Remove TeslaCrypt 4.0 and Restore the 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 fourth “installment” of TeslaCrypt is here to terrorize you and make your day a lot worse. The crypto-malware now uses significantly stronger encryption. Not only this, but TeslaCrypt 4 also has fixed bugs and is now able to encrypt files larger than 4 GB of memory without damaging them, unlike the 3rd version. The only two viable ways out for the user are if he pays the ransom or has a backup, preferably cloud backup. And it is strongly advisable not to pay the ransom money since it is no guarantee you will get the files back. Otherwise, experts strongly advise users use other alternative tools in case they are out of options.

TeslaCrypt 4.0 – Distribution

TeslaCrypt is believed to use Angler type of exploit kit attacks to conduct its infections successfully. They are usually caused via malicious web links downloaded from several hosts. These are the domains that are believed to be the C&C (Command and Control centers of TeslaCrypt 4.0)

• http://esbook(.)com/phsys.php
• http://ebookstoreforyou(.)com/phsys.php
• http://shampooherbal(.)com/phsys.php
• http://commonsenseprotection(.)com/phsys.php
• http://exaltation(.)info/plugins/phsys.php
• http://hmgame(.)net/phsys.php

Web links associated with these very domain names are strongly believed to be widespread either via online referral spam on different websites or via spam emails. Once a user has clicked on the link, the exploit is activated without any hint of this occurrence. What is worse is that Virus Total scans indicate that the exploit kit based drive-by downloads result in very effective infiltration in systems, because they are well-obfuscated from antivirus software.

TeslaCrypt 4.0 In Detail

Once executed on your computer, TeslaCrypt 4.0 creates several different objects:

→ Files in %UserProfile%\
Desktop\RECOVER{randomly generated numbers and letters}.html
Desktop\RECOVER{randomly generated numbers and letters}.png
Desktop\RECOVER{randomly generated numbers and letters}.txt
Documents\{randomly generated numbers and letters}.exe
Documents\recover_file.txt
Registry value, created in HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run\:
_{randomly generated name} C:\Windows\SYSTEM32\CMD.EXE /C START %UserProfile%\Documents\{randomly generated name}.exe

After creating the abovementioned files, the ransomware then may execute a reset of the computer of the user and activate the randomly named exe to scan for and may encrypt files with the following file extensions, similar to the 3.0 version of TeslaCrypt:

→ .ltx .bsa .apk .re4 .sav .lbf .slm .bik .epk .rgss3a .pak .big .unity3d .wotreplay .xxx .desc .py .m3u .flv .js .css .rb .png .jpeg .txt .p7c .p7b .p12 .pfx .pem .crt .cer .der .x3f sum .ibank .t13 .t12 .qdf .gdb .tax .pkpass .bc6 .bc7 .bkp .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 .DayZProfile .rofl .hkx .bar .upk .das .iwi .litemod .asset .forge .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 .dbfv .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 . qic .bkf .sidn .sidd .mddata .itl .itdb .icxs .hvpl .hplg .hkdb .mdbackup .syncdb .gho .cas .svg .map .wmo .itm .sb .fos .mcgame .vdf .ztmp .sis .sid .ncf .menu .layout .dmp .blob .esm .001 7z .rar .m4a .wma .avi .wmv .csv .d3dbsp .sc2save .sie
Extensions source: Symantec

This particular version of TeslaCrypt then encrypts the files by possibly using an RSA-4096 encryption algorithm – one of the strongest in the world. It would take a lot of years to discover a password. The only hope for the user is to wait for a bug in the ransomware that will help discover the decryption keys.

