TeslaCrypt is a ransomware Trojan that once installed encrypts all the files on the infected machine and demands ransom in order to decrypt them. For the encryption process, TeslaCrypt uses the AES algorithm and creates a ‘HELP_ TO_DECRYPT_YOUR_FILES.txt.” file on the desktop of the compromised PC. The infection is typically spread via attachments to spam email messages or through corrupted websites.
TeslaCrypt – Infiltration Method
As a typical ransomware infection, TeslaCrypt is usually distributed through attachments to spam email messages. The threat can end up in your computer when you visit corrupted web pages or through drive-by downloads. Experts warn that malicious emails often claim to be sent from legitimate institutions, like banks, insurance companies, etc. Do not download attachments on emails you are not expecting and always keep your AV tools updated.
How Is TeslaCrypt Different Than Other Ransomware?
What makes TeslaCrypt different than other ransomware infections like CryptoWall 3.0 or CTB-Locker where the victims are asked to pay the fee in Bitcoins is the fact that TeslaCrypt also accepts payment in PayPal My Cash Cards which can be purchased in big store chains in the US. The required sum is $500 in Bitcoins or $1000 in PayPal My Cash Cards. Experts believe that the higher PayPal fee is due to the risk of illegal gains confiscation by PayPal.
How Does TeslaCrypt Affect Your PC?
Upon infiltration, TeslaCrypt ransomware scans the affected machine for files with the following extension: rar, .m4a, wb2, xf, .dwg, docm, .docx, rtf, .wpd, .dxg, .7z, .doc, .odb and others. TeslaCrypt also affects files related to popular computer games like Call of Duty, StarCraft, Dragon Age and many others. The threat encrypts the files and displays a ransom message on your desktop, demanding Bitcoin or PayPal payment in exchange for the private key needed for the decryption process. The victim is asked to pay the fee in three days. As a guarantee, the user gets to decrypt one file for free. This technique has been used by the creators of the infamous CryproWall 3.0 ransomware infection.
Here is what the TeslaCrypt ransom note looks like:
Experts recommend against paying the fee because you can never be sure that you will have your data unlock once you pay the ransom. The way to prepare for a situation like this one is to perform regular backups of your important files and update your anti-malware program on a regular basis.
Remove TeslaCrypt and Restore the Encrypted Files
Stage One: Remove TeslaCrypt
1. First and most important – download and install a legitimate and trustworthy anti-malware scanner, which will help you run a full system scan and eliminate all threats. 
Spy Hunter FREE scanner will only detect the threat. If you want the threat to be automatically removed, you need to purchase the full version of the malware tool. Find Out More About SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
2. Run a second scan to make sure that there are no malicious software programs running on your PC. For that purpose, it’s recommended to download ESET Online Scanner.
Your PC should be clean now.
Stage Two: Restore the Encrypted Files
Option 1: Best case scenario – You have backed up your data on a regular basis, and now you can use the most recent backup to restore your files.
Option 2: Try to decrypt your files with the help of Kaspersky’s RectorDecryptor.exe and RakhniDecryptor.exe. They might help you in the process but keep in mind that they were not specially designed to encrypt information that was decrypted by this particular ransomware.
Option 3: Shadow Volume Copies
1. Install the Shadow Explorer, which is available with Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows XP Service Pack 2.
2. From Shadow Explorer’s drop down menu choose a drive and the latest date you would like to restore information from.
3. Right-click on a random encrypted file or folder then select “Export”. Select a location to restore the content of the selected file or folder.
Remove TeslaCrypt Automatically with Spy Hunter Malware – Removal Tool.
Spy Hunter scanner will only detect the threat. If you want the threat to be automatically removed, you need to purchase the full version of the anti-malware tool.Find Out More About SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool / How to Uninstall SpyHunter
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for TeslaCrypt with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall TeslaCrypt 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 TeslaCrypt 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 TeslaCrypt 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 TeslaCrypt
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by TeslaCrypt.
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 TeslaCrypt 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.
TeslaCrypt-FAQ
What is TeslaCrypt Ransomware?
TeslaCrypt 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 TeslaCrypt 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 TeslaCrypt Infect?
Via several ways.TeslaCrypt 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 TeslaCrypt 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 .TeslaCrypt files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .TeslaCrypt 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 .TeslaCrypt files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".TeslaCrypt" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .TeslaCrypt 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 TeslaCrypt 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 TeslaCrypt ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .TeslaCrypt 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 TeslaCrypt 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 TeslaCrypt Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this TeslaCrypt 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 TeslaCrypt 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.
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