TeslaCrypt, also known as AlphaCrypt, Cryptesla, and Tescrypt is one of the most prevalent crypto viruses (or ransomware) at the moment, the other one being CryptoWall. Recently, we witnessed a freshly updated version of TeslaCrypt.
This version was encrypting the user’s files, appending a .vvv extension to them and adding how_recover+abc files in multiple folders. Just a few weeks later, we’re already witnessing another updated version of TeslaCrypt’s .vvv variant, using even stronger encryption – RSA-4096.

Threat Summary
Name | TeslaCrypt RSA-4096 |
Type | Ransomware |
Short Description | A new version of TeslaCrypt has employed the RSA-4096 algorithm. |
Symptoms | The .vvv extendion is appended to the victim’s files. |
Distribution Method | Via exploit kits, suspicious emails, etc. |
Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
Download
Malware Removal Tool
|
User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss RSA-4096 Ransomware. |
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. |
Learn more about RSA-4096 algorithm

TeslaCrypt RSA-4096 Version Technical Description
Let’s call this new version of the rasomware TeslaCrypt RSA-4096. What is the difference between the previous known version and this one? Basically, the main change is in the encryption key. The latest version of TeslaCrypt has adopted an encryption algorithm known to be practically impossible to decrypt. The decryption process of RSA-4096 would take hundreds, maybe thousands of years to decrypt, even with the assistance of a super computer.
BleepingComputer has classified all the variants of TeslaCrypt in accordance with the file extensions they append to the victim’s files.
Here is the list:
TeslaCrypt Version 1
Extension – adds .ecc extension
Decryption – yes, with the help of TeslaDecoder
TeslaCrypt Version 2
Extension – .ecc
Decryption – yes, with the help of TeslaDecoder
N.B. With these versions of TeslaCrypt decryption is possible in cases when the decryption key was zeroed out but partial key was still available in key.dat. Moreover, the decryption key could also be obtained from TeslaCrypt’s request sent to the server. This ‘mistake’ was fixed with the next version.
TeslaCrypt Version 3
Extension – adds .ecc, .ezz extensions
Decryption – yes, with the help of TeslaDecoder
N.B. With this version, it’s already impossible to recover the original decrypton key without the private key only known by the ransomware’s authors. However, decryption key could be obtained from TeslaCrypt’s request to the server.
TeslaCrypt Version 4
Extension– adds .ezz, .exx extensions
Decryption – yes, with the help of TeslaDecoder
N.B. With this version, it’s again impossible to recover the original decrypton key without the private key only known by the ransomware’s authors. However, decryption key could be obtained from TeslaCrypt’s request to its server.
TeslaCrypt Version 5
Extension – adds .xyz, .zzz, .aaa, .abc, .ccc extensions
Decryption – only possible if the victim succeeded in capturing the key while being sent to the server at the time of encryption.
TeslaCrypt Version 6
Extension – adds .xyz, .zzz, .aaa, .abc, .ccc extensions
Decryption – no known way to decrypt the files without the decryption key sent by the ransomware’s authors; only possible if the victim succeeded in capturing the key while being sent to the server at the time of encryption.
TeslaCrypt Version 7
Extension – adds .ccc extension
Decryption – decryption is only possible, if the victim succeeded in capturing the key during the encryption process in the memory of the machine.
TeslaCrypt Version 8
Extension – adds .vvv extension
Decryption – decryption is only possible, if the victim succeeded in capturing the key during the encryption process in the memory of the machine.
TeslaCrypt RSA-4096 Version
As already mentioned, this updated version of TeslaCrypt appends the .vvv extension to the victim’s files.
Victims of the ransomware have reported that their files have been changed to ‘[file name].docx.vvv’. Also, how_recover+nsv.html and how_recover+nsv.txt files are dropped in every folder.
The Trojan dropping the ransomware has been detected to be Trojan:Win32/Miuref:B – an infostealer type of Trojan. Other Trojans may be used in the malicious operation as well.
It’s also important to note that the main executable files that are responsible for the encryption process were most likely deleted after completion of encryption. Also, once TeslaCrypt has finished encrypting the victim’s files, it typically deletes itself. The only traces left are the ransom notes. If an AV program is present on the victim’s system, it should have cleaned off any leftovers of the ransomware.
