Ransomware

TCYO Virus [.TCYO File] Ransomware Removal + Decrypt Files

If all your files got “.TCYO” extension at the end then your computer is attacked by a dangerous Ransomware infection. This dubious .TCYO File Virus is a variant of Dharma Ransomware which demands a hefty extortion fee to decrypt your files. This guide can help you remove this virus and decrypt your files without paying money to hackers.

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Threats like TCYO Virus keep getting back on PC if all associated files are not removed. So you are advised to use a powerful Malware Removal Tool to run a thorough scan of your PC and delete all threats at once.

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Compatible with: Windows XP/Vista/7/8/10 (32-bit and 64-bit)

What is TCYO

TCYO is a data locker malware which is a cryptovirus. This type of threat is used to encrypt files on targeted PC and extort money from victims to restore files. This type of malware attack has got a significant rise in recent years. People are more vulnerable to such infections because they store valuable data on their computers. Ransomware creators know this fact and take the advantage of such a situation to make an illegal profit online. TCYO Ransomware is a dangerous malware that can lock all types of files such as videos, images, audio, documents, database, backups, and so on.

If your computer got infected by this nasty virus, then you must not engage in any conversation or negotiation with hackers. Actually the primary motive of .TCYO File virus is to restrict users from accessing any of their files. A ransom note is also left on the victim’s computer to ask for the money in return for unlocking the documents. But taking cybercriminals on their words could be dangerous, as many people got scammed and could not get their files back. You need to remove .TCYO Virus from PC and recover your files through alternate methods. Read this guide for detailed information about this file-encrypting malware, how to remove it and how to decrypt your files.

More about TCYO Virus

TCYO ransomware is a notorious file-encrypting malware that belongs to DHARMA virus family. This dubious threat is created by hackers with the ambition to fraud money from users by blackmailing them. This new variant of data locker virus can encrypt all your files without your permission using a powerful cryptography algorithm. This .TCYO File Virus is able to infect any version of Windows PC easily and it can sneak past your antivirus protection without detection. Earlier you won’t even recognize what struck your PC and then suddenly all your files are locked with an undecipherable key.

TCYO File Virus Ransomware

.TCYO Virus is one of the many variants released by the creators of Dharma Ransomware virus. This dubious malware intrudes on your computer and then executes its malicious encryption software.

All your files get locked with new “.TCYO” extension, following the unique ID assigned to the victim and Email ID of the cyber criminals. For example, if a file on your PC has the name “myphoto.jpg” then it will convert into “myphoto.jpg.id-1E857D00.[yourfiles1@cock.li].TCYO” which cannot be opened without a decryption tool.

After the successful encryption of all the files, A ransom emanding pop-up window is placed on the desktop and a ransom note named as “FILES ENCRYPTED.txt” as text file is dropped in all compromised folders. This nasty Ransomware has created this ugly situation on your computer so that it can force you into paying the ransom money for the decryption key.

What happens to your files

As you know, .TCYO File Virus uses a powerful RSA military-grade encryption algorithm to encode your files. All your files will still be there on your computer, but you will not be able to access them. This kind of encryption algorithm is mainly used to protect files, transmit information without having the tension of anyone intercepting the message. This practice was first used for military and intelligence purposes but now many social media companies like WhatsApp, Viber, Telegram, and others are using end-to-end encryption. This technology keeps all the communication safe from sender to receiver and no one can read the messages.

Such end-to-end encryption, military-grade cipher are good for privacy but in hackers’ hands, it is a weapon of mass destruction. There is no way to break the encryption without a decoder and thus cybercrooks behind .TCYO Virus Ransomware gets away by cheating innocent users. All these files encrypted by this malware can only be decoded by a private decryption tool and key which is unique for every computer. Brute forcing to restore files to the original version might corrupt the whole and even the decryption tool won’t even recover .TCYO encrypted files.

However, there are some ways to recover files infected by this virus. It will not be easy but it could be possible to recover most (if not all) of the files without paying money to hackers. Sometimes ransomware creators also leave some flaws which could be exploited to create a decrpytor. Unfortunately, there is no free decryptor yet found for .TCYO Virus Ransomware. But it does not mean it’s not going to happen, however, it may take time. You can also recover your files through backup or use data recovery software to recover previous versions of your encrypted files.

