This post is created to explain to you what is TeslaWare ransomware and how to get .Tesla encrypted files back without paying the hefty ransom fee.
New ransomware virus, imitating what appears to be the company Tesla or Nikola Tesla himself has appeared on deep web sites according to Emsisoft researcher xXToffeeXx. The virus reportedly uses an AES-256 to encrypt the files on the computers infected by it and in addition to this activity appends the .Tesla file extension to the files which have been encrypted by the virus. It also changes the wallpaper to Nikola Tesla and has several defensive features. If you have become a victim of this ransomware virus, do not pay and read this article instead.
Threat Summary
| Name | TeslaWare |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | Encrypts the files on the computers infected by it and then demands a ransom payoff in BTC (BitCoin). |
| Symptoms | The .Tesla file extension is added to the encrypted files. The virus changes the wallpaper and displays a lockscreen. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Executable files |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
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Malware Removal Tool
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss TeslaWare. |
| Data Recovery Tool | Windows Data Recovery by Stellar Phoenix Notice! This product scans your drive sectors to recover lost files and it may not recover 100% of the encrypted files, but only few of them, depending on the situation and whether or not you have reformatted your drive. |
TeslaWare – Distribution Methods
The ransomware may be spread in multiple different ways, the primary of which is the same as with 80% of the ransomware viruses – spam e-mails. The spam messages sent to victims that may carry the infection vectors of TeslaWare may contain it in the form of a malicious e-mail attachment or a web link. Those can be accompanied by convincing statements, like the following example shows:
Besides this method, you can also become infected with TeslaWare ransomware if your computer has multiple other issues on it, more specifically other malware already installed. Other methods of infection include the usage of fake setups, key generators, license activators or other programs which most internet users look to download for free from third-party software sites.
More On TeslaWare Ransomware
Malware researchers have detected TeslaWare to be advertised in the deep web. The virus appears to be well designed and full of features. Or so It seems. Security experts have confirmed that the virus is full of various security holes which could lead to it’s successful cracking, making it decryptable.
After infection, the TeslaWare virus begins to connect to multiple third-party hosts, reported by malware researchers to be with the domains .net, .io and .es. From there, the virus most likely downloads the malicious file, called Windows Drivers.exe which may be located in the %AppData% folder. In addition to this, it makes a registry entry in the Windows sub-key Run which is in the user key:
→ HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run\WindowsDrivers
The registry entry allows the WindowsDrivers.exe file to run automatically on startup and begin encrypting files with AES-256.
The ransomware also displays a lockscreen with the following ransom note:
All of your important files have been encrypted.
To decrypt them you need to obtain the private key from us.
We are the only who can provide you the key,so don’t try to recover the files by yourself,it will only make the situation worse for you.To get this key you have to send 100$ worth of bitcoins to the address that you can see in the left.For more info please check the links
After payment,please paste the TX ID and press “Check”.If our system detected the payment as succesfull,your files will be decrypted and you will use your pc as nothing happened.It also features something that is not new for ransomware viruses and has been used as an intimidation tool to pay the ransom – Russian roulette. This feature deletes a random file from your computer for a different timespan.
But the terror does not end there as TeslaWare also warns that it may delete all the important files it encrypts on your system drive after 72 hours.
TeslaWare – Encryption Process
The encryption process of TeslaWare is rather standard AES-256. It is a very stable encryption algorithm which is generally difficult to decrypt. However, malware researchers feel convinced that they may be able to decrypt the files encoded by this virus in time, because they have located numerous security holes in it’s code that may allow exploitation.
Regarding what files TeslaWare encrypts on your computer, the virus targets primarily different important documents, audio files, videos, files that are related with often used software, archives and others. After the encryption, the files cannot be opened and they receive the .Tesla file extension, making them appear like the image below:
Security experts have reported the virus to be able to spread into other computers similar to the worm speading WannaCry, but these malicious functions have not been activated in it’s code.
Remove TeslaWare Virus and Restore .Tesla Encrypted Files
If you want to remove TeslaWare, we recommend that you follow the removal instructions below. They are specifically designed to help you isolate the virus in Safe Mode and then remove it manually. However, since TeslaWare has multiple malicious functions, experts would argue that the best method to remove it is via an advanced ransomware-specific tool. It will scan automatically for all the files related to TeslaWare ransomware and remove them permanently as well as restore the system settings back to normal.
