This article has been written in order to explain what is the VV 0 variant of the CryptoLocker ransomware family and how to remove this ransomware infection from your computer completely.
The .ecc files virus is the type of ransomware infection, known as the crypto virus kind, meaning that the malware attacks your files and makes them seem corrupt until you pay ransom to get them back. The .ecc files virus, also known as VV 0 according to it’s ransom note file is actually a variant of the well-known CryptoLocker ransomware virus, which was the first big ransomware to hit the world with hundreds of thousands of infections worldwide in 2013. Back then, the malware used a much less sophisticated encryption and a Trojan horse to infect over 250,000 computers. If you have been infected by the .ecc variant of the VV 0 ransomware, we advise that you read this article to learn how to remove this malware and how to try and restore RSA encrypted files with the .ecc file extension.
Threat Summary
| Name | .ecc File Ransomware |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | Aims to encrypt the files on the infected computer after which leave behind the files non-openable until the victim pays ransom. |
| Symptoms | The encrypted files have the .ecc file extension added to them. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Executable files |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
Download
Malware Removal Tool
|
User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss .ecc File Ransomware. |
| Data Recovery Tool | Windows Data Recovery by Stellar Phoenix Notice! This product scans your drive sectors to recover lost files and it may not recover 100% of the encrypted files, but only few of them, depending on the situation and whether or not you have reformatted your drive. |
.ecc Files Virus – How Does It Spread
For the .ecc files virus to infect the maximum ammount of victims, the ransomware virus may be spread via spammed e-mail messages. Such e-mails may imitate DHL, FedEx, eBay and many other companies of this type. They may decieve you into clicking on a button or opening e-mail attachments, like the example fake DHL e-mail underneath:
In addition to via e-mail, the .ecc file ransomware may also be spread as a result of being masked like a seemingly legitimate setups of programs and other seemingly legitimate types of executable files. Such can be:
- Fake installers of game or software.
- Fake patches.
- Fake software license activators.
- Fraudulent key generators.
.ecc Files Virus – Activity
The .ecc files virus is a part of the CryptoLocker ransomware family which is the first major ransomware to hit the web. The virus aims to encrypt the files and ask for payment to make them usable again.
In order to reach it’s goal, the .ecc files virus uses privilege escalation in order to perform a set of malicious activities on the computer of the victim. But before actually dropping it’s payload files, the .ecc variant also known as VV 0 is the type of ransomware which checks if it has been ran in a virtual environment and if so, the malware shuts down and does not drop any payload. If it’s ran on an actual machine, the virus then drops it’s payload files in the following Windows directories:
- %AppData%
- %Local%
- %LocalLow%
- %Roaming%
- %Temp%
After this has been done, the ransomware may also attack your Windows Registry Editor in order to create value strings with data, pointing out to the location of the virus file, responsible for encrypting your important files. The registry sub-keys in which the string is created may be the Run and RunOnce keys so that the virus file automatically runs when you start Windows and starts to encrypt files silently in the background. The sub-keys have the following locations:
→ HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
After the virus has done this, it may start to perform a set of different activities on the compromised computer, including to possibly run a script which triggers Windows Command prompt as an administrator and executes commands that lead to the deletion of backups and shadow copies on the infected computer:
→ “cmd.exe /c vssadmin.exe delete shadows /all /quiet & bcdedit.exe /set {default} recoveryenabled no & bcdedit.exe /set {default} bootstatuspolicy ignoreallfailures”
After this is done, the CryptoLocker .ecc variant may introduce a ransom note file, containing the ransom note VV 0, which looks like the following:
Your personal files are encrypted!
Your files have been safely encrypted on this PC: photos, videos, documents, etc.
Click “Show encrypted files” Button to view a complete list of encrypted files,
and you can personally verify this.
Encryption was produced using a unique public key RSA-2048 generated
for this computer. To decrypt files you need to obtain the private key.
The only copy of the private key, which will allow you to decrypt your files,
is located on a secret server in the Internet; the server will eliminate the key
Your private key will be after a time period specified in this window.
Once this has been done, nobody will ever be able to restore files…
In order to decrypt the files press button to open your personal page
File decryption site l and follow the instruction.
in case of “File decryption button” malfunction use one of our gates:
Time left:
Use your Bitcoin address to enter the site:
Click to copy address to clipboard I
if both button and reserve gate not opening, please follow the steps:
You must install this browser www.torproject.orgzprojectsltorbrowser.html.en
After instalation,run the browser and enter address 3lorwjihmkgibht25.onion
Follow the instruction on the web-site. We remind you that the sooner you do so,
the more chances are left to recover the files.
Any attempt to remove or corrupt this software will result in immediate elimination of the private key by the server.
In addition to this, the note also deploys what seems to be a deadline timer, which threatens victims that all hope for decrypting the files will be lost after 100 hours or so. But do not rely on that and do not pay the ransom because they may have already deleted the decryption key or may have permanently damaged your files indefinitely, and should not be trusted, since paying the fee is not a guarantee the decryption works.