TCYO Ransomware: Threat Analysis

Name TCYO
Type Ransomware, File-Encrypting virus
Family Dharma Ransomware
Extension .TCYO
Threat Level High (Encrypt all your data and Restrict access to your files).
Symptoms Victims cannot access any files on their PC and find Ransom notes asking for money.
Damage TCYO Ransomware will  encrypt your data by adding its extension to file names and demand ransom money for the decryption key
Distribution It is mainly distributed through spam emails, bundled freeware, porn or torrent sites.
Removal Download SpyHunter 5 Anti-Malware
File Recovery Download Data Recovery Software Now

Do not pay money hackers

Paying ransom money to hackers to get the decryption is not a good idea. Many people might think they cannot risk their valuable information and paying money is the easy way out but it can be dangerous. As you know, .TCYO File Virus is a variant of Dharma Ransomware. There are hundreds of more variants just like this. So if you once pay, your system can get infected again by some other version of the malware. It is also possible that some other completely ransomware virus attacks your PC. Because once your system gets infected, a loophole gets created which can be used viruses to intrude your machine.

It is also very much possible that after getting money, creators of .TCYO Virus will stop responding to your emails. Many of the victims already reported such incidents and there is no way to find the hackers. Payment is also in Bitcoins which cannot be traced and so you can lose both your files and money. Firstly, the main thing is you cannot trust cybercriminals to keep their words once they get paid, and secondly, you cannot force them to. So in our expert opinion, you must refrain from paying any money to .TCYO Virus because it will only motivate them to expand their blackmailing business.

Ransom note left by .TCYO Virus contains the following text message:

YOUR FILES ARE ENCRYPTED

Don't worry,you can return all your files!
If you want to restore them, follow this link:email yourfiles1@cock.li YOUR ID 1E857D00
If you have not been answered via the link within 12 hours, write to us by e-mail:tcprx@tutanota.de

Attention!
Do not rename encrypted files.
Do not try to decrypt your data using third party software, it may cause permanent data loss.
Decryption of your files with the help of third parties may cause increased price (they add their fee to our) or you can become a victim of a scam.

Distribution methods used to transmit ransomware

Most of the users ask us how their system got infected in the first place. They have no clue about the infection whatsoever. So if you are thinking the same question then you need to know that hackers use several tricks to spread their creation. Threats like .TCYO Ransomware mostly spread through illegal or pirated software downloads. When you go looking for cracked programs, how do you think they spoof the purchased software for free. Trojan viruses are used to crack software, and when you install such programs, that Trojan can always drop new threats on your PC.

Spam email campaigns is another very famous and effective method used by hackers to spread virus like .TCYO Ransomware. Hackers use software to send bulk messages with fake content and malicious attachments. Bulk messaging practically cost nothing, but even if 1 victim out of 1000 pays the ransom money, its still a good profit. Many freeware creators allow bundled programs that get installed in the background without permission. Such bundled apps can trigger the installation of malware and users won’t even know.

Browsing to torrent or porn sites causes too much redirection. You mostly land on suspicious sites with various fake ads, promo, alerts, warnings, etc. that ask you to click. Once you click on those ads, a malicious script could trigger the download and installation of malware on your system. Sharing files on an unsafe network could also bring threats like .TCYO Virus Ransomware on your computer. We have made a list of precautionary measures to avoid malware attacks on your PC which is at the last of this guide. Make sure to read those tips to protect your system in the future.

Removal of virus and Decryption of files

If you want to recover your files, then you must remove .TCYO Virus completely from PC. Removing this virus manually may not be easy, so you are advised to use a powerful Malware Removal Tool to get rid of this threat completely. Do not format your PC or re-install the Windows, because you will not be able to recover files then. To restore your encrypted files, you can use the backup copies if you have made any. If you don’t have backup then try using Data recovery software. If you try to restore files without removing viruses, then it will keep encrypting your data. So it is advised to delete .TCYO Virus completely from your machine.

How To Remove TCYO Virus

TCYO File Virus is a dangerous malware that can cause major damage to your computer. This nasty threat will bring several new problems in your PC, so it very important to delete this malware permanently. When this kind of malware invades your system, it will make your system vulnerable. This nasty malware is capable of bringing other harmful viruses on your system without your consent. It can completely obliterate your system performance in no time. This virus also has tendency to hide its malicious copies at various locations on your PC under different names. It is not an easy job to find and remove those virus related files manually.