Removing the ransomware is one problem dealt with, however this still leaves the issue with your files. If your computer has been attacked by this virus, do not pay – malware researchers will soon come up with a decryptor. We will post an update when such software is released, so we advise you to follow this blog post regularly. In the meantime, we recommend you to backup your files and try to restore them using alternative tools like the ones we have suggested below in step “2. Restore files encrypted by TeslaWare”.
Ventsislav Krastev
Ventsislav is a cybersecurity expert at SensorsTechForum since 2015. He has been researching, covering, helping victims with the latest malware infections plus testing and reviewing software and the newest tech developments. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for learning new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management, Network Administration and Computer Administration of System Applications, he found his true calling within the cybersecrurity industry and is a strong believer in the education of every user towards online safety and security.
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Step 1: Scan for TeslaWare with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall TeslaWare and related malware from Windows
Here is a method in few easy steps that should be able to uninstall most programs. No matter if you are using Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista or XP, those steps will get the job done. Dragging the program or its folder to the recycle bin can be a very bad decision. If you do that, bits and pieces of the program are left behind, and that can lead to unstable work of your PC, errors with the file type associations and other unpleasant activities. The proper way to get a program off your computer is to Uninstall it. To do that:
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully delete most unwanted and malicious programs.
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by TeslaWare on your computer.
The usually targeted registries of Windows machines are the following:
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
You can access them by opening the Windows registry editor and deleting any values, created by TeslaWare there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
Tip: To find a virus-created value, you can right-click on it and click "Modify" to see which file it is set to run. If this is the virus file location, remove the value.
Before starting "Step 4", please boot back into Normal mode, in case you are currently in Safe Mode.
This will enable you to install and use SpyHunter 5 successfully.
Step 4: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove TeslaWare
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by TeslaWare.
Method 1: Use STOP Decrypter by Emsisoft.
Not all variants of this ransomware can be decrypted for free, but we have added the decryptor used by researchers that is often updated with the variants which become eventually decrypted. You can try and decrypt your files using the instructions below, but if they do not work, then unfortunately your variant of the ransomware virus is not decryptable.
Follow the instructions below to use the Emsisoft decrypter and decrypt your files for free. You can download the Emsisoft decryption tool linked here and then follow the steps provided below:
1 Right-click on the decrypter and click on Run as Administrator as shown below:
2. Agree with the license terms:
3. Click on "Add Folder" and then add the folders where you want files decrypted as shown underneath:
4. Click on "Decrypt" and wait for your files to be decoded.
Note: Credit for the decryptor goes to Emsisoft researchers who have made the breakthrough with this virus.
Method 2: Use data recovery software
Ransomware infections and TeslaWare aim to encrypt your files using an encryption algorithm which may be very difficult to decrypt. This is why we have suggested a data recovery method that may help you go around direct decryption and try to restore your files. Bear in mind that this method may not be 100% effective but may also help you a little or a lot in different situations.
Simply click on the link and on the website menus on the top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.
TeslaWare-FAQ
What is TeslaWare Ransomware?
TeslaWare is a ransomware infection - the malicious software that enters your computer silently and blocks either access to the computer itself or encrypt your files.
Many ransomware viruses use sophisticated encryption algorithms to make your files inaccessible. The goal of ransomware infections is to demand that you pay a ransom payment to get access to your files back.
What Does TeslaWare Ransomware Do?
Ransomware in general is a malicious software that is designed to block access to your computer or files until a ransom is paid.
Ransomware viruses can also damage your system, corrupt data and delete files, resulting in the permanent loss of important files.
How Does TeslaWare Infect?
Via several ways.TeslaWare Ransomware infects computers by being sent via phishing emails, containing virus attachment. This attachment is usually masked as an important document, like an invoice, bank document or even a plane ticket and it looks very convincing to users.
Another way you may become a victim of TeslaWare is if you download a fake installer, crack or patch from a low reputation website or if you click on a virus link. Many users report getting a ransomware infection by downloading torrents.