.ecc Files Virus Encryption Process
In order for the encryption process of this version of CryptoLocker to be done without damaging Windows, the .ecc virus skips scanning to encrypt files that are system files of Windows. The files which the virus scans for are often used types of files, such as:
- Documents.
- Videos.
- Music.
- Images.
- Archives.
- Virtual Drive files.
- Other often used types of files.
For the encryption itself, the .ecc files ransomware uses the RSA-2048 encryption algorithm which is the type of cipher you do not want to mess with, since it may also work with CBC (Cipher Block Chaining) mode. This means that not only each encryption key is unique for each of the files but the ransomware also used a lot of different types of encryption keys for each file, which further makes decryption more difficult. After encryption, the files appear corrupt and seem as if they can no longer be opened by any type of software. The files also begin to appear like the following:
Remove .ecc Ransomware and Restore Encrypted Files
In order to remove this ransomware virus from your computer, we advise that you follow the removal instructions underneath this article. They have been created to help you delete this ransomware either manually or automatically from your computer. In addition to this, the ransomware may also remain on your computer after manual removal since it does leave behind multiple objects which you might miss if you remove it manually. This is why be advised that security experts strongly recommend to remove the .ecc ransomware automatically from your computer automatically with the aid of advanced anti-malware software. It aims to scan for and remove all of the malware from your computer and make sure that future protection is also ensured in real-time against malware and intrusive software.
If you want to restore files that have been encrypted by this program on your PC, we recommend that you try out the alternative tools for file recovery we have suggested in step “2. Restore files, encrypted by .ecc File Ransomware”. They may not be 100% guaranteed to help you restore all of your files, but may help to restore as many encrypted files as possible.
Ventsislav Krastev
Ventsislav is a cybersecurity expert at SensorsTechForum since 2015. He has been researching, covering, helping victims with the latest malware infections plus testing and reviewing software and the newest tech developments. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for learning new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management, Network Administration and Computer Administration of System Applications, he found his true calling within the cybersecrurity industry and is a strong believer in the education of every user towards online safety and security.
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Step 1: Scan for .ecc File Ransomware with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall .ecc File Ransomware and related malware from Windows
Here is a method in few easy steps that should be able to uninstall most programs. No matter if you are using Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista or XP, those steps will get the job done. Dragging the program or its folder to the recycle bin can be a very bad decision. If you do that, bits and pieces of the program are left behind, and that can lead to unstable work of your PC, errors with the file type associations and other unpleasant activities. The proper way to get a program off your computer is to Uninstall it. To do that:
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully delete most unwanted and malicious programs.
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by .ecc File Ransomware on your computer.
The usually targeted registries of Windows machines are the following:
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
You can access them by opening the Windows registry editor and deleting any values, created by .ecc File Ransomware there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
Tip: To find a virus-created value, you can right-click on it and click "Modify" to see which file it is set to run. If this is the virus file location, remove the value.
Before starting "Step 4", please boot back into Normal mode, in case you are currently in Safe Mode.
This will enable you to install and use SpyHunter 5 successfully.
Step 4: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove .ecc File Ransomware
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by .ecc File Ransomware.
Method 1: Use STOP Decrypter by Emsisoft.
Not all variants of this ransomware can be decrypted for free, but we have added the decryptor used by researchers that is often updated with the variants which become eventually decrypted. You can try and decrypt your files using the instructions below, but if they do not work, then unfortunately your variant of the ransomware virus is not decryptable.
Follow the instructions below to use the Emsisoft decrypter and decrypt your files for free. You can download the Emsisoft decryption tool linked here and then follow the steps provided below:
1 Right-click on the decrypter and click on Run as Administrator as shown below:
2. Agree with the license terms:
3. Click on "Add Folder" and then add the folders where you want files decrypted as shown underneath:
4. Click on "Decrypt" and wait for your files to be decoded.
Note: Credit for the decryptor goes to Emsisoft researchers who have made the breakthrough with this virus.
Method 2: Use data recovery software
Ransomware infections and .ecc File Ransomware aim to encrypt your files using an encryption algorithm which may be very difficult to decrypt. This is why we have suggested a data recovery method that may help you go around direct decryption and try to restore your files. Bear in mind that this method may not be 100% effective but may also help you a little or a lot in different situations.
Simply click on the link and on the website menus on the top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.
.ecc File Ransomware-FAQ
What is .ecc File Ransomware Ransomware?
.ecc File Ransomware is a ransomware infection - the malicious software that enters your computer silently and blocks either access to the computer itself or encrypt your files.
Many ransomware viruses use sophisticated encryption algorithms to make your files inaccessible. The goal of ransomware infections is to demand that you pay a ransom payment to get access to your files back.
What Does .ecc File Ransomware Ransomware Do?
Ransomware in general is a malicious software that is designed to block access to your computer or files until a ransom is paid.
