TABE virus — another hit from STOP/DJVU ransomware familyRansomware descriptionTricks used to distribute file-encrypting virusesLearn to uninstall TABE virus and restore encrypted files

Just as previous versions, including USAM, PEZI, NLAH, ZIPE, NYPD, this cyber threat imitates a fake Windows update screen when encrypting all information on the infected computer. The targeted data ranges from photos, videos, audio files, to important documents and other information. Later, victims receive a ransom note in the form of _readme.txt file. The text file explains about the infection and damage made to the information on the affected computer. Criminals point out that the corrupted data can only be restored with a TABE ransomware decryption tool. Unfortunately, it is a completely unique sequence of numbers and characters that cannot be duplicated. In other terms, only the attackers can provide a decryption key to restore encrypted files and they ask to pay for it. Victims are demanded to pay $490 in Bitcoins within the first 72 hours of the infection. It is considered to be a period for a 50% discount. After the given period, victims must pay $980 to regain access to their documents. Even though collaborating with cybercriminals might seem the only option to fix the damage that ransomware has caused, it highly irresponsible. Many victims have already reported that even when they agreed to pay up for the attackers, they never received the promised decryption tool. Furthermore, this cyber threat not only targets to encrypt all information stored on the computer but also to install other malware. In particular, it delivers AZORULT, also known as an infamous password stealer. This Trojan horse collects all social media and other accounts’ passwords and transfers them to the attackers. Geek’s Advice team warns that if you try to minimize the damage caused to your files by paying the ransom, you risk not only to suffer from enormous financial losses but also your privacy. The attackers can gain access to your other accounts, including online banking, and steal even more money. Therefore, it is essential that you act quickly once you notice the first symptoms of the infection. Our recommendation would be to get a professional malware removal software to remove Tabe ransomware along with the password-stealing Trojan. Our experts believe that the best option for TABE removal is RESTORO. This robust malware-removal tool can quickly identify the locations of malware components and eliminate them without hesitation. It is a safe and only option available for regular computer users to deal with dangerous ransomware.

Ransomware description

Tabe ransomware attack on file folder demonstrated below. Description: Tabe ransomware is a malicious computer program that encrypts all files on the system with a purpose to extort the computer owner. During the attack, it marks all files with .tabe file extension to mark affected data. The virus’ developers use _readme.txt ransom note to inform the victim about the attack and provide two contact emails for those willing to pay ransom to decrypt all files. Offer price: $490-$980 Currency: Bitcoin Operating System: Windows Application Category: Ransomware Author: STOP/DJVU developers

Tricks used to distribute file-encrypting viruses

Usually, criminals employ deceptive techniques to trick unaware computer users into downloading the ransomware. The most popular example would be the creation of fake pop-up ads with a warning to update well-known software, such as Adobe Flash Player. Cybercriminals develop the deceptive ad to exactly resemble the actual software and embed a malicious code to trigger an automatic ransomware installation once clicked. Users who browse suspicious websites can be redirected to such pop-ups and either click the ad by accident or be lured into doing so. Another widely used ransomware distribution technique is to place a file-encrypting virus executable file on a peer-to-peer (P2P) page with the name of legitimate software. Since many people are browsing for application cracks or ways to download paid software for free, they are often tricked to install ransomware instead. The best way to protect your computer from such infections is to avoid visiting suspicious websites and never click on ads. More importantly, carefully check if software updates come as notifications from the actual program installed on your computer or as malicious pop-ups. If it is a trick to lure you into downloading malware, never click on any buttons except the one to close the window. However, most importantly you should only install programs that are downloaded from official websites or authorized distributors. Never attempt to get software cracks or easier download options on unverified websites. This way you will protect your system from further attacks of ransomware or potentially unwanted programs (PUPs).

Learn to uninstall TABE virus and restore encrypted files

It is important to understand how dangerous ransomware is — you can only remove TABE file virus by scanning your computer files with a professional antivirus. This way you will find all malware-related components and uninstall the virus completely. If you try manual elimination, TABE ransomware removal might be unsuccessful or worse, cause even more damage to your system. Use RESTORO as it can not only help you get rid of the virus but also fix the damage it has caused. However, uninstalling this cyber threat will not automatically restore your files to the primary state. For that, you must either use the latest backup from the Cloud or try alternative recovery methods explained in the STOP/DJVU decryption article. Finally, before you head to the removal steps below, we want to warn you about fake decryption tools offered online. Be aware that other frauds try to benefit from ransomware victims and you should never download and use unverified to tools to decrypt data. OUR GEEKS RECOMMEND Our team recommends a two-step rescue plan to remove ransomware and other remaining malware from your computer, plus repair caused virus damage to the system: GeeksAdvice.com editors select recommended products based on their effectiveness. We may earn a commission from affiliate links, at no additional cost to you. Learn more. Get INTEGO ANTIVIRUS for Windows to remove ransomware, Trojans, adware and other spyware and malware variants and protect your PC and network drives 24/7. This VB100-certified security software uses state-of-art technology to provide protection against ransomware, Zero-Day attacks and advanced threats, Intego Web Shield blocks dangerous websites, phishing attacks, malicious downloads and installation of potentially unwanted programs. Use INTEGO Antivirus to remove detected threats from your computer. Read full review here. RESTORO provides a free scan that helps to identify hardware, security and stability issues and presents a comprehensive report which can help you to locate and fix detected issues manually. It is a great PC repair software to use after you remove malware with professional antivirus. The full version of software will fix detected issues and repair virus damage caused to your Windows OS files automatically. RESTORO uses AVIRA scanning engine to detect existing spyware and malware. If any are found, the software will eliminate them. Read full review here.

Alternative software recommendations

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware

Method 1. Enter Safe Mode with Networking

Before you try to remove the virus, you must start your computer in Safe Mode with Networking. Below, we provide the easiest ways to boot PC in the said mode, but you can find additional ones in this in-depth tutorial on our website – How to Start Windows in Safe Mode. Also, see a video tutorial on how to do it: Instructions for Windows XP/Vista/7 users Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10 users Now, you can search for and remove TABE ransomware virus files. It is very hard to identify files and registry keys that belong to the ransomware virus, Besides, malware creators tend to rename and change them repeatedly. Therefore, the easiest way to uninstall such type of a computer virus is to use a reliable malware removal program. In addition, we suggest trying a combination of INTEGO Antivirus (removes malware and protects your PC in real-time) and RESTORO (repairs virus damage to Windows OS files).

Method 2. Use System Restore

In order to use System Restore, you must have a system restore point, created either manually or automatically. Instructions for Windows XP/Vista/7 users Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10 users After restoring the system, we recommend scanning the system with antivirus or anti-malware software. In most cases, there won’t be any malware remains, but it never hurts to double-check. In addition, we highly recommend checking ransomware prevention guidelines provided by our experts in order to protect your PC against similar viruses in the future. Removing spyware and malware is one step towards cybersecurity. To protect yourself against ever-evolving threats, we strongly recommend purchasing a Premium version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware, which provides security based on artificial intelligence and machine learning. Includes ransomware protection. See pricing options and protect yourself now.

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