Remove TeslaCrypt 3.0 and Restore .ttt Encrypted Files

Ventsislav Krastev

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.

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The newest version of TeslaCrypt is here, and it is not playing about. In fact, it uses not one but three file extensions after it encrypts user files and one of them is the .ttt files. They have been reported by many users to be causing problems with their sensitive files. The variant still uses a strong RSA encryption algorithm and uses Onion routing (Tor) to mask the location of the cyber-criminals during the ransom payment of about 500 US dollars. All users affected by Tesla should look for alternative means of restoring or decrypting their data, some of which are provided after this article, instead of paying the ransom money for it.

The .ttt Ransomware – How Did I Get It

TeslaCrypt 3.0 may usually be spread through Trojan horses such as Miuref.B Trojan, which has been reported to download its previous version onto an infected computer.

Another way of such cyber-threat spreading may be the spam email campaigns that aim to send massively out messages to users via social networking spam bots or e-mail spamming technologies as well as comments on sites featuring third-party malicious web links. Such messages may contain malicious attachments that are either in archives or executable files. Some malicious files reported to infect users with malware were compromised macros of Microsoft Office or Adobe documents.

How Does the .ttt Extension Ransomware Work

Once activated on the user’s PC, the ransomware creates a randomly named .exe type of file in the User’s profile in the following location:

→Appdata/Roaming/{randomly named file}.exe

Once this file is started, it creates a registry entry in the Windows Registry Editor. It Is mockingly named “meryHmas” and is located in the following Registry key:

→HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run\meryHmas

As expected, the registry entry has set the random executable to run every time Windows starts using the above-mentioned location and custom data.

Furthermore, the ransomware may also create other registry entries:

→HKCU\Software\{randomfilename}
HKCU\Software\xxxsys

What is more, the ransomware then may begin to scan for files to encrypt and encode them. The file formats it scans for may be the following:

→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, some of the files may be changed with the .ttt file extension, for example:

→Encryptedpicture.jpg.ttt

The ransomware is also reported to create other files on the user’s desktop and other locations that contain the ransom payment instructions. The files are named as follows:

→Howto_Restore_FILES.BMP
Howto_Restore_FILES.HTM
Howto_Restore_FILES.TXT

Interestingly enough the instructions are near identical to another notorious crypt-virus, called CryptoWall. Experts believe that this message has been used either to simplify and outsource the ransom payment using CryptoWall’s methods or to mask the actual identity of the virus.

This very ransom message includes instructions on how to use Tor routing to establish an anonymous connection with the cyber-crooks and discuss the payment of the ransom money. It provides the affected user with a unique number that may identify him when anonymously communicating with them. It is strongly advisable NOT to pay the ransom money demanded by the TeslaCrypt 3.0 creators since it is no guarantee you will get your encoded data back plus it funds the cyber-criminals to develop further the crypto-virus and make it more sophisticated.

Remove .ttt Ransomware Completely and Reset Your Registry Permissions

To be able to completely be rid of TeslaCrypt 3.0, we advise you to isolate the virus by going offline first. After this, it is recommended to download an anti-malware scanner from a safe PC and transfer it to your computer to scan it. This will make sure all malicious registry entries and other objects are detected and terminated.

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.

Optional: Using Alternative Anti-Malware Tools

4. 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.

Restoring Files Encrypted With .ttt Extension

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:

Shadow Explorer

If this method does not work, Kaspersky have provided a decryptors for files encrypted with the RSA and other encryption algorithms:
Kaspersky RectorDecryptor for RSA
Other Kaspersky Decryptors

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:

• Stellar Phoenix Data Recovery Technicians License(Pro version with more features)
• Stellar Phoenix Windows Data Recovery
• Stellar Phoenix Photo Recovery

For further information you may check the following articles:
Remove RSA-2048 Key From Crypto Ransomware
Restore Files Encrypted via RSA Encryption

Ventsislav Krastev

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.

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