TeslaCrypt 4.2 (Virus Removal Guide)
TeslaCrypt 4.2 Removal Guide
What is TeslaCrypt 4.2?
TeslaCrypt 4.2 virus: updated and more aggressive
If you haven’t heard about the newest version of TeslaCrypt – TeslaCrypt 4.2 virus – then we are glad to enlighten about this new sample of ransomware. This particular threat is programmed for a hideous task – to encrypt personal data and require a ransom in exchange for it. This family of viruses has already built up enough experience of hijacking computers, since hackers restlessly create new versions. It is not expected that this virus will be less treacherous or less damaging. Cyber criminals only introduced minor new features. One of them is the changed design of ransom note. If you happen to get in to the victim list, then it is crucial to remove TeslaCrypt 4.2 virus as soon as possible.
If we take a look at general history of the malware, the virus started off as a relatively minor ransomware version infecting gamers’ computers. The decryption key might have been found in the system. Thus, it didn’t cause major problems. Within time, cyber criminals have improved significantly. The previous version TeslaCrypt 4.0 version uses an elaborate encryption algorithm. Moreover, it didn’t attach any extensions to the encrypted files. Thus, detecting the virus itself became a challenge. Speaking of current version, TeslaCrypt 4.2 ransomware, leaves these files:
%UserProfile%\Desktop\!RecoveR!-[5_characters]++.HTML
%UserProfile%\Desktop\!RecoveR!-[5_characters]++.PNG
%UserProfile%\Desktop\!RecoveR!-[5_characters]++.TXT
Moreover, the size of the file with recovery instructions has been changed from 256B to 272 bytes. The virus also injects C:\Windows\System32\vssadmin.exe. In comparison with older versions, the current malware deletes copies of the locked files as well.
The distribution ways of TeslaCrypt 4.2 malware
The virus disperses the same way as previous versions. It can infect computers via spam email attachments. In relation, cyber criminals are especially crafty at this. They convince victims into opening an infected email by deceiving them with false invoice notifications, alerts which look like to be sent from governmental institutions. Thus, once users open it, the virus extracts itself.
Moreover, it seems that hackers didn’t try to leave an impression in creating a dramatic design of the ransom note. The file which is entitled as -!recover!-!file!-.txt looks like an ordinary Notepad text file informing of the locked files and providing instructions to recover the encrypted files. Hackers deliver the links to access Tor browser to remit the payment. If your computer was targeted as well, do not foster any hopes to get the data back. From the beginning when the first version was released, cyber criminals have managed to collect a terrific amount of money. However, in May 2016, authors of TeslaCrypt virus shut down the project and released the decryption key, so now you can recover your files for free. Go to page 2 to find out how to recover your files.
Furthermore, you should be aware that TeslaCrypt 4.2 might attack PCs via exploit kits as well. They might come in a different forms: trojans, worms, Java script files. Particularly trojans have an ability to slip into the system without getting stopped by anti-virus software. Thus, it is crucial to have a powerful anti-spyware program. Now let us proceed to TeslaCrypt 4.2 removal. You can use FortectIntego for that.
TeslaCrypt 4.2 removal guidelines
First of all, focus on deleting TeslaCrypt 4.2 virus permanently. The best choice would be to install an anti-spyware program which is specifically designed for dealing with malware and ransomware. It can also detect trojans. Once you remove TeslaCrypt 4.2, use this TeslaCrypt decryption tool to recover your files. You should think about alternatives to store your data, since the only reason your can decrypt TeslaCrypt is because it has released its master key. That means other ransomware threats are still extremely dangerous, and if one of them would slither into your computer system, your files might be lost forever. DVDs, USB sticks, online data storage domains can be perceived as possible options to store backups. However, note that ransomware also infects data storage devices if they are plugged into the computer at the time of infection. That is why updating your cyber security programs is a necessity.
Getting rid of TeslaCrypt 4.2. Follow these steps
Manual removal using Safe Mode
Important! →
Manual removal guide might be too complicated for regular computer users. It requires advanced IT knowledge to be performed correctly (if vital system files are removed or damaged, it might result in full Windows compromise), and it also might take hours to complete. Therefore, we highly advise using the automatic method provided above instead.
