Decrypt .mp3 TeslaCrypt files. _h_e_l_p_recover_instructions removal

Learn how to handle the ransomware incident where files on a computer are appended with .mp3 extension and cannot be opened due to strong encryption.

Security examiners and the makers of the notorious TeslaCrypt 3.0 ransomware have been playing catch-up since its emergence. The first few iterations of this crypto Trojan have been cracked owing to remarkable efforts of ransom virus researchers. The variants that can be decrypted courtesy of the specially crafted recovery tool are characterized by nine different strings added to each encrypted file on a victim’s computer, including .aaa, .xyz, and .vvv. Probably as a response to these countermeasures, the perpetrators recently came up with an updated version that puts .mp3 extension at the end of the user’s filenames. The decryptor is currently unable to restore data locked by this edition of the infection. The major disruptive tweaking is associated with the encryption key exchange principle, which now makes it impracticable to intercept the data necessary for decoding.

According to a number of analysis reports, the .mp3 file extension virus was found to propagate via the so-called Angler exploit kit. A number of fairly popular compromised websites have been involved in distributing the ransomware by redirecting visitors to the aforementioned EK’s web page. Once this happens, exploiting a zero-day vulnerability in Adobe Flash Player is typically a matter of seconds. Furthermore, another exploit kit dubbed Neutrino is involved as well – this one relies on outdated WordPress sites to get the payload serving job done. One more spreading mechanism is social engineering – email attachments with an obfuscated lightweight installer ensure malware execution in the background.

TeslaCrypt then stealthily scans the hard drive and shared folders, detects personal files and encrypts them using AES-256 standard while also appending their names with .mp3 extension, which has nothing to do with the well-known multimedia format. In the long run, a sample filename panda.jpg gets transformed to panda.jpg.mp3. The Trojan also creates the following ransom instruction files: _H_e_l_p_RECOVER_INSTRUCTIONS+(3 random characters).txt, _H_e_l_p_RECOVER_INSTRUCTIONS+(3 random characters).png and _H_e_l_p_RECOVER_INSTRUCTIONS+(3 random characters).HTML. These are added to the desktop and folders containing encrypted entities. The victim thus gets several links to their personal home page, where the Bitcoin ransom can be paid and the decryption solution downloaded afterwards.

As security gurus have demonstrated, this cyber threat isn’t flawless. Therefore, instead of submitting the ransom the infected users should first look up decryption software online and try the techniques below to solve the problem.

.mp3 file ransomware automated removal and data recovery

Owing to an up-to-date database of malware signatures and intelligent behavioral detection, the recommended software can quickly locate the infection, eradicate it and remediate all harmful changes. So go ahead and do the following:

1. Download and install the antimalware tool. Open the solution and have it check your PC for PUPs and other types of malicious software by clicking the Start Computer Scan button

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2. Rest assured the scan report will list all items that may harm your operating system. Select the detected entries and click Fix Threats to get the troubleshooting completed.

Data recovery toolkit to the rescue

Some strains of ransomware are known to delete the original files after the encryption routine has been completed. As hostile as this activity appears, it can play into your hands. There are applications designed to revive the information that was obliterated because of malfunctioning hardware or due to accidental removal. The tool called Stellar Data Recovery features this type of a capability and therefore it can be applied in ransom attack scenarios to at least get the most important files back. So use the app to get an idea of what data can be restored and let it do the recovery job. Here is a step-by-step walkthrough:

1. Download and install Stellar Data Recovery.

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2. Open the application, select the types of recoverable files to look for, and click Next.

3. Choose the areas you want the tool to recover from and click the Scan button.

4. Having scanned the specified locations, the program will display a notification about the total amount of recoverable data. Close the dialog and click the Recover button. This will hopefully help you get some of your valuable files back.

Ransomware Prevention Tips

To avoid .mp3 file ransomware and other file-encrypting infections in the future, follow several simple recommendations:

These techniques are certainly not a cure-all, but they will add an extra layer of ransomware protection to your security setup.

Revise your security status

Post-factum assessment of the accuracy component in malware removal scenarios is a great habit that prevents the comeback of harmful code or replication of its unattended fractions. Make sure you are good to go by running an additional safety checkup. Another benefit of using the antimalware tool is that it will keep ransomware threats from intruding on your computer further on.

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