In this guide, you will find instructions for two very different techniques to get rid of TCYO Virus infection . The first one is the Automatic Removal which is quite fast, effective and accurate. The second method is Manual Removal which usually takes lots of time, needs technical expertise, and often fails to give desired results. However, it is advised to take help of both techniques to ensure complete removal of the malware from your system. In case you are not handy with system operations and techincal stuff, just opt for the automatic malware removal process to eliminate TCYO Ransomware. The Automatic Removal process is fast, precise, and error free whereas the Manual Removal process is time-consuming and a slight mistake can corrupt the entire operating system. We advised you to take the help of both methods to completely eliminate the virus from your PC.

Automatic TCYO Removal Guide

As you already know that, TCYO Virus is a notorious and cunning malware that is not hard to remove easily by any user through manual means. This virus can keep coming back on the infected computer through files and shortcuts or settings that it has already created on your machine. Removing all those at once is the only way to get rid of this infection and stop it from getting on your system ever again.

So the best way to remove TCYO effectively is to use a powerful Automatic Removal Tool and save your time and efforts. This software is a well-trusted and very powerful anti-malware program that can detect all hidden threats like Trojan, Ransomware, Worms, Spyware, Rootkits, and many others. It also provides 24X7 customer support and one-on-one Spyware HelpDesk support for Custom Malware removal. Advanced System Guard feature detects and removes threats in real-time. It has a very User-Friendly Interface and regular Malware updates make it most effective against the latest malware attacks.

How SpyHunter 5 Anti-Malware Works

  • First, you need to click on the below download button to get the software.

Geek’s Recommendation

Some time threats like TCYO keeps getting back on the machine if all associated files are not removed. So you are advised to use a powerful Malware Removal Tool to run a thorough scan of your PC and delete all threats at once.

Compatible with: Windows 11/10/8/7 (32 Bit and 64 Bit)

Special Offer SpyHunter 5 Anti-Malware offers a 7-day fully-functional Free Trial. Credit card required, NO charge upfront. No charge if you cancel up to two business days before the trial period ends. Read SpyHunter 5 Review, and Free SpyHunter Remover details.
  • Then double-click on the installer you downloaded to install the program.
SpyHunter Installeruser access control
  • Launch Anti-Malware application and Start Scan Now of your PC.
Scan for TCYO
  • The software will scan your PC for all hidden threats and viruses on your system.
Scan for TCYO
  • Click on the Next button to see results and delete TCYO and other threats.
Remove TCYO

How To Recover Your Encrypted Files

Now all your files got encrypted by the .TCYO Virus then you need to recover your data without paying ransom money to hackers. If your files are important then you must have created a backup and you can use that backup to recover your files. If you don’t have a backup or this virus has encrypted your backup files, then you are left to seek professional help.

We recommend you use powerful data recovery software to restore your files encrypted .TCYO File Virus. It is a risk-free and smart way. You can just download the free version and scan your PC for files. There is a high probability that it can recover most of your files in a fraction of the amount that hackers are demanding. It is also needless to say that paying hackers will only motivate hackers to carry out more attacks.

  • First, you need to download Data Recovery software on your PC.

Download Data Recovery Software Now

  • Install the program, launch it then select the Data type to recover, and click the Next button.
select Data type
  • Select the location from where you want to recover data and click the Scan button.
Select location
  • After the scan, software will list all files, select them and click the Recover button.
Recover TCYO encrypted files

Manual TCYO Removal Guide

Before you start Manual Removal
Please Bookmark This Page by pressing the {ctrl+D} button or print it out on paper before you start the Manual Removal because you may need to restart your PC or browser.) Attention! For the safety of your system, please confirm few things before you begin Manual Removal of TCYO Ransomware:
  1. You have done this before, which means you have experience in removing the virus manually;
  2. That you know your way around PC and  all necessary process and applications;
  3. You know about Registry entry and the Serious repercussions of any mistake;
  4. Make sure you can reverse any mistake made during .TCYO Virus manual removal.

If you don’t attain any of the above standards, then manual removal could be a very risky idea. It is most likely best for you to use the Automatic Malware Removal Tool to find and delete TCYO Virus, which is totally secure and efficient method.

Compatible with: Windows 11/10/8/7 (32 Bit and 64 Bit)

Special Offer SpyHunter 5 Anti-Malware offers a 7-day fully-functional Free Trial. Credit card required, NO charge upfront. No charge if you cancel up to two business days before the trial period ends. Read SpyHunter 5 Review, and Free SpyHunter Remover details.
 

