TeslaCrypt 4.2 Released! Remove It and Try to Restore Your Files

by Milena Dimitrova | April 28, 2016 | 0 Comments encryption, TeslaCrypt 4.2

It’s official! A new TeslaCrypt version has been just detected by security researcher BloodDolly, who has dedicated his time investigating the ransomware and searching for decryption methods.

Name	TeslaCrypt 4.2
Type	Ransomware
Short Description	The ransom note of TeslaCrypt has been simplified, other changes are made, too.
Symptoms	Files are encrypted, Shadow Volume Copies are deleted.
Distribution Method	Not known yet, but possibly via malicious attachments and exploit kits.
Detection Tool	Download Malware Removal Tool, to See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
User Experience	Join our forum to discuss TeslaCrypt 4.2.
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 Version 4.2 Analysis and Description

TeslaCrypt Version 4.2 has some changes in its code, compared to previous releases. The most distinguished change is the renovation of the ransomware’s ransom note. It has been deprived from its detailed explanations, and only the basics have been left. In fact, only the needed details to connect to the payment servers are visible.

TeslaCrypt Previous Versions:
TeslaCrypt .vvv Extension
TeslaCrypt 4.0 without Extensions
TeslaCrypt 3.0 .micro Extension
TeslaCrypt 3.0 .ttt and .xxx Extensions

However, the alteration of the ransom note is not the only change. BloodDolly has outlined the following changes in TeslaCrypt’s code, as reported by Bleeping Computer:

The compiler has been changed and the code is recompiled with optimization;
The ransomware injects code to svchost.exe so that Shadow Volume Copies are deleted, as a result, the copies are deleted before and after encryption;
Data file has been set as recovery file;
Data file has been renamed to %MyDocuments%\-!recover!-!file!-.txt and is also encrypted;
Data file size is altered to 272 B, 256 B in an unencrypted state;
Run key is changed to [HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run] serv[5chars] C:\Windows\SYSTEM32\CMD.EXE /C START “” “[malwarepath].exe”;
Network request is established only in case InternetGetConnectedState returns 1.

Here is a list of the files belonging to TeslaCrypt 4.2:

%UserProfile%\Desktop\!RecoveR!-[5_characters]++.HTML
%UserProfile%\Desktop\!RecoveR!-[5_characters]++.PNG
%UserProfile%\Desktop\!RecoveR!-[5_characters]++.TXT
%UserProfile%\Documents\-!recover!-!file!-.txt
%UserProfile%\Documents\[random].exe

Here is a list of the Registry entries created by TeslaCrypt 4.2:

serv[5chars] C:\Windows\SYSTEM32\CMD.EXE /C START “”
“%UserProfile%\Documents\[random].exe”

TeslaCrypt 4.2 Removal. Decryption of Files

As already mentioned, TeslaCrypt 4.2 deletes Shadow Volume Copies. There is still no information as to what extension is appended to the files, and if a decryption method is available. However, decryption of files encrypted by later versions of TeslaCrypt is close to impossible. There are still alternative methods to be tried. Have a look at section 4 of the removal manual below.

Keep in mind that the most effective way to remove all traces of TeslaCrypt 4.2 from your system is via anti-malware software.

1. Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove TeslaCrypt 4.2

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 4.2 with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool

Remove TeslaCrypt 4.2 with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool

1. Install SpyHunter to scan for and remove TeslaCrypt 4.2.

2. Scan with SpyHunter to Detect and Remove TeslaCrypt 4.2.

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 4.2 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 4.2 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 .

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 4.2.

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 4.2.

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 4.2 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 4.2 should be restored.

4. Restore files encrypted by TeslaCrypt 4.2

Restore Files Encrypted by TeslaCrypt 4.2

Fortunately, Emsisoft have come up with a decrypter for this ransomware. You can download it by visiting the Emsisoft Download web page below:

Download Nemucod Decrypter

After downloading it, use the following instructions:
1.Drag 1 encrypted and 1 original file to the downloaded file decrypt_nemucod.exe. It will reveal your unique decryption key.
2.Click on Ok when the key is found.
3.Click on Add File(s) to add the drive or files which you want to decrypt.
4.Wait for file decryption.

Optional: Using Alternative Anti-Malware Tools

Remove TeslaCrypt 4.2 Using Other Alternative Tools

STOPZilla Anti Malware

1. Download and Install STOPZilla Anti-malware to Scan for And Remove TeslaCrypt 4.2.
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 4.2 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.

Note! Substantial notification about the TeslaCrypt 4.2 threat: Manual removal of TeslaCrypt 4.2 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.

Milena Dimitrova

An inspired writer and content manager who has been with SensorsTechForum since the beginning. 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! Follow Milena @Milenyim

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Guide 1: How to Remove TeslaCrypt 4.2 from Windows.
Guide 2: Get rid of TeslaCrypt 4.2 from Mac OS X.
Guide 3: Remove TeslaCrypt 4.2 from Google Chrome.
Guide 4: Erase TeslaCrypt 4.2 from Mozilla Firefox.
Guide 5: Uninstall TeslaCrypt 4.2 from Microsoft Edge.
Guide 6: Remove TeslaCrypt 4.2 from Safari.
Guide 7: Eliminate TeslaCrypt 4.2 from Internet Explorer.

Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer

How to Remove TeslaCrypt 4.2 from Windows.

Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove TeslaCrypt 4.2

OFFER

Manual Removal Usually Takes Time and You Risk Damaging Your Files If Not Careful!

We Recommend To Scan Your PC with SpyHunter

Keep in mind, that SpyHunter’s scanner is only for malware detection. If SpyHunter detects malware on your PC, you will need to purchase SpyHunter's malware removal tool to remove the malware threats. Read our SpyHunter 5 review. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter's EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria

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".

Tip: Make sure to reverse those changes by unticking Safe Boot after that, because your system will always boot in Safe Boot from now on.

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 4.2 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"

Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall most programs.

Step 3: Clean any registries, created by TeslaCrypt 4.2 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 4.2 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.

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.

IMPORTANT!
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 4.2 with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool

1. Click on the "Download" button to proceed to SpyHunter's download page.

Download

Malware Removal Tool

It is 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. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter's EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria.

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.

If any threats have been removed, it is highly recommended to restart your PC.

Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer

Get rid of TeslaCrypt 4.2 from Mac OS X.

Step 1: Uninstall TeslaCrypt 4.2 and remove related files and objects

OFFER

Manual Removal Usually Takes Time and You Risk Damaging Your Files If Not Careful!

We Recommend To Scan Your Mac with SpyHunter for Mac

Keep in mind, that SpyHunter for Mac needs to purchased to remove the malware threats. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter’s EULA and Privacy Policy

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 4.2:

Tip: To quit a process completely, choose the “Force Quit” option.

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 4.2. 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 4.2. 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 4.2 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:

Disclaimer! If you are about to tamper with Library files on Mac, be sure to know the name of the virus file, because if you delete the wrong file, it may cause irreversible damage to your MacOS. Continue on your own responsibility!

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 4.2. 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 2: Scan for and remove malware from your Mac

When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts, programs and malware, the recommended way of eliminating the threat is by using an anti-malware program. Combo Cleaner offers advanced security features along with other modules that will improve your Mac’s security and protect it in the future.

Download

Combo Cleaner

Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer

Remove TeslaCrypt 4.2 from Google Chrome.

Step 1: Start Google Chrome and open the drop menu

Step 2: Move the cursor over "Tools" and then from the extended menu choose "Extensions"

Step 3: From the opened "Extensions" menu locate the unwanted extension and click on its "Remove" button.

Step 4: After the extension is removed, restart Google Chrome by closing it from the red "X" button at the top right corner and start it again.

Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer

Erase TeslaCrypt 4.2 from Mozilla Firefox.

Step 1: Start Mozilla Firefox. Open the menu window

Step 2: Select the "Add-ons" icon from the menu.

Step 3: Select the unwanted extension and click "Remove"

Step 4: After the extension is removed, restart Mozilla Firefox by closing it from the red "X" button at the top right corner and start it again.

Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer

Uninstall TeslaCrypt 4.2 from Microsoft Edge.

Step 1: Start Edge browser.

Step 2: Open the drop menu by clicking on the icon at the top right corner.

Step 3: From the drop menu select "Extensions".

Step 4: Choose the suspected malicious extension you want to remove and then click on the gear icon.

Step 5: Remove the malicious extension by scrolling down and then clicking on Uninstall.

Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer

Remove TeslaCrypt 4.2 from Safari.

Step 1: Start the Safari app.

Step 2: After hovering your mouse cursor to the top of the screen, click on the Safari text to open its drop down menu.

Step 3: From the menu, click on "Preferences".

Step 4: After that, select the 'Extensions' Tab.

Step 5: Click once on the extension you want to remove.

Step 6: Click 'Uninstall'.

A pop-up window will appear asking for confirmation to uninstall the extension. Select 'Uninstall' again, and the TeslaCrypt 4.2 will be removed.

How to Reset Safari
IMPORTANT: Before resetting Safari make sure you back up all your saved passwords within the browser in case you forget them.

Start Safari and then click on the gear leaver icon.

Click the Reset Safari button and you will reset the browser.

Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer

Eliminate TeslaCrypt 4.2 from Internet Explorer.

Step 1: Start Internet Explorer.

Step 2: Click on the gear icon labeled 'Tools' to open the drop menu and select 'Manage Add-ons'

Step 3: In the 'Manage Add-ons' window.

Step 4: Select the extension you want to remove and then click 'Disable'. A pop-up window will appear to inform you that you are about to disable the selected extension, and some more add-ons might be disabled as well. Leave all the boxes checked, and click 'Disable'.

Step 5: After the unwanted extension has been removed, restart Internet Explorer by closing it from the red 'X' button located at the top right corner and start it again.

TeslaCrypt Version 4.2 Analysis and Description

TeslaCrypt 4.2 Removal. Decryption of Files

Boot Your PC Into Safe Mode

Remove TeslaCrypt 4.2 with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool

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

Restore Files Encrypted by TeslaCrypt 4.2

Remove TeslaCrypt 4.2 Using Other Alternative Tools

Milena Dimitrova

How to Remove TeslaCrypt 4.2 from Windows.

Get rid of TeslaCrypt 4.2 from Mac OS X.

Remove TeslaCrypt 4.2 from Google Chrome.

Erase TeslaCrypt 4.2 from Mozilla Firefox.

Uninstall TeslaCrypt 4.2 from Microsoft Edge.

Remove TeslaCrypt 4.2 from Safari.

Eliminate TeslaCrypt 4.2 from Internet Explorer.

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