.ECC files virus (TeslaCrypt ransomware) decryption and removal tool

Amongst the extensions that the TeslaCrypt virus appends to one’s personal files, .ecc is currently the prevalent one, so learn how to restore such data.

The malefactors in charge of the abominable TeslaCrypt project haven’t been going the easy route to achieve their extortion goals. This is one of the oldest crypto ransomware breeds, with a total of four iterations having been coined and launched into the wild since early 2015. As this infection has technically evolved over time, it became an advanced threat featuring a ramified distribution network, strong RSA-4096 encryption, and a flawless crypto key exchange methodology. In the latest version, TeslaCrypt 4.2, the criminals have optimized the code compiling routine and made the Volume Shadow Copy deletion more efficient. Furthermore, this Trojan’s payload is now actively delivered over compromised WordPress sites, with the Nuclear exploit kit involved in the circulation process.

Notwithstanding the modifications, some features are invariable. In particular, this ransomware concatenates a specific range of extensions to the original filenames. These include .ecc, .ccc, .vvv, .xxx, .micro, and quite a few more. As per recent analysis, the addition of .ecc string is trending in the perpetrators’ current activities.

Here’s what the whole contamination cycle looks like: the loader is stealthily executed on a computer as a result of spam-backed social engineering or an exploit kit seizing upon software vulnerabilities in the targeted system. Then, TeslaCrypt traverses all letter volumes of the hard drive as well as mapped network shares, looking for the types of data that correspond to pictures, media, databases and Microsoft Office documents. The ransomware leverages the aforementioned public-key cryptosystem to encode all of the detected personal items and sends the private key to a Command and Control server.

The victim is presented with buyout instructions in a document titled Howto_Restore_FILES.HTM (.BMP, .TXT), HELP_RESTORE_FILES.TXT (.BMP) or a more recent edition, !RecoveR!-[random 5 characters]++.HTML (.PNG, .TXT). To obtain the private key, the user needs to pay around 1 Bitcoin, with the USD equivalent amounting to $500 or so. The TeslaCrypt Decryption Service is hosted on a Tor gateway page. It has a built-in payment functionality and allows recovering one file for free.

The .ecc file variant of TeslaCrypt is a complex ransomware sample. Its earlier builds could be decrypted, courtesy of malware researchers who created a tool called the TeslaDecoder. However, the scammers have made a number of tangible tweaks in the newer version which are likely to prevent users from recovering their files. Under these circumstances, any workaround is welcome. The instructions below should help troubleshoot this incident and get some of the frozen data back.

TeslaCrypt ransomware automated removal and data recovery

Owing to an up-to-date database of malware signatures and intelligent behavioral detection, the recommended software can quickly locate the infection, eradicate it and remediate all harmful changes. So go ahead and do the following:

1. Download and install the antimalware tool. Open the solution and have it check your PC for PUPs and other types of malicious software by clicking the Start Computer Scan button

Download TeslaCrypt virus remover

2. Rest assured the scan report will list all items that may harm your operating system. Select the detected entries and click Fix Threats to get the troubleshooting completed.

Data recovery toolkit to the rescue

Some strains of ransomware are known to delete the original files after the encryption routine has been completed. As hostile as this activity appears, it can play into your hands. There are applications designed to revive the information that was obliterated because of malfunctioning hardware or due to accidental removal. The tool called Stellar Data Recovery features this type of a capability and therefore it can be applied in ransom attack scenarios to at least get the most important files back. So use the app to get an idea of what data can be restored and let it do the recovery job. Here is a step-by-step walkthrough:

1. Download and install Stellar Data Recovery.

Download Stellar Data Recovery

2. Open the application, select the types of recoverable files to look for, and click Next.

3. Choose the areas you want the tool to recover from and click the Scan button.

4. Having scanned the specified locations, the program will display a notification about the total amount of recoverable data. Close the dialog and click the Recover button. This will hopefully help you get some of your valuable files back.

Ransomware Prevention Tips

To avoid TeslaCrypt ransomware and other file-encrypting infections in the future, follow several simple recommendations:

These techniques are certainly not a cure-all, but they will add an extra layer of ransomware protection to your security setup.

Revise your security status

Post-factum assessment of the accuracy component in malware removal scenarios is a great habit that prevents the comeback of harmful code or replication of its unattended fractions. Make sure you are good to go by running an additional safety checkup. Another benefit of using the antimalware tool is that it will keep ransomware threats from intruding on your computer further on.

Download TeslaCrypt ransomware removal tool