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. |
Detection Tool | Download Malware Removal Tool, to See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware |
User Experience | Join our forum to follow the discussion about TeslaCrypt 3.0. |
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. |
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:
→.sql, .mp4, .7z, .rar, .m4a, .wma, .avi, .wmv, .csv, .d3dbsp, .zip, .sie, .sum, .ibank, .t13, .t12, .qdf, .gdb, .tax, .pkpass, .bc6, .bc7, .bkp, .qic, .bkf, .sidn, .sidd, .mddata, .itl, .itdb, .icxs, .hvpl, .hplg, .hkdb, .mdbackup, .syncdb, .gho, .cas, .svg, .map, .wmo, .itm, .sb, .fos, .mov, .vdf, .ztmp, .sis, .sid, .ncf, .menu, .layout, .dmp, .blob, .esm, .vcf, .vtf, .dazip, .fpk, .mlx, .kf, .iwd, .vpk, .tor, .psk, .rim, .w3x, .fsh, .ntl, .arch00, .lvl, .snx, .cfr, .ff, .vpp_pc, .lrf, .m2, .mcmeta, .vfs0, .mpqge, .kdb, .db0, .dba, .rofl, .hkx, .bar, .upk, .das, .iwi, .litemod, .asset, .forge, .ltx, .bsa, .apk, .re4, .sav, .lbf, .slm, .bik, .epk, .rgss3a, .pak, .big, wallet, .wotreplay, .xxx, .desc, .py, .m3u, .flv, .js, .css, .rb, .png, .jpeg, .txt, .p7c, .p7b, .p12, .pfx, .pem, .crt, .cer, .der, .x3f, .srw, .pef, .ptx, .r3d, .rw2, .rwl, .raw, .raf, .orf, .nrw, .mrwref, .mef, .erf, .kdc, .dcr, .cr2, .crw, .bay, .sr2, .srf, .arw, .3fr, .dng, .jpe, .jpg, .cdr, .indd, .ai, .eps, .pdf, .pdd, .psd, .dbf, .mdf, .wb2, .rtf, .wpd, .dxg, .xf, .dwg, .pst, .accdb, .mdb, .pptm, .pptx, .ppt, .xlk, .xlsb, .xlsm, .xlsx, .xls, .wps, .docm, .docx, .doc, .odb, .odc, .odm, .odp, .ods, .odt
After finishing the encryption process the files encrypted may have the following file extensions added to them:
→.xxx
.ttt
.ccc
.ecc
.exx
.vvv
.aaa
.abcor
.micro
After changing the extension, the ransomware may drop the following ransom notes:
→C:\Users\User\Desktop\Howto_Restore_FILES.BMP
C:\Users\User\Desktop\Howto_Restore_FILES.HTM
C:\Users\User\Desktop\Howto_Restore_FILES.TXT
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: https://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.
Attention! SensorsTechForum strongly recommends that all malware victims should look for assistance only by reputable sources. Many guides out there claim to offer free recovery and decryption for files encrypted by ransomware viruses. Be advised that some of them may only be after your money.
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.
- Verify Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter personal profiles.
- Guide 1: How to Remove TeslaCrypt 3.0 from Windows.
- Guide 2: Get rid of TeslaCrypt 3.0 from Mac OS X.
How to Remove TeslaCrypt 3.0 from Windows.
Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove TeslaCrypt 3.0





Step 2: Uninstall TeslaCrypt 3.0 and related software 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:



Step 3: Clean any registries, created by TeslaCrypt 3.0 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 3.0 there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:



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: Scan for TeslaCrypt 3.0 with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 5 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by TeslaCrypt 3.0.
Ransomware infections and TeslaCrypt 3.0 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 top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.
Get rid of TeslaCrypt 3.0 from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall TeslaCrypt 3.0 and remove related files and objects
1. Hit the ⇧+⌘+U keys to open Utilities. Another way is to click on “Go” and then click “Utilities”, like the image below shows:
- Go to Finder.
- In the search bar type the name of the app that you want to remove.
- Above the search bar change the two drop down menus to “System Files” and “Are Included” so that you can see all of the files associated with the application you want to remove. Bear in mind that some of the files may not be related to the app so be very careful which files you delete.
- If all of the files are related, hold the ⌘+A buttons to select them and then drive them to “Trash”.
In case you cannot remove TeslaCrypt 3.0 via Step 1 above:
In case you cannot find the virus files and objects in your Applications or other places we have shown above, you can manually look for them in the Libraries of your Mac. But before doing this, please read the disclaimer below:
You can repeat the same procedure with the following other Library directories:
→ ~/Library/LaunchAgents
/Library/LaunchDaemons
Tip: ~ is there on purpose, because it leads to more LaunchAgents.
Step 3 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by TeslaCrypt 3.0.
Ransomware infections and TeslaCrypt 3.0 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 top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.
TeslaCrypt 3.0 FAQ
What is TeslaCrypt 3.0 ransomware and how does it work?
TeslaCrypt 3.0 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 algorithm how 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.
How does TeslaCrypt 3.0 ransomware infect my computer?
Via several ways.TeslaCrypt 3.0 Ransomware infects computers by being sent via phishing e-mails, 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.
After you download and execute this attachment, a drive-by download occurs and your computer is infected with the ransomware virus.
Another way, you may become a victim of TeslaCrypt 3.0 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 3.0 files?
You can't. At this point the .TeslaCrypt 3.0 files are encrypted. You can only open them once they are decrypted.
Decryptor did not decrypt my data. What now?
Do not panic and backup the files. If a decryptor did not decrypt your .TeslaCrypt 3.0 files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
One way to restore files, encrypted by TeslaCrypt 3.0 ransomware is to use a decryptor for it. But since it's a new virus, advised that the decryption keys for it may not be out yet and available to the public. We will update this article and keep you posted as soon as this decryptor is released.
How Do I restore ".TeslaCrypt 3.0" files (Other Methods)?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .TeslaCrypt 3.0 files.
These methods are in no way 100% guarantee that you will be able to get your files back. But if you have a backup, your chances of success are much greater.
How do I get rid of TeslaCrypt 3.0 ransomware virus?
The safest way and the most efficient one for the removal of this ransomware infection is the use a professional anti malware software. It will scan for and locate TeslaCrypt 3.0 ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .TeslaCrypt 3.0 files.
Also, keep in mind that viruses like TeslaCrypt 3.0 ransomware also install Trojans and keyloggers that can steal your passwords and accounts. Scanning your computer with an anti-malware software will make sure that all of these virus components are removed and your computer is protected in the future.
What to Do If nothing works?
There is still a lot you can do. If none of the above methods seem to work for you, then try these methods:
- Try to find a safe computer from where you can can login on your own line accounts like One Drive, iDrive, Google Drive and so on.
- Try to contact your friends, relatives and other people so that they can check if they have some of your important photos or documents just in case you sent them.
- Also, check if some of the files that were encrypted it can be re-downloaded from the web.
- Another clever way to get back some of your files is to find another old computer, a flash drive or even a CD or a DVD where you may have saved your older documents. You might be surprised what will turn up.
- You can also go to your email account to check if you can send any attachments to other people. Usually what is sent the email is saved on your account and you can re-download it. But most importantly, make sure that this is done from a safe computer and make sure to remove the virus first.
More tips you can find on our forums, where you can also asks any questions about your ransomware problem.
How to 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.