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.
| Name | TeslaCrypt 4.0 |
| Type | Ransomware |
| Short Description | This malware encrypts the files on the infiltrated device without any extensions, rendering them corrupt. It asks the user to pay a relatively big amount of ransom money in BitCoin to decrypt the data. |
| Symptoms | The user may witness several files beginning with the name “RECOVERY” on his desktop which are the ransom notes. |
| Distribution Method | Via Angler Exploit Kit embedded in malicious web links that may be distributed via email or other spam. |
| Detection Tool | Download Malware Removal Tool, to See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware |
| User Experience | Join our forum to discuss TeslaCrypt 4.0. |
| 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 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)
- https://esbook(.)com/phsys.php
- https://ebookstoreforyou(.)com/phsys.php
- https://shampooherbal(.)com/phsys.php
- https://commonsenseprotection(.)com/phsys.php
- https://exaltation(.)info/plugins/phsys.php
- https://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:
https:// h5nuwefkuh134ljngkasdbasfg(.)corolbugan(.)com/17E035F219B34F9
https:// p54dhkus4tlkfashdb6vjetgsdfg(.)greetingshere(.)at/17E035F219B34F9
https:// 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 – https:// 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:
https:// h5nuwefkuh134ljngkasdbasfg(.)corolbugan(.)com/17E031234F9
https:// p54dhkus4tlkfashdb6vjetgsdfg(.)greetingshere(.)at/17E092134F9
https:// 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 .
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.
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.
Remove TeslaCrypt 4.0 Using Other Alternative Tools
STOPZilla Anti MalwareStep 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 is a cybersecurity expert at SensorsTechForum since 2015. He has been researching, covering, helping victims with the latest malware infections plus testing and reviewing software and the newest tech developments. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for learning new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management, Network Administration and Computer Administration of System Applications, he found his true calling within the cybersecrurity industry and is a strong believer in the education of every user towards online safety and security.
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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 4.0 from Windows.
- Guide 2: Get rid of TeslaCrypt 4.0 from Mac OS X.
How to Remove TeslaCrypt 4.0 from Windows.
Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove TeslaCrypt 4.0
Step 2: Uninstall TeslaCrypt 4.0 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:
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall most programs.
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by TeslaCrypt 4.0 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 4.0 there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
Tip: To find a virus-created value, you can right-click on it and click "Modify" to see which file it is set to run. If this is the virus file location, remove the value.
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 4.0 with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 5 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by TeslaCrypt 4.0.
Ransomware infections and TeslaCrypt 4.0 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 4.0 from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall TeslaCrypt 4.0 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 4.0 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 4.0.
Ransomware infections and TeslaCrypt 4.0 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 4.0 FAQ
What is TeslaCrypt 4.0 ransomware and how does it work?
TeslaCrypt 4.0 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 4.0 ransomware infect my computer?
Via several ways.TeslaCrypt 4.0 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 4.0 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 4.0 files?
You can't. At this point the .TeslaCrypt 4.0 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 4.0 files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
One way to restore files, encrypted by TeslaCrypt 4.0 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 4.0" 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 4.0 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 4.0 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 4.0 ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .TeslaCrypt 4.0 files.
Also, keep in mind that viruses like TeslaCrypt 4.0 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.
