How to remove Tutu Ransomware and decrypt .tutu files

What is Tutu Ransomware

Tutu Ransomware is a type of malware that falls under the broader category of ransomware, specifically identified as part of the Dharma family. It is designed to encrypt files on the victim’s computer, thereby denying access to the data and demanding a ransom for the decryption key. Upon infection, Tutu Ransomware encrypts files and appends a specific pattern to the filenames, which includes the victim’s ID, an email address (such as tutu@download_file), and the .tutu extension. For example, sample.jpg would be renamed to sample.jpg.id-{random-id}.[tutu@download_file].tutu. Tutu Ransomware creates a ransom note, typically named README!.txt, which is placed in directories with encrypted files. The note informs victims that their data has been encrypted and provides instructions for contacting the attackers via email to negotiate payment for the decryption key. The note also threatens to publish or sell the victim’s data if contact is not made within a specified timeframe.

As of the latest information, there are no free decryption tools available for Tutu Ransomware. Victims are generally advised against paying the ransom, as this does not guarantee the return of the encrypted data and further funds criminal activity. Instead, the recommended course of action includes:

• Isolating the infected device to prevent further spread.
• Using reputable antivirus or anti-malware tools to remove the ransomware.
• Restoring files from backups if available.
• Consulting resources like the No More Ransom Project for potential decryption tools.

To prevent ransomware infections like Tutu, it is crucial to maintain strong security practices for RDP and other remote access services, educate users on recognizing phishing attempts and avoiding suspicious downloads, keep all software and operating systems up to date with the latest security patches and regularly back up important data and store backups in multiple, secure locations. For IT professionals and security researchers, it is important to stay informed about the latest ransomware threats and their behaviors, as well as to contribute to and utilize shared knowledge bases for identifying and mitigating such threats. For general users, understanding the risks and implementing basic cybersecurity hygiene can significantly reduce the likelihood of falling victim to ransomware attacks like Tutu.

How Tutu Ransomware infects computers

Tutu Ransomware typically spreads through several common vectors:

Vulnerable Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) Services: Attackers exploit weak security in RDP setups, such as weak passwords or lack of two-factor authentication, to gain unauthorized access and deploy the ransomware.
Phishing Emails: Deceptive emails that trick users into opening malicious attachments or links can lead to a ransomware infection.
Compromised or Malicious Websites: Drive-by downloads from visiting infected websites can result in ransomware being installed without the user’s knowledge.
Pirated Software and Malware Obfuscation: Downloading and using pirated software can also be a source of infection, as these often contain hidden malware.

1. Download Tutu Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .tutu files
3. Recover encrypted files with Stellar Data Recovery Professional
4. Restore encrypted files with Windows Previous Versions
5. Restore files with Shadow Explorer
6. How to protect from threats like Tutu Ransomware

Tutu Ransomware files:


README!.txt
{randomname}.exe


Tutu Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .tutu files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

Use the following tool from Kaspersky called Rakhni Decryptor, that can decrypt .tutu files. Download it here:

There is no purpose to pay the ransom because there is no guarantee you will receive the key, but you will put your bank credentials at risk.

Dr.Web Rescue Pack

Famous antivirus vendor Dr. Web provides free decryption service for the owners of its products: Dr.Web Security Space or Dr.Web Enterprise Security Suite. Other users can ask for help in the decryption of .tutu files by uploading samples to Dr. Web Ransomware Decryption Service. Analyzing files will be performed free of charge and if files are decryptable, all you need to do is purchase a 2-year license of Dr.Web Security Space worth $120 or less. Otherwise, you don’t have to pay.

If you are infected with Tutu Ransomware and removed from your computer, you can try to decrypt your files. Antivirus vendors and individuals create free decryptors for some crypto-lockers. To attempt to decrypt them manually, you can do the following:

Use Stellar Data Recovery Professional to restore .tutu files

1. Download Stellar Data Recovery Professional.
2. Click Recover Data button.
3. Select the type of files you want to restore and click Next button.
4. Choose the location where you would like to restore files from and click Scan button.
5. Preview found files, choose ones you will restore and click Recover.

Using Windows Previous Versions option:

1. Right-click on infected file and choose Properties.
2. Select Previous Versions tab.
3. Choose a particular version of the file and click Copy.
4. To restore the selected file and replace the existing one, click on the Restore button.
5. In case there are no items in the list, choose an alternative method.

Using Shadow Explorer:

1. Download Shadow Explorer program.
2. Run it, and you will see a screen listing of all the drives and the dates that shadow copy was created.
3. Select the drive and date that you want to restore from.
4. Right-click on a folder name and select Export.
5. In case there are no other dates in the list, choose an alternative method.

If you are using Dropbox:

1. Login to the Dropbox website and go to the folder that contains encrypted files.
2. Right-click on the encrypted file and select Previous Versions.
3. Select the version of the file you wish to restore and click on the Restore button.

How to protect computer from viruses, like Tutu Ransomware, in future

1. Get special anti-ransomware software

Use ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware

ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware Dashboard

ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware Alert

ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware Blocked

Famous antivirus brand ZoneAlarm by Check Point released a comprehensive tool, that will help you with active anti-ransomware protection, as an additional shield to your current protection. The tool provides Zero-Day protection against ransomware and allows you to recover files. ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware is compatible with all other antiviruses, firewalls, and security software except ZoneAlarm Extreme (already shipped with ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware) or Check Point Endpoint products. The killer features of this application are: automatic file recovery, overwrite protection that instantly and automatically recovers any encrypted files, file protection that detects and blocks even unknown encryptors.

2. Back up your files

As an additional way to save your files, we recommend online backup. Local storage, such as hard drives, SSDs, flash drives, or remote network storage can be instantly infected by the virus once plugged in or connected to. Tutu Ransomware uses some techniques to exploit this. One of the best services and programs for easy automatic online backup is iDrive. It has the most profitable terms and a simple interface. You can read more about iDrive cloud backup and storage here.

3. Do not open spam e-mails and protect your mailbox

Malicious attachments to spam or phishing e-mails are the most popular method of ransomware distribution. Using spam filters and creating anti-spam rules is good practice. One of the world leaders in anti-spam protection is MailWasher Pro. It works with various desktop applications and provides a very high level of anti-spam protection.