Tarocrypt Ransomware

The Tarocrypt Ransomware is a Trojan ransomware infection that is used to force computer users to pay a fee to recover their files. The Tarocrypt Ransomware belongs to a family of encryption ransomware, which encrypts files, making them unrecoverable without the decryption key. This means that the threat in the user's computer persists even after the Tarocrypt Ransomware infection has been removed with the help of a reliable security application. This characteristic of encryption ransomware is the main reason these kinds of attacks have become so popular in the last few years. Unfortunately, advances in encryption technology and cryptology can be used as much for security purposes as they can be used to carry out these kinds of attacks effectively.

The Tarocrypt Ransomware and Similar Ransomware Threats

The Tarocrypt Ransomware infects computers running any of the commonly used versions of the Windows operating system. The Tarocrypt Ransomware is distributed using typical threat distribution methods, including email attachments and attack websites. Once the Tarocrypt Ransomware enters a computer, it scans the victim's files, looking for specific file formats, and then uses an AES encryption algorithm to encrypt the files the Tarocrypt Ransomware finds. The Tarocrypt Ransomware demands payment of ransom from its victims, usually through anonymous methods like BitCoin. One of the reasons why encryption Trojans like the Tarocrypt Ransomware have increased in popularity in recent months is the increase in RaaS (Ransomware as a Service) providers. This 'service' being provided by ransomware creators to other criminals. Attackers can use the Tarocrypt Ransomware infection, adapt it to their needs, and carry out their attacks, while the RaaS providers keep track of the number of infections carried out using the Tarocrypt Ransomware and the ransoms paid. As payment for their service, RaaS providers receive a percentage of the profits. Currently, encryption ransomware and other threat attacks are a multi-million dollar industry that is responsible for millions of dollars in deficit all over the globe.

A Closer Look at the Tarocrypt Ransomware Infection Process

In essence, ransomware attacks like the Tarocrypt Ransomware are not particularly complicated. This, combined with the fact that it is difficult to recover data that has been encrypted using threats such as the Tarocrypt Ransomware, makes these kinds of attacks highly desirable for criminals. The following are the common steps taken by the Tarocrypt Ransomware and similar encryption ransomware Trojans as part of their attack:

1. First, the Tarocrypt Ransomware is delivered to the victim's computer. Tarocrypt Ransomware's common delivery methods include corrupted email attachments, social media spam links, and attack websites containing exploit kits used to infect visitors' computers with threats.
2. As soon as the Tarocrypt Ransomware is delivered to the victim's computer, the Tarocrypt Ransomware establishes a connection with its command and control server. Through this connection, the Tarocrypt Ransomware can relay the encryption data so that it is not present on the threat itself.
3. The Tarocrypt Ransomware scans the victim's computer, looking for files with specific file extensions. The Tarocrypt Ransomware tends to target media files, images and documents.
4. The Tarocrypt Ransomware will encrypt all files it finds using AES encryption. As part of the encryption process, the Tarocrypt Ransomware changes the affected files' extensions. The actual extension used varies, depending on the Tarocrypt Ransomware variant on the victim's computer. The Tarocrypt Ransomware avoids files that stop Windows from functioning, which allows it to deliver its ransom note and continue encrypting additional files on the victim's computer.
5. The Tarocrypt Ransomware deletes Shadow Volume Copies of encrypted files and interferes with System Restore, preventing computer users from using these methods to recover from a Tarocrypt Ransomware attack.
6. The Tarocrypt Ransomware demands that computer users pay a ransom to recover the encrypted files. The ransom note usually takes the form of an error message or pop-up notification. The Tarocrypt Ransomware will also change the affected computer's Desktop image into a ransom note message.