Teslacrypt 3.0 now appends .mp3 to the names of all encrypted files. Basically, it is the same virus that changes its minor features.
The just-surfaced version of this ransomware comes up with its original names of the ransom notes:
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H_e_l_p_RECOVER_INSTRUCTIONS+[3-characters].txt
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Teslacrypt 3.0 holds data stored in a computer system for ransom. The data remains on a host machine. The virus applies a sophisticated encryption so that any application cannot read the affected files. To render files with .mp3 extension into a readable format, a victim is told to pay a certain amount. The amount is payable in bitcoins and via TOR network.
The scam is an ongoing affair. The ransomware in question is but one of a number of counterparts. They differ by the encryption method applied, prevailing propagation schemes, ransom, amount. etc. Within its variety, Teslacrypt 3.0 modifications undergo continuous improvements to complicate the removal of this virus and the recovery of files with .mp3 extension.
That sounds too dull for a victim. Let us consider it from another angle, though. As the ransomware requires constant approval and updating it has multiple vulnerabilities. Even if you get your data encrypted and the value of thus affected information is very high, please do not rush into paying the ransom. Most likely, a ransom-free solution for your case is available.
There are plenty of data recovery tools. Some of them are tailored to handle the data encrypted for ransom. Most likely, such tools would perform a satisfactory backup.
In order to restore complete access to the latest editions of the encrypted files, relevant decryption key shall apply.
Once inside a computer system, the virus completes its installation. The successful installation enables the infection to scan any drive available from the affected machine. That extends to any mapped drives, including network and web-hosted sources.
The detected items cover nearly any files on scanned drives. That is, the rogue applies a very broad filter. It detects files with specific extensions. The extensions include virtually any existing variants.
The data detected by Teslacrypt 3.0 is modified using a sophisticated decryption technique. A private key is used and dispatched to a remote server. Victims are presented with a relevant ransom note that details the method and terms of payment and other applicable conditions. Its language may vary from case to case ranging from rather flattering to rather threatening and mocking.
Indeed, unless you acquire the private key, the decryption of .mp3 files is not feasible. Fortunately, cases have been reported of releasing thousands of keys by white hat hackers and cyber police. Hopefully, that is to be the case for the ransomware in question, too.
Again, as stated above, there are a number of approaches enabling sufficient backups for ransomed data. If hit by the virus, kindly apply the backup solutions rather than providing further incentives to the crooks by transferring the amount claimed.
It is also important to note that a victim needs to get rid of Teslacrypt 3.0 upon completing required recovery actions. Failure to remove Teslacrypt 3.0 may entail further damages. Removal of .mp3 file extension virus disables the option of applying the decryption key.
Automatic removal of Teslacrypt 3.0 ransomware and .mp3 files restoration
The benefits of using the automatic security suite to get rid of this infection are obvious: it scans the entire system and detects all potential fragments of the virus, so you are a few mouse clicks away from a complete fix.
- Download and install recommended malware security suite
- Select Start Computer Scan feature and wait until the utility comes up with the scan report. Proceed by clicking on the Fix Threats button, which will trigger a thorough removal process to address all the malware issues compromising your computer and your privacy.
Unlock .mp3 files encrypted by Teslacrypt 3.0 virus
Teslacrypt 3.0 represents a unique category of malicious software whose attack surface reaches beyond the operating system and its components, which is why removing the virus itself is a part of the fix only. As it has been mentioned, it encrypts one’s personal information, so the next phase of the overall remediation presupposes reinstating the files that will otherwise remain inaccessible.
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Launch data recovery software
Similarly to the rest of its fellow-infections, Teslacrypt 3.0 most likely follows an operational algorithm where it erases the original versions of the victim’s files and actually encrypts their copies. This peculiarity might make your day, because forensics-focused applications like Data Recovery Pro are capable of restoring the information that has been removed. As the virus further evolves, its modus operandi may be altered – in the meanwhile, go ahead and try this.
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Take advantage of Volume Shadow Copy Service
This technique is based on using the native backup functionality that’s shipped with Windows operating system. Also referred to as Volume Snapshot Service (VSS), this feature makes regular backups of the user’s files and keeps their most recent versions as long as System Restore is on. Teslacrypt 3.0 hasn’t been found to affect these copies therefore the restoration vector in question is strongly recommended. The two sub-sections below highlight the automatic and manual workflow.
- a) Use Shadow Explorer
Shadow Explorer is an applet that provides an easy way of retrieving previous versions of files and folders. Its pro’s include an intuitive interface where the computer’s entire file hierarchy is displayed within one window. Just pick the hard disk volume, select the object or directory to be restored, right-click on it and choose Export. Follow the app’s prompts to get the job done.
- b) Use file properties
Essentially, what the above-mentioned Shadow Explorer tool does is it automates the process that can otherwise be performed manually via the Properties dialog for individual files. This particular approach is more cumbrous but just as effective as its software-based counterpart, so you can proceed by right-clicking on a specific file, which has been encrypted by Teslacrypt 3.0, and selecting Properties in the context menu. The tab named Previous Versions is the next thing to click – it displays available versions of the file by date of the snapshot creation. Pick the latest copy and complete the retrieval by following the prompts.
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Data backups work wonders
Ransomware like Teslacrypt 3.0 isn’t nearly as almighty and destructive in case you run regular file backups to the cloud or external data media. The virus itself can be completely removed in a matter of minutes, and the distorted information can then be just as easily recovered from the backup. Luckily, this is a growing trend, so ransom Trojans are hopefully going to become less subversive in the near future.
Verify thoroughness of the removal
Having carried out the instructions above, add a finishing touch to the security procedure by running an additional computer scan to check for residual malware activity