According to the November update article by Microsoft’s Technet, Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool should be updated and able to detect TeslaCrypt. Microsoft’s detection names for TeslaCrypt are Tescrypt, Win32/Tescrypt, Ransom:Win32/Tescrypt.
However, no AV program released by Microsoft or another vendor is able to decrypt files encrypted by ransomware. For now.
What Should Users Attacked by TeslaCrypt RSA-4096 Do?
Unfortunately, files encrypted with the strong RSA-4096 algorithm cannot be decrypted, except when a decryption key sent by the ransomware’s authors is used. As you probably know, security researchers never advise on paying the demanded ransom. Ransomware has evolved so much because cyber crime groups have gathered enough resources and were able to improve their products.
The only way to decrypt your files (besides paying for the decryption key) is if you have an external backup that was kept offline.
Once you have removed the threat via an anti-malware program or manually, you can use your backup solutions to restore the encrypted files. However, if you haven’t regularly backed up your files, nothing can be done.
Encryption by earlier versions of TeslaCrypt could be broken because these versions stored the private key on the local disk. Decryption could also be done via Cisco’s Talos Group Decryptor and TeslaDecoder. However, later versions were improved and ‘mistakes’ made by earlier versions were fixed. TeslaCrypt RSA-4096, in particular, has used an encryption so strong that it could take years for a super computer to decipher the encrypted information.
Is There Any Protection against Ransomware?
Besides sustaining a strong anti-malware program and all the ‘classical’ protection methods to guard the system (combination of anti-malware and anti-virus, external firewall, etc.), there are some tools such as Shadow Defender designed to protect against ransomware such as TeslaCrypt RSA-4096.
What Is Shadow Defender?
Shadow Defender is a security solution for Windows systems. The tool can run in a virtual environment called Shadow Mode which redirects each system change to a virtual environment with no change to the real one. The virtual environment is also known as Light Virtualization. In other words, Shadow Defender can restore the system to its original state, or before the particular infection took place. We haven’t tested the solution, so we cannot confirm that it works on ransomware cases. However, users who have tried it have shared positive opinions. The only weak spot of the solution appears to be rootkit-related. The operator of the rootkit could disable the tool or delete its databases, stripping it from its capability to restore the system to an uninfected state.
Finally, if you have been hit by TeslaCrypt RSA-4096 or another ransomware and you haven’t cleaned your system, refer to the removal options below the article.
You can also refer to our forum where you can start a topic and receive help.
Manually delete TeslaCrypt RSA-4096 from your computer.
Note! Substantial notification about the TeslaCrypt RSA-4096 threat: Manual removal of TeslaCrypt RSA-4096 requires interference with system files and registries. Thus, it can cause damage to your PC. Even if your computer skills are not at a professional level, don’t worry. You can do the removal yourself just in 5 minutes, using a malware removal tool.
Automatically remove TeslaCrypt RSA-4096 by downloading an advanced anti-malware program
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.
About the TeslaCrypt RSA-4096 Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this TeslaCrypt RSA-4096 how-to removal guide included, is the outcome of extensive research, hard work and our team’s devotion to help you remove the specific malware and restore your encrypted files.
How did we conduct the research on this ransomware?
Our research is based on an independent investigation. We are in contact with independent security researchers, and as such, we receive daily updates on the latest malware and ransomware definitions.
Furthermore, the research behind the TeslaCrypt RSA-4096 ransomware threat is backed with VirusTotal and the NoMoreRansom project.
To better understand the ransomware threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.
References
1. How to Recognize Spam Emails with Ransomware
2. How Does Ransomware Encryption Work?
3. How to Decrypt Ransomware Files
4. Ransomware Getting Greedier and Bigger, Attacks Increase by 40%
5. 1 in 5 Americans Victim of Ransomware
- Guide 1: How to Remove TeslaCrypt RSA-4096 from Windows.
- Guide 2: Get rid of TeslaCrypt RSA-4096 from Mac OS X.
How to Remove TeslaCrypt RSA-4096 from Windows.
Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove TeslaCrypt RSA-4096
1. Hold Windows Key + R.