Start PC in safe mode with networking

  • Press Windows Key + R buttons together on the keyboard.
  • Type msconfig in the Run Box then click the OK button.
  • Click on the Boot tab then the System configuration window will appear.
  • Choose Safe Boot, check the network box, Click Apply, and press the OK button.
Safe boot

Kill Malicious Process From Task Manager

  • Press Windows Key + R buttons together on the keyboard.
  • Type taskmgr in Run Box and then click the OK button.
  • Find TCYO related or any malicious process.
  • Now right-click on it then click End process.
Stop TCYO related task

How To Uninstall TCYO from Windows PC

  • First of all Press Windows Key + R buttons together.
  • Type appwiz.cpl in the Run box and then click the OK button.
  • Now Programs and Features windows will appear on the screen.
  • Find and remove all TCYO related or malicious programs.
Remove TCYO
Warning: Do not play with Windows registry, host file of restore options if you don’t have previous experience with. Removing wrong files may break your system entirely. So if you are not sure, then stick to the Automatic Malware Removal option.

Compatible with: Windows 11/10/8/7 (32 Bit and 64 Bit)

Special Offer SpyHunter 5 Anti-Malware offers a 7-day fully-functional Free Trial. Credit card required, NO charge upfront. No charge if you cancel up to two business days before the trial period ends. Read SpyHunter 5 Review, and Free SpyHunter Remover details.

Remove Virus related Windows Registry entries

  • Press Windows Key + R buttons together on the keyboard.
  • Type regedit in Run Box and then click the OK button.
  • Registry Editor will open, then press CTRL +F buttons together.
  • Now type TCYO and then click on Find Next button.
  • Find all the related entries and delete them one by one
Remove TCYO related registry

Delete Virus related files from your PC

When a threat gets on to a PC, it most likely creates some files at different locations on the system. These files are used to perform a specific action and also help malware in getting back to the computer once it’s removed. So you just need to find also delete all those files associated with this .TCYO File Virus. For that follow the below instruction :
  • Press Windows Key + R buttons together on the keyboard
  • Type each of the following in Run Box and press the OK button
  1. %AppData%
  2. %LocalAppData%
  3. %ProgramData%
  4. %WinDir%
  5. %Temp%
For the first four options, look for any recent folder related to the .TCYO File Virus and remove them. For the Temp folder, you can delete all the files.

Remove TCYO Virus via system restore

  • Press Windows Key + R buttons together on the keyboard.
  • Type cmd in Run Box and then click the OK button.
  • Type cd restore and press Enter, then type rstrui.exe and press Enter.
  • When the System Restore window opens on your computer screen click the Next button, then choose a System Restore point you have created in the past and click the Next button.
  • Finally, click on the Yes button to start the system restoration process.
Remove TCYO via system restore

Note: This will only work if you have a restore point set on your PC or it will give an error message. Restoring the computer to a previous version may or may not remove .TCYO File Virus. Most of the time, viruses just delete all the restore points. If this trick does not work for you then don’t get disappointed.

After restoring your computer, we recommend you run a thorough scan of the PC using a Powerful Anti-Malware program to detect and remove any hidden threats. In most cases, viruses may spread through any files outside of the C drive because system restoring only affect the C drive. There may be some Virus related files hiding your PC, and it never hurts to double-check.

Sometimes, system restore doesn’t work or viruses can just remove the restore points. As such you will probably have no other choice than to choose the Automatic Removal Process. It is the best and error-free method to find and remove threats from your computer. Additionally, you should also check some important malware prevention tips provided here in this guide to avoid similar virus attacks in the future.

Remove TCYO Virus From MacOS

If you are a mac user, and your machine got infected by this nasty file-encrypting malware then you need to remove it as soon as possible. Although Mac systems are quite safe they still do get infected. So you can delete this infection using the below steps:

Stop Malicious Program From Activity Monitor

  • First, you need to open Utilities folder on your Mac system.
  • Find the Activity Monitor icon and double-click on it to open it.
  • Find TCYO related process, click the cross button from the upper left side corner to end task.
  • A pop-up dialogue box will appear on the screen, click on the Force Quit button.

