How to remove TRUST ransomware and recover files

Easy tips to delete TRUST ransomware and decrypt data

TRUST ransomware is a rogue piece of software belongs to VoidCrypt ransomware group. The malware operates by encrypting stored files in order to demand ransom payment. In other words, this ransomware renders the files inaccessible and then asks victims to pay-to restore access to their data.

During the process of files encryption, the ransomware appends filenames of each of the encrypted files with this pattern: original filename, cyber criminals’ email address, unique ID assigned to the victim, and “.TRUST” extension.

For example, a file initially named “1.jpg” would appear as something similar to “1.jpg.[[email protected]][MJ-YW2795608314].TRUST”- following to the encryption. Afterwards, a ransom note – Decrypt-me.txt is dropped onto the desktop.

The ransom demanding message states that that the victims’ files have been encrypted. To recover them, they are asked to find “prvkey*.txt.key” file and send it to the crooks via the provided email address.

Additionally, the victims are offered to attach a few encrypted files with it – to test the decryption. However, there is a condition that the tested files should not be more than 1MB in size and do not contain any valuable information.

The exact amount of the ransom money that the users have to submit is nowhere mentioned in the note. However, there is a hint in it that the victims have to pay the ransom in Bitcoin. Furthermore, ransom message warns users that changes in “prvkey*.txt.key” file – results in permanent data loss.

Here is the full text presented in TRUST ransomware’s created ransom note (“Decrypt-me.txt”):

All Your Files Has Been Encrypted

You Have to Pay to Get Your Files Back

1-Go to C:\ProgramData\ or in Your other Drives   and send us prvkey*.txt.key  file ,  *  might be a number (like this : prvkey3.txt.key)

2-You can send some file little than 1mb for Decryption test to trust us But the test File should not contain valuable data

3-Payment should be with Bitcoin

4-Changing Windows without saving prvkey.txt.key file will cause permanete Data loss

Our Email:[email protected]

in Case of no Answer:[email protected]

Unfortunately, in most of the cases with ransomware infections, the decryption is not possible without the involvement of the crooks behind the infection. It might be when the ransomware is at its initial stage or has certain bugs/ flaws in them.

Whatever the case, it is strongly advised against meeting the ransom demands. Despite paying, victims often do not receive the decryption tool. Hence, they suffer financial loss and their files remain encrypted.

The best way to deal with this case is to remove TRUST ransomware and recover the files using existing backups. The malware removal is necessary to prevent further files and avoid possible damages. Also, it is recommended to do the virus removal first before files recovery to avoid any interference.

After the successful ransomware removal, use the backups you have and restore the files. If there is no backup option available, once check if Shadow Copies exist.  These automatically created backups from Windows OS sometimes left untouched during the entire process of system attack and files encryption.

The data recovery section, along with the TRUST ransomware removal guide, is provided below the post to assist you files recovery after the ransomware removal. There, an automatic tool will also be suggested using which you can attempt to recover encrypted files.

How did TRUST ransomware enter my system?

Ransomware and other malicious malware are often distributed via dubious downloading channels that include unofficial and free file hosting sites, p2p networks and other third-party downloaders. The malware are usually disguised as or bundled with regular software.

Illegal activation tools and fake software updaters are the prime examples of such. Cracking tools infect systems instead of activating licensed products. Fraudulent updaters cause system infections by abusing bugs/ flaws of outdated software and/or by installing malware instead of providing updates.

Malware can also be distributed through scam campaigns – large scale operations where spam emails are sent by thousands. These letters can contain download links of infectious files or these files can be directly attached to the emails.

The malicious files can be in any formats, including archives (ZIP, RAR, etc.), executables (.exe, .run, etc.), Microsoft Office and PDF documents, JavaScript, and so on. When these files are executed, run or otherwise opened- the malware download/ installation process is triggered.

How to prevent ransomware infection?

It is recommended to use only official and verified sources. Furthermore, all programs should have to be activated and updated using tools/ functions from legit developers. To avoid system infections from spam emails, it is advised against opening any suspect/ irrelevant emails –especially any attachments and website links.

It is paramount to have a reputable antivirus tool installed and kept it updated. Also, use this tool for regular system scans and to remove any detected threats. If TRUST ransomware is already running inside, we recommend you use some reputable antivirus tool and remove it immediately.

Antimalware Details And User Guide

Click Here For Windows

Click Here For Mac

Step 1: Remove TRUST ransomware through “Safe Mode with Networking”

Step 2: Delete TRUST ransomware using “System Restore”

Step 1: Remove TRUST ransomware through “Safe Mode with Networking”

For Windows XP and Windows 7 users: Boot the PC in “Safe Mode”. Click on “Start” option and continuously press on F8 during the start process until the “Windows Advanced Option” menu appears on the screen. Choose “Safe Mode with Networking” from the list.

Now, a windows homescreen appears on the desktop and work-station is now working on “Safe mode with networking”.

