Toec Ransomware

Ransomware continues to be the biggest threat to users online – these file-encryption Trojans are good at causing long-term damage to the files of their victims exceptionally, and there is often no way to recover the lost data without cooperating with the attackers. Sadly, reaching out to the con artists who encrypted your files is not a guaranteed way to get your data back – they will want to be paid a hefty ransom sum, and you will get any proof that they can help you recover your data rarely.

The STOP Ransomware Continues to be the Most Active Ransomware Family

One of the fresh additions to the long list of file-lockers to be seen in the wild in 2019 is the Toec Ransomware – this threat is based on the STOP Ransomware, and it is considered to be incompatible with free data decryption tools. When the Toec Ransomware is launched on an unprotected computer, it will begin encrypting documents, images, videos, archives, databases, and other file formats that are used regularly. Whenever the Toec Ransomware encrypts a file's contents, it will modify its name by adding the '.toec' extension. After these tasks are complete, the Toec Ransomware drops the ransom note '_readme.txt,' which aims to provide the victims with more information about the situation they are in.

According to the '_readme.txt' file, users cannot rely on free data decryption utilities, and they are told to contact the attackers for help. The ransom note says that the ransom fee is $980, but the criminals are willing to give a 50% discount for a limited amount of time – this means that victims will need to pay $490 via Bitcoin to get a decryptor. It is not recommended to comply with their request, because you will be sponsoring future malware projects, and you may not get any help in return. The last bit of valuable info in the Toec Ransomware ransom note is the emails that the attackers use for contact – salesrestoresoftware@firemail.com and salesrestoresoftware@gmail.com.

If you think that the Toec Ransomware has damaged your files, then we suggest that you use a reputable anti-virus tool to eradicate the threat, and then try to restore your files via alternative data recovery techniques and utilities.