How to Open .TeslaWare files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .TeslaWare files are encrypted. You can only open them once they are decrypted using a specific decryption key for the particular algorithm.
What to Do If a Decryptor Does Not Work?
Do not panic, and backup the files. If a decryptor did not decrypt your .TeslaWare files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".TeslaWare" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .TeslaWare files.
These methods are in no way 100% guaranteed that you will be able to get your files back. But if you have a backup, your chances of success are much greater.
How To Get Rid of TeslaWare Virus?
The safest way and the most efficient one for the removal of this ransomware infection is the use a professional anti-malware program.
It will scan for and locate TeslaWare ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .TeslaWare files.
Can I Report Ransomware to Authorities?
In case your computer got infected with a ransomware infection, you can report it to the local Police departments. It can help authorities worldwide track and determine the perpetrators behind the virus that has infected your computer.
Below, we have prepared a list with government websites, where you can file a report in case you are a victim of a cybercrime:
Cyber-security authorities, responsible for handling ransomware attack reports in different regions all over the world:
Germany - Offizielles Portal der deutschen Polizei
United States - IC3 Internet Crime Complaint Centre
United Kingdom - Action Fraud Police
France - Ministère de l'Intérieur
Italy - Polizia Di Stato
Spain - Policía Nacional
Netherlands - Politie
Poland - Policja
Portugal - Polícia Judiciária
Greece - Cyber Crime Unit (Hellenic Police)
India - Mumbai Police - CyberCrime Investigation Cell
Australia - Australian High Tech Crime Center
Reports may be responded to in different timeframes, depending on your local authorities.
Can You Stop Ransomware from Encrypting Your Files?
Yes, you can prevent ransomware. The best way to do this is to ensure your computer system is updated with the latest security patches, use a reputable anti-malware program and firewall, backup your important files frequently, and avoid clicking on malicious links or downloading unknown files.
Can TeslaWare Ransomware Steal Your Data?
Yes, in most cases ransomware will steal your information. It is a form of malware that steals data from a user's computer, encrypts it, and then demands a ransom in order to decrypt it.
In many cases, the malware authors or attackers will threaten to delete the data or publish it online unless the ransom is paid.
Can Ransomware Infect WiFi?
Yes, ransomware can infect WiFi networks, as malicious actors can use it to gain control of the network, steal confidential data, and lock out users. If a ransomware attack is successful, it could lead to a loss of service and/or data, and in some cases, financial losses.
Should I Pay Ransomware?
No, you should not pay ransomware extortionists. Paying them only encourages criminals and does not guarantee that the files or data will be restored. The better approach is to have a secure backup of important data and be vigilant about security in the first place.
What Happens If I Don't Pay Ransom?
If you don't pay the ransom, the hackers may still have access to your computer, data, or files and may continue to threaten to expose or delete them, or even use them to commit cybercrimes. In some cases, they may even continue to demand additional ransom payments.
Can a Ransomware Attack Be Detected?
Yes, ransomware can be detected. Anti-malware software and other advanced security tools can detect ransomware and alert the user when it is present on a machine.
It is important to stay up-to-date on the latest security measures and to keep security software updated to ensure ransomware can be detected and prevented.
Do Ransomware Criminals Get Caught?
Yes, ransomware criminals do get caught. Law enforcement agencies, such as the FBI, Interpol and others have been successful in tracking down and prosecuting ransomware criminals in the US and other countries. As ransomware threats continue to increase, so does the enforcement activity.
About the TeslaWare Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this TeslaWare how-to removal guide included, is the outcome of extensive research, hard work and our team’s devotion to help you remove the specific malware and restore your encrypted files.
How did we conduct the research on this ransomware?
Our research is based on an independent investigation. We are in contact with independent security researchers, and as such, we receive daily updates on the latest malware and ransomware definitions.
Furthermore, the research behind the TeslaWare ransomware threat is backed with VirusTotal and the NoMoreRansom project.
To better understand the ransomware threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.
As a site that has been dedicated to providing free removal instructions for ransomware and malware since 2014, SensorsTechForum’s recommendation is to only pay attention to trustworthy sources.
How to recognize trustworthy sources:
- Always check "About Us" web page.
- Profile of the content creator.
- Make sure that real people are behind the site and not fake names and profiles.
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