Toec is the name of the newly discovered ransomware infection, whose primary purpose is to make all user’s files inaccessible. The virus can accomplish this by encrypting the data with complex algorithm that even malware researchers are having hard time with the decryption. In fact, many victims were not able to recover their .toec infected files due to lack of free recovery tools. Those who can afford to pay the ransom may have chance of getting files their files to original format, but not all were able to receive the required decryption software and private key even if they have formally settle the payment.
As expected, most users who carelessly download cracked programs are in the front line of Toec ransomware attack. Next to them are those who are unwise in opening email attachment where Toec is disguising as valid document file. Obviously, Toec ransomware authors are using so many different methods to trick users into downloading and executing their dreadful creation.
The attack of Toec virus on the computer is normally finished off with majority of files being encrypted and having the .toec extension. The virus appends this suffix to educate victims on the type of STOP or DJVU variants that has infected their computer. Aside from changing the extension, Toec ransomware will generate a ransom note stating that victim must remit a payment amounting to $980 in exchange for private key and decryption software should they want to recover their files. Below is a sample of ransomware note.
As mentioned, not all who paid the ransom money where able to collect necessary objects in recovering encrypted files. This just shows that dealing with cyber crooks is too risky. Ransomware makers can easily flee after receiving the payment and there is no way to track them because they normally operate in discreet identity.
How to Remove Toec Ransomware
Ransomware files are placed deeply into the system and on various locations, thus, thorough scanning is vital to totally remove Toec virus. Aside from our suggested tool, you may also run your own security program.
Though affected files may be impossible to decrypt due to complexity of the encryption, you can still try recovery method like alternative tool, Shadow Explorer or Previous Version as described below.
Stage 1: Scan the Computer with Anti-Malware Tool
1. Download free anti-malware scanner called MalwareBytes Anti-Malware.
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Download Link (this will open a new window)
2. After downloading, install the program. It may run automatically or you have to double-click on the downloaded file MBSetup.exe.
3. Carry out the installation with default setup process.
4. After the installation process, click the Get Started button to launch the program.
5. Continue with the prompts until the main program opens.
6. On the main console, click on Scan to run most complete detection method to find hidden objects associated to Toec ransomware.
7. Scanning may take a while. Please wait until the anti-malware tool is done with the checking.
8. Once the scan has completed, the tool will display the list of detected threats. Remove all identified malicious items and restart the computer if necessary.
Stage 2: Double-check for Toec’s leftover with Microsoft’s Malicious Software Removal Tool
1. Download the free scanner called Malicious Software Removal Tool.
Malicious Software Removal Tool Download Link (this will open a new window)
2. The tool automatically checks the operating system and suggest appropriate download version. Click on Download button to begin. Save the file to a convenient location, preferably on Desktop.
3. After downloading the file, Windows will prompt that download has completed. Click Run to start scanning for Toec ransomware. Another option is to browse the location folder and double click on the file to run.
4. The tool will display Welcome screen, click Next. Please note the message “This tool is not a replacement for an antivirus product.” You must understand that this program is made specifically to find and remove malware, viruses, Trojans, and other harmful elements on the computer. It was not designed to protect the computer.
5. Next, you will see Scan Type. Please choose Full Scan to ensure that all Toec ransom virus entities and other harmful files left on the computer will be found and removed. For advanced computer user, you can opt for Customized Scan, if there are other drives or folders you wanted to include in this scan.
6. Full scan may take a while, please wait for Malicious Software Removal Tool to complete the tasks. However, you may cancel the scan anytime by clicking on the Cancel button.
7. After scanning, the tool will reveal all identified threats. There may be other threats that our first scan fails to detect. Please remove/delete all detected items.
8. When removal procedure is complete, you may now close Malicious Software Removal Tool. We hope that Toec ransomware have been completely deleted from the computer. Please restart Windows to proceed with the normal operation.
Stage 3 : Unlocking files with Toec Decryption Tool
Tools that may decrypt files infected by Toec is not yet available at this time. We will update this section once the tool is on hand. In the meantime, please try the options below.
Option 1: Windows Previous Version Tool
Windows Vista and Windows 7 have a feature called Previous Versions. However, this tool is only usable if restore point was made prior to Toec ransomware infection. To use this tool and recover files affected by the virus, please follow these steps:
1. Open My Computer or Windows Explorer.
2. Right-click on the affected files or folders. From the drop-down list, please click on Restore previous versions.
3. New window will open display all backup copy of files and folders you wanted to recover. Choose the appropriate file and click on Open, Copy, or Restore. Restoring selected files overwrites the current encrypted files on the computer.
Option 2: Use ShadowExplorer to restore files encrypted by Toec Ransomware
Just like Previous Version tool, ShadowExplorer is taking advantage of shadow copy created by Windows. This tool allows you to retrieve older version of files before it was encrypted by Toec ransomware.
1. Download ShadowExplorer from the official web site.
2. Install the program with the default settings.
3. The program should run automatically after installation. If not, double-click on ShadowExplorer icon.
4. You can see the drop-down list on top of the console. Please select proper drive and the most recent point-in-time shadow copies of files you wish to restore prior to Toec ransomware infection.
5. Right-click on the Drive, Folder, or File you wish to restore and click Export…
6. Lastly, ShadowExplorer will prompt for location where you want to save the copy of recovered files.
Many Many thanks for this article. My computer was attacked by .toec ransomware virus. My several files and folder will be corrupted. I searched many articles and video to decrypts my files. But nothing successful. I read this articles and use ShadowExplorer. Thank to you that I recovered all my files successfully by ShadowExplorer.