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.
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 .xxx, .ttt and .micro file extensions. |
Distribution Method | Via malicious links or attachments online. Via Trojan.Download. |
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. |
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.
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:
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
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.