Theft Ransomware

The Theft ransomware is a strain in the Dharma (CrySiS) family. Once installed, it encrypts files across local drives and network shares, appends a “.theft” extension to filenames (along with a unique victim ID and attacker email), and demands payment for decryption. It also threatens to leak sensitive data stolen from the victim.

It does not typically disable system-critical files. Instead, it focuses on locking user data and removing recovery options, making manual file restoration nearly impossible.

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Threat Snapshot: Theft Ransomware

Feature	Details
Threat Type	Ransomware, Crypto‑Locker, File‑encryption malware
Encrypted File Extension	.theft, plus victim ID and attacker’s email in the filename
Ransom Note Filename(s)	Pop-up message and info.txt
Contact Email(s)	datatheft@tuta.io, datatheft@cyberfear.com
Detection Names	Win32:MalwareX-gen, Filecoder.Crysis.P, Wadhrama!pz, and others
Symptoms	Renamed/encrypted files, ransom messages, possible stolen data threats
Damage & Distribution	Data encryption, potential leaks, via phishing, cracked software, RDP
Danger Level	High

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How Did I Get Infected With Theft Ransomware?

• Phishing emails with malicious attachments or embedded links
• RDP brute-force attacks exploiting weak or leaked credentials
• Fake installers and cracked software, often bundled with malware
• Malicious websites, torrents, and drive-by downloads

Even a single careless click on a malicious link or macro-enabled attachment can initiate the attack.

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What Theft Ransomware Does to Your Files

• Encrypts common file types on local and networked drives
• Renames files like this: photo.jpg → photo.jpg.id-[ID].[datatheft@tuta.io].theft
• Drops info.txt ransom notes in all affected folders
• Displays a pop-up ransom message with extortion instructions
• Deletes Volume Shadow Copies to block system restore points
• Adds itself to autorun to ensure it starts at boot

The threat of a data leak adds psychological pressure to the ransom demand.

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Should You Be Worried About Theft Ransomware?

Absolutely. Theft ransomware is part of a notorious family with a long track record of irreversibly locking data. What makes Theft especially dangerous:

• Data leak threats: In addition to encryption, the attackers claim to have stolen files.
• No known free decryptor: Without backups, you may have no way to recover your files.
• Untrustworthy attackers: Paying the ransom doesn’t guarantee you’ll get your files back.

For businesses, this can trigger compliance issues and potential lawsuits depending on the data affected.

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Ransom Note Dropped by Theft Ransomware

The ransom note typically includes:

• A claim that all your files have been encrypted
• Instructions to contact datatheft@tuta.io, with a backup email at datatheft@cyberfear.com
• An offer to decrypt 1–3 small files for free as proof
• Threats of data leaks if you don’t respond
• A warning not to rename files or use third-party decryption tools

The attackers try to sound helpful — but their end goal is always ransom payment.

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Manual Ransomware Removal Guide

Warning: Manual removal is complex and risky. If not done correctly, it can lead to data loss or incomplete removal of ransomware. Only follow this method if you are an advanced user. If unsure, proceed with Method 2 (SpyHunter Removal Guide).

Step 1: Disconnect from the Internet

1. Unplug your Ethernet cable or disconnect Wi-Fi immediately to prevent further communication with the ransomware’s command and control (C2) servers.

Step 2: Boot into Safe Mode

For Windows Users:

1. For Windows 10, 11:
   • Press Windows + R, type msconfig, and hit Enter.
   • Go to the Boot tab.
   • Check Safe boot and select Network.
   • Click Apply and OK, then restart your PC.
2. For Windows 7, 8:
   • Restart your PC and press F8 repeatedly before Windows loads.
   • Select Safe Mode with Networking and press Enter.

For Mac Users:

1. Restart your Mac and immediately press and hold the Shift key.
2. Release the key once you see the Apple logo.
3. Your Mac will start in Safe Mode.

Step 3: Locate and Terminate Malicious Processes

For Windows Users:

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
2. Look for suspicious processes (e.g., unknown names, high CPU usage, or random letters).
3. Right-click on the process and select End Task.

