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  • Active
  • Severity: High
  • Ransomware
  • Windows
  • Verified · Jan 2016

How to remove .ecc File Extension virus

A step-by-step removal guide for affected devices. Follow the verified procedure below — most readers complete it in under 10 minutes.

Jake Doevan · Computer technology expert

.ecc File Extension is known as a version of Teslacrypt ransomware, which is a very dangerous virus. It belongs to the ‘malware’ category, and it is a very specific virus that works in a sneaky and disastrous way. This computer threat must be removed immediately!

How does .ecc File Extension virus work?

.ecc File Extension virus can enter your computer just like any other Trojan viruses do. Once it does that, it basically takes your personal files (including audio, video, image, text files) as hostages and asks you to pay to get them back. What this program does is that launches a malicious process that searches for your personal files that have such extensions:

7z, .rar, .m4a, .wma, .avi, .wmv, .jpe, .jpg, .cdr, .indd, .pdf, .pdd, .psd, .flv, .js, .css, .rb, .png, .jpeg, .txt, .odc, .odm, .odp, .ods, .docm, .docx, .doc, .mddata, .itl, .itdb, .icxs, .hvpl, and many many more others.

When it finds these particular file types, it encrypts them. It removes the original file copy and leaves the modified version in its place. Teslacrypt virus tends to add such file extensions: .ecc, .exx, .ezz, .aaa, .abc, .ccc, .xyz. Keep in mind that you cannot open the file without the decryption key.

.ecc File Extension malware

How to recover the files?

When this malicious virus encrypts the files so you cannot access them anymore, it drops a message note in every folder that holds the infected files. Usually, such note is entitled as HELP_RESTORE_FILES or HELP_TO_DECRYPT_YOUR_FILES. These notes can be saved as .txt or .bmp files. The note contains information what has happened to your computer and what do you need to do in order to fix the mess. Basically, the cyber-criminals will ask you to pay a ransom to get your files back. They will ask you to download and use Tor browser and to pay the ransom via Bitcoin currency.

You should not pay the ransom because the chances that cyber criminals are going to help you to recover your personal files are very doubtful. Plus, you should not support cyber criminals by paying money for them. To recover the files, you have a few options. A 100% working method is to import the files from an external drive. If you had the backup copies of your files, you should not worry. Just delete the virus first (we recommend using a professional malware removal tool, for example, FortectIntego), then plug the drive in, and recover your files by importing them into your computer. If you do not have such copy, you can try one of the following tools to decrypt your files: Kaspersky virus-fighting utilities, R-Studio, Photorec.

How did .ecc File Extension ransomware infect my PC?

There are several different methods how ransomware is spread:

  • Ransomware viruses are spread as e-mail attachments. Make sure you never open e-mails from unknown senders, no matter how tempting they look.
  • Avoid clicking on random links on high-risk websites. Avoid clicking on banners in gambling or x-content websites. Sometimes, they can redirect you to malicious websites or even automatically start a download of a potential computer threat.
  • It might be attached to other doubtful programs. When you are looking for a software to download, look for the download link on secure websites. Install software using Advanced or Custom option – it lets you configure the software installation and opt out the particular components of it.

To learn how to delete this virus from your system read the instructions on page 2.

How to remove this hazardous virus?

Computer security experts recommend using an automatic removal tool to get rid of this malicious computer infection. Install the anti-malware program, and run a system scan to find all malicious Teslacrypt ransomware elements and remove them. If you are an inexperienced PC user, you should not deal with this virus on your own. If you still wish to remove it manually, follow the .ecc File Extension removal instructions below:

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