{
  "family": "teslacrypt",
  "sample_count": 9,
  "category": "ransomware",
  "description": "Ransomware:Win32/Teslacrypt is a historically devastating ransomware family that terrorized the internet between 2015 and 2016. What made TeslaCrypt uniquely infamous was its highly specific targeting: alongside standard documents, it explicitly targeted the save files, profiles, and custom maps of over 40 popular video games (including Call of Duty, World of Warcraft, and Minecraft) to emotionally extort PC gamers. In a stunning and highly unusual turn of events, the developers of TeslaCrypt abruptly shut down operations in May 2016 and published the universal master decryption key for free.<br><br><b>Understanding TeslaCrypt</b><br>To a victim, TeslaCrypt was devastating, locking away hundreds of hours of gaming progress alongside vital documents, usually appending extensions like `.ecc`, `.ezz`, `.exx`, or `.xyz` to the encrypted files. For security analysts, TeslaCrypt represented the rapid evolution and commercialization of the ransomware-as-a-service (RaaS) model, utilizing aggressive exploit kits for massive, indiscriminate distribution.<br><br><b>Execution and Encryption Mechanics</b><br>TeslaCrypt was predominantly distributed via the notorious Angler Exploit Kit (`T1189`), infecting users simply by them visiting a compromised website (drive-by download). Upon execution (`T1204.002`), it established persistence via the Registry (`T1547.001`) and deleted volume shadow copies (`vssadmin.exe delete shadows`) (`T1490`) to prevent easy recovery. It utilized strong AES encryption (`T1486`), explicitly scanning for over 185 file extensions (`T1083`), uniquely prioritizing gaming-related formats (`.sav`, `.w3x`, `.sc2save`). It then dropped a ransom note (`HELP_RESTORE_FILES.txt`) demanding payment in Bitcoin (usually around $500).<br><br><b>Indicators of Compromise & Impact</b><br>The impact was massive data loss and emotional extortion of consumers. The primary IoC was the sudden alteration of file extensions to specific TeslaCrypt variants (`.ecc`, `.vvv`, `.micro`) and the appearance of the ransom notes. Network logs would show the malware reaching out to a Tor-based C2 server to register the infection and upload the unique victim ID.",
  "cta": "Published by the SystemHelpdesk team.",
  "aliases": [],
  "enrichment_level": "expert-seo",
  "faq": [],
  "faq_count": 0,
  "mitre_attack": [
    "T1189",
    "T1486",
    "T1490",
    "T1083"
  ],
  "cisa_advisory": null,
  "last_updated": "2026-06-09",
  "mitre_attack_detail": [
    {
      "id": "T1486",
      "name": "Data Encrypted for Impact (Encrypting documents and game saves)",
      "tactic": "Impact"
    },
    {
      "id": "T1189",
      "name": "Drive-by Compromise (Angler Exploit Kit distribution)",
      "tactic": "Initial Access"
    },
    {
      "id": "T1490",
      "name": "Inhibit System Recovery (Deleting Shadow Copies)",
      "tactic": "Impact"
    },
    {
      "id": "T1083",
      "name": "File and Directory Discovery (Scanning for 185+ extensions)",
      "tactic": "Discovery"
    }
  ],
  "containment_steps": [
    "If encountering a legacy TeslaCrypt infection, DO NOT format the drive. The universal master decryption key is publicly available, and tools exist (e.g., from ESET or McAfee) to recover 100% of the files for free.",
    "Isolate the endpoint to prevent any potential lateral movement, although TeslaCrypt primarily focused on local and mapped drive encryption.",
    "Run the free TeslaCrypt decryption tool to restore the encrypted files.",
    "Use an enterprise antivirus solution to scan for and remove the dormant TeslaCrypt executable and its associated registry persistence mechanisms."
  ],
  "what_to_avoid": [
    "Do NOT pay the ransom under any circumstances; the operation is defunct, the infrastructure is offline, and a free decryptor exists.",
    "Avoid deleting the encrypted files in a panic; they are fully recoverable using the public master key."
  ],
  "target_industries": [
    "Global / Opportunistic"
  ],
  "motivation": "Opportunistic",
  "threat_actors": [
    "Unknown / Cybercriminal"
  ],
  "target_geographies": [
    "Global"
  ]
}