For Windows 8 Users: Go to the “Start Screen”. In the search results select settings, type “Advanced”. In the “General PC Settings” option, choose “Advanced startup” option. Again, click on the “Restart Now” option. The work-station boots to “Advanced Startup Option Menu”. Press on “Troubleshoot” and then “Advanced options” button.  In the “Advanced Option Screen”, press on “Startup Settings”. Again, click on “Restart” button. The work-station will now restart in to the “Startup Setting” screen. Next is to press F5 to boot in Safe Mode in Networking.

For Windows 10 Users: Press on Windows logo and on the “Power” icon. In the newly opened menu, choose “Restart” while continuously holding “Shift” button on the keyboard. In the new open “Choose an option” window, click on “Troubleshoot” and then on the “Advanced Options”. Select “Startup Settings” and press on “Restart”. In the next window, click on “F5” button on the key-board.

Step 2: Delete TRUST ransomware using “System Restore”

Log-in to the account infected with TRUST ransomware. Open the browser and download a legitimate anti-malware tool. Do a full System scanning. Remove all the malicious detected entries.

In case if you cannot start the PC in “Safe Mode with Networking”, Try using “System Restore”

• During the “Startup”, continuously press on F8 key until the “Advanced Option” menu appears. From the list, choose “Safe Mode with Command Prompt” and then press “Enter”

• In the new opened command prompt, enter “cd restore” and then press “Enter”.

• Type: rstrui.exe and Press “ENTER”

• Click “Next” on the new windows

• Choose any of the “Restore Points” and click on “Next”. (This step will restore the work-station to its earlier time and date prior to TRUST ransomware infiltration in the PC.

• In the newly opened windows, press on “Yes”.

Once your PC gets restored to its previous date and time, download the recommended anti-malware tool and perform a deep scanning in order to remove TRUST ransomware files if they left in the work-station.

In order to restore the each (separate) file by this ransomware, use “Windows Previous Version” feature. This method is effective when “System Restore Function” is enabled in the work-station.

Important Note: Some variants of TRUST ransomware delete the “Shadow Volume Copies” as well hence this feature may not work all the time and is applicable for selective computers only.

How to Restore Individual Encrypted File:

In order to restore a single file, right click on it and go to “Properties”. Select “Previous Version” tab. Select a “Restore Point” and click on “Restore” option.

In order to access the files encrypted by TRUST ransomware, you can also try using “Shadow Explorer”. In order to get more information on this application, press here.

Important: Data Encryption Ransomware are highly dangerous and it is always better that you take precautions to avoid its attack on your work-station. It is advised to use a powerful anti-malware tool in order to get protection in real-time. With this help of “SpyHunter”, “group policy objects” are implanted in the registries in order to block harmful infections like TRUST ransomware.

Also, In Windows 10, you get a very unique feature called “Fall Creators Update” that offer “Controlled Folder Access” feature in order to block any kind of encryption to the files. With the help of this feature, any files stored in the locations such as “Documents”, “Pictures”, “Music”, “Videos”, “Favorites” and “Desktop” folders are safe by default.

It is very important that you install this “Windows 10 Fall Creators Update” in your PC to protect your important files and data from ransomware encryption. The more information on how to get this update and add an additional protection form rnasomware attack has been discussed here.

How to Recover the Files Encrypted by TRUST ransomware?

Till now, you would have understood that what had happed to your personal files that got encrypted and how you can remove the scripts and payloads associated with TRUST ransomware in order to protect your personal files that has not been damaged or encrypted until now. In order to retrieve the locked files, the depth information related to “System Restore” and “Shadow Volume Copies” has already been discussed earlier. However, in case if you are still unable to access the encrypted files then you can try using a data recovery tool.

Use of Data Recovery Tool

This step is for all those victims who have already tries all the above mentioned process but didn’t find any solution. Also it is important that you are able to access the PC and can install any software. The data recovery tool works on the basis of System scanning and recovery algorithm. It searches the System partitions in order to locate the original files which were deleted, corrupted or damaged by the malware. Remember that you must not re-install the Windows OS otherwise the “previous” copies will get deleted permanently. You have to clean the work-station at first and remove TRUST ransomware infection. Leave the locked files as it is and follow the steps mentioned below.

Step1: Download the software in the work-station by clicking on the “Download” button below.

Step2: Execute the installer by clicking on downloaded files.

Step3: A license agreement page appears on the screen. Click on “Accept” to agree with its terms and use. Follow the on-screen instruction as mentioned and click on “Finish” button.

Step4: Once the installation gets completed, the program gets executed automatically. In the newly opened interface, select the file types that you want to recover and click on “Next”.

Step5: You can select the “Drives” on which you want the software to run and execute the recovery process. Next is to click on the “Scan” button.

Step6: Based on drive you select for scanning, the restore process begins. The whole process may take time depending on the volume of the selected drive and number of files. Once the process gets completed, a data explorer appears on the screen with preview of that data that is to be recovered. Select the files that you want to restore.

Step7. Next is to locate the location where you want to saver the recovered files.