 2048 + Salsa20
Previous versions	JHDD, DEWD, JHBG, JHGN, TTII, HHJK, MMOB (find full list here)
Version	465th
Extension	.ttii
Cybercriminal emails	manager@time2mail.ch and supportsys@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 .ttii 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	Ransom:Win32/StopCrypt.PAL!MTB (Microsoft), Trojan.Crypt (A) (Emsisoft), HEUR:Trojan-Ransom.Win32.Stop.gen (Kaspersky), Trojan.GenericKD.47850419 (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. To repair virus damage on Windows OS files, consider scanning with RESTORO (secure download link).

REPAIR VIRUS DAMAGE

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Scan your system for FREE to detect security, hardware and stability issues. You can use the scan results and try to remove threats manually, or you can choose to get the full version of software to fix detected issues and repair virus damage to Windows OS system files automatically. Includes Avira spyware/malware detection & removal engine.

See a screenshot below to see how files encrypted by this ransomware virus look like.

Ransomware distribution: tips and tricks to avoid getting infected

Threat actors typically distribute ransomware-type viruses in disguise of pirated software copies, email attachments named as regular documents, or fake ads offering some software updates. When it comes to STOP/DJVU versions like TTII virus, these threats mostly hide in torrent listings or warez/crack sites offering “100% free full versions” of popular software like Adobe Photoshop, AutoCad, Internet Download Manager, Virtual DJ Pro and similar.

Computer users are advised to refrain from such illegal activities and instead visit official software websites for secure and legitimate copies of desired computer programs. After all, users should support legitimate software developers rather than greedy criminals, not even to mention the cybersecurity risks that arise from using or distributing illegal software copies.

In addition, cybercriminals often spread ransomware with the help of spam emails. They hide the malicious code into documents and attach these to emails. On top of that, they often try to impersonate representatives of well-known companies to trick the target into thinking that the email was sent by a legitimate and trustworthy entity. To strengthen the effect, they may even use email spoofing techniques. To avoid getting infected, we recommend that you treat every email with extreme caution and if the email seems even slightly suspicious, avoid interacting with URLs inserted or files attached to it.

Computer users who have fallen victim to a ransomware attack should also be extremely cautious when looking for available data decryption tools online. Reports show that cybercriminals often tend to hide malware in fake file decryption tools advertised as solutions for ransomware victims. At the moment, the only tools capable of decrypting or repairing files locked by STOP/DJVU are created by Emsisoft and DiskTuna and you can find more information about them in this guide.

Remove TTII Ransomware Virus and Recover Your Files

The best way to remove TTII ransomware virus and other existing threats from your computer is by using a genuine antivirus software. You should start your computer in Safe Mode with Networking first to ensure that all unwanted processes are deactivated.

After TTII virus removal, we recommend downloading RESTORO to repair virus damage on Windows OS files automatically.

OUR GEEKS RECOMMEND

Our team recommends removing malware using a professional antivirus software and then using the following tool to repair virus damage to Windows system files:

REPAIR VIRUS DAMAGE TO YOUR COMPUTER

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RESTORO provides a free scan that helps to identify hardware, security and stability issues and presents a comprehensive report which can help you to locate and fix detected issues manually. It is a great PC repair software to use after you remove malware with professional antivirus. The full version of software will fix detected issues and repair virus damage caused to your Windows OS files automatically.

RESTORO uses AVIRA scanning engine to detect existing spyware and malware. If any are found, the software will eliminate them.

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GeeksAdvice.com editors select recommended products based on their effectiveness. We may earn a commission from affiliate links, at no additional cost to you. Learn more.

TTIII 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 TTIII 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 TTIII 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, which also includes data recovery software. 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

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware

Removing spyware and malware is one step towards cybersecurity. To protect yourself against ever-evolving threats, we strongly recommend purchasing a Premium version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware, which provides security based on artificial intelligence and machine learning. Includes ransomware protection. See pricing options and protect yourself now.

System Mechanic Ultimate Defense

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Disclaimer. This site includes affiliate links. We may earn a small commission by recommending certain products, at no additional cost for you. We only choose quality software and services to recommend.

Decrypt TTII files

Fix and open large TTII 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 TTII 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. TTIII Ransomware Virus is considered the new STOP/DJVU variant, just like JHDD, DEWD, JHBG, JHGN, TTII, HHJK, MMOB (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 TTII 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 TTII 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 TTII 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 TTII 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 TTIII 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 .TTII files?

You can only open TTII 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 TTII 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 TTII 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.