Remove Virus From Application Folder

  • First, go to the Dock option (bottom of your screen) then click on Finder App.
  • Now you have to open the Applications Folders to see all the programs.
  • Find TCYO or any other unwanted program then move it to Trash.
Remove TCYO From Mac

Remove TCYO Virus Related Files From Mac

When any program is installed on your Mac, it creates several files on your system that support the functioning of that application. If you need to remove any virus from your Mac, then you need to delete all related files completely. These files could be found at :
  1. LaunchAgents
  2. Application Support
  3. LaunchDaemons
Follow below steps to remove virus related files from these locations:
  • First of all press the Command+Shift+G buttons together on your keyboard.
  • Now you can see Go To Folder option on your Mac screen.
  • Type in /Library/LaunchAgents in the text field and click on Go button.
  • Find and remove any TCYO Virus related or malicious file.
Now follow the same process for Application Support and LaunchDaemons folders. But be careful, don’t delete any important files or you can break down your entire system.

Attention: If you are not tech-savvy, then it could be quite difficult to remove TCYO File Virus manually from your Mac. The best way is to download SpyHunter Mac Anti-Malware and see if it can detect all hidden threats and viruses on your computer. It’s really super easy and you should give it a try.

How SpyHunter Mac Anti-Malware Works

  • First, download the SpyHunter for Mac by clicking on the below button.

Some time threats like TCYO Virus keep getting back on the machine if all associated files are not removed. So you are advised to use a powerful Malware Removal Tool to run a thorough scan of your Mac and delete all threats at once.

Special Offer SpyHunter for Mac offers a 15-day fully-functional Free Trial. Credit card required, NO charge upfront. No charge if you cancel up to two business days before the trial period ends. Read SpyHunter for Mac Review, and Free SpyHunter Remover details.
  • Now go to the Download Folder from the Docs and Install the SpyHunter Anti-Malware For Mac.
Install SpyHunter for Mac
  • Launch the Program, and click on Start Scan Now button.
Spyhunter for Mac start scan now
  • Software will start running a a full scan of your mac instantly to look for any malware, virus, threats, malicious programs or security risk and so on.
Spyhunter for mac scanning
  • Finally you will see a list of malwares detected on your mac, now click on Next button to start the removal process.
Remove Malware with spyhunter for mac

Tips To Prevent .TCYO Virus in Future

  • Use a good anti-virus, be it a free version but don’t use cracked security programs.
  • Make sure that your Windows firewall is active, so it can block upcoming threats.
  • Keep your Windows/Mac OS and other programs updated to avoid vulnerabilities.
  • Download updates only from official websites, don’t use suspicious sites.
  • Never download and install pirated software, games, or illegal patches on your PC.
  • Do not open spam emails from an unknown sender and scan all attachments before opening.
  • Never download freeware third-party programs from unreliable sources or websites.
  • Avoid connecting your PC to unsafe public Wi-Fi to protect your privacy.
  • You can also use a VPN to spoof your connection and avoid malicious sites.
  • Create a system restore point on your system for security purposes.
  • Keep backup of all your important files to avoid data loss.

Report cyber attack to Authorities

If you are also a Victim of TCYO virus then you should report this cybercrime incident to legal authorities in your county. Here is the list of some of the official government websites for reporting fraud and scam activities:

You can also search to find the Internet Crime Authority in your country. Meanwhile, it will not help you remove or restore your files in any way but it’s merely information to authorities. Once you register your complaint, authorities might look into and take preventive measures to stop further attacks. However, don’t get lured by third-party criminal reporting sites or fake technical support websites. They are more like to cheat you instead of helping you.

Still, having issues? Need help?

Some time threats like TCYO keeps getting back on the machine if all associated files are not removed. So you are advised to use a powerful Malware Removal Tool to run a thorough scan of your PC and delete all threats at once.

Compatible with: Windows 11/10/8/7 (32 Bit and 64 Bit)

Special Offer SpyHunter 5 Anti-Malware offers a 7-day fully-functional Free Trial. Credit card required, NO charge upfront. No charge if you cancel up to two business days before the trial period ends. Read SpyHunter 5 Review, and Free SpyHunter Remover details.

About the author

Robert Calvert

Robert is the Chief Security Expert and Founder of PCSafetyGeek.com website. He is a cybersecurity enthusiast who loves to research about Malware outbreaks and write about their remedies. He also like to spend time trying new software, reviewing them and sharing IT news. However he is a real coffee lover and likes to play chess in spare time (which is quite rare 😜).

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