Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
Note! Your computer might be affected by TeslaCrypt 3.0 and other threats.
Threats such as TeslaCrypt 3.0 may be persistent on your system. They tend to re-appear if not fully deleted. A malware removal tool like SpyHunter will help you to remove malicious programs, saving you the time and the struggle of tracking down numerous malicious files. SpyHunter’s scanner is free but the paid version is needed to remove the malware threats. Read SpyHunter’s EULA and Privacy Policy
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
Reports have increased about a ransomware, called TeslaCrypt. The virus itself is reported to have a wide variety of file extensions and they keep reappearing on different infected systems. This particular variant of the ransomware uses a strong file encryption and pretends te be CryptoWall. Every user that has been affected by the virus is strongly advised not to fund the cyber-criminals with ransom money and manually cope with the threat, for which we have provided instructions after the article.
Name
TeslaCrypt 3.0
Type
Ransomware
Short Description
The Ransomware Trojan may encrypt user files and connect to a remote host to which sent the decryption keys. Its aim is to extort users for money in return of the decryption of the infected files.
Symptoms
The user may witness his files being encrypted with the various file extensions.
Distribution Method
Via malicious links or attachments online as well as exploit kits and JavaScript Trojans.
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.
TeslaCrypt 3.0 Ransomware – How Did I Get It
The infamous TeslaCrypt is spread through Trojan horses, which might have infected users before that via harmful e-mail attachments or malicious URLs. Trojan horses might obtain system info regarding mainly what protection and what operating system does the victim have. The Trojan then may connect to a remote host and download TeslaCrypt ransomware. One example used for older versions of Tesla is JS.Downloader.Trojan which is a malicious JavaScript Trojan which has been reported by Symantec researchers to contain and heavily obfuscate the infection by TeslaCrypt.
Besides that the ransomware may spread directly via malicious e-mail attachments or other malicious URLs over e-mail platforms, comments on websites and chat messages.
TeslaCrypt 3.0 – How Does It Work
Once this threat has been activated it drops its payload file in the following location with a random name, for example:
C:\Users\User(name)\AppData\Roaming\198dg931.exe
The ransomware then will tamper with Windows so that it creates several registry entries like the mocking meryHmas one:
→HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run\meryHmas with settings for “C:\Users\[username]\AppData\Roaming\}randomfilename{.exe” HKCU\Software\}randomfilename{ HKCU\Software\xxxsys
The crypto-virus then uses its modules to scan for files to encrypt. It looks for files with the following file extensions:
After this, the ransomware may scan for and encrypt files with the following file extensions:
These ransom notes aim to convince the user not to look for any other alternative and to pay the ransom money using the instructions featured in them.
Here is a part of the instructions featured in the ransom notes:
→”What happened to your files? All of your files were protected by a strong encryption with RSA-4096. More information about the encryption keys using RSA-4096 can be found here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RSA_(cryptosystem) How did this happen? !!! Specially for your PC was generated personal RSA-4096 KEY, both public and private. !!! ALL YOUR FILES were encrypted with the public key, which has been transferred to your computer via the Internet. Decrypting of your files is only possible with the help of the private key and decrypt program, which is on our secret server. What do I do? So, there are two ways you can choose: wait for a miracle and get your price doubled, or start obtaining BTC NOW, and restore your data easy way. If You have really valuable data, you better not waste your time, because there is no other way to get your files, except make a payment. For more specific instructions, please visit your personal home page, there are a few different addresses pointing to your page below: […] IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Your personal pages: HTTP://{RANDOMSYMBOLS}(.)justmakeapayment.com/[…] HTTP:// {RANDOMSYMBOLS}(.)brsoftpayment.com/[…] HTTP://{RANDOMSYMBOLS}(.)com/[…] https:// {RANDOMSYMBOLS}(.)onion.to/[…] Your personal page (using TOR-Browser): Your personal identification number (if you open the site (or TOR-Browser’s) directly): {ID}“
After seeing this message, the user may find their files without any icons and upon opening the files, Windows may display an error, stating they are corrupt.
Since the latest version of TeslaCrypt is available for sale on the black market, according to reports by Symantec researchers, users should beware of even more extensions that are new and unfamiliar to appear shortly. Symantec’s report on TeslaCrypt infections created on the 14th of December 2015 has shown a rapid increase in infections by this particular ransomware:
TeslaCrypt Detections Histogram since August (Source: Symantec)
Experts believe that this variant is very sought after since it is very effective and the methods it uses to spread are cunning and bypass most protections. Users bot inexperienced and advanced should beware and take all the necessary precautions to protect their computer.