Ransomware viruses can also damage your system, corrupt data and delete files, resulting in the permanent loss of important files.
How Does .ecc File Ransomware Infect?
Via several ways..ecc File Ransomware Ransomware infects computers by being sent via phishing emails, containing virus attachment. This attachment is usually masked as an important document, like an invoice, bank document or even a plane ticket and it looks very convincing to users.
Another way you may become a victim of .ecc File Ransomware is if you download a fake installer, crack or patch from a low reputation website or if you click on a virus link. Many users report getting a ransomware infection by downloading torrents.
How to Open ..ecc File Ransomware files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the ..ecc File Ransomware files are encrypted. You can only open them once they are decrypted using a specific decryption key for the particular algorithm.
What to Do If a Decryptor Does Not Work?
Do not panic, and backup the files. If a decryptor did not decrypt your ..ecc File Ransomware files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore "..ecc File Ransomware" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore ..ecc File Ransomware files.
These methods are in no way 100% guaranteed that you will be able to get your files back. But if you have a backup, your chances of success are much greater.
How To Get Rid of .ecc File Ransomware Virus?
The safest way and the most efficient one for the removal of this ransomware infection is the use a professional anti-malware program.
It will scan for and locate .ecc File Ransomware ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important ..ecc File Ransomware files.
Can I Report Ransomware to Authorities?
In case your computer got infected with a ransomware infection, you can report it to the local Police departments. It can help authorities worldwide track and determine the perpetrators behind the virus that has infected your computer.
Below, we have prepared a list with government websites, where you can file a report in case you are a victim of a cybercrime:
Cyber-security authorities, responsible for handling ransomware attack reports in different regions all over the world:
Germany - Offizielles Portal der deutschen Polizei
United States - IC3 Internet Crime Complaint Centre
United Kingdom - Action Fraud Police
France - Ministère de l'Intérieur
Italy - Polizia Di Stato
Spain - Policía Nacional
Netherlands - Politie
Poland - Policja
Portugal - Polícia Judiciária
Greece - Cyber Crime Unit (Hellenic Police)
India - Mumbai Police - CyberCrime Investigation Cell
Australia - Australian High Tech Crime Center
Reports may be responded to in different timeframes, depending on your local authorities.
Can You Stop Ransomware from Encrypting Your Files?
Yes, you can prevent ransomware. The best way to do this is to ensure your computer system is updated with the latest security patches, use a reputable anti-malware program and firewall, backup your important files frequently, and avoid clicking on malicious links or downloading unknown files.
Can .ecc File Ransomware Ransomware Steal Your Data?
Yes, in most cases ransomware will steal your information. It is a form of malware that steals data from a user's computer, encrypts it, and then demands a ransom in order to decrypt it.
In many cases, the malware authors or attackers will threaten to delete the data or publish it online unless the ransom is paid.
Can Ransomware Infect WiFi?
Yes, ransomware can infect WiFi networks, as malicious actors can use it to gain control of the network, steal confidential data, and lock out users. If a ransomware attack is successful, it could lead to a loss of service and/or data, and in some cases, financial losses.
Should I Pay Ransomware?
No, you should not pay ransomware extortionists. Paying them only encourages criminals and does not guarantee that the files or data will be restored. The better approach is to have a secure backup of important data and be vigilant about security in the first place.
What Happens If I Don't Pay Ransom?
If you don't pay the ransom, the hackers may still have access to your computer, data, or files and may continue to threaten to expose or delete them, or even use them to commit cybercrimes. In some cases, they may even continue to demand additional ransom payments.
Can a Ransomware Attack Be Detected?
Yes, ransomware can be detected. Anti-malware software and other advanced security tools can detect ransomware and alert the user when it is present on a machine.
It is important to stay up-to-date on the latest security measures and to keep security software updated to ensure ransomware can be detected and prevented.
Do Ransomware Criminals Get Caught?
Yes, ransomware criminals do get caught. Law enforcement agencies, such as the FBI, Interpol and others have been successful in tracking down and prosecuting ransomware criminals in the US and other countries. As ransomware threats continue to increase, so does the enforcement activity.
About the .ecc File Ransomware Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this .ecc File Ransomware how-to removal guide included, is the outcome of extensive research, hard work and our team’s devotion to help you remove the specific malware and restore your encrypted files.
How did we conduct the research on this ransomware?
Our research is based on an independent investigation. We are in contact with independent security researchers, and as such, we receive daily updates on the latest malware and ransomware definitions.
Furthermore, the research behind the .ecc File Ransomware ransomware threat is backed with VirusTotal and the NoMoreRansom project.
To better understand the ransomware threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.
As a site that has been dedicated to providing free removal instructions for ransomware and malware since 2014, SensorsTechForum’s recommendation is to only pay attention to trustworthy sources.
How to recognize trustworthy sources:
- Always check "About Us" web page.
- Profile of the content creator.
- Make sure that real people are behind the site and not fake names and profiles.
- Verify Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter personal profiles.