2. The "Run" Window will appear. In it, type "msconfig" and click OK.

3. Go to the "Boot" tab. There select "Safe Boot" and then click "Apply" and "OK".

4. When prompted, click on "Restart" to go into Safe Mode.

5. You can recognise Safe Mode by the words written on the corners of your screen.

Step 2: Uninstall TeslaCrypt RSA-4096 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:
1. Hold the Windows Logo Button and "R" on your keyboard. A Pop-up window will appear.

2. In the field type in "appwiz.cpl" and press ENTER.

3. This will open a window with all the programs installed on the PC. Select the program that you want to remove, and press "Uninstall"

Step 3: Clean any registries, created by TeslaCrypt RSA-4096 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 RSA-4096 there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
1. Open the Run Window again, type "regedit" and click OK.

2. When you open it, you can freely navigate to the Run and RunOnce keys, whose locations are shown above.

3. You can remove the value of the virus by right-clicking on it and removing it.

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 RSA-4096 with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
1. Click on the "Download" button to proceed to SpyHunter's download page.
2. After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to update automatically.
3. After the update process has finished, click on the 'Malware/PC Scan' tab. A new window will appear. Click on 'Start Scan'.
4. After SpyHunter has finished scanning your PC for any files of the associated threat and found them, you can try to get them removed automatically and permanently by clicking on the 'Next' button.
Video Guide for Automatic and Fast Removal
Step 5 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by TeslaCrypt RSA-4096.
Ransomware infections and TeslaCrypt RSA-4096 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.
1. Download the recommended Data Recovery software by clicking on the link underneath:
Simply click on the link and on the website menus on the top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.
Step 6: How to Restore Files Encrypted by Ransomware (Video Guide)
Get rid of TeslaCrypt RSA-4096 from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall TeslaCrypt RSA-4096 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:
2. Find Activity Monitor and double-click it:
3. In the Activity Monitor look for any suspicious processes, belonging or related to TeslaCrypt RSA-4096:
4. Click on the "Go" button again, but this time select Applications. Another way is with the ⇧+⌘+A buttons.
5. In the Applications menu, look for any suspicious app or an app with a name, similar or identical to TeslaCrypt RSA-4096. If you find it, right-click on the app and select “Move to Trash
”.
6. Select Accounts, after which click on the Login Items preference.
Your Mac will then show you a list of items that start automatically when you log in. Look for any suspicious apps identical or similar to TeslaCrypt RSA-4096. Check the app you want to stop from running automatically and then select on the Minus (“-“) icon to hide it.
7. Remove any left-over files that might be related to this threat manually by following the sub-steps below:
- 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 RSA-4096 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:
1: Click on "Go" and Then "Go to Folder" as shown underneath:
2: Type in "/Library/LauchAgents/" and click Ok:
3: Delete all of the virus files that have similar or the same name as TeslaCrypt RSA-4096. If you believe there is no such file, do not delete anything.
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 RSA-4096.
Ransomware infections and TeslaCrypt RSA-4096 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.
1. Download the recommended Data Recovery software by clicking on the link underneath:
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 RSA-4096 FAQ
What is TeslaCrypt RSA-4096 ransomware and how does it work?
TeslaCrypt RSA-4096 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 RSA-4096 ransomware infect my computer?
Via several ways.TeslaCrypt RSA-4096 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 RSA-4096 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 RSA-4096 files?
You can't. At this point the .TeslaCrypt RSA-4096 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 RSA-4096 files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
One way to restore files, encrypted by TeslaCrypt RSA-4096 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 RSA-4096" 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 RSA-4096 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 RSA-4096 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 RSA-4096 ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .TeslaCrypt RSA-4096 files.
Also, keep in mind that viruses like TeslaCrypt RSA-4096 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.
Bonjour, à tous !
Mes fichiers ont été cryptés en RSA-4096, mais ce n’est pas TeslaCrypt…
On m’a demandé une rançon…Il y a quelqu’un qui a payé déjà ? Tout c’était bien passé ?
Merci !
Hi Christian,
Can you please send us the ransom message, or copy its text? Also, what extensions are appended to your files? Here is a topic about RSA-4096 encryption, you can write there as well: sensorstechforum.com/forums/malware-removal-questions-and-guides/help!-my-files-were-encrypted-with-strong-rsa-4096-encryption!/
Please provide us with more information so that we can try and help you.
Bonjour,
Ci-après, le message reçu :
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
NOT YOUR LANGUAGE? USE translate.google.com
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: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RSA_(cryptosystem) […]
L’extension est “vvv”.
Quelqu’un qui s’y connait a essayé de récupérer mes fichiers, mais il n’a pas arrivé…D’après lui, c’est une nouvelle version du CryptoWall
Je ne sais pas comment le virus a infecté le PC…je n’ai pas ouvert des emails et je ne pas navigué sur des sites douteux.
J’ai scanné le PC et les outils utilisés n’ont rien trouvé…
Pour moi, maintenant est important de récupérer les fichiers ; c’est pour cela que j’ai demandé si quelqu’un a payé la rançon…le délai accordé approche…
Merci !
Hi again,
We believe that the ransomware is TeslaCrypt. TeslaCrypt has used the .vvv extensions before.
TeslaCrypt or CryptoWall, RSA-4096 encryption is very difficult (close to impossible) to decrypt. Has your friend tried any decryptor tools such as TeslaDecoder? Do you have a clean backup of your files?
Re-bonjour,
Oui, on a essayé TeslaDecoder, mais sans succès..il ne s’agit pas de Teslacrypt, d’après lui..
Au début, il a eu la même opinion…que c’était Teslacrypt, mais après la vérification avec TeslaDecoder, il s’est rendu compte que ce n’était pas Teslacrypt.
Non, je n’ai aucun backup…c’est pour cela que je prends en calcul de payer la rançon…c’est vrai que je n’ai pas pris une décision, mais c’est la seule possibilité de récupérer mes dossiers.
Merci !
Hi,
there is newer version that make extensions .xxx
Infortunatelly my friend got this.
If there is some way to decript i’ll apreciate this.
I have enough computer power available to use for decription even if need a lot of time.