Remove TeslaCrypt 3.0 Completely
To be rid of this ransomware, we strongly advisable to isolate it by booting your device into Safe Mode without networking or stop your connection to the web. After this, we recommend installing anti-malware software which will scan your device and get rid of the payload of the ransomware and any associated objects, wherever they may be concealed.
1. Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove TeslaCrypt 3.0
1. Boot Your PC Into Safe Mode
1. For Windows 7,XP and Vista. 2. For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10.
For Windows XP, Vista, 7 systems:
1. Remove all CDs and DVDs, and then Restart your PC from the “Start” menu. 2. Select one of the two options provided below:
– For PCs with a single operating system: Press “F8” repeatedly after the first boot screen shows up during the restart of your computer. In case the Windows logo appears on the screen, you have to repeat the same task again.
– For PCs with multiple operating systems: Тhe arrow keys will help you select the operating system you prefer to start in Safe Mode. Press “F8” just as described for a single operating system.
3. As the “Advanced Boot Options” screen appears, select the Safe Mode option you want using the arrow keys. As you make your selection, press “Enter“.
4. Log on to your computer using your administrator account
While your computer is in Safe Mode, the words “Safe Mode” will appear in all four corners of your screen.
Step 1: Open the Start Menu
Step 2: Whilst holding down Shift button, click on Power and then click on Restart. Step 3: After reboot, the aftermentioned menu will appear. From there you should choose Troubleshoot.
Step 4: You will see the Troubleshoot menu. From this menu you can choose Advanced Options.
Step 5: After the Advanced Options menu appears, click on Startup Settings.
Step 6: Click on Restart.
Step 7: A menu will appear upon reboot. You should choose Safe Mode by pressing its corresponding number and the machine will restart.
2. Remove TeslaCrypt 3.0 with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
2. Remove TeslaCrypt 3.0 with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
1. Install SpyHunter to scan for and remove TeslaCrypt 3.0.2. Scan with SpyHunter to Detect and Remove TeslaCrypt 3.0.
Step 1:Click on the “Download” button to proceed to SpyHunter’s download page.
It is highly recommended to run a scan before purchasing the full version of the software to make sure that the current version of the malware can be detected by SpyHunter.
Step 2: Guide yourself by the download instructions provided for each browser. Step 3: After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to automatically update.
Step1: After the update process has finished, click on the ‘Scan Computer Now’ button. Step2: After SpyHunter has finished scanning your PC for any TeslaCrypt 3.0 files, click on the ‘Fix Threats’ button to remove them automatically and permanently. Step3: Once the intrusions on your PC have been removed, it is highly recommended to restart it.
3. Back up your data to secure it against infections and file encryption by TeslaCrypt 3.0 in the future
3. Back up your data to secure it against attacks in the future
Security engineers recommend that you back up your files immediately, preferably on an external memory carrier in order to be able to restore them. In order to protect yourself from TeslaCrypt 3.0 (For Windows Users) please follow these simple steps:
1. For Windows 7 and earlier 1. For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10 1. Enabling the Windows Defense Feature (Previous Versions)
1-Click on Windows Start Menu 2-Type Backup And Restore 3-Open it and click on Set Up Backup 4-A window will appear asking you where to set up backup. You should have a flash drive or an external hard drive. Mark it by clicking on it with your mouse then click on Next. 5-On the next window, the system will ask you what do you want to backup. Choose the ‘Let Me Choose’ option and then click on Next. 6-Click on ‘Save settings and run backup’ on the next window in order to protect your files from possible attacks by TeslaCrypt 3.0.
1-Press Windows button + R 2-In the window type ‘filehistory’ and press Enter 3-A File History window will appear. Click on ‘Configure file history settings’ 4-The configuration menu for File History will appear. Click on ‘Turn On’. After its on, click on Select Drive in order to select the backup drive. It is recommended to choose an external HDD, SSD or a USB stick whose memory capacity is corresponding to the size of the files you want to backup. 5-Select the drive then click on ‘Ok’ in order to set up file backup and protect yourself from TeslaCrypt 3.0.
