The aim of this virus is to maliciously use encryption technologies to make files inaccessible for the victim and then demand money in exchange for data decryption tools. In other words, this threat takes victim’s files hostage and then demands ransom. Computer users are advised to never pay ransoms for cybercriminals and keep backups of their files in case they get damaged by malware.

Ransom note provides instructions from threat actors

The people behind TCBU extension virus ensure that the victim notices the ransom note they drop in each data folder. This note, dubbed _readme.txt, contains a message that informs the computer user of what has been done to files stored on the computer. It also reassures the user that all data can still be salvaged, however, only in case the user pays a ransom. The note provides two email addresses that belong to cybercriminals: support@fishmail.top and datarestorehelp@airmail.cc. According to the note, the victim has to contact the criminals via email and attach one small encrypted file for a service that criminals identify as “test decryption.” They promise to send a decrypted file version back, only to prove that the attackers can actually restore all files. The ransom note also explains that in order to get a discount on the initial ransom amount, which is $980, the user has to write an email to criminals within 72 hours. The way the crooks put it, this would set the TCBU decryption tool price to $490. In their email reply, the crooks will further explain that the payment can be made using cryptocurrency only, for anonymity purposes. Cybersecurity experts and law enforcement agencies like FBI recommend ransomware victims to refrain themselves from paying the ransom to cybercriminals. Doing so doesn’t guarantee data recovery, plus, it motivates the attackers and helps them to fuel the malicious operations.

Additional damage inflicted by malware

It is important to understand that STOP/DJVU ransomware variants like TCBU virus rarely arrive as a sole malware to the computer. Typically, installers used to infect user’s computer with malware contain several pieces of malicious software, and so it happens to be the case with this ransomware strain. Experts have discovered that the file-encrypting threat often arrives together with Vidar Stealer, AZORult, or RedLine Stealer. All of these are known to be highly hazardous information-stealing Trojans. It is important to remove TCBU ransomware virus before it succeeds to do more damage to your computer. Removing it on time can event prevent it from encrypting part of your files. That being said, we strongly recommend you to follow instructions provided below and get rid of the malware launched on your computer. Our team recommends using INTEGO Antivirus for virus removal, and download RESTORO for repairing virus-damaged Windows OS files.

Ransomware Summary

Tips to avoid ransomware infection

In order to prevent ransomware-type viruses like TCBU from infecting your computer, we strongly recommend that you install a robust security software on your computer first. It will keep you protected in real-time and block unsolicited attempts to drop malware on your PC. Award-winning antivirus solution for your PC. Robust security software that provides robust 24/7 real-time protection, Web Shield that stops online threats/malicious downloads, and Prevention engine that wards off Zero-Day threats. Keep your PC safe and protected against ransomware, Trojans, viruses, spyware and other forms of dangerous programs. The second most important thing to do when trying to avoid ransomware infections is to recognize sources that similar malware usually come from. They can be sent to you via email in a form of a deceptive attachment (such as Word or PDF file), be uploaded to torrent listing or simply a rogue warez site in a form of a cracked software installation setup, or be pushed alongside fake update installers online. Speaking of email spam, computer users should be extremely cautious and avoid opening email attachments, as well as inserted links, from messages that come unexpectedly and claim you have an urgent matter to resolve. Such emails typically try to rush the user to click on the email attachment or inserted link without realising the danger behind it. For this reason, you should always double-check the sender’s email address, whole message for its structure, grammar mistakes, logos, and really think whether the email looks like it was sent by a trustworthy entity or simply its impostor. Additionally, computer users should refrain from visiting rogue websites advertising software cracks, pirated program and game versions and other content that infringes copyrights of the respective owners. Many computer users still think the Internet is endless and can provide free versions of software in high demand, while it is not true. The criminals try to use popular software names for clickbait and convince the user to launch a setup file that is nothing else but malware launcher. Finally, we advise users to avoid interacting with aggressive online ads pushing various software updates. These ads can lead to installation of deceptive installers containing a bundle of spyware or even malware, therefore, you should remember that the safest place to download software from is the official developer’s website.

Remove TCBU ransomware virus entirely and restore your files

The safest and easiest way to remove TCBU ransomware virus and other threats that were potentially dropped during the breach of computer security is explained below. Our team of experts have provided a list of steps that one should take in order to complete TCBU virus removal. We also recommend using INTEGO Antivirus, and we find it to be one of the best AV solutions available nowadays. To finalize the malware removal, consider the idea of downloading RESTORO and using it to repair virus-damaged Windows OS files. Afterward, you can use data backups to restore the majority of encrypted files. In addition, do not forget to change all of your passwords because information-stealing Trojans we discussed earlier could have stolen sensitive login credentials and other data. OUR GEEKS RECOMMEND 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: 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. Get INTEGO ANTIVIRUS for Windows to remove ransomware, Trojans, adware and other spyware and malware variants and protect your PC and network drives 24/7. This VB100-certified security software uses state-of-art technology to provide protection against ransomware, Zero-Day attacks and advanced threats, Intego Web Shield blocks dangerous websites, phishing attacks, malicious downloads and installation of potentially unwanted programs. Use INTEGO Antivirus to remove detected threats from your computer. Read full review here. 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. Read full review here.

Method 1. Enter Safe Mode with Networking

Before you try to remove TCBU 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 Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10/11 users Now, you can search for and remove TCBU 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.

Method 2. Use System Restore

In order to use System Restore, you must have a system restore point, created either manually or automatically. Instructions for Windows XP/Vista/7 users Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10/11 users 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 If you’re looking for an all-in-one system maintenance suite that has 7 core components providing powerful real-time protection, on-demand malware removal, system optimization, data recovery, password manager, online privacy protection and secure driver wiping technology. Therefore, due to its wide-range of capabilities, System Mechanic Ultimate Defense deserves Geek’s Advice approval. Get it now for 50% off. You may also be interested in its full review.

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 TCBU files

Fix and open large TCBU 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.

STOP/DJVU decryption tool usage guide

STOP/DJVU ransomware versions are grouped into old and new variants. TCBU Ransomware Virus is considered the new STOP/DJVU variant, just like BPTO, ISWR, ISZA, BPSM, ZOUU, MBTF, ZNSM (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 TCBU files, follow the given tutorial.

Meanings of decryptor’s messages

The TCBU 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 TCBU 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.

Victims of TCBU 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.