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How to Get Rid of the “Vtua” Ransomware (Full Guide)

Ian Lexner
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Question asked by:

Danica Brown

Issue:

HELP! I can't open any of my files!

I need your help! I can't open any of my files (everything is name with .vtua) and I am getting constant notifications from Windows Update saying that I need to update my computer even though I already updated it. I have a text file on my desktop with the title "_readme.txt" and when I opened it, it says that I need to pay $900 to get my files back. Please! I need my files back. Help me!

Solved issue
Remove Threats Now iolo System Mechanic will optimize your current system & remove Vtua Ransomware. Purchase of a full license may be required for 100% fix.

Vtua Ransomware is a ransomware virus designed to extort money from unsuspecting victims who believe the terrifying claims about damaged files. Because criminals are always focused on profit, the virus is created with a specific purpose and goals in mind. This is the strategy used by criminals to terrify individuals into paying the amount demanded in their ransom note. The $490 discount may tempt the victims, but we strongly advise against doing that as it is not guaranteed complete data recovery. It’s dangerous to even contact the crooks, so believing them and paying money can lead to additional problems.

The Vtua Ransomware encrypts files in order to extort money from its victims. This malware application gain infects the victim’s computer by employing advanced encryption techniques. It has the ability to alter the code of each targeted file, rendering it entirely unusable.  

VTUA Ransomware

The ransom note with the file name ” readme.txt” is placed in different folders for hints about where you need to send the payment and information about possible solutions when the ransomware finally infects the computer. All infected files will be encrypted and designated with a unique appendix. Pictures, documents, and audio/video content that are locked are degraded but not completely destroyed. In such circumstances, however, recovery possibilities are restricted. It’s for extortion purposes in order for the victims to be persuaded to send bitcoin to the cybercriminals in the hopes of having their files returned.

Vtua Ransomware Summary

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NAMEVtua Ransomware
TYPEFiles Encryptor, Cryptocurrency Virus, Ransomware
FAMILYDejavu Ransomware Family
APPENDIX.vtua
RANSOM AMOUNT$980 for the full amount, but as per the ransom note, victims who contact them within 72 hours will get a 50% discount lowering the amount to $490 dollars in Bitcoin.
RANSOM NOTE_readme.txt
CONTACT DETAILS[email protected], [email protected]
DISTRIBUTIONMalicious ads from untrustworthy websites, downloaded torrent files from unreliable websites, Macros or Infected email attachments
REMOVALIf you think there is an infection in your system but have not yet seen the symptoms in your system, cyber security experts recommend using iolo System Mechanic to perform holistic scan on your computer.

These cybercriminals are not to be trusted. They’ll try to extort money from you by promising to provide a decryption program that might or might not work if a $980 worth of Bitcoin payment is made. 

The ransom note is crafted so that it is intended to entice people to follow the directions, resulting in money being transmitted carefully. Still, files and emails are locked, and victims receive nothing in return. The text file’s message is as follows:

“ATTENTION!

Don’t worry, you can return all your files!

All your files like pictures, databases, documents and other important are encrypted with strongest encryption and unique key.

The only method of recovering files is to purchase decrypt tool and unique key for you.

This software will decrypt all your encrypted files.

What guarantees you have?

You can send one of your encrypted file from your PC and we decrypt it for free.

But we can decrypt only 1 file for free. File must not contain valuable information.

You can get and look video overview decrypt tool:

hxxps://we.tl/t-xl2bbDnZSN

Price of private key and decrypt software is $980.

Discount 50% available if you contact us first 72 hours, that’s price for you is $490.

Please note that you’ll never restore your data without payment.

Check your e-mail “Spam” or “Junk” folder if you don’t get answer more than 6 hours.

To get this software you need write on our e-mail:

[email protected]

Reserve e-mail address to contact us:

[email protected]

Your personal ID: xxxxxxxxxxx”

More Information About Vtua Ransomware

If you choose to contact them by email, you should be aware of the potential of being personally blackmailed or receiving a harmful file rather than the appropriate decryption program. Don’t be deceived by criminals who promise a reduced ransom amount. Remember that malware authors are just interested in making money; your files are unimportant to them.

Vtua ransomware infects the system and deliberately causes problems with the system to maintain its persistence. When the virus is running in the background, it can stay active and render a variety of issues with the machine. This family is known to create other process pop-ups to perform file-locking actions.

You may not notice the infection, but you will see changes in the machine’s speed and performance. This is why malware displays a bogus Windows Update notification to make it appear as if this is the cause of the slowdown. Users are left in the dark until the files are entirely locked, and a ransom message is posted on the desktop.