1- Press Windows button + R keys. 2- A run windows should appear. In it type ‘sysdm.cpl’ and then click on Run. 3- A System Properties windows should appear. In it choose System Protection. 5- Click on Turn on system protection and select the size on the hard disk you want to utilize for system protection. 6- Click on Ok and you should see an indication in Protection settings that the protection from TeslaCrypt 3.0 is on. Restoring a file via Windows Defense feature: 1-Right-click on the encrypted file, then choose Properties. 2-Click on the Previous Versions tab and then mark the last version of the file. 3-Click on Apply and Ok and the file encrypted by TeslaCrypt 3.0 should be restored.
4. Restore files encrypted by TeslaCrypt 3.0
4.Restore Files Encrypted by TeslaCrypt 3.0
Security engineers strongly advise users NOT to pay the ransom money and attempt restoring the files using other methods. Here are several suggestions:
To restore your data, your first bet is to check again for shadow copies in Windows using this software:
Another method of restoring your files is by trying to bring back your files via data recovery software. Here are some examples of data recovery programs:
There is also the technical option to use a network sniffer:
Another way to decrypt the files is by using a Network Sniffer to get the encryption key, while files are encrypted on your system. A Network Sniffer is a program and/or device monitoring data traveling over a network, such as its internet traffic and internet packets. If you have a sniffer set before the attack happened you might get information about the decryption key.
Remove TeslaCrypt 3.0 Using Other Alternative Tools
Malwarebytes Anti-MalwareSTOPZilla Anti Malware
1. Install Malwarebytes Anti-Malware to scan for and remove TeslaCrypt 3.0. Step 1: Download Malwarebytes by clicking here. Step 2: A pop-up window will appear. Click on the ‘Save File’ button. If it does not, click on the Download button and save it afterwards. Step 3: After you have downloaded the setup, simply open it. Step 4: The installer should appear. Click on the ‘Next’ button. Step 5: Check the ‘I accept the agreement’ check circle if not checked if you accept it and click the ‘Next’ button once again. Step 6: Review and click on ‘Next’ on the following 4 steps that will appear afterwards and after that click on the ‘Install’ button. Step 7: After the installation process has completed click on the ‘Finish’ button and check the ‘Launch MalwareBytes AntiMalware’ check box.
2. Scan your PC with MalwareBytes to remove all TeslaCrypt 3.0 associated files automatically.
Step 1: Launch MalwareBytes if you havent launched it after install. Step 2: Wait for the software to update and then click on the blue ‘Scan Now’ button. If it doesnt start updating automatically, click on the blue ‘Update Now’ highlighted text. Step 3: At this point, after clicking the ‘Scan Now’ button, the system should start scanning your PC. It may take a while but be patient – it is worth it. Step 4: After the scan has been complete and all of the threats have been identified, click on the ‘Remove Selected’ button to delete them permanently. Step 5: Once the scan has completed, MalwareBytes will prompt you to restart your computer. It is recommended to save all your data you are working on before restarting.
1. Download and Install STOPZilla Anti-malware to Scan for And Remove TeslaCrypt 3.0. Step 1: Download STOPZilla by clicking here. Step 2: A pop-up window will appear. Click on the ‘Save File’ button. If it does not, click on the Download button and save it afterwards. Step 3: After you have downloaded the setup, simply open it. Step 4: The installer should appear. Click on the ‘Next’ button. Step 5: Check the ‘I accept the agreement’ check circle if not checked if you accept it and click the ‘Next’ button once again. Step 6: Review and click on the ‘Install’ button. Step 7: After the installation process has completed click on the ‘Finish’ button.
2. Scan your PC with STOPZilla Anti Malware to remove all TeslaCrypt 3.0 associated files completely. Step 1:Launch STOPZilla if you haven’t launched it after install. Step 2: Wait for the software to automatically scan and then click on the ‘Repair Now’ button. If it does not scan automatically, click on the ‘Scan Now’ button. Step 3: After the removal of all threats and associated objects, you should Restart your PC.
NOTE! Substantial notification about the TeslaCrypt 3.0 threat: Manual removal of TeslaCrypt 3.0 requires interference with system files and registries. Thus, it can cause damage to your PC. Even if your computer skills are not at a professional level, don’t worry. You can do the removal yourself just in 5 minutes, using a malware removal tool.
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
1. For Windows 7,XP and Vista.
2. For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10.
1. Install SpyHunter to scan for and remove TeslaCrypt 3.0.
1. For Windows 7 and earlier
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware
STOPZilla Anti Malware