For Mac Users:

1. Open Activity Monitor (Finder > Applications > Utilities > Activity Monitor).
2. Look for unusual processes.
3. Select the process and click Force Quit.

Step 4: Delete Malicious Files

For Windows Users:

1. Press Windows + R, type %temp%, and hit Enter.
2. Delete all files in the Temp folder.
3. Navigate to:
   • C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Roaming
   • C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Local
   • C:\Windows\System32
4. Look for suspicious files related to the ransomware (random file names, recently modified) and delete them.

For Mac Users:

1. Open Finder and go to Go > Go to Folder.
2. Type ~/Library/Application Support and delete suspicious folders.
3. Navigate to ~/Library/LaunchAgents and remove unknown .plist files.

Step 5: Remove Ransomware from Registry or System Settings

For Windows Users:

Warning: Incorrect changes in the Registry Editor can damage your system. Proceed with caution.

1. Press Windows + R, type regedit, and hit Enter.
2. Navigate to:
   • HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software
   • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software
3. Look for unfamiliar folders with random characters or ransomware-related names.
4. Right-click and select Delete.

For Mac Users:

1. Go to System Preferences > Users & Groups.
2. Click on Login Items and remove any suspicious startup items.
3. Navigate to ~/Library/Preferences and remove malicious .plist files.

Step 6: Restore System Using System Restore (Windows) or Time Machine (Mac)

For Windows Users:

1. Press Windows + R, type rstrui, and hit Enter.
2. Click Next, choose a restore point before the infection, and follow the prompts to restore your system.

For Mac Users:

1. Restart your Mac and hold Command + R to enter macOS Utilities.
2. Select Restore from Time Machine Backup.
3. Choose a backup prior to the ransomware infection and restore your system.

Step 7: Use a Decryption Tool (If Available)

• Visit No More Ransom (www.nomoreransom.org) and check if a decryption tool is available for your ransomware variant.

Step 8: Recover Files Using Backup

• If you have backups on an external drive or cloud storage, restore your files.

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Automatic Ransomware Removal Using SpyHunter

If manual removal seems too risky or complicated, using a reliable anti-malware tool like SpyHunter is the best alternative.

Step 1: Download SpyHunter

Download SpyHunter from the official link: Download SpyHunter

Or follow the official installation instructions here:
SpyHunter Download Instructions

Step 2: Install SpyHunter

1. Open the downloaded file (SpyHunter-Installer.exe).
2. Follow the on-screen prompts to install the program.
3. Once installed, launch SpyHunter.

Step 3: Perform a Full System Scan

1. Click on Start Scan Now.
2. SpyHunter will scan for ransomware and other malware.
3. Wait for the scan to complete.

Step 4: Remove Detected Threats

1. After the scan, SpyHunter will list all detected threats.
2. Click Fix Threats to remove the ransomware.

Step 5: Use SpyHunter’s Malware HelpDesk (If Needed)

If you are dealing with a stubborn ransomware variant, SpyHunter’s Malware HelpDesk provides custom fixes to remove advanced threats.

Step 6: Restore Your Files

If your files are encrypted:

• Try No More Ransom (www.nomoreransom.org) for decryption tools.
• Restore from cloud storage or external backups.

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Preventing Future Ransomware Attacks

• Keep backups on an external hard drive or cloud storage.
• Use SpyHunter to detect threats before they infect your system.
• Enable Windows Defender or a trusted antivirus program.
• Avoid suspicious emails, attachments, and links.
• Update Windows, macOS & software regularly.

Conclusion

Theft ransomware is a serious and potentially devastating file-locker. Once encrypted, recovery without a decryptor or solid backups is highly unlikely. Your best chance is to isolate the infection, remove the malware using a reliable scanner, and restore from clean backups.

Don’t attempt to negotiate with attackers unless you fully understand the risks. Focus on recovery and strengthening your cybersecurity posture to prevent reinfection.