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!
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!
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!
Note! Your computer might be affected by TeslaCrypt 4.2 and other threats.
Threats such as TeslaCrypt 4.2 may be persistent on your system. They tend to re-appear if not fully deleted. A malware removal tool like SpyHunter will help you to remove malicious programs, saving you the time and the struggle of tracking down numerous malicious files. SpyHunter’s scanner is free but the paid version is needed to remove the malware threats. Read SpyHunter’s EULA and Privacy Policy
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!
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.
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.
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:
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:
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.
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!
1. For Windows 7,XP and Vista.
2. For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10.
1. Install SpyHunter to scan for and remove TeslaCrypt 4.2.
1. For Windows 7 and earlier
STOPZilla Anti Malware
