ccc File Extension

If you find a file which has the .ccc extension attached to its original extension, chances are that a clandestine ransomware infection has attacked your operating system. The malware that can corrupt files for the means of coercion of money is known as file-encrypting ransomware, and its main objective is to force users into paying a certain sum of money (a ransom) in return of their decryption. The ransomware infection that has been found to use the .ccc extension is known as TeslaCrypt Ransomware. This malicious threat attaches different extensions with every new version.

If your files are encrypted and the .ccc extension is added, files infected with TeslaCrypt Ransomware on other computers could be identified by such extensions as .vvv, .ecc, and so on. The main condition is that the extension is constructed of three letters. A file encrypted by this ransomware would look something like this – photo.jpeg.ccc. Some of the file types that TeslaCrypt Ransomware targets include .d3dbsp, .sc2save, .ibank, .hplg, .mdbackup, .syncdb, .menu, .layout, .wotreplay, .jpeg, .xlsm, .xlsx, .docm, and .docx. These are the types of files that you will supposedly lose access to if you do not pay the ransom requested by Tesla Ransomware.

How does Tesla Ransomware work?

TeslaCrypt Ransomware is a malicious Trojan that is believed to target computers with specific online games installed on them, including Call of Duty, Minecraft, Star Wars, Diablo, or World of Warcraft. This infection is distributed via a compromised website that hosts a file which abuses a vulnerability (CVE-2015-0311) in Adobe Flash. Once executed, this threat looks for files that are related to player profiles, game modifications, and saved data. These are the kinds of files that users cannot simply replace, and, if these files are encrypted for good, the user (the player) might have to start playing from start. This, needless to say, is not desired in games that might continue over a long period of time.

Before encryption begins, TeslaCrypt Ransomware temporarily terminates cmd, msconfig, regedit, procexp, and taskmgr, so that computer users could not interfere with malicious processes. Once the files targeted by the ransomware are encrypted, it does not matter whether or not users access these services because they are not helpful anyway. The first version of this malicious ransomware had a flaw which allowed its victims to decrypt files using a specific tool designed based on that flaw; however, the new versions were optimized to ensure that users have no other choice but to pay the ransom.

Where does the .ccc extension come from?

The .ccc extension that TeslaCrypt Ransomware attaches is a result of file encryption. This ransomware uses RSA public-key cryptosystem to encrypt your files and make them impossible to open. RSA system consists of a public key and a private key. A public key encrypts files and the private key includes an algorithm that should decrypt the files that TeslaCrypt Ransomware logs as encrypted. These keys are generated in remote servers where the private key is stored, which makes it inaccessible to the victim. Ransomware allegedly provides this key only when the ransom is paid. In conclusion, the .ccc extension is attached to your normal files’ extensions with the help of an RSA public key.

Besides adding an extension to your files, TeslaCrypt Ransomware also changes the desktop background, as well as shows a pop-up message to provide you with further introductions. According to these instructions, to remove .ccc extension, you need to pay a ransom in Bitcoins via the Tor browser. Here are a few excerpts from the TeslaCrypt Ransomware demands.

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 server will eliminate the key after a period specified in this window. […]
Any attempt to remove or corrupt this software will result in immediate elimination of the private key by the server.

How to remove .ccc extension

Unfortunately, there is no point in removing the .ccc extension. Although it is physically possible to delete the .ccc extension, it will do no good, and your file will remain encrypted. Fortunately, even if you remove this extension but later on decide to pay the ransom, it will be recognized and decrypted. We cannot recommend paying the ransom because we do not approve of any kind of interaction with cyber criminals. If you choose to pay the ransom, keep in mind that you are dealing with cyber criminals, and they could scam you. If your gaming files – or any other files encrypted by TeslaCrypt Ransomware – are backed up, simply run an automated malware removal tool to delete any leftovers and replace the encrypted files using your backup. The removal must be performed even if the ransom is paid. The instructions below show how to install automated malware detection and removal software.

Remove TeslaCrypt Ransomware

1. Launch the browser.
2. Enter http://www.pcthreat.com/download-sph into the address bar.
3. Download and run the installer.
4. Run a full system scan and click Fix Threats to delete malware.