Here’s an example of a fake Windows Update notification:

Fake Windows Update

Automatically Remove Vtua Ransomware

iolo System Mechanic is a good option if you don’t want to deal with the stress and inconvenience of manually removing viruses. It’s a virus detection and removal and system optimization utility that not only keeps your computer safe from internet dangers but also maintains your computer whole system, including drivers, up to date.

iolo System Mechanic Features

Vtua Ransomware Manual Removal Instructions

If you happen to notice that your computer is infected with the Vtua Ransomware, you have to make sure that it does not spread to other devices in your network. To do this, you have to isolate the infected device away from the other devices that are connected to your computer and the network

#1: Disconnect From Your Network

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Step 1: Hold down the “Windows” + “R” keys and type in “ncpa.cpl” in the run command line and click “OK

ncpa.cpl

Step 2: Click on the network that you are connected to and click on “Disable this network

Disable network connection

#2: Unplug All Connected Storage Devices from the Computer

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The Vtua Ransomware, as previously stated, encrypts data and infiltrates all storage devices attached to the computer. As a result, all external storage such as external hard drives, flash drives, and other similar devices should be detached as soon as possible. To avoid data corruption, we strongly encourage you to remove each device before disconnecting.

Step 1: Open “This PC” and locate all the connected storage devices. Right-click on it and click “Eject

Disconnect storage devices

#3: Disconnect from Your Cloud Storage Devices

Some ransomware variants may be able to take control of software that manages data saved in your cloud storage. As a result, internet attacks like Vtua Ransomware could infect the information. As a result, you should log out of any cloud storage accounts you have in your browsers and other software. You should also uninstall the cloud-management application installed on your computer until the threat has been eliminated.

#4: Look for a Decryption Tool for the Files Infected by Vtua Ransomware

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Most ransomware-type attacks use incredibly advanced encryption methods, and only the developer can restore the encrypted data.  This is due to the fact that decryption needs the usage of a unique key that is only generated during the encryption process. It’s difficult to recover data without the key. Instead of using the infected system as a host, fraudsters would usually store the restoration keys on a remote server.

Phobos, Dharma and other varieties of ransomware attacks are almost perfect, making data recovery impossible without the cooperation of the developers. Nevertheless, there are many ransomware viruses that are poorly created and full of loopholes. As a result, if ransomware infects your machine, you should look for available decryption programs that can effectively remove it from your computer.

It can be difficult to find the right decryption tool. As a result, we highly suggest that you use the No More Ransom Project. There is a “Decryption Tools” section on the website with a search bar. You can enter the name of the ransomware to see a list of all available decrypting tools for Vtua Ransomware.

Nomoreransom website

#5: Keep Your Files and Data Safe

If you were able to successfully remove the Vtua Ransomware from your computer, now is the time to back up your files to cloud storage or a removable storage device. In this way, in case your computer gets infected again then you will have all your files stored in a safe place. However, you have to remember that you should not plug your storage device or log in to your cloud storage while your computer has not yet been fully rid of any threats.

#6: Data Backup Options

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External Storage Devices – Using an external storage device and keeping it unplugged is one of the most reliable backup techniques. Please copy all your important files and data to an external storage device such as an external SSD/HDD or flash drive, then unplug it and keep it in a dry, cool location away from the sun. This strategy, however, is inefficient because data backups and upgrades must be performed frequently.

Cloud Storage Services – We recommend keeping a backup of your files with Microsoft OneDrive. OneDrive allows you to store important files and data in the cloud and sync files between your computer and mobile devices. You can also access and edit files from any Windows device and other devices with OneDrive. OneDrive allows you to save, share, and preview files, as well as see your download history, rename, move and delete files, and create new folders.

On your PC, you can make a backup of your most important folders and files.  The File versioning feature will also let you keep older versions of files for up to 30 days. OneDrive has a recycle bin where you can store the deleted files for a limited period. 

OneDrive offers 5 GB of free storage with subscription-based storage choices of 100 GB, 1 TB, and 6 TB available. These storage plans are available either as a standalone purchase or as part of an Office 365 subscription.

Microsoft OneDrive

Conclusion

Manually removing threats from your computer is a risky move since you may accidentally delete important files that can render your computer useless. We strongly suggest using an automatic virus removal tool such as iolo System Mechanic to remove threats such as Vtua Ransomware. Using iolo System Mechanic is a safe bet, as it not only removes viruses from your computer, it can also repair damaged files caused by viruses.

About the author
Ian Lexner photo
Ian Lexner - PC & Mac repair expert
Ian is the editor on BestPCTips.com. He has been involved with PCs since he was a teenager. He has experience in software development, computer hardware, virus removals & other security stuff. Currently, his main job and hobby, at the same time, is to help others to deal with various computer-related issues. Whether it's viruses, spyware, all sorts of errors and "bugs" -- Ian and BestPCTips.com are here to help.

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If the Vtua Ransomware is still not fixed — don’t hesitate and contact us via email, or a Facebook messenger (the blue ‘bubble’ on the bottom-right of your screen).

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