After encrypting the files, the ransomware has been reported by one of our forum users to display the following ransom message:

→ “NOT YOUR LANGUAGE? USE https://translate.google.com
What’s the matter with your files?
Your data was secured using a strong encryption with RSA4096.
Use the link down below to find additional information on the encryption keys using RSA4096:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RSA_(cryptosystem)
What exactly that means?
It means that on a structural level your files have been transformed. You won’t be able to use, read, see or work with them anymore.
In other words they are useless, however, there is a possibility to restore them with our help
What exactly happened to your files?
*** Two personal RSA4096 keys were generated for your PC/Laptop; one key is public, another key is private.
*** All your data and files were encrypted by the means of the public key, which you received over the web.
*** In order to decrypt your data and gain access to your computer you need a private key and a decryption software, which can be found on one of our secret servers.
What should you do next?
There are several options for you to consider:
1. You can wait for a while until the price of a private key will raise, so you will have to pay twice as much to access your files or
2. You can start getting BitCoins right now and get access to your data quite fast.
In case you have valuable files, we advise you to act fast as there is no other option rather than paying in order to get back your data.
In order to obtain specific instructions, please access your personal homepage by choosing one of the few addresses down below:
http:// h5nuwefkuh134ljngkasdbasfg(.)corolbugan(.)com/17E035F219B34F9
http:// p54dhkus4tlkfashdb6vjetgsdfg(.)greetingshere(.)at/17E035F219B34F9
http:// f4dsbjhb45wfiuqeib4fkqeg(.)meccaledgy(.)at/17E035F219B34F9
If you can’t access your personal homepage or the addresses are not working, complete the following steps:
1 Download TOR Browser – http:// www(.)torproject(.)org/projects/torbrowser(.)html(.)en
2 Install TOR Browser
3 Open TOR Browser
4 Insert the following link in the address bar: k7tlx3ghr3m4n2tu(.)onion/17E035F219B34F9
5 Follow the steps on your screen
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Your personal homepages:
http:// h5nuwefkuh134ljngkasdbasfg(.)corolbugan(.)com/17E031234F9
http:// p54dhkus4tlkfashdb6vjetgsdfg(.)greetingshere(.)at/17E092134F9
http:// f4dsbjhb45wfiuqeib4fkqeg(.)meccaledgy(.)at/17E09213F9
Your personal page Tor-Browser k7tlx3ghr3m4n2tu(.)onion/17E09B34F9
Your personal identification ID: 1812EN2DF9″

Remove TeslaCrypt 4.0 and Restore the Data

For the removal of TeslaCrypt, it is strongly advisable to follow the methodologically arranged steps in the removal instructions below. They include scanning your computer for TeslaCrypt 4 and the exploit kit which is used to infect your computer. After removal, we strongly advise you to use cloud backup or external drive to protect your data in the future.

If you wish to restore your files, and you do not have backup or Volume Shadow Copies set up on your computer, we advise using the alternative methods illustrated in Step “4. Restore Files Encrypted by TeslaCrypt 4.0”. They are not 100% effective, and there is no guarantee that you will restore your files in good condition, but some of our forum users claim they managed to restore some of their data, and they claim it was intact. If you use data recovery software method, we advise you NOT to reinstall Windows or format your hard/solid drive because it may wipe every chance of file restoration by clearing the sectors of the drive.

1. Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove TeslaCrypt 4.0

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 4.0 with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool

Remove TeslaCrypt 4.0 with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool

1. Install SpyHunter to scan for and remove TeslaCrypt 4.0.2. Scan with SpyHunter to Detect and Remove TeslaCrypt 4.0.

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 4.0 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 4.0 in the future

Back up your data to secure it against attacks in the future

IMPORTANT! Before reading the Windows backup instructions, we highly recommend to back up your data automatically with cloud backup and insure it against any type of data loss on your device, even the most severe. We recommend reading more about and downloading SOS Online Backup .

SOS Online Backup

To back up your files via Windows and prevent any future intrusions, follow these instructions:

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 4.0.

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 4.0.

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 4.0 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 4.0 should be restored.

4. Restore files encrypted by TeslaCrypt 4.0

Restore Files Encrypted by TeslaCrypt 4.0

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:

Shadow Explorer

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

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

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.

Optional: Using Alternative Anti-Malware Tools

Remove TeslaCrypt 4.0 Using Other Alternative Tools

STOPZilla Anti Malware

1. Download and Install STOPZilla Anti-malware to Scan for And Remove TeslaCrypt 4.0.
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 4.0 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.

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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