Step 1. Access Safe Mode with Networking
Manual malware removal should be best performed in the Safe Mode environment.
Windows 7 / Vista / XP
- Click Start > Shutdown > Restart > OK.
- When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 button (if that does not work, try F2, F12, Del, etc. – it all depends on your motherboard model) multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
- Select Safe Mode with Networking from the list.
Windows 10 / Windows 8
- Right-click on Start button and select Settings.
- Scroll down to pick Update & Security.
- On the left side of the window, pick Recovery.
- Now scroll down to find Advanced Startup section.
- Click Restart now.
- Select Troubleshoot.
- Go to Advanced options.
- Select Startup Settings.
- Press Restart.
- Now press 5 or click 5) Enable Safe Mode with Networking.
Step 2. Shut down suspicious processes
Windows Task Manager is a useful tool that shows all the processes running in the background. If malware is running a process, you need to shut it down:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
- Click on More details.
- Scroll down to Background processes section, and look for anything suspicious.
- Right-click and select Open file location.
- Go back to the process, right-click and pick End Task.
- Delete the contents of the malicious folder.
Step 3. Check program Startup
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
- Go to Startup tab.
- Right-click on the suspicious program and pick Disable.
Step 4. Delete virus files
Malware-related files can be found in various places within your computer. Here are instructions that could help you find them:
- Type in Disk Cleanup in Windows search and press Enter.
- Select the drive you want to clean (C: is your main drive by default and is likely to be the one that has malicious files in).
- Scroll through the Files to delete list and select the following:
Temporary Internet Files
Downloads
Recycle Bin
Temporary files - Pick Clean up system files.
- You can also look for other malicious files hidden in the following folders (type these entries in Windows Search and press Enter):
%AppData%
%LocalAppData%
%ProgramData%
%WinDir%
After you are finished, reboot the PC in normal mode.
Remove TeslaCrypt 4.2 using System Restore
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Step 1: Reboot your computer to Safe Mode with Command Prompt
Windows 7 / Vista / XP- Click Start → Shutdown → Restart → OK.
- When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
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Select Command Prompt from the list
Windows 10 / Windows 8- Press the Power button at the Windows login screen. Now press and hold Shift, which is on your keyboard, and click Restart..
- Now select Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings and finally press Restart.
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Once your computer becomes active, select Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt in Startup Settings window.
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Step 2: Restore your system files and settings
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Once the Command Prompt window shows up, enter cd restore and click Enter.
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Now type rstrui.exe and press Enter again..
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When a new window shows up, click Next and select your restore point that is prior the infiltration of TeslaCrypt 4.2. After doing that, click Next.
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Now click Yes to start system restore.
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Once the Command Prompt window shows up, enter cd restore and click Enter.
Finally, you should always think about the protection of crypto-ransomwares. In order to protect your computer from TeslaCrypt 4.2 and other ransomwares, use a reputable anti-spyware, such as FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes
How to prevent from getting ransomware
Stream videos without limitations, no matter where you are
There are multiple parties that could find out almost anything about you by checking your online activity. While this is highly unlikely, advertisers and tech companies are constantly tracking you online. The first step to privacy should be a secure browser that focuses on tracker reduction to a minimum.
Even if you employ a secure browser, you will not be able to access websites that are restricted due to local government laws or other reasons. In other words, you may not be able to stream Disney+ or US-based Netflix in some countries. To bypass these restrictions, you can employ a powerful Private Internet Access VPN, which provides dedicated servers for torrenting and streaming, not slowing you down in the process.
Data backups are important – recover your lost files
Ransomware is one of the biggest threats to personal data. Once it is executed on a machine, it launches a sophisticated encryption algorithm that locks all your files, although it does not destroy them. The most common misconception is that anti-malware software can return files to their previous states. This is not true, however, and data remains locked after the malicious payload is deleted.
While regular data backups are the only secure method to recover your files after a ransomware attack, tools such as Data Recovery Pro can also be effective and restore at least some of your lost data.
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