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.
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.
- 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





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:



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:



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.
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
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 4.2 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:
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 TeslaCrypt 4.2 files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as TeslaCrypt 4.2, the recommended way of eliminating the threat is by using an anti-malware program. SpyHunter for Mac offers advanced security features along with other modules that will improve your Mac’s security and protect it in the future.
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.
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.