I wrote this article to help you remove RSA-4096 Ransomware. This RSA-4096 Ransomware removal guide is working for all Windows versions.
RSA-4096 ransomware is a textbook win-locker virus. The official name of the malicious program is TeslaCrypt. RSA-4096 is a cryptosystem, used to encrypt files. The developers of the virus use their knowledge on cryptosystems to make profit off of users. They ask for a ransom to decrypt the infected files. Paying them is not advisable. There is no guarantee that you will get your files back. The same concerns apply for the presence of TeslaCrypt on your system. The cyber criminals could leave traces from the program and install it again. Registry entries are often used for this purpose.
What harm can RSA-4096 ransomware do?
RSA-4096 ransomware is straightforward in its actions. It will encrypt your personal files. The rogue program targets documents, images, audios, videos, databases, archives and other file types. When it completes the encryption, it will display a notification on your screen to inform you of its actions.
A more detailed message is listed in a ransom note. The win-locker generates multiple copies of the note and drops them in every folder where encrypted files are present. Different variants of RSA-4096 ransomware give the ransom notes a different name. Some versions include copies in .html and .png formats. The ransom notes can be titled Howto_Restore_FILES.txt, How_Recover[ID Number].txt or RECOVER[ID Number].txt.
RSA-4096 ransomware uses a private and a personal key to encrypt files. This is stated in the ransom note. The cyber criminals ask victims to pay a ransom in bitcoins. There is a link to a bitcoin payment page. If it does not work, the alternative is to use the Tor browser. There is a reason for these unusual payment methods.
The bitcoin monetary unit is a cryptocurrency. Conducting a payment through bitcoins guarantees the anonymity of the recipient. This makes it possible for the cyber criminals to collect ransoms without being tracked down.
The Tor browser was developed to enhance users’ security. The program protects the location of your device and the Internet data flows. Once you have made the transaction, the hackers would have to connect to your computer to decrypt your files. When paying through the Tor browser, the connection cannot be tracked.
Unlike other win-lockers, RSA-4096 ransomware does not disclose the amount of the redemption fee in the note. You would find out how much the sum is when you enter the payment website. Different variants of TeslaCrypt ask for different amounts. In any event, the ransom would be high. Be advised that paying does not guarantee that your data would be restored. There is always a risk when dealing with cyber criminals.
How did RSA-4096 ransomware penetrate my system?
There are a couple of ways for RSA-4096 ransomware to gain access to your computer. The preferred distribution method is traveling inside a spam email. This is the most common technique for spreading win-lockers. The nefarious program would be secluded behind an attachment to the email. The sender will tell you the attachment is an important document. He can describe it as a recommended letter, a receipt, an invoice, a bank statement, a bill or something else. Be advised that opening the file can be enough to allow the win-locker into your PC. To stay on the safe side, check the contacts beforehand.
The other entry point for RSA-4096 ransomware is a software bundle. The furtive program can merge itself with freeware, shareware and pirated tools. It does not need to run its own wizard in order to get installed. The win-locker can be included for install with the main utility by getting added as a bonus. You should read the terms and conditions of the programs you install and deselect any undesired tools. A virus can use a fake name to lead you astray.
RSA-4096 Ransomware Uninstall
Method 1: Restore your encrypted files using ShadowExplorer
Usually, RSA-4096 Ransomware deletes all shadow copies, stored in your computer. Luckily, the ransomware is not always able to delete the shadow copies. So your first try should be restoring the original files from shadow copies.
- Download ShadowExplorer from this link: http://www.shadowexplorer.com/downloads.html.
- Install ShadowExplorer
- Open ShadowExplorer and select C: drive on the left panel
- Choose at least a month ago date from the date field
- Navigate to the folder with encrypted files
- Right-click on the encrypted file
- Select “Export” and choose a destination for the original file
Method 2: Restore your encrypted files by using System Restore
- Go to Start –> All programs –> Accessories –> System tools –> System restore
- Click “Next“
- Choose a restore point, at least a month ago
- Click “Next“
- Choose Disk C: (should be selected by default)
- Click “Next“. Wait for a few minutes and the restore should be done.
Method 3: Restore your files using File Recovery Software
If none of the above method works, you should try to recover encrypted files by using File Recovery Software. Since RSA-4096 Ransomware first makes a copy of the original file, then encrypts it and deletes the original one, you can successfully restore the original, using a File Recovery Software. Here are a few free File Recovery Software programs:
