Remove TeslaCrypt RSA-4096. Can .vvv Files Be Restored?

Milena Dimitrova

An inspired writer and content manager who has been with SensorsTechForum for 4 years. Enjoys ‘Mr. Robot’ and fears ‘1984’. Focused on user privacy and malware development, she strongly believes in a world where cybersecurity plays a central role. If common sense makes no sense, she will be there to take notes. Those notes may later turn into articles!

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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 TeslaCrypt RSA-4096 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.

1. Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove TeslaCrypt RSA-4096 files and objects

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.Find malicious files created by TeslaCrypt RSA-4096 on your PC

Find malicious files created by TeslaCrypt RSA-4096

1. For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10. 2. For Windows 7,XP and Vista.

For Newer Windows Operating Systems

Step 1:

On your keyboard press  + R and write explorer.exe in the Run text box and then click on the Ok button.

Step 2:

Click on your PC from the quick access bar. This is usually an icon with a monitor and its name is either “My Computer”, “My PC” or “This PC” or whatever you have named it.

Step 3:

Navigate to the search box in the top-right of your PC’s screen and type “fileextension:” and after which type the file extension. If you are looking for malicious executables, an example may be “fileextension:exe”. After doing that, leave a space and type the file name you believe the malware has created. Here is how it may appear if your file has been found:

N.B. We recommend to wait for the green loading bar in the navination box to fill up in case the PC is looking for the file and hasn’t found it yet.

For Older Windows Operating Systems

In older Windows OS’s the conventional approach should be the effective one:

Step 1:

Click on the Start Menu icon (usually on your bottom-left) and then choose the Search preference.

Step 2:

After the search window appears, choose More Advanced Options from the search assistant box. Another way is by clicking on All Files and Folders.

Step 3:

After that type the name of the file you are looking for and click on the Search button. This might take some time after which results will appear. If you have found the malicious file, you may copy or open its location by right-clicking on it.

Now you should be able to discover any file on Windows as long as it is on your hard drive and is not concealed via special software.

3.Fix registry entries created by TeslaCrypt RSA-4096 on your PC

Fix registry entries created by TeslaCrypt RSA-4096 on your PC.

Some malicious scripts may modify the registry entries of your computer to change different settings. This is why manual clean up of your Windows Registry Database is strongly recommended. Since the tutorial on how to do this is a bit lenghty, we recommend following our instructive article about fixing registry entries.

Automatically remove TeslaCrypt RSA-4096 by downloading an advanced anti-malware program

1. Remove TeslaCrypt RSA-4096 with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool

Remove TeslaCrypt RSA-4096 with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool

1. Install SpyHunter to scan for and remove TeslaCrypt RSA-4096.2. Scan with SpyHunter to Detect and Remove TeslaCrypt RSA-4096.

Step 1:Click on the “Download” button to proceed to SpyHunter’s download page.

Download

Malware Removal Tool

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 RSA-4096 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.

2. Back up your data to secure it against infections and file encryption by TeslaCrypt RSA-4096 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 RSA-4096.

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 RSA-4096.

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 RSA-4096 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 RSA-4096 should be restored.

3. Restore files encrypted by TeslaCrypt RSA-4096

Restore Files Encrypted by TeslaCrypt RSA-4096

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 RSA-4096 Using Other Alternative Tools

STOPZilla Anti Malware

1. Download and Install STOPZilla Anti-malware to Scan for And Remove TeslaCrypt RSA-4096.
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 RSA-4096 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.

Milena Dimitrova

An inspired writer and content manager who has been with SensorsTechForum for 4 years. Enjoys ‘Mr. Robot’ and fears ‘1984’. Focused on user privacy and malware development, she strongly believes in a world where cybersecurity plays a central role. If common sense makes no sense, she will be there to take notes. Those notes may later turn into articles!

More Posts

6 Comments

1. Christian December 17, 2015 at 4:31 pm

   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 !

   Reply ↓
   1. Milena Dimitrova (Post author)December 18, 2015 at 8:30 am

      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: http://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.

      Reply ↓
      1. Christian December 18, 2015 at 10:58 am

         Bonjour,

         Ci-après, le message reçu :

         !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

         NOT YOUR LANGUAGE? USE https://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: http://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 !

         Reply ↓
         1. Milena Dimitrova (Post author)December 18, 2015 at 11:24 am

            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?

            Reply ↓
            1. Christian December 18, 2015 at 2:38 pm

               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 !
2. VP January 24, 2016 at 1:30 pm

   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.

